Fall Festival of Leaves 2026: Your Guide to Bainbridge, Ohio's Biggest Weekend

Every October, the little town of Bainbridge becomes one of Southern Ohio's busiest places. The Fall Festival of Leaves turns downtown into a three-day celebration of autumn, crafts, food, and community, and this year it's happening October 16 to 18, 2026. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, here's what to know before you go.

The Basics

  • When: Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18, 2026
  • Where: Downtown Bainbridge, Ohio, known locally as "Leaf Country, U.S.A."
  • Cost: Admission to the festival is listed as free
  • Good for: Families, couples, friends, and anyone who loves fall in Southern Ohio

What's Happening at the Festival

The festival offers something for almost everyone. Past festivals have featured:

  • Arts and crafts vendors and a flea market
  • Live entertainment
  • Midway rides and games for the kids
  • Parades
  • An antique tractor show and an antique and classic car show
  • A log sawing contest
  • A 5K run
  • Plenty of food vendors serving up classic festival favorites

Don't Miss the Skyline Drives

One of the best parts of the festival has nothing to do with downtown at all. The festival committee promotes four self-guided "Skyline Drive" scenic tours through the hills surrounding Bainbridge, so you can see the fall colors at their peak. Grab a map, roll down the windows, and make an afternoon of it. If you're a leaf-peeper, this is the real attraction.

A Little History

The festival has been going strong since 1968, when the Bainbridge Lions Club planned the first one to showcase the area's natural beauty. More than five decades later, it's grown into one of Southern Ohio's best-known fall festivals, with event listings reporting more than 100,000 visitors each October.

Tips for Enjoying the Weekend

  • Check the schedule before you go. Times and events can change from year to year, so visit fallfestivalofleaves.com or follow the festival committee on Facebook for the latest.
  • Arrive early. Parking fills up quickly, especially on Saturday.
  • Dress in layers. October weather in Southern Ohio can swing from chilly mornings to warm afternoons.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. You'll do a lot of walking between the vendors, the midway, and the car show.
  • Plan a drive. Save a little time for at least one Skyline Drive while the colors are at their best.

Make a Day of It: Support Local Businesses

Festival weekend is a great time to shop small. While you're out enjoying the colors, take a little time to visit some of the local businesses that make this area special:

  • Rainsboro Produce: Stop in for fresh, local goodness to take home from your fall outing.
  • Country Crust Bakery: Treat yourself to something from a local bakery, whether it's for the ride home or for the weekend ahead.
  • JR's General Store: A great stop for a small-town shopping experience while you're exploring the area.

When you spend your money close to home, it helps keep these family-run places going strong. Call ahead or check their social pages for current hours, since weekend schedules can vary during busy festival weekends.

Thinking About Calling This Area Home?

A weekend like this reminds us why so many people love living in Southern Ohio: small-town traditions, beautiful scenery, and neighbors who show up for each other. If a trip to Bainbridge has you thinking about making a move, we'd love to help you find your place here.

🏡 Search homes for sale in Bainbridge and across Southern Ohio

📞 Call or text Bryan: 937-776-3405 📞 Call or text Rene: 937-205-6513 🌐 VanceTeamRealtors.com

Have a great time at the festival, and enjoy the colors!

Vance Team Realtors — Serving Highland, Clinton, Adams, Brown, Ross, Fayette, and Pike County, Ohio