Best Fall Activities in Northeast Ohio

Temperatures are dropping, the dog days of summer are winding down, and the kids are heading back to school. As we slip into fall, there are plenty of things to love. From the changing colors of the leaves to planning the perfect Halloween costume, there’s no shortage of fun in the fall. There are also many activities and special events for Cleveland Heights residents to enjoy throughout the area. Our team at Honda of Cleveland Heights created this list of some of the best fall activities in the Northeast Ohio area, so you know where to go.

Spooky Pooch Parade

Image by Paige Cody is licensed with Unsplash license

The Spooky Pooch Parade is the perfect activity for the whole family, including your furry four-legged members. This local favorite event returns for its 15th year as dogs dressed in their Halloween best take over Madison Park for a scary-but-fun Saturday afternoon. It kicks off with a festival in the afternoon that includes entertainment, games for the kids, and shopping from local vendors. The fun continues with dog games and a dog parade, and the event ends with a costume contest to recognize the best-dressed pooches in a variety of categories.

The Spooky Pooch Parade takes place on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It’s located at Madison Park in Lakewood. While the event is free for humans, there’s a registration fee for dogs. Advanced registration is $10, and day-of registration is $15. Proceeds benefit the event’s presenter, Lakewood Alive , a local nonprofit organization that aims to enrich the local Lakewood community by supporting local businesses, organizing community events, pursuing development programs, and facilitating a housing outreach program.

Lakewood Chocolate Walk

The Lakewood Chocolate Walk is a must for any foodie with a sweet tooth. LakewoodAlive and the Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance proudly present this event, and it’s back for a 13th year. Enjoy the gorgeous fall weather as you stroll through Downtown Lakewood and sample unique chocolate treats from 25 sweet shops and eateries in the area. This adults-only event is the perfect opportunity to have a night out with friends while trying delicious treats and learning more about what local businesses have to offer.

The Lakewood Chocolate Walk takes place Thursday, Oct. 27, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event limits attendance to only 350 participants, and guests must be at least 21 years old. The event typically sells out quickly, so we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m. This includes 50 VIP tickets, which cost $75 each and include a pre-Chocolate Walk reception with wine, beer, appetizers, and extra treats. The 300 general admission tickets are $40 each. There’s a four-per-person ticket limit, so plan your purchase accordingly.

Food Truck Challenge

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a food critic, mark your calendar for the 7th Annual Food Truck Challenge. This event hosts nearly two dozen local food trucks as they compete for your vote in various “Best of” categories. Kick off your day at the festival by picking up a ballot, and stop by each truck to sample their unique offerings before casting your vote. The event also features a panel of celebrity guest judges for specific categories and offers live music, children’s activities, and local vendors.

The Food Truck Challenge takes place Saturday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is located in Westlake along Main Street in Crocker Park and is free to attend. Aim to arrive early to give yourself enough time to try everything before voting closes at 3 p.m., then stick around for the awards ceremony at 3:15 p.m. to see who takes home recognition that day.

Cleveland Beer Week

The Cleveland Beer Week returns for another year of raising a glass with friends while celebrating local businesses and giving back to the local community. This 501(c)3 nonprofit organization began in 2009 to help people learn more about the craft beer industry and to encourage them to visit local restaurants and bars. The event continues to honor these roots today, and proceeds from flagship events throughout the week benefit the Malone Scholarship Program. This program awards four-year scholarships to students based on economic need.

The Cleveland Beer Week kicks off Friday, Oct. 14, and concludes on Sunday, Oct. 23. It includes a range of events throughout the week and across the city, and all events are for guests ages 21 and older only. These events include satellite brew pubs as breweries take over local bars, Night at the Brewseum at the Western Reserve Historical Society, special bottle releases, and more. Be sure to check out the entire calendar and also find out which events require special ticket purchases.

Red Wagon Farm Pumpkin Festival

Nothing says fall quite like a trip to the pumpkin patch. Get the whole family together to enjoy the best of fall at the Red Wagon Farm Pumpkin Festival. Back for its ninth year, this festival includes a corn maze, wagon rides, a sprawling sunflower field, and a pumpkin patch. For only $10, you can also try your hand at All-You-Can-Lift Pumpkins and attempt to beat the all-time record. The event also has games for families and friends to play and plenty of delicious food options to try.

The Red Wagon Farm Pumpkin Festival happens on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout September and October, but you can also schedule special visits on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for groups. General admission is $10 for adults and children, and children under 2 can visit for free. Guests may also purchase a single wagon ride ticket for just $5.

That brings us to the end of our list of some of the best fall activities in the Northeast Ohio area. We hope you found an exciting activity or event to try with your friends or family this fall. Do you know about a festival, special event, or other can’t-miss activity that we didn’t include? Contact us to share your recommendation. We’ll make sure to add it to our calendars, so our entire Honda of Cleveland Heights family can check it out for themselves. Ready to skip ahead to the next season? Plan ahead with our winter activities guide.