AUBURN CORD DUESENBERG FESTIVAL
August 31–September 2
Car enthusiasts, point your hood ornaments toward Auburn, Indiana, this Labor Day weekend. This popular festival features a classic car show, car cruise-ins, a Fast & Fabulous car show, parades, concerts, food, two world-famous collector car auctions and more. acdfestival.org
CLEVELAND NATIONAL AIR SHOW
September 2–4
Up in the air about flying exhibitions? This air show at Burke Lakefront Airport