Summer may be drawing to a close but fall fun is just beginning! We have a calendar packed with activities and events that are sure to make this September unforgettable. Mansfield and the surrounding communities are ready to offer a mix of beloved fall traditions ensuring the calendar is full of adventure throughout the month.
Some favorite events are back – the Bellville Street Fair, Great Mohican Pow-Wow, Ohio Heritage Days, The Fab Four & More Fest, and the Prairie Peddler Festival, along with new Johnny Appleseeds 250th Birthday events.
Don’t Miss These Annual Festivals and Fun Events!
The Bellville’s “World’s” Street Fair kicks off Sept. 11-14. This much anticipated community event offers rides, fair food, live music, a tractor pull, Great Pumpkin contest, tractor pull, Fair Queen contest and so much more.
The Great Mohican Pow Wow is held on the Mohican Reservation Festival Grounds (Sept. 13-15) to highlight the culture and lifestyle of Native American people through traditional dance and drum competitions, craftsmen, artisans, music, demonstrations, and more!
Four of Mansfield’s most popular events return to downtown Mansfield during The Fab Four & More Fest (Sept.21). This all-day extravaganza in the heart of the city will showcase four incredible events happening on the same day, plus more. The Fab Four & More Fest encompasses ManAFest in Central Park, Touch a Truck in the Carrousel District, Oktoberfest in the Brickyard, and the fall Secret City Tour spanning downtown.
Little ones will love Touch a Truck at the Richland Carrousel Park on September 21! Climb inside fire trucks, EMS, construction and drilling, police and military vehicles. Check out the cool trucks and take a free ride on the carrousel.
ManAFest Mansfield Arts Festival (Sept. 21) delivers a blend of captivating art created by skilled local artists, live music,kids’ activities, fine arts events and a variety of food trucks.
Experience one of the world’s oldest traditions, Oktoberfest, right here in Mansfield! Oktoberfest: Kilts vs. Lederhosen at The Phoenix Brewing Company (Sept. 21) is an annual tradition packed with Stein-hoist finals, German dancers, live music, and delicious German beers brewed on-site. Make sure to sport your kilt or lederhosen for the festivities.
Step inside some of the downtown buildings normally off limits to the public on this self-guided Secret City tour(Sept. 21). You won’t want to forget your camera as you take a peek behind the closed doors of some of Mansfield’s most iconic and historic buildings.
The Prairie Peddler Festival artisan festival returns September 28 & 29. This outdoor marketplace features over 200 exhibitors peddling their wares in the scenic rolling hills of Butler.In addition to the vendors, you’ll find delicious food, horse-drawn wagon rides, kids’ activities and live music.
The 47th Annual Ohio Heritage Days (Sept. 28-29) partners with the “In the Spirit of Friends” Antique and Primitive Show at Malabar Farm State Park. This free event offers horse drawn wagon rides, live music, Civil War and WW2 living history camps, food and live music.
You can also get a jump on ghoulish Halloween festivities at Escape from Blood Prison. You won’t want to miss seeing the transformation that takes place at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory. The Halloween festivities kick off at Escape from Blood Prison on September 29th.
Celebrate Johnny Appleseed’s 250th Birthday & Other Events
Celebrate Johnny Appleseed’s 250th birthday (Sept. 21) at the family-friendly festival at South Park. Enjoy live music, 1800s games, food, and demonstrations. Step back in time and enjoy the sights and sounds of Johnny’s era.
Meet Johnny Appleseed (Sept. 25) in this special family-friendly event sponsored by the Library in partnership with the Ohio State University Mansfield Theatre and Children’s Theatre Foundation. Hank Fincken will portray John Chapman for this special birthday celebration.
The Johnny Appleseed Traveling Exhibit will continue to be on display through the end of the month. Check out the exhibit to learn about the legacy he left, then pack up and hit the road for a drive along the Johnny Appleseed Historic Byway that is especially scenic in the fall.
Theater, Art & Shawshank
Plan a date night with your special someone or book an unforgettable night out with friends for Movie and Dinner at Prohibition at the Caverns each Friday night in September. Advance reservations are required.
The Mansfield Symphony-Classical Mansfield is a community concert (Sept. 21) that offers a free quality symphonic experience led by Octavio Más-Arocas and features over 55 talented musicians from Mansfield and the greater Ohio region.
Proximity of Fate at the Mansfield Art Center runs August 11-October 20, 2024. The Mansfield Art Triennial ‘Proximity of Fate’ brings together a diverse group of national, local, and regional artists. Curated by Mansfield native Marquise Stillwell, the exhibition explores how chance shapes art and narrative, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of creativity.
Electric Avenue: The 80s MTV Experience (Sept.28) captures the vibrant spirit of 1980s New Wave and Radio Pop with electrifying performances that transport audiences back in time at the Renaissance Theatre. Led by Kevin Spencer on vocals and guitar, the band meticulously recreates every detail of the era’s hits. With over 100 shows annually worldwide, Electric Avenue is a beacon of 80s nostalgia, using vintage gear for authentic sound. They’ve shared stages with icons like Pat Benatar and collaborated with legends like Lionel Richie and Paul Simon, embodying the essence of 80s music culture.
The 35th Anniversary of the Shawshank Redemption has come and gone, but there’s still plenty of time to check out our Ultimate Shawshank Bucket List for things to do and see throughout the community. Did you know there’s even a Shawshank-themed private rental that you can book?
Fall Family Fun
Stop by Kingwood Center Gardens for the Free First Monday (Sept.2). Visit Gorman Nature Center each Tuesday from 3:30-5 to learn how they care for their animals and participate in Animal Feeding Day. Preschoolers will enjoy the Oaks and Acorns Nature Program that is held at Gorman Nature Center each Wednesday. Enjoy the outdoors together and participate in varied activities that may include crafts, hikes and games.
Shop Local
It’s that time of year when the growing season starts to wind down. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to support local businesses while you shop for fresh produce. The North End Farmers Market will be open every Thursday through Sept. 26 from 4-7:00 p.m. at the NECIC Urban Farm. Shop for baked goods and produce at The Bellville Farmer’s Market (Sept. 7, 21, 28) and Shelby Farmer’s Market. Both are held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon.
Live Music
You’ll find plenty of opportunities to listen to live music throughout the month. Some popular events include the Live@Lunch 2024 Summer Courtyard Series in the Mechanics Courtyard (Sept. 13 & Sept. 30) featuring Sarah Goff and Tom’s Kitchen Table, Live Music at the Vault Vine Bar and more.
Don’t miss the Final Friday Concert series in The Brickyard on September 27th. Set up your lawn chair and settle in to hear the Gracie Miller Trio, Frank Boyd,Jr and Conne. Refreshments will be onsite for purchase but you can also grab a bite to eat at any of the local eateries located downtown.
Check out the Live Entertainment page that includes an up-to-date calendar of events for the current line-up.
Calendar of Events
For the most up-to-date event listings, visit our ever-changing Calendar of Events at DestinationMansfield.com, which includes more Live Music events at many of our community parks and Wine & Ale Trail locations.