Southwest Ohio Gears Up For Fall Tourism Boom With Sauerkraut Festival, Renaissance Fair, And Halloween Fun

Published on August 20, 2025

Southwest Ohio is gearing up for a large autumn tourism boost. Festivals for illustration nan Ohio Sauerkraut Festival, nan Ohio Renaissance Festival, and nan Halloween Haunt astatine Kings Island will beryllium pulling successful immense crowds. These events connection everything from tasty nutrient and historical nosy to spooky thrills, making nan region a apical autumn getaway. Plus, they pump money into nan section economy, helping shops, restaurants, and hotels do well.

“The engaged summertime recreation play whitethorn beryllium winding down present successful Southwest Ohio, but there’s still truthful overmuch for our visitors and locals alike to look guardant to successful nan cooler months ahead,” said Scott Hutchinson, Director of Marketing & Communications for nan WCCVB. “We’re astir to footwear disconnected an arsenic awesome, fun-filled autumn present successful Warren County and we couldn’t beryllium much excited.”

The Ohio Renaissance Festival is 1 of nan astir anticipated events of nan season. Kicking disconnected connected August 30 and moving done October 26, this 36th yearly show will bring to life nan sights, sounds, and excitement of medieval times. Known for offering “non-stop, day-long adventures,” nan show attracts visitors from crossed nan state to bask a packed schedule of performances, jousting tournaments, and marketplace vendors. It is consistently classed among nan apical Renaissance-themed festivals successful nan United States and promises a memorable acquisition for each ages.

A short thrust from nan Renaissance Festival grounds, nan Ohio Sauerkraut Festival successful Waynesville will people its 55th day connected October 11-12. This much-loved arena draws ample crowds annually, who flock to sensation imaginative sauerkraut dishes, bask unrecorded entertainment, and browse an array of trade vendors featuring one-of-a-kind, handmade items. The festival’s lasting fame has solidified its position arsenic a autumn contented and a standout attraction successful Southwest Ohio.

In summation to nan Sauerkraut Festival, Waynesville will beryllium hosting nan Waynesville Fall Fest each play from September 13 done November 2. This fun-filled, family-oriented arena features a assortment of activities, including mini-golf, mazes, a petting farm, quality foosball, and a playful, not-so-spooky stepping trail. It’s nan cleanable opportunity to bask nan picturesque charm of this historical municipality while embracing nan autumn play pinch a operation of outdoor excitement.

This fall, nan municipality of Lebanon will travel live pinch 2 breathtaking festivals: Lebanon’s Country AppleFest (September 27-28) and Lebanon Oktoberfest (October 10-11). Known for their lively trade displays, mouthwatering food, and festive atmosphere, these events tie visitors from each over. In addition, Springboro’s Oktoberfest, taking spot connected September 5-6, will further heighten nan region’s Oktoberfest festivities, offering an other dose of delicious food, music, and intermezo for each to enjoy.

For those successful hunt of a thrilling autumn adventure, Kings Island’s Halloween Haunt stands retired arsenic 1 of nan apical attractions successful nan region. Recognized by USA Today arsenic 1 of nan champion Halloween events astatine taxable parks nationwide, Halloween Haunt will tally connected prime nights from September 19 to November 1. Families pinch young children tin bask nan park’s Tricks & Treats event, offering a much gentle, fun-filled experience, disposable connected prime dates from September 21 to November 2.

This fall, different thrilling haunted acquisition awaits astatine Brimstone Haunt, group connected nan grounds of nan Ohio Renaissance Festival. Running each Friday and Saturday passim October, visitors tin bask spine-chilling haunted houses and eerie activities. Additionally, Waynesville, renowned arsenic 1 of nan astir haunted villages successful nan U.S., will big guided shade tours connected prime evenings, enhancing nan town’s already eerie and festive ambiance.

Warren County is besides location to respective farms and orchards that clasp nan play pinch fall-themed activities. Hidden Valley Orchards and Blooms & Berries connection visitors a chance to research pumpkin patches, bask hayrides, and prime caller consequence passim nan fall. Additionally, nan LM\&M Railroad’s Pumpkin Express is returning this year, offering nostalgic train rides on pinch fall-themed nosy connected prime dates successful October.

As nan play transitions from autumn to winter, Kings Island’s WinterFest will make its return successful precocious November, providing guests pinch crystal skating, ray shows, vacation shopping, and festive food. Similarly, Waynesville will motorboat its Yuletide Village astatine Renaissance Park, a delightful old-time wintertime ceremony that kicks disconnected nan vacation season.

Tourism keeps powering Warren County’s economy, bringing successful complete 14 cardinal visitors each year. Their beingness gives a immense boost, adding up to a singular \$1.7 cardinal successful economical effect and creating much than 13,000 jobs tied to tourism. As nan leaves commencement to alteration color, Southwest Ohio shines pinch a packed lineup of autumn events and adventures. From festivals and harvest activities to vibrant trade fairs, nan region is nan go-to spot for some locals and visitors. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it present this fall.