Correction appended
Athens residents cannot only tell it’s fall by the leaves changing color, but also by the number of festivals taking place throughout the season. Festivities in Athens range from tasting local cuisine and unique fruits to experiencing country music and the craziness of Halloween.
“The fall is really the most beautiful time of year to be in Athens,” Paige Alost, the executive director of the Athen’s Visitor’s Bureau, said in an email. “What makes our festivals extra special in the fall is the backdrop - whether you're on campus for Homecoming, at Lake Snowden for the Pawpaw Fest, or Nelsonville for Final Friday's, the color of the hills and the fresh cool air make Athens County really shine.”
1. Ohio Pawpaw Festival
The 18th Annual Pawpaw Festival, which will be held Sept. 16 to Sept. 18, offers Athens residents and students the opportunity to volunteer and camp at Lake Snowden during the weekend. The Pawpaw Festival celebrates a native tree fruit called the pawpaw. Hosted by the Ohio’s Hill Heritage Area Program, the Pawpaw Festival educates festgoers about native species in the Appalachian area.
“The Ohio pawpaw festival is fun for all ages of our community with plenty activities,” Jessica Held, the coordinator of the nonprofit booths of the Pawpaw festival said in an email.
In addition, each food vendor and Ohio Brewer will have a dish or brew made with a pawpaw, Held said.
2. Appalachian Color in the Hills Festival
Featuring helicopter rides, pumpkin drops and car shows, the Appalachian Color in the Hills Festival will take place Oct. 8 to Oct. 9 at Glouster Memorial Park.
Todd Berry, a country singer, will perform from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. at the event.
“I really love the Color in the Hills Festival held in Glouster,” Alost said in an email. “It's a beautiful time of year to be see fall colors and experience the spirit of the local community.”
3. Country Night Lights
Country Night Lights will have its second festival in Athens Sept. 23-24 with headliners Jake Owen and Brett Eldredge.
This year, the festival expanded from one day to two days. Country Night Lights also will host a bigger tailgate party this year and plans to improve the VIP sections at the festival, Jordan Canada, the social media director for Country Night Lights, said in an email.
“There's nothing like a country festival; the people there are some of the most fun people you can meet,” Canada said in an email. “The drinks are flowing all day, and there's just an atmosphere where you let loose and just have a great time.”
4. Ohio Smoked Meat and Barbecue Festival
Starting in 1996, the Ohio Smoked Meat and Barbecue Festival gives Nelsonville and Athens residents the chance to enter a barbecue competition.
Last year, the Grey Street BBQ won first place in overall ranking, American Dreams BBQ won first place in Barbecue Chicken and Historic BBQ won first place in the brisket section, according to Ohio Smoked Meat and Barbecue Festival’s website.
Ohio Smoked Meat and Barbecue Festival will also offer live music, a beer garden and food at Elk’s Lodge, 53 Hocking St.
5. 2016 Halloween Block Party
The Halloween Block Party, an Athens tradition starting in 1974, will take place this year on October 29. Jonathan Holmberg, the chairman of the Athens Clean and Safe Halloween Committee, said people never know what to expect when going to the party.
“No matter where you go in the country, if you mention you’re from Athens, Ohio, the first thing out of most people’s mouths is, ‘Oh you guys have an amazing Halloween party,’” Holmberg said. “Its reputation precedes it. A lot of people want to see what it’s all about.”
Holmberg said he always enjoys watching one of the largest street celebrations in the country and seeing the creative costumes that people wear.
“The fall is really the most beautiful time of year to be in Athens,” Alost said in an email. “What makes our festivals extra special in the fall is the backdrop - whether you're on campus for Homecoming, at Lake Snowden for the Pawpaw Fest, or Nelsonville for Final Friday's, the color of the hills and the fresh cool air make Athens County really shine.”
@jess_hillyeah
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated a canceled event was set to take place. The story has been updated to show the most accurate information.
