Fall Fun in Ohio: Your List of Youngstown’s Best Fall Activities

There’s not much better than the crisp air and vibrant colors of a fall day in northeast Ohio…unless of course you add in the endless options for unique activities – pumpkin picking, haunted houses, corn mazes, fall festivals, outdoor adventures, live music and more!

With so much going on, it’s hard to deny that Mahoning County is one of Ohio’s leading hotspots when it comes to 2021’s best fall activities. Located midway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh (and just a short drive from Akron and Canton), Youngstown has everything you need to plan the perfect day or weekend!

Enjoy the fall colors at Mill Creek MetroParks, take the family out to one of our many farm markets and pumpkin patches, shop nationally recognized arts and crafts festivals or get your ticket to the next great outdoor concert!

Fall Fun For the Whole Family

For families with little ones, autumn is so much more than just Trick or Treat! It’s a time to get outside and enjoy the fresh, cool air. Jump on a hayride through the pumpkin patch or watch the kids’ faces light up as they find their way through one of the best corn mazes in Ohio!

Here are some of our favorite fall events for a weekend of family fun!

Fall Festivals Galore

Arts and crafts festivals go hand in hand with the fall season, and the Youngstown area features some of the best you can find!

Boardman Rotary Oktoberfest 2021

2021 marks the 45th annual Boardman Rotary Oktoberfest, the area’s largest one-day arts and crafts event. Oktoberfest draws vendors from five states, and proceeds support a variety of programs and efforts throughout the local community.

Oktoberfest 2021 is scheduled for Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Boardman Township Park.

Old-Fashioned Christmas in the Woods

Christmas in the Woods (as the locals call it) is ranked #1 of the 100 Best Classic and Contemporary Craft Shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine and is celebrating its 27th year!

Located at Shaker Woods in Columbiana, Ohio, Christmas in the Woods features more than 200 artisans from across the nation…you’ll catch vendors making apple butter, live entertainment and juried costumed crafters selling unique, handmade items.

2021 show dates are October 9-10 and October 16-17.

Corn Mazes and Haunted House Frights

Corn mazes have skyrocketed in popularity over the past several years, and Halloween wouldn’t be the same without a really great haunted house experience. Lucky for you, the Youngstown area has a couple of northeast Ohio’s best!

Maze Craze Corn Maze

Maze Craze is a 21-acre corn maze, voted top 10 in the country in 2018 by USA Today. A fan favorite far and wide, Maze Craze is a great activity for the whole family. The 2021 theme features Snow White and includes 9.2 miles of twists and turns.

Roast s’mores over their fire pits, let the little ones glide across the kiddie zip line, or hop on the Barrel Train Ride for a spin around the property. Be sure to keep an eye out for special events like their Wine & Beer and Wine & Cider Adventure days.

Maze Craze is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting Sept. 17, and runs through October 31.

Nightmare at the Canfield Scaregrounds

Your annual fall experience wouldn’t be complete without the frights and sounds of a spooktacular haunted house! Every year, the Canfield Fairgrounds transforms into the Nightmare at the Canfield Scaregrounds, one of the most recognized Halloween events in northeast Ohio.

Tickets are available online, and the experience can include the Barn of Evil, Gore Reformatory, Slaughterhouse, Zombie Paintball Massacre, Haunted Circus and Monster Mania (a not-so-scary option for little ones).

Nightmare at the Canfield Scaregrounds is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in October (rain or shine).

Fall at the Farm(s) – It’s Apple Picking Season!

Autumn in Ohio is always better at the farm, and Mahoning County is home to some amazing farm markets that go above and beyond (especially during the fall season!).

Molnar Farms – Poland, OH

Known far and wide for their yearly Halloween straw art creations, Molar Farms is a local favorite for many reasons! Jump on the hayride and pick pumpkins, conquer the corn maze, or grab a world-famous cinnamon roll during Fall Weekends on the farm.

In October, Molnar Farms’ Fall Weekends run Saturdays, from 9:00am to 5:00pm, and Sundays, from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

White House Fruit Farm – Canfield, OH

Fall Festival time at White House Fruit Farm is one for the books! Who doesn’t love homemade donuts and fresh apple cider while spending quality time with the family?

In addition to their elaborate market, which features the freshest products, White House Fruit Farm hosts a variety of fall-themed activities and shopping opportunities for visitors of any age. Enjoy fall decorations available for purchase in their gift barn, horse drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo, food vendors and Farmville Fun (with numerous attractions to keep the little ones occupied)!

Fall Festival weekends begin after Labor Day and run through the last weekend in October (Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00am to 5:00pm). Be sure to check out their Facebook page for insider info!

Outdoor Adventures in Northeast Ohio

Our beloved hiking trails and bike paths are fun during the summer months, but are even better in the fall! Spectacular colors are visible at every turn throughout September and October, so be sure to add in a visit to Mill Creek MetroParks while you’re in the area! With more than 4500 acres to explore, including a legendary 36-hole golf course and the family-friendly Morley Pavilion, there’s always something happening at Mill Creek MetroParks.

For those with a passion for running, fall is a great time to visit Youngstown! There’s the Green Cathedral 2021, Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic, Nun Run 5K, 1 Mile & Kids Run, Panerathon 2021, Youngstown Peace Race, Youngstown Marathon, Phantom 4-Miler and the What We’re Thankful 4-Miler & 3K… whew!

Fall Inspired Brews, Live Music & More!

While fun abounds for the whole family no matter where you go in the Youngstown area, fall activities for the adult crowd can equate to a much-needed weekend get-a-way WITHOUT the kids! This area is packed full of local breweries and wineries and has become a must-visit for live music and entertainment.

Hallovine Adult Scavenger Hunt

The Hallovine Adult Scavenger Hunt is back for a third year at The Vineyards at Pine Lake. This one-of-a-kind event is fun for the 21-and-over crowd and includes 12 wine samples, a scavenger hunt adventure through the vines and a t-shirt for each attendee.

The 2021 Hallovine Scavenger Hunts will take place on October 3 and October 24 at 5:00pm.

Live Music & Performances

From concerts in the park (including Live! At the Morley) and big acts (like the All Star Legends of Hip Hop, Brett Young and Alice Cooper) to the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra and theatre performances, Youngstown’s fall schedule is jam packed with unique, live entertainment!

Be sure to regularly check this comprehensive list of events when planning your adult weekend get-a-way!

College Sports at Their Finest

Last but not least, we’d be remiss to not mention Youngstown State University, home of the Penguins and the pride of this great city! Be sure to take in some of the best fall sports that northeast Ohio has to offer, including exciting NCAA Division 1-AA football, volleyball and soccer matches throughout September, October and November.

Plan The Best Fall Activities: Visit Youngstown Ohio!

Don’t miss out on the best of the best when it comes to fall activities and events in Ohio – plan your visit to Youngstown, whether you’re bringing a group of friends or the entire family!

Get the latest updates on newly added activities in and around Youngstown by visiting our calendar of events – then start planning your autumn adventure. We look forward to seeing you soon!