Special to 1812Blockhouse from our friends at Destination Mansfield – Richland County

Kingwood Center Gardens undergoes a fall transformation, the Mansfield Art Center hosts the first annual Crow Festival, and the much-anticipated Escape from Blood Prison opens as the only haunted house held in a real prison. Whether you’re seeking wholesome family fun or all things that go bump in the night, you’ll find it in this month’s October Happenings & Events.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see Kingwood Center Gardens transformed by over 1,000 glowing Jack O’ Lanterns during the annual Great Pumpkin Glow (Oct. 21-23). You’ll find plenty of photo ops, food trucks and live music. Timed tickets are required so purchase those now so you don’t miss out.

Community Pumpkin Carving will be held on Oct. 19th & 20th for those able to lend a hand. No creativity required, all tools and templates will be provided.

And in case you haven’t heard, Kingwood Center offers free admission during Free First Monday

Did you know thousands of migrating crows visit the Mansfield Art Center each fall? Starting October 22, MAC will pay homage to these birds during The Crow Festival. You’ll find crow-inspired artwork, glass pumpkins, fall festivities and more. 

Fear mongers are challenged to experience Escape from Blood Prison, one of  Ohio’s most terrifying haunted experiences, at the Historic Ohio State Reformatory. Some of Ohio’s most violent offenders served time at OSR and the prison claims that some never left. This event is open to those who dare Thursday- Sunday during the month of October.

Festival Fun

If you missed the Prairie Peddler in September, you’ll get another chance to attend on October 1st or 2nd and get a jump on holiday shopping. This juried artisan show is held amid the rolling hills of Butler so strap on your comfortable walking shoes and join your friends or family for a day of shopping at over 200 exhibitor booths and consuming tasty morsels while listening to live music in this outdoor marketplace.

History lovers may opt to take a trip back in time to the 18th and 19th century in early America during the 6th Annual American Heritage Days. Held October 1st and 2nd at the Richland Early American Center for History in South Park, visitors will be able to see demonstrations in blacksmithing, open hearth cooking demonstrations and civilian and military reenactments.

Wholesome Family Entertainment

Alpaca Meadows (Oct. 1 & 2) hosts Fall Farm Days. Visitors can watch the alpaca and see Angora goats and rabbits. View a variety of demonstrations that include shearing, felting and yarn spinning.

Shady Lane Alpaca Farm will also host an event for National Alpaca Farm Days (Oct. 1 & 2) with demonstrations, pig races, a pony cart, blacksmithing and more. 

Both alpaca farms will have products for sale.

Touch a Truck at Honkin’ Haulin’ Hands on Trucks at Marshall Park (Oct. 8). Your child can touch a truck, get a driver’s license, hat and keychain at this free event.

Join the Malabar Farm State Park naturalist for a hands on experience in the Main Barn during Farm Fridays (Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28) and don’t forget the family friendly Barn Dance on Oct. 29th. 

Have you visited the Buckeye Imagination Museum yet? If not, check out the First Friday event at the museum on October 7th. Visitors receive half off admission, with educational programming that includes learning about owls thanks to the Ohio Bird Sanctuary and a chance to dissect an owl pellet. 

Attend the Fall Family Festival (Oct, 15) at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary for special programming and to get an up close view of the resident birds. Don’t forget about the Keeper Talks offered each Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and again on Sundays at 1 p.m. where the bird handlers are on site where you’ll be educated and entertained while learning interesting avian facts. There’s also a fun Fall Evening Camp offered Oct. 22 with games, a night hike, crafts and more. 

Trick or Treat

Check out our Events Page for a full listing of Halloween events.

Art, Music & Theatre

The Eyes Mind, Marcus Blackwell and Joseph Maiback exhibits will be leaving the Mansfield Art Center this month and will be replaced by a Plein Air Society exhibit (Oct.19). This juried selection is provided by artists from around the state who enjoy painting outside in the open air. 

Broadway’s Rock of Ages and American Idol Icon heartthrob, Constantine Maroulis, will take to the stage at the Renaissance Theatre to present Foreigners Journey on October 1 while Terry Lee Goffee presents The World’s Premier Johnny Cash Tribute on October 28th honoring the Man in Black.

The cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show takes the stage at the Renaissance Theatre on Oct. 29th for one night.

Shop Local

Grab your significant other or a few friends and head to the Carrousel District for the First Friday Shop Hop (Oct. 7). This is the final month to shop for your fresh produce at the Summer Market in the Historic Carrousel District at 3rd Cup Tea each Saturday in October from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Calendar of Events

For the most up-to-date event listings, live music and other community events, visit our ever-changing Calendar of Events at DestinationMansfield.com.

Image by Larry White from Pixabay

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