What's Happening in Greater Dayton: Fall Events from September Through October 2026

by Glasshouse Marketing

Happy Woman Smiling in Hand Knit Hat at Fall Festival Outside.As summer begins its slow turn toward fall, the calendar across Southwest Ohio fills with some of the best community events of the year. From the Corn Festival in Wilmington to a historic reenactment in Springfield, and from Oktoberfest under the stars at the Dayton Art Institute to a hometown fall festival in Centerville and a chocolate walk through downtown Sidney, there is plenty to look forward to in the weeks ahead.

At Glasshouse Realty, our team lives and works in these communities. We know the streets where these events happen, the neighbors who organize them, and the local businesses that make each town unique. Here are a few events worth putting on your calendar between late August and mid-October.

The Fair at New Boston

Springfield · September 5–6, 2026

Step back in time at The Fair at New Boston, a living history event held September 5–6 at George Rogers Clark Park in Springfield. This immersive event transports visitors to the Ohio frontier of 1790–1810, bringing the sights, sounds, and experiences of early Ohio to life.

Visitors can explore a recreated frontier community filled with costumed historical interpreters, period artisans, merchants, military demonstrations, traditional music, and historical activities. Watch craftspeople demonstrate early American trades, experience military encampments and drills, and meet interpreters portraying the settlers, traders, and soldiers who shaped life in the Ohio Country more than two centuries ago.

Set within historic George Rogers Clark Park, the Fair at New Boston offers families and history lovers a chance to experience Ohio history beyond a museum display. It is an easy fall day trip from the Dayton area and one of the region's most unique annual events.

George Rogers Clark Park
926 South Tecumseh Road, Springfield, OH
September 5–6, 2026 · 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Admission: $15 Adults · $6 Ages 6–15 · Free for children 5 & under
Event Details & Tickets

Ohio Renaissance Festival

Waynesville · September 5–November 1, 2026

Travel back to the 16th century at the Ohio Renaissance Festival, one of Southwest Ohio's biggest fall traditions. The festival returns to Renaissance Park in Waynesville on weekends and Labor Day from September 5 through November 1.

The sprawling Renaissance village comes alive with costumed characters, full-contact jousting, live entertainment, unique shops, food and drinks, games, and human-powered rides. With performances happening throughout the day and a different theme nearly every weekend, there is plenty to explore whether it is your first visit or an annual tradition.

The 2026 themed weekends include Fantasy, Pirates, Highland, Vikings, Time Travelers, Romance, Myths & Monsters, and Heroes & Villains, giving visitors a reason to come back more than once. Costumes are not required, but you will see plenty of guests getting into the spirit.  Check out the billboard running outside to see a special Glasshouse take on each week's theme!

Renaissance Park
10542 Ohio 73, Waynesville, OH
Weekends & Labor Day · September 5–November 1, 2026 · 10:30 AM–7:00 PM
Plan Your Visit & Get Tickets

Clinton County Corn Festival

Wilmington · September 11–13, 2026

Celebrate Clinton County's agricultural roots at the Clinton County Corn Festival, returning to Wilmington September 11–13. This longtime local tradition brings three days of food, entertainment, antique farm equipment, crafts, activities, and plenty of ways to celebrate one of the region's most important industries.

The festival has a strong community focus, with local nonprofit organizations operating food booths and proceeds from the event supporting scholarships and organizations throughout Clinton County. Visitors can explore antique machinery, shop arts and crafts, enjoy live entertainment, and, of course, find plenty of festival food featuring corn.

There is something extra to see in 2026. The festival is hosting the Gathering of the Orange, the National Allis-Chalmers Show, bringing collectors and equipment from around the country to Wilmington.

Clinton County Fairgrounds
268 South Nelson Avenue, Wilmington, OH
Friday, September 11: 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Saturday, September 12: 9:00 AM–10:00 PM
Sunday, September 13: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Festival Information

Waynesville Fall Fest

Waynesville · September 19–November 1, 2026

For classic fall fun with the family, Waynesville Fall Fest returns every Saturday and Sunday from September 19 through November 1.

Located just outside downtown Waynesville, Fall Fest packs plenty into one admission. Families can explore a corn maze, petting farm, mini golf courses, pedal cars, Ghost Town Village, giant games, disc golf, children's activities, and more.

