Columbus’s fall events bring arts, music, and local traditions into public spaces around town. Some are centered downtown, others around Mill Race Park, and the season’s calendar carries on through October toward Halloween.

Downtown, with room to stay awhile

Ethnic Expo

Ethnic Expo fills the streets around City Hall with food, music, dance, art, and traditions shared by Columbus-area cultural organizations. The two-day festival runs October 9 to 10, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days. The Ethnic Expo visitor information has the program overview; the organizer’s page has current event updates.

This First Thursday program lets you watch an artist explain her process as it happens. Bridget Conn will demonstrate her lumen process from setup to finished piece, with a talk and Q&A on October 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The gallery is open noon to 8 p.m. that day, and the program is free and open to all. Details are on 411 Gallery’s page.

Elevate the Stage

For a ticketed night out with a cause behind it, Elevate the Stage brings regional singer-songwriters to The Commons. Doors open at 6 p.m. October 3, and music begins at 7 p.m. The event raises funds for Elevate Childhood Cancer Research and Advocacy. Visit Columbus’s event listing has current ticket information.

A Columbus legend gets a festival

Mill Race Monster Festival

In 1974, people reported seeing something green and hairy in Mill Race Park. The story has become part of Columbus folklore, and it is the starting point for a three-day festival of art, storytelling, installations, and hands-on experiences. The Mill Race Monster Festival runs October 23 to 25, but organizers are still planning the program. Check the festival site for ticket and schedule updates.

Hear the next generation take the stage

Battle of the Bands

Young musicians selected through auditions will perform at The Commons for Battle of the Bands. The show is free and open to everyone. Doors open at 6 p.m. on November 20, with performances from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Columbus Area Arts Council has the event information and youth-artist details.

Pick your Columbus night out

For a downtown festival with an international mix, make time for Ethnic Expo. Conn’s demonstration is a short, free art stop; Elevate the Stage is a ticketed fundraiser with regional songwriters. We’d save Battle of the Bands for a night when you want to cheer on young performers. Mill Race Monster Festival’s full program is still being announced.

Published: October 1, 2026