September Events & Experiences

Discover what’s happening as summer gives way to fall across Mansfield and Richland County.

September brings the best of both seasons to Mansfield and Richland County. Soak up the last outdoor concerts and racing weekends of summer, then welcome fall with street fairs, arts festivals, heritage celebrations and the first scares of spooky season. Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or looking for another reason to stay a little longer, September’s calendar is packed with experiences worth adding to your itinerary.

Rev Up September

Summer may be winding down, but September keeps the engines roaring with two weekends of racing and a cruise-in at one unforgettable location.

The Rust Bowl Nationals at Mansfield Speedway (September 4–5) kick off the month with two nights of dirt-track action. Settle into the grandstands and experience the speed, noise and energy of Mansfield Speedway as drivers battle it out under the lights. Whether you follow racing all season or simply want to experience a night at the track, this early September weekend offers another chance to be part of the action.

Racing returns with a fall twist during the Oktoberfest Sprint Car Special (September 18–19). Sprint cars take over the historic track for another high-speed weekend, giving race fans a reason to make one more trip to Mansfield as summer gives way to fall.

On September 19, trade the racetrack for a car show like no other. Stroll through rows of classic cars during the High Wall Cruise-In at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory. Cars line up against the towering stone walls of one of Mansfield’s most recognizable landmarks, creating a backdrop you won’t find at the average cruise-in. Check out the cars, take in the atmosphere and add a tour of the Reformatory to make your visit a full day of fun.

Arts, Entertainment & Live Music

Young performers take the stage at the Renaissance Theatre for MY Theatre: Newsies Jr. (September 11–13). Based on the hit Broadway musical, this energetic production brings catchy songs, spirited choreography and an inspiring story to downtown Mansfield. Pair the performance with dinner nearby at Uncle Johns Place or DLX for an easy family night out.

For a more powerful night at the theater, the Mansfield Playhouse presents Dear Evan Hansen (September 11–12 & 18–20). The contemporary musical explores connection, belonging and the complicated ways people search for their place in the world. With performances spanning two weekends, visitors have several chances to experience this well-known Broadway story on a local stage.

September 19 puts the spotlight on Mansfield’s creative community with Manifest – Mansfield Art Festival in downtown Mansfield. Spend the day surrounded by art and creativity, then continue exploring the local arts scene with a visit to the Mansfield Art Center for the 5th Annual Crowfest. This seasonal exhibition puts a creative spin on the crow migration to Mansfield through works from artists working in a variety of styles and mediums.

Dance, Sing & Stay Awhile

If you’d rather spend September listening to music—or dancing to it—there are plenty of ways to join the party.

Kick things off with Jammin in the Patch at 1285 Winery at The Blueberry Patch (September 5–6). Live music, food, blueberry wine and blueberry doughnuts create a laid-back atmosphere surrounded by the property’s blueberry fields, making it an easy way to hold onto summer for one more weekend.

On September 12, Jim E. Brown performs at The Mothership, adding another live music experience to downtown Mansfield in an intimate setting.

Then tease your hair, pull out the neon and get ready to dance during the Back to the ’80s Dance at Loft & Rails Wedding & Event Center (September 26). Trade the typical Saturday night for a throwback dance party filled with the sounds and style of the decade.

September also marks the final Final Friday Concert in the Brickyard (September 25). Grab dinner downtown, bring a lawn chair and enjoy one last outdoor concert as this popular summer series wraps up for the season.

The music doesn’t stop there. Wine & Ale Trail locations throughout Mansfield and Richland County regularly host live music, making it easy to add another stop to your night out. Check our Calendar of Events for performers, locations and dates throughout September.

Traditions Worth the Trip

September brings longtime traditions and the first signs of fall to communities across Richland County.

The 176th Annual Bellville Street Fair (September 16–19) transforms downtown Bellville into a classic community celebration. Midway rides, concessions, livestock shows, live entertainment and generations of tradition fill the streets for four days. Grab your favorite fair food, explore the midway and experience a tradition that has been bringing people together for more than 175 years.

Later in the month, step back in time during Ohio Heritage Days at Malabar Farm State Park (September 26–27). Traditional crafts, demonstrations and activities celebrate Ohio’s history and rural heritage against the backdrop of Malabar Farm’s rolling countryside. While you’re there, explore the farm, walk the trails or take in the view from Mt. Jeez for a full fall day at one of Richland County’s most historic destinations.

Just down the road from Malabar Farm, the Prairie Peddler Festival (September 26–27 and October 3–4) turns a wooded setting into an outdoor marketplace filled with more than 200 artisans. Browse handcrafted décor, artwork and seasonal finds while enjoying live entertainment and festival food. With Heritage Days and Prairie Peddler happening the same weekend, it’s easy to turn a drive through the countryside into a full fall getaway.

And then there’s one Mansfield tradition that’s a little less traditional. Blood Prison opens September 25 at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory, transforming the famous former prison into a haunted attraction for the Halloween season. The towering cell blocks and stone corridors already provide an eerie setting—add elaborate sets, actors and plenty of scares, and you have a fall tradition made for visitors who like their history with a side of horror.

Mark Your September Calendar

• September 4–5: Mansfield Speedway Rust Bowl Nationals
• September 5–6: Jammin in the Patch at 1285 Winery at The Blueberry Patch
• September 11–13: MY Theatre: Newsies Jr. at the Renaissance Theatre
• September 11–12 & 18–20: Dear Evan Hansen at the Mansfield Playhouse
• September 12: Jim E. Brown at The Mothership
• September 16–19: 176th Annual Bellville Street Fair
• September 18–19: Mansfield Speedway Oktoberfest Sprint Car Special
• September 19: High Wall Cruise-In at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory
• September 19: Manifest – Mansfield Art Festival
• September 25: September Final Friday Concert in the Brickyard
• September 25: Blood Prison opens at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory
• September 26–27: Ohio Heritage Days at Malabar Farm State Park
• September 26–27 & October 3–4: Prairie Peddler Festival
• September 26: Back to the ’80s Dance at Loft & Rails Wedding & Event Center
• September–October: 5th Annual Crowfest at the Mansfield Art Center

Plan Your September in Mansfield

September makes it easy to squeeze in one more summer adventure while getting your first taste of fall in Mansfield and Richland County. Spend a night at the racetrack, catch a live performance, wander through a fall festival or test your courage inside the Historic Ohio State Reformatory.

Make a day trip out of your favorite event or stay for the weekend and experience a little bit of everything the season has to offer.

Snap a photo and tag @DestinationMansfield, and explore our full Calendar of Events for even more things to do throughout September.