When the weather starts to change and the leaves turn vibrant colors, nature tells us fall has finally arrived, but during the college semester, it can be hard to feel the autumn festivities when you’re stuck in a dorm or on campus. So here’s a list of fun fall activities to enjoy in Toledo as the season changes, from a range of harvest festivals and craft fairs to spooky haunts and ghost tours. There’s a wide variety of things to do in a never-ending list of places from downtown Toledo all the way to Grand Rapids, Ohio. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to go because we found them for you!
Festivals and fall markets
Toledo Zoo Harvest Fest
The Toledo Zoo’s Harvest Festival features giant pumpkin displays, seasonal treats, live music, fall animal demonstrations, character meet-and-greets and pumpkin-carving classes throughout the month of October. The zoo’s listed hours for the event are Monday to Wednesday and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. More details can be found on the Toledo Zoo’s webpage.
Pig Fest
Pig Fest celebrates all things pork in downtown Toledo. The event features food trucks, restaurants creating special pig-themed dishes and treats. There will also be live music and entertainment, vendors, festive food and drinks, with admission being free. Come join the hog wild fun on Oct. 16-17 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. More details can be found on their event page.
Toledo Spooktacular Craft & Vendor Market
The Spooktacular Craft & Vendor Market at Franklin Park Mall features local vendors offering boo-tiful gifts, handmade items and unique finds. This event is scheduled for Oct. 17-18 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. More details can be found on their webpage.
Pumpkin Palooza
The City of Toledo’s Pumpkin Palooza offers festivities like arts and crafts, photo opportunities and a variety of food trucks and festive drinks. Unlike other events, the event offers a horse-drawn carriage ride, a haunted trail, a trick-or-treat lane and a scarecrow contest. This event is on Oct. 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ottawa Park Open Air Shelter for fall family fun. More details can be found on their event page.
Fleitz Pumpkin Farm
Fleitz Pumpkin Farm offers a variety of things to do, like a you-pick selection of pumpkins to buy and take home, festive fall treats like apple cider and donuts, a petting zoo and hayrides. Visitors can also explore a 1.5K corn maze. The farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. More details can be found on their website.
Crafts and creative activities
Copper Moon Studio
Copper Moon specializes in a variety of glasswork and teaches classes that help you make custom designs for a wide range of different keepsakes, like festive ornaments for the upcoming season, Halloween-themed objects and terrariums. More details can be found on their website.
Spooky attractions and entertainment
Midnight Public Ghost Hunt
Realm TV is hosting a Halloween ghost hunt right here in Toledo. You’re welcome to dress up in a spooky costume and join them for a spirit-filled night full of spine-chilling ghost stories. The event will be held on Oct. 31 with tickets costing $30. More details can be found on their event page.
Eerie Manor Tours
Join Wildwood Manor for a spooky night in the metropark for their fourth annual eerie manor tour. Activities include trolley rides, haunted flashlight tours of the park and opportunities to explore themed spaces. The event is on Oct. 18-26 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. More details can be found on their webpage
Tree City Film Festival Halloween Edition
The Tree City Film Festival’s Halloween event in Sylvania features short films created by students and other filmmakers who participated in their 50-hour Film Challenge. Attendees can socialize, enjoy food and drinks and enter a costume contest for a cash prize. Doors open at 6 p.m. and screenings begin at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $6. The event is on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. at the Nederhouser Community Hall in Sylvania.
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
The Toledo Ballet will bring The Legend of Sleepy Hollow to the stage at the Valentine Theatre. Watch the haunting story of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman be told through the captivating choreography of Eric Otto and a mesmerizing score composed by Jonathan Heck. Shows are from Oct. 23-24 in varying prices. More details can be found on their website.
Paranormal Cirque Specter
At the Franklin Park Mall, step into the obscene world of the Paranormal Cirque. Come watch haunting acrobatics and daring stunts where eerie surprises collide with the mysterious world of spooky circus magic. Shows are from Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 and ticket prices range from $25-65 depending on seating. More details can be found on their webpage.
Opening Night Hockey
The Toledo Walleye will open their season against the Fort Wayne Komets on Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Huntington Center. The Hensville Open Night offers a block party with live music and yard games from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. More details can be found on their webpage.
