Regular date nights help to keep the spark alive. Or perhaps a night out with friends is what you need. So grab a sitter and check out these local events this month to enjoy some fun downtime!
Northwest Ohio hosts some great festivals and many take place in September—a month that promises ideal Ohio weather. Why not line up a babysitter and parktake in these annual festivities? Or, make it a family affair and take the kids.
Thursday September 5 – Sunday September 8
Pioneer Days
Always the weekend after Labor Day, Pioneer Days in Kalida is the oldest festival in Ohio. This year marks 145 years for the small-town’s festivities. Located on State Route 224 just 32 miles from Findlay, all events take place “on the square” in the town’s center. Treat yourself to the delicious festival food, including the St. Michael Holy Name Society’s famous burgers. Enjoy music/dance on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, a craft show and car show on Saturday morning, a parade on Sunday afternoon, and much more. Visit pioneerdays.com.
Friday September 6 – Sunday September 8
Black Swamp Arts Festival
Named “Best Arts Festival in Ohio” by Ohio Magazine, the Black Swamp Arts Festival in downtown Bowling Green is definitely worth the short drive! This year’s festival features more than 150 fine art booths, three stages of live music from national, regional and local performers, youth arts and activities, food and community. All events are free! Visit blackswampfest.org.
Friday September 6 – Sunday September 8
Toledo Greek Fest
Celebrate everything Greek— food, pastries, music, dancing, culture, clothing, language and more! The 49th Annual Greek American Festival near Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in downtown Toledo is sure to draw an enthusiastic crowd. Visit toledogreekfest.com.
Thursday September 19 – Saturday September 21
Momentum
Experience a full sensory experience filled with art installations, live performances, and a chance to interact with the world around us in unexpected ways during this arts and music festival held at Toledo’s revitalized Promenade Park. See live glassblowing demonstrations, art exhibitions, film screenings, and more. Visit momentumtoledo.org.
Friday September 20 – Sunday September 22
Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Days
Billed as Ohio’s “8th largest festival,” Tiffin-Seneca Heritage Days is celebrating its 41st year. Events take place at two main locations in Tiffin (about 28 miles from Findlay). A “living village” from Civil War times can be explored in the Hedges Boyer Park while downtown Tiffin features music, rides, food, carnival games, a German heritage area and more. Visit tiffinfestival.com.
Saturday September 21
Harvest and Herb Festival
Head to downtown Ada for the village’s 34th annual Harvest and Herb Festival. The festivities take place from 9am-5pm and include craft booths, entertainment, a large parade at 10am, and lots of food. The festival attracts over 10,000 people every year. Visit adachamber.org.
Saturday September 14
Historic Barn Tour
Although technically not a festival, the Hancock County Museum’s Historic Barn Tour is an outdoor event you don’t want to miss. It’s been called a “model program for the state” by the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office. From 10am-4pm you can tour five historic barns in the Mt. Blanchard area that date from the 1840s to the early 1900s. Locations will also feature heritage items like old farm machinery and quilts as well as food and music. Tickets the day of the event can be purchased at any location for $10 for museum members and $15 for non-members. Children 16 and under are free. Visit hancockhistoricalmuseum.org.
Saturday September 28
Oktoberfest Findlay
Northwest Ohio has a rich German Heritage and each year Findlay celebrates this heritage with Oktoberfest. The 2019 Oktoberfest Findlay, in the 300-400 block of Main Street, will feature live German music, polka dancing, delicious German foods and libations, kids’ activities and more! From 2-10:30pm, you can savor food from Wurst and Bier, Saums Market and Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and enjoy more than 40 varieties of German beers while taking in performances by Fred Ziwich & His International Sound Machine and Aaron Dussing and the Polka Revolution. The cost is $5 for ages 21 and over and $3 for ages 20 and younger. Visit hancockhistoricalmuseum.org/Oktoberfest for more information.
