From the sound of leaves crunching underfoot to the smell of pumpkin spice lattes in your local coffee shop, all signs say autumn is once again upon us. Located in northeast Ohio, the Chagrin Valley comes alive during the fall with local festivals and activities held throughout the various townships and villages. For the 2023 season, here are some of the best ones to look out for:
- Pepper Pike Fall Harvest Festival (Sept. 30, 2023)
Every year, the city of Pepper Pike holds the Fall Harvest Festival showcasing in-season dishes and produce. The homemade clam chowder and yukon gold and red potatoes are some of the crowd favorites. Plus, there’s also a pumpkin art contest, a petting zoo, a bonfire, hayrides, and great live music. While there’s no admission cost to attend the festival from 3PM to 5PM, tickets are required to partake in the dinner portion of the event.
- Family Fun Day in Chagrin Falls (Sept. 30, 2023)
The Chagrin Falls Merchant Association’s Family Fun Day brings the community together for fun-filled games, exhilarating rides, local shopping, and historical awareness. The event will take place in the Riverside and Triangle Parks in Chagrin Falls. Participating merchants are offering discounts and special deals while the Chagrin Falls Historical Society is organizing a free historical tour around the town.
- Chagrin Valley Rotary Fall Festival (Oct. 1, 2023)
This year’s Chagrin Valley Rotary Fall Festival will be held in Bainbridge Township. The proceeds of the event will help fund the local rotary club’s various charitable programs.
Tickets for single admission is $15, which comes with two beverage vouchers. Kids from ages four and up pay only $10. A family of two adults and four children may enter with a special ticket price of $50. Adults can take part in the cornhole tournament and craft beer tasting while the little ones can join in on the kid-friendly games and activities. - 14th Chagrin Documentary Film Festival (Oct. 4-8, 2023)
Now on its 14th installment, the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival is a five-day celebration of some of the most compelling human stories captured on film. In addition to local, national, and international award categories, there’s also recognition for student-made documentaries and emerging documentary filmmakers. The main organizer and producer for the event is Fevered Dreams Productions, which was founded by Chagrin Falls High School alumnus David Ponce.
- Geauga Park District’s Space Race (Oct. 7, 2023)
Officially unveiled in 2022, the annual Space Race around the Observatory Park in Montville Township will take place along a 0.85-mile trail path that has been marked with checkpoints using the planets of our solar system. Race participants can go at their own pace to cover 16 laps, which is just a little over a half-marathon distance (13.6 miles). This friendly, space-themed running event is open to everyone, from the regular walker and occasional jogger to competitive athletes. Finishing one lap earns you a medal and a ribbon indicating the planet you reached. You can register here.
Discover the rest of Chagrin Valley, OH
Get in touch with me, Chagrin Valley’s top Realtor Michelle McQuade, to find your dream home in this idyllic region in Ohio. You can reach out by phone at 440.823.2448 or send an email here.