As summer winds down, we’re looking ahead to autumn, and with that all the seasonal events that come with it. Here in Summit County, that means long-running favorites like the Barberton Mum Festival and the Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival. This year also includes some new fall events, from a screening of “Scream” with actor David Arquette to the reopening of the Akron Art Museum’s original building.
As always, this is not a comprehensive list. For more things to do, check out our events calendar.
September fall events
Cuyahoga Falls Oktober Fest
- Sept. 18, 5 to 11 p.m. | Sept. 19, noon to 11 p.m. | Sept. 20, noon to 8 p.m.
- Downtown Cuyahoga Falls
- This long-running three-day festival features beer, pretzels, pierogi and bratwursts — and that’s just the food. It also has a stacked entertainment schedule, from marching bands and dancers to cover bands and accordion players. Free, oktoberfestcfo.com
Music on the Porches
- Sept. 19 | Noon to 8 p.m.
- Village of Peninsula
- Enjoy four stages of music at this village-wide celebration. Free, thepeninsulafoundation.org
Twinsburg Brats and Brews Bash
- Sept. 19 | Noon to 10 p.m.
- Glen Chamberlin Park (10260 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg)
- Sample German food and brews, take in some live performances and shop a variety of vendors at this Oktoberfest-inspired event. Free, mytwinsburg.com
Akron Latin Festival
- Sept. 19 | 4 to 9 p.m.
- Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
- Enjoy live performances, food, vendors, dancing and more at this downtown festival celebrating Latin America. Free, downtownakron.com
Autumn Equinox Yoga
- Sept. 22 | 6 to 7 p.m.
- Hines Hill Campus (1403 W. Hines Hill Road)
- Welcome a new season with an outdoor evening yoga class hosted by the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available after the session. Members: $20; nonmembers: $25, conservancyforcvnp.org
The Reopening of the Renovated 1899 Building
- Sept. 23 | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Akron Art Museum (1 S. High St.)
- After months of construction, the Akron Art Museum’s original building will reopen to the public with new spaces and more art. Can’t make it to the opening day celebration? The museum is free to all Thursday, Sept. 24 (as well as every other Thursday). Members: free; nonmembers: $17.85, akronartmuseum.org
Twisted WilderFest
- Sept. 26 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Southgate Park (5300 Massillon Road, Green)
- This pop-up festival showcases local makers and artists of all ages. Hey Mavis and Canal Street Ramblers are scheduled to perform. There will also be activities for kids and a variety of food vendors, including 444 Hibachi, Kona Ice of North Canton and Johnny Lote’s Latin Street Corn. Guests can also enjoy a hayride to the pumpkin patch and pick a pumpkin to take home. Free, cityofgreen.org
Barberton Mum Festival
- Sept. 26-27 | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- The city of Barberton will be bedecked with colorful chrysanthemums at this well-known festival, which is now in its 35th year. Be sure to get there early, though. This festival regularly draws thousands of visitors to the town. Free, cityofbarberton.com
Stow Historical Society Harvest Festival
- Sept. 26-27 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Heritage Reserve Park (5120 Young Road, Stow)
- Guests can shop for art and handmade crafts, sample food and tour the four historic buildings on the property. Free, stowhistory.org
Pumpkin Pandemonium
- Sept. 26 to Oct. 25 | Closed Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday to Friday: 2 to 6 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Heritage Farms (6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula)
- Celebrate all things fall with hayrides, pumpkin picking, scavenger hunts, a corn maze and more at this popular Peninsula farm. Pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks and straw bales will also be for sale. Free to enter, but varying costs for activities, heritagefarms.com
October fall events
Ohio Mart
- Oct. 1-3, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Oct. 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (714 N. Portage Path)
- Shop wares from more than 150 artisans at this annual event held at the estate of Goodyear founder F.A. Seiberling. Admission to the festival also includes a self-guided tour of the manor house and grounds. Onsite parking is $5, cash only. Free off-site parking with shuttle service will also be available. Children 2 and younger: free; member youth: $8; nonmember youth: $10; member adult: $14; nonmember adult: $19, stanhywet.org
Ohio Plant Show
- Oct. 3-4 |10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- John S. Knight Center (77 E. Mill St.)
- Shop a variety of houseplants from around the country at this two-day show. More than 100 vendors are expected, selling begonias, ferns, philodendrons, succulents, bonsai and more. $10 cash; $12 card; botanicalsoiree.com
Harvest Festival
- Oct. 3, 4, 10 & 11 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Hale Farm & Village (2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath)
- Experience life on a 19th century farm at the start of fall. Visitors can explore seasonal demonstrations such as cider pressing, corn shucking, fermentation and apple butter making. Be sure to stop by the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect jack-o’-lantern. Members and children younger than 3: free; children ages 3 to 17: $12.24; adults: $17.59, wrhs.org
The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes
- Oct. 4 | 3 p.m.
- Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
- Join actor Cary Elwes for a screening of “The Princess Bride” followed by a discussion about his time on set for the popular film. $25.40-$193.75, akroncivic.com
Hocus Pocus The Taste-A-Long Experience
- Oct. 8 | 7:30 p.m.
- Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
- Sample spooktacular seasonal sweet treats while you enjoy a screening of the 1993 film about the devious Sanderson sisters. Costumes are encouraged. $49.95, akroncivic.com
The Rocky Horror Show
- Oct. 8 to Nov. 1 | Various showtimes
- Greystone Hall (103 S. High St.)
- Get ready to do the Time Warp when the Ohio Shakespeare Festival stages this cult classic. Guests are asked to not bring their own items for audience participation moments. Goodie bags will be for sale with pre-approved interactive items. $15, ohioshakespearefestival.com
Pints and Pies: Craft Beer and Pizza Festival
- Oct. 9 | 7 p.m.
- Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
- Sample brews from local and regional breweries and enjoy unlimited pizza samples and sweet dessert pies. $56.55, akroncivic.com
Evil Dead The Musical
- Oct. 9 to Nov. 1 | Sunday: 2:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 7:30 p.m.
- The Knight Stage (182 S. Main St.)
- Get ready for a night of bloody good fun. Based on the “Evil Dead” franchise, this musical follows five college students who head to a cabin in the woods for a relaxing getaway — that is anything but. $25.15-$31.40, akroncivic.com
Bike, Hike and Brew
- Oct. 10 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Canal Tavern of Zoar (8806 Towpath Road NE, Bolivar)
- Bikers and hikers of all ages are invited to this family-friendly celebration. Participants can choose between a 6- or 12-mile bike ride on the Towpath or a hike on the Zoar Wetland Trail. Afterwards, enjoy an Oktoberfest-themed party with German food and drinks and live music. Children ages 5 and younger: free; youth ages 6-12: $10; online presale for adults: $40; same day for adults (if available): $50, ohioeriecanal.org
Akron Independent Horror Short Film Festival
- Oct. 10 | 6 p.m.
- Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
- Grab the popcorn and get ready to watch three hours of horror shorts. There will also be an array of horror and film vendors onsite and food trucks. Be sure to stick around later for scareoke at the after-party. $18.80, akroncivic.com
Boo at the Zoo
- Oct. 10-25 | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Akron Zoo (505 Euclid Ave.)
- This family-friendly event includes trick-or-treating, seasonal activities and snacks. There will also be a spooky dance performance featuring fan-favorite characters. Member observers: free; observers: $13; treaters: $16, akronzoo.org
Lakeside Oktoberfest
- Oct. 11 | noon to 6 p.m.
- The Tudor House (655 Latham Lane, New Franklin)
- Sample German food and brews and try your hand at a polka, all while taking in the autumnal view of Portage Lakes. Free, newfranklin.org
Downtown Trick or Treat
- Oct. 11 | 2 to 4 p.m.
- Downtown Cuyahoga Falls
- Attendees are encouraged to dress up and collect treats from local businesses and organizations. Free, downtowncf.com
Murder in the Mansion
- Oct. 15-30 | 7 p.m.
- Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (714 N. Portage Path)
- There’s been a murder! And it’s up to the guests to solve it. Explore the historic Akron home and gather clues to solve the mystery — all before the clock runs out. Members: $45; nonmembers: $55, stanhywet.org
Trick-or-Treat Trail
- Oct. 17 | 1 p.m.
- Central Park (1795 Steese Road, Green)
- Walk around the park and collect candy from local businesses along the way. The event starts with a sensory-friendly trick-or-treat at 1 p.m., followed by a costume contest at 2:15 p.m. and more trick-or-treating at 3 p.m. Free, cityofgreen.org
Fall Festival
- Oct. 17 | 1 to 5 p.m.
- Tallmadge Rec Center (46 N. Munroe Road, parking lot)
- Games, a petting zoo, hayrides, food trucks and more are on deck at this outdoor festival. Free, tallmadgeoh.gov
Nightmare on Front Street
- Oct. 17 | 3 to 8 p.m.
- 2085 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls
- Get those Halloween costumes ready. This popular event returns for another year of music, vendors, food trucks, costume contests and more. Free, downtowncf.com
Downtown Akron Fall Fest
- Oct. 17 | 4 to 7 p.m.
- Main Street, Akron
- The fifth annual festival features trick-or-treating on Main Street, crafts and activities, food and music. Free, downtownakron.com
Haunted Hayride
- Oct. 17 | 5 to 8 p.m.
- Silver Springs Park (5238 Young Road, Stow)
- Enjoy a spooktacular (but family-friendly) ride through this Stow park. The 15-minute ride will take guests through 27 decorated campsites before ending at the Heritage Barn. Afterwards, enjoy a festive tale courtesy of the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, take a few pics at the selfie stations and pick up a free s’mores kit. Then, head to the bonfire to roast some marshmallows. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase. This event happens rain or shine. Children 2 and younger: free; Stow residents: $6; nonresidents: $8, stowohio.gov
Behind the Scream: A Live Conversation with David Arquette
- Oct. 21 | 7:30 p.m.
