Arts and entertainment events happening October 23-26 across the Mid-Ohio Valley
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Autumn Arts & Entertainment: A Four‑Day Celebration Across the Mid‑Ohio Valley
As the leaves turn crimson and the air grows crisp, the Mid‑Ohio Valley is alive with a vibrant lineup of arts and entertainment events scheduled for October 23‑26, 2025. Whether you’re a theater buff, a music lover, an art aficionado, or simply looking for a fun family outing, the region’s calendar offers something for everyone. Below is a comprehensive guide to the most notable happenings, including venue details, showtimes, and where to snag tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 23 – A Night of Classic Cinema & Live Music
Cleveland’s Playhouse Square opens the weekend with a special screening of Gone with the Wind at 7 p.m., followed by an intimate jazz showcase featuring the Cleveland Jazz Collective at 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the film can be purchased on the Playhouse Square website, with early‑bird prices of $12. The jazz evening is free, but patrons are encouraged to make a donation at the door. The venue’s historic 1930s interior provides a fitting backdrop for both events, and the Playhouse Square website offers a brief history of the theater and its significance to Cleveland’s cultural heritage.
Dayton’s The Grand Theater hosts an outdoor concert by the Dayton Symphony Orchestra in the park, with the program opening at 8 p.m. The orchestra’s season highlights include a piece by local composer John Williams, who will conduct an encore performance. The symphony’s official page offers a full schedule of their fall concerts and a ticketing portal where prices range from $18 to $42 depending on seat selection.
Toledo’s Edgewater Park presents a family‑friendly film under the stars—Finding Nemo—with a 6 p.m. start. Tickets are free, but the park encourages donations to support local wildlife conservation. The event page provides details on the park’s amenities and safety guidelines for children.
Sunday, Oct. 24 – Art Exhibitions, Folk Music, and Cultural Festivals
Cincinnati Museum Center opens its doors to the “Autumn Harvest: A Journey Through Time” exhibit, showcasing regional folk art and historical artifacts from the 19th‑century Ohio Valley. The exhibit runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and tickets are $15 for adults, $8 for seniors, and free for children under 12. The museum’s website includes an interactive map of the exhibit rooms and a downloadable audio guide.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is hosting a day of traditional folk dancing and storytelling from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants are invited to learn the basic steps of the Shaker Square Dance, while local historians share stories about the Shakers’ influence on Ohio’s architecture and agriculture. Tickets are $10 per adult and $5 for students, with discounts available for groups.
Hocking Hills State Park offers a guided hiking tour of the “Autumnal Trails” at 2 p.m. The 3‑hour trek covers scenic overlooks and falls that display spectacular fall foliage. Guided tours are free, but participants must register on the Ohio State Parks website. The site also lists safety precautions and suggested gear.
Monday, Oct. 25 – Theater, Poetry, and a Classic Rock Marathon
Toledo’s Cultural Center opens the evening with a reading of the award‑winning collection Leaves of the Heart by contemporary poet Maya Anderson. The reading takes place at 7:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A session. The event is free, but coffee and pastries are sold at the venue’s café. The center’s site features a bio of Anderson and a list of her forthcoming speaking engagements.
Cleveland’s Great Lakes Theatre presents a production of The Lion King (musical) starting at 8 p.m. The show runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 45‑minute intermission. Ticket prices start at $28, with discounts available for children, seniors, and students. The theater’s website offers a 3‑D seating chart and a behind‑the‑scenes video of the production’s set design.
Dayton’s Classic Rock Marathon takes place at 5 p.m., featuring the legendary band The Midnight Riders and a special appearance by local musician, guitarist Mark Thompson. The concert runs until midnight and is held at the Dayton Music Hall. Tickets are $25 for general admission, with VIP options including backstage access for $75. The concert page includes a lineup of the band’s top hits and a brief biography of the group.
Tuesday, Oct. 26 – Fall Festival, Food Trucks, and Family Fun
Wheeling’s Oktoberfest kicks off the day with a two‑day celebration of German culture. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring traditional Bavarian food trucks, craft beer tastings, and a live band that will play a mix of polka and contemporary country. Tickets for the event are free, but patrons are encouraged to purchase a "Oktoberfest Pass" for $15, which grants unlimited beer tastings and access to the beer garden.
Xenia’s Harvest Festival begins at 11 a.m. with a pumpkin‑tasting contest, a hayride for families, and a local craft market. The festival’s website offers a map of the fairgrounds, vendor listings, and a schedule of entertainment. Admission is free, though the hayride costs $8 per person. Food trucks line the fairgrounds, serving everything from classic hot dogs to vegan tacos.
Cincinnati’s Fall Fairs culminate the weekend at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. The Zoo hosts a “Night at the Zoo” event, with lights on and a guided tour of nocturnal animals. The event starts at 8 p.m., and tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $10 for children under 12. The zoo’s site includes a list of the animals that will be highlighted during the tour and safety tips for families.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Ticketing: Many of the events require pre‑purchase. Visit the venue’s official website or use reputable ticketing platforms such as Ticketmaster, Eventbrite, or the venue’s own sales portal. Look for early‑bird discounts or bundle offers that include multiple events.
- Transportation: The Mid‑Ohio Valley boasts an extensive network of public transit, including the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and the Miami Valley Transit Authority (MVTA). If you plan to attend multiple events across cities, consider a day pass or a regional discount card.
- Accommodation: If you’re traveling from outside the region, most major cities have a range of lodging options—from boutique hotels to budget motels. Booking in advance is especially advisable during the holiday season, as demand typically spikes.
- Safety: While all venues are following local health guidelines, it’s prudent to keep an eye on weather forecasts. The fall season can bring sudden rain showers, so pack a light rain jacket or an umbrella if you’re planning outdoor events.
Final Thoughts
The Mid‑Ohio Valley’s autumn arts calendar showcases a dazzling mix of local talent, historical celebrations, and family‑friendly festivals. Whether you’re drawn to the glamour of a Broadway‑style musical, the warmth of a jazz lounge, or the rustic charm of a pumpkin patch, the region’s events promise a memorable experience for all ages. With plenty of opportunities to indulge in music, theater, art, and culture, the week of October 23‑26 is a must‑visit for anyone who loves to celebrate the beauty of the fall season in a community that’s steeped in creative tradition.
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