Most activities are included with admission, making this an easy option for families who want to spend several hours exploring without paying separately for every attraction. With Waynesville's shops and restaurants nearby, it is also easy to turn Fall Fest into a full fall day trip.

Waynesville Fall Fest
7392 East State Route 73, Waynesville, OH
September 19–November 1, 2026
Saturdays: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM · Sundays: Noon–6:00 PM
Admission: $16 Adults · $14 Ages 3–10 · Free for Ages 2 & Under
Hours, Admission & Festival Details

Oktoberfest at the Dayton Art Institute

Dayton · September 25–27, 2026

One of Dayton's favorite fall traditions returns when Oktoberfest at the Dayton Art Institute takes over the museum grounds September 25–27.

The weekend begins Friday with the Lederhosen Lunch and Preview Party before the main Oktoberfest festivities get underway Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can expect a lively mix of food, beer, live entertainment, artisans, and activities, all set against the backdrop of one of Dayton's most recognizable landmarks.

Oktoberfest has been a Dayton tradition since 1971 and also serves as an important annual fundraiser for the Dayton Art Institute. Whether you come for the German-inspired food, drinks, music, shopping, or simply the atmosphere, it is one of the Miami Valley's signature ways to welcome fall.

The Dayton Art Institute
456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton, OH
September 25–27, 2026
2026 Oktoberfest Details

Fall Fest at Pot-Luck Greenhouse

Wilmington · September 26–November 1, 2026

For a classic fall day with the family, Fall Fest at Pot-Luck Greenhouse returns to Wilmington September 26 through November 1.

The locally owned farm packs plenty of fall favorites into one stop, including a five-acre corn maze with a scavenger hunt, hayrides, a petting zoo, a giant jump pad, inflatable slide, train rides through the corn, oversized games, a trike track, pumpkins, and more.

With activities for a wide range of ages, it is an easy option for families looking to spend a few hours outside and enjoy fall in Clinton County. And, of course, no fall outing is complete without picking out a pumpkin before heading home.

Pot-Luck Greenhouse and Corn Maze
6555 W. State Route 73, Wilmington, OH
September 26–November 1, 2026
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM · Sunday: Noon–4:00 PM
Fall Fest Details

Centerville Fall Fest

Centerville · October 3, 2026

Fall takes over Stubbs Park on Saturday, October 3, for Centerville Fall Fest, a free community celebration featuring shopping, food, entertainment, and plenty of seasonal fun.

The festival runs from noon to 8:00 PM and brings together nearly 100 vendors and food trucks. Families can also take advantage of children's activities and Centerville's popular pumpkin giveaway, with thousands of free pumpkins available while supplies last.

With local makers, small businesses, food, entertainment, and a beautiful fall setting at Stubbs Park, Fall Fest has become a seasonal favorite for Centerville and Washington Township families. It is an easy way to spend a Saturday close to home while supporting local businesses and enjoying everything that comes with an Ohio fall.

Stubbs Park
255 W. Spring Valley Pike, Centerville, OH
Saturday, October 3, 2026 · Noon–8:00 PM
Free Admission
Centerville Fall Fest Details

Downtown Sidney Fall Festival & Chocolate Walk

Sidney · October 9–10, 2026

Downtown Sidney is giving you two good reasons to make the trip north this October. Sidney Alive brings its fall festivities downtown October 9–10, including the annual Chocolate Walk and Fall Festival.

The Chocolate Walk takes place Friday evening from 5:30 to 8:30 PM, inviting visitors to explore downtown businesses while collecting chocolate treats along the way. It is part shopping event, part fall stroll, and a fun way to discover the locally owned businesses surrounding Sidney's historic downtown.

Fall Festival activities continue Friday and Saturday, with vendors and seasonal activities adding to the weekend atmosphere. The vendor event runs Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The historic Court Square and Shelby County Courthouse provide a beautiful backdrop for the weekend, making this a great excuse to explore downtown Sidney, support local businesses, and enjoy a little chocolate along the way.

Downtown Sidney / Court Square
Sidney, OH
Chocolate Walk: Friday, October 9 · 5:30–8:30 PM
Fall Festival: Friday, October 9 · 5:00–8:00 PM & Saturday, October 10 · 8:00 AM–1:00 PM
Sidney Alive Events & Details

 

Published August 10, 2026