- EJ. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
- Join actor David Arquette for a 30th anniversary screening of “Scream,” followed by a discussion about the popular horror franchise. $37.20-$103.10, calendar.uakron.edu
Pumpkin Decorating
- Oct. 22 | 3 to 4 p.m.
- Highland Square Branch Library (807 W. Market St.)
- Students in grades six through 12 are invited to paint a pumpkin to take home. All supplies will be provided. Registration opens Oct. 9 and can be done in person or via phone. Free, services.akronlibrary.org
Trick or Treat in the Village
- Oct. 24 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Hale Farm & Village (2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath)
- Little ones are invited to dress up and explore the historic farm and village, collecting treats along the way. Members and children younger than 3: free; children ages 3 to 12: $8; adults: $15, wrhs.org
Truck-or-Treat
- Oct. 24 | 5 to 7 p.m.
- Silver Creek Metro Park (5000 S. Hametown Road, Norton)
- Explore the trucks and vehicles that keep Summit Metro Parks running at this free all-ages event. Staffers will hand out treats as well. Costumes are encouraged. Free, summitmetroparks.org
The Masque
- Oct. 24 | 8 p.m.
- Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
- Adults will want to don their best elegant disguise for this Edgar Allan Poe-inspired ball. Admission includes three drink tickets and light hors d’oeuvres. Attendees will enjoy live entertainment and dancing in the supposedly haunted downtown theater. $106.35, akroncivic.com
Kids Halloween Costume Party
- Oct. 26 | 6 to 7 p.m.
- Highland Square Branch Library (807 W. Market St.)
- Kids of all ages are invited to don their Halloween costumes and walk down the library’s orange carpet. Stick around afterwards for dancing and treats. Tickets are available first-come, first-served, 30 minutes before the event. Free, services.akronlibrary.org
Major Scale’s Spooktacular Halloween Hoedown
- Oct. 30 | 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- Mogadore Branch Library (144 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore)
- Audiences of all ages will enjoy Major Scale’s show featuring circus acts, comedy and more. Free, akronlibrary.org
The Vampire Circus
- Oct. 30 | 7:30 p.m.
- Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
- Contortionists, jugglers, acrobats and clowns will take the stage for an evening of ghoulish fun. It’s a little bit cabaret, a little bit Cirque Du Soleil — and a lot of fun. $43.80-$56.30, akroncivic.com
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
- Oct. 31 | 8:45 p.m.
- Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (50 N. Prospect St.)
- Join the Listeso String Quartet for an evening of spooktacular tunes, including classical music, movie theme songs and more. $30.78-$52.38, feverup.com
Truck-or-Treat
- Oct. 31 | 5 to 7 p.m.
- Goodyear Heights Metro Park (2077 Newton St., Akron)
- Explore the trucks and vehicles that keep Summit Metro Parks running at this free all-ages event. Staffers will hand out treats as well. Costumes are encouraged. Free, summitmetroparks.org
November fall events
Apex Skin Towpath Freedom 5k
- Nov. 7 | 9 a.m.
- Summit Lake Community Center (380 W Crosier St.)
- This race through Akron honors veterans and commemorates the completion of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Summit County. Funds from the event will support the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. $30-$50, ohioeriecanal.org
Fall Craft Show
- Nov. 7 | 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Boston Heights Fire Station
- Shop for handmade items made by local artisans at this event sponsored by the Fairview Cemetery Association. Free, villageofbostonheights.com
Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival
- Nov. 7 | Noon to 6 p.m.
- Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
- This popular downtown festival celebrates the beloved show “Gilmore Girls.” Downtown will be transformed into a mini Stars Hollow, featuring themed drinks and food, special guests and a troubadour or two. Free, downtownakron.com
Free Family Day: Indigenous Voices
- Nov. 8 | Noon to 3 p.m.
- Akron Art Museum (1 S. High St.)
- Learn about the history of Indigenous communities in Northeast Ohio through artmaking and interactive experiences at this event in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Free, akronartmuseum.org
Artists Garage Sale
- Nov. 13-14, 16-18 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Cuyahoga Valley Art Center (2131 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls)
- Shop gently used art supplies donated by artists and community members. All proceeds support the art center. Free, cvart.org
Thanksgiving Dinner with Abraham Lincoln
- Nov. 14 | 3 to 6 p.m.
- Hale Farm & Village (2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath)
- Costumed historical interpreters will share stories from the past at this holiday dinner with the country’s 16th president. Activities for children will be offered throughout the event. Please note that Hale Farm & Village grounds will not be open for this event. Children younger than 2: free; children ages 3 to 12: $25; members: $50; nonmembers: $55, wrhs.org
Holiday Art & Craft Market
- Nov. 22 | Noon to 4 p.m.
- Hale Farm & Village (2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath)
- Get a head start on your holiday shopping at this market showcasing goods from local and regional artisans. Free, wrhs.org
