Summer ends soon but the fun is far from over. With a calendar full of activities, there’s no shortage of reasons to explore and make this month your best September ever! Experience German Heritage, shop at the Prairie Peddler Festival, and see the conclusion of Nature Connects this month.
Don’t Miss These BIG Events
Donauschwaben dancers from across North America will converge on the Mansfield Liederkranz to celebrate a joyful occasion filled with music, dance competition, delectable cuisine, and the bonds of friendship during Treffen 2023 on (Sept. 1-3).
If you’ve yet to witness the incredible works of art showcased throughout at Kingwood Center, this is your final opportunity to experience Sean Kenney’s “Nature Connects Made with LEGO Bricks” exhibition. This exhibit can be viewed at Kingwood Center until September 17th.
The much anticipated Prairie Peddler Festival returns September 23 & 24 and again September 30 & October 1. This large artisan show is held in the rolling hills of Butler and features delicious food, live music and over 200 exhibitors peddling their hand-made wares in this outdoor marketplace.
Family, Festivals and Fun!
The Welcome Home Festival is a local event that will take place in the Brickyard on September 2. Experience, prayer, worship, kids activities, live music, free food, giveaways and more!
The 173rd Bellville Street Fair takes place Sept. 13-16 with the Fair Queen contest, rides, fair food, livestock, live music, a tractor pull and more.
Have you ever been to a Pow Wow? The Great Mohican Pow Wow (Sept. 15-17) highlights Native American dance and drum competitions, craftsmen, artisans, music, and demonstrations. It is a great opportunity to experience and preserve this rich heritage.
Four of Mansfield’s most popular events return to downtown Mansfield during The Fab Four & More Fest (Sept.16). 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 (formerly known as the Mansfield Arts & Cultural Festival) in Central Park, Touch a Truck in the Carrousel District, Oktoberfest in the Brickyard, and the fall Secret City Tour spanning downtown.
Secret City (Sept. 16) is a photographer’s dream! Take a peek behind the closed doors of some of the historic downtown buildings and some of Mansfield’s most charming buildings not normally open to the public in this self-guided tour.
Touch a Truck at the Richland Carrousel Park is the stuff little one’s dream of as they slide inside fire trucks, EMS, construction and drilling, police and military vehicles while honking the horns and hearing the sirens. You’ll see cool trucks and ride the carrousel free all day.
ManAFest Mansfield Arts Festival delivers a blend of captivating art created by skilled local artists, vibrant music, and an array of food trucks. And a Kid Zone courtesy of the YMCA and the Mansfield Richland County Public Library.
Experience Oktoberfest: Kilts vs. Lederhosen at The Phoenix Brewing Company (Sept. 16), an annual tradition celebrated in the Beer Garden. Sport your kilt or lederhosen for the festivities.
The Ohio State Reformatory is transformed into one of the scariest haunted houses in Ohio for Escape from Blood Prison. The terror kicks off Sept. 29th.
Theater, Wine & History
Presenting a thrilling, brand-new musical adorned with enchanting characters and captivating tunes, this oceanic gem of a performance is sure to captivate both young and young at heart. The future belongs to My Theatre: The SpongeBob Musical (Sept. 8, 9, 10) on the Renaissance Main Stage.
Experience the enduring charm of a mystical fairy tale where the kind and lovely Cinderella, subjected to the harsh treatment of her malevolent stepmother and stepsisters, finds solace in the aid of her enchanted fairy godmother in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Mansfield Playhouse (Sept. 8, 9, 15, 16, 17).
Kicking off the 2023-2024 Mansfield Symphony Series (Sept. 16) free community concert showcases renowned composers like Tchaikovsky and Debussy alongside lesser-known talents to the audience.
The Golden Summer Revisited (Sept. 22,23) at the Mansfield Playhouse is a 60’s Musical Journey featuring Dale Powers, Dane Donohue, Milo Sgambellone, Scott Frederici, Ron Hilditch, Keith Stamper, Dave Godbey, and many special guests.
And the Beat Goes On– Cher tribute artist Lisa McClowery will perform at the Renaissance Theatre on Sept. 23. Lisa is a well-known singer, who has captured Cher’s singing voice, look, walk, talk and mannerisms.
Dress in regal attire and attend A Royal Garden Party at Kingwood Center’s Wine Walk on September 23. Enjoy live music and lawn games in the gardens while you sample wines from around Ohio and munch on tasty morsels from the on-site food trucks.
Step back in time at Malabar Farm during the annual Ohio Heritage Days Festival (Sept. 23,24).This free event, in its 46th year, features educational displays, crafts, an 18th Century Living History Camp, Civil War demonstrations, wagon rides and more.
Fall Family Fun
Celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day at The Ohio Bird Sanctuary (Sept. 9th). An educational program will be held in the amphitheater with resident vultures, Elliott and Icahbod.
Celebrate family at Kingwood Grandparent’s Day on Sept. 10th when grandparents receive free admission when visiting the gardens with a grandchild.
Relax in the country at Alpaca Meadows and amuse yourself with the antics of the Angora Goats, rabbits and alpacas during Fall Farm Days (Sept 29, Oct.1). A goat shearing presentation will be held on September 30th.
Shop Local
The summer growing season is winding down but you still have time to shop for fresh produce while supporting local businesses. The North End Farmers Market will be open every Thursday (Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28) from 4-7:00 p.m. at the NECIC Urban Farm. Shop for baked goods and produce at The Bellville Farmer’s Market 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 Richland Source Newsroom After Hours (Sept 15) featuring Chico’s Brother & The Foster Kidz, GDM Music, Mike Dasher Music, The Gerds, Birds Cage.
Ordinary Elephant will present a blend of folk, Americana and bluegrass music during Songwriter Sunday that will be held at the Spirit Room on Sept. 10.
The wildly popular Final Friday Concert Series wraps up its 2023 season with Live Music at the Brickyard on September 29th. The incredible line-up includes David Berry, Triad and Cryin Out Loud. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and refreshments are available for purchase. Concert begins at 5:30pm.
DLX, Marshall Park, The Vault Vine Bar and more venues offer live music throughout the month. Check out the Live Entertainment Destination blog post that includes live music locations throughout Richland County.
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.