Central Ohio is home to many fall craft shows. Columbus-area fall craft show lovers can find several shows within a very reasonable drive.
Ohio Renaissance Festival – September 5 through October 25
Just a short drive south on I-71 to exit 45 will bring Central Ohio craft show fans to the Ohio Renaissance Festival. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm, plus Labor Day, craft show lovers will have many weekend opportunities to visit.
The Marketplace at the Ohio Renaissance Festival is a juried craft fair. All products are hand-crafted, many on location. Over 130 artisans include glass-blowers, potters, weavers, blacksmiths, carvers and artists in many media.
The Ohio Renaissance Festival is a family-friendly outdoor event held rain or shine. In addition to the Marketplace craft show there is constant entertainment including jousting, stage shows and roving musicians. Each weekend is themed and costumes, while not required, are embraced and encouraged. Food and beverage vendors are in abundance – the beef stew bowls and turkey legs are popular items.
Adult admission is $19.99 and children, $9.99 with some discounted weekends. Tickets are available at the gate or online.
Heavy traffic warning: Craft show travelers should be aware that the I-71 exit for the Ohio Renaissance Festival is the same location as Caesar’s Creek Flea Market and Caesar Creek State Park. Expect delays during the two-mile drive from I-71 to the Festival entrance, especially on a beautiful fall day.
Thornville Backwoods Fest – September 18, 19 and 20
Central Ohio craft show lovers will enjoy a 35-mile drive east of Columbus on I-70 to exit 132 to visit the Thornville Backwoods Fest.
The Thornville Backwoods Fest is a juried craft show featuring 250 artists and crafters. All items must be handmade by the exhibitors who travel from several states to take part in this annual fall craft festival.
In addition to the craft show, there is entertainment featuring bluegrass music and a pre-1840s encampment. A corn maze will please the younger visitors and visitors can leave with pumpkins and mums for their fall decorating. Open-fire cooked food is available.
Adult admission is $7.00 and children under 10 are admitted free. There is a $4 fee to visit the corn maze. The festival is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday and hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday.
Simple Goods – November 7
In Mount Vernon, OH craft show fans will find a great assortment of primitive crafts and antiques at Simple Goods, held at the Dan Emmett Conference Center from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. Artisans from throughout the United States will be on hand for this juried craft show.
The Dan Emmett Conference Center is located near downtown Mount Vernon at 160 Howard Street with ample parking. Adult admission is $5 and children 12 and under are admitted free.
