These 7 Ohio Towns Have The Most Unique Festivals

Small-town Ohio is home to some of the state’s most unforgettable festivals that are full of tradition, creativity, and community pride. Each fall, towns across the Buckeye State host one-of-a-kind celebrations that reflect their local history and heart. From giant pumpkins in Circleville to hot air balloons in Marysville, these events offer a glimpse into the diverse culture of Ohio’s rural communities. Visitors can find everything from century-old harvest festivals to quirky competitions and artisan showcases, all set against charming downtowns and scenic countryside. These seven towns may be small, but their festivals provide some of the biggest experiences in Ohio.

Millersburg

Nestled in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, Millersburg blends small-town charm with deep historical roots. Each October, the town hosts the Holmes County Antique Festival, a beloved weekend celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and community pride. The event goes far beyond vintage shopping, featuring arts and crafts, local history exhibits, and a full lineup of family-friendly entertainment.

Saturday kicks off with a scenic driving tour through Holmes County, followed by a classic car show, Touch-A-Truck displays, and live performances from choirs, dance groups, and more. On Sunday, the streets come alive with the Grand Parade, an Olde Fashioned Costume Contest, and a Kids' Tractor Pull, all set against a backdrop of historic storefronts and red-brick charm. While in town, visitors can explore the Millersburg Glass Museum, shop for antiques, or take in the countryside on a leisurely drive past buggies and barns.

Marysville

Tucked just northwest of Columbus, Marysville fills the skies with vibrant color during the All‑Ohio Hot Air Balloon Fest each August. One of the state’s longest-running balloon events, held since 1975, the festival transforms the Union County Airport into a bustling aerial showcase. Attendees gather for balloon launches and dusk balloon glows, featuring balloons which include pop-culture favorites like Yoda and Darth Vader.

The weekend also offers helicopter and airplane rides, skydiver displays, a 5K walk/run, and a dedicated Kidz City zone with bounce houses and face-painting. Local bands perform throughout the event, and food vendors and arts-and-crafts booths line the grounds. Afterward, visitors can browse historic downtown Marysville, tour the Union County Historical Society, or unwind at Bike Mill Creek Metro Park, all just minutes from the festival site.

Tipp City

Every fall, Tipp City bursts into bloom for its signature Mum Festival, a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and color. Held in late September, this free, family-friendly event includes the Antique and Show Car Cruise-In, which kicks off Friday evening with vintage vehicles, food trucks, and live music.

The festival features the Run for the Mums 5K, a fast and flat race through Tipp’s scenic neighborhoods that raises funds for local charities. Younger runners can join the Junior Run, while families cheer on pint-sized participants in the Diaper Derby. Over the weekend, visitors enjoy 250+ vendor booths, a motorcycle charity ride, and performances by local groups like the Tipp City Community Band and Honey Creek Cloggers. It all takes place in Tipp City Park, just a short walk from the historic district and the Great Miami River.

Nelsonville

Set in the foothills of southeastern Ohio, Nelsonville lights up every August with its lively and long-running Parade of the Hills. Held in the town’s historic Public Square, this free four-day festival packs in small-town charm with big-time personality. Festival favorites include the Pie Contest, Queens Pageant, and a laugh-out-loud wiener dog race, plus a baby crawling competition that always draws a crowd.

In the evenings, the festival features concerts that showcase Appalachian and regional music, while the Craftsman Green Art Show features local makers and artists. Food vendors, carnival rides, and nightly entertainment make it a fun outing for the whole family. Visitors can also explore Stuart’s Opera House, a beautifully restored 19th-century theater offering year-round performances, or hop aboard the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway for a heritage train ride through the region’s wooded hills.

Waynesville

Charming and a little quirky, Waynesville turns into the sauerkraut capital of the Midwest each October during the beloved Ohio Sauerkraut Festival. Held on the second full weekend of the month, this two-day event features over 350 craft vendors and more than seven tons of kraut, served up in everything from pierogi to fudge and pizza.

Despite drawing over 300,000 visitors, the festival holds tight to its small-town spirit, with proceeds supporting local scholarships and civic groups. The weekend is packed with food stalls, artisan crafts, and a strong sense of community tradition that’s been going strong since 1970. When not sampling kraut-covered creations, stroll through Waynesville’s many antique shops or take a haunted history tour, often called one of Ohio’s most haunted towns. For nature lovers, Caesar Creek State Park is just minutes away and offers hiking, boating, and beautiful fall views.

Marietta

Situated at the confluence of the Ohio River and Muskingum River is Marietta. As Ohio’s oldest town, Marietta comes alive each September with the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, a tribute to its rich riverboat heritage. Since 1976, this free, family-friendly event has brought authentic sternwheel boats, live music, and dazzling fireworks over the river to thousands of visitors.

Throughout the weekend, festival-goers can enjoy events like the Queen Genevieve Pageant, Little Miss and Mr. Sternwheel Contest, Rollin’ Oldies Car Show, and a Sunday sunrise service by the water. Around 30-35 paddle-wheelers line the riverbank, offering a rare sight and the perfect photo op against Marietta’s scenic backdrop. Beyond the festival, visitors can explore the Campus Martius Museum, stroll through the historic Harmar district, or take a walk along the Marietta River Trail.

Circleville

Just south of Columbus, Circleville turns into pumpkin central each October during the iconic Circleville Pumpkin Show. Running since 1903, this four-day celebration is one of Ohio’s oldest and largest harvest festivals, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors while holding onto its small-town charm. The festival’s crown jewel? The giant pumpkin weigh-ins, where mammoth gourds tip the scales at over 1,500 pounds.

Festival attendees will also find pumpkin pie-eating contests, pumpkin-flavored everything, and more than 20,000 pumpkin pies devoured each year. With seven lively parades, multiple stages of live music, carnival rides, local art displays, and the beloved Miss Pumpkin Show pageant, the celebration delivers four jam-packed days of festive fall excitement. In between events, stroll historic downtown Circleville, grab a fresh-baked treat from a local bakery, or cruise through the golden farmland that surrounds this festive Ohio gem.

Ohio Festivals Worth Celebrating

Whether marveling at giant gourds of the Circleville Pumpkin Show, the floral fanfare of Tipp City’s Mum Festival, the old-world charm of Millersburg’s Antique Festival, or the riverfront spectacle of Marietta’s Sternwheel Festival, each of these towns brings something unique to Ohio. They showcase the state’s rich blend of history, creativity, and small-town spirit. For travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, these Ohio festivals offer the perfect mix of tradition, personality, and local pride.