Autumn seems to be one of the most festive and busiest times of the year. Whether you are a student in school, a full-time worker, or anywhere in between, this time of year can feel like you never have space to breathe. Alongside this feeling, autumn brings the festive spirit that lasts through the end of December. However, due to the commotion of the season, it is often difficult to find events where you can experience the festivities with your community. Fear not! The people of Urban Arts Space have created a list of ten autumnal activities you can participate in this October that engage with Columbus’s local arts scene. 

Thurber House: Ghost Writing Workshop 

• October 14, 5:00 PM–6:00 PM
• Columbus Metropolitan Library: South High Branch
• Free

Begin your fall festivities by trying your hand at telling ghost stories! Ghost stories are an oral tradition accessible to all and also serve as inspiration for some of the most prominent novels in history, such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Columbus Metropolitan Library is putting on a ghost story workshop this October at their South High Branch, which will include sharing a ghost story by James Thurber and learning how to write a ghost story of your own. This event is intended for youth in Columbus, ages 7–17.

Howl-O-Ween

• October 18, 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
• Columbus Commons
• Free

Gather your fluffy friends and visit Urban Arts Space at Columbus Commons for Howl-O-Ween! Events at this festival include dog costume contests, pet-friendly crafts, “trick-for-treat” stations, and fenced-in lawn areas. Even if you are not the owner of a four-legged friend, feel free to enjoy the fun, as there will also be food trucks, a live DJ, and many vendors. At this festival, Urban Arts Space will host a booth where you can make a craft for your dog. 

Are You Afraid of the Art?

• October 18, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
• Open Door
• Free

After meeting many four-legged friends, pop into Open Door to meet some human friends and enjoy art at the opening reception for their exhibition, Are You Afraid of the Art? This exhibition explores the world of scary cinema, with artworks inspired by some of Hollywood’s most frightening films. Open Door is a beloved community partner of Urban Arts Space, and we encourage people to explore the arts scene that Columbus has to offer.

Fall Foliage Walk and Talk

• October 19, 2:00 PM–3:00 PM
• Franklin Park Conservatory
• $10 per ticket

To finish off this festive weekend, visit Franklin Park Conservatory for a fall foliage walk and talk! During this walk, you will get to see Franklin Park Conservatory in all its autumn beauty while learning about native trees and their seasonal cycles. The instructor for this event is Sarah Flecker, a Community Outreach Educator at Franklin Park Conservatory. She has a background in horticulture and environmental education, and loves to connect with people’s interests in nature.

Super Saturday Spook-tacular

• October 25, 12:00 PM–4:00 PM
• Columbus Metropolitan Library: Main Library
• Free

As we get closer to Halloween, Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Branch will be hosting a Super Saturday Spook-tacular in collaboration with the Ohio Horror Writers Association. Come to this event wearing your Halloween costume and participate in activities such as author tables and book sales, a horror panel discussion, readings from featured authors’ books, giveaways, and games.

Highball Halloween

• October 25, 6:00 PM–12:00 AM
• Short North Arts District
• Free

If the nightlife is more your style, Highball Halloween is right down your alley. Highball Halloween names itself the nation’s most elaborate costume party, featuring public costume contests and a costume couture fashion show. This event also features local performers, a Halloween-themed shopping bazaar, and a potion patio serving specialty themed cocktails, and so much more. Highball Halloween will undoubtedly give you a scary, fun night you will never forget.

Community CREATurEs

• October 31, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM
• We Amplify Voices
• Free

If you do not have any plans for Halloween, We Amplify Voices has the event for you! Community CREATurEs is a collage workshop for all ages hosted by Charlotte McGraw and AJ Vanderelli. At this workshop, you will have the chance to create a creature through collaging while meeting other art-loving individuals. Through this workshop, We Amplify Voices aims to foster an atmosphere that is both relaxing and spooky. 

Local Pumpkin Farms

An autumn staple all across Ohio is visiting a local pumpkin farm. At these farms, you’ll get to buy pumpkins, participate in fall-themed activities, and eat tasty autumnal treats. By visiting these farms, you are also supporting your local farmers who bring fresh produce to the community.

• Fall Fun Activities at Hidden Creek Farms
  • Now through October 26, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • Hidden Creek Farms (Sunbury, OH)
  • $10 per ticket

Hidden Creek Farms’ Fall Fun Activities take place on weekends and offer a variety of things to do. These activities include hayrides, playgrounds, a straw maze, visits to farm animals, $5 pony rides, and numerous other games and activities. Some of the food featured at this event will be slushies, homemade ice cream, brats, hamburgers, and potato salad. Besides just pumpkins, you can also buy gourds, corn stalks, straw bales, pumpkin carving and decorating kits, and mums. 

• Fall Fun Days at Circle S Farm
  • Now through October 31, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
  • Circle S Farm (Grove City, OH)
  • $11 per ticket

Fall Fun Days at Circle S Farm will surely put the fun in your fall itinerary! General admission to their event includes a corn maze, a sunflower maze, a bale crawl, and more. On the property, they also have a bakery where you can indulge in farm-fresh pastries, such as donuts and cookies, and enjoy a hot cup of apple cider or hot chocolate. When your day is over and your pumpkins are picked, a hayride wagon will take you from the pumpkin field to your car.

CMA Community Days: Día de los Muertos

• November 2, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Columbus Museum of Art
• Free

Though October has ended, Columbus still provides. During the first week of November, the Columbus Museum of Art will host a community event featuring Día de los Muertos. At this event, you will have the opportunity to learn about the rich history of Día de los Muertos and make connections through its diverse range of programming. CMA will also feature Día de los Muertos-inspired activities at the event, including a community ofrenda, performances, crafts, and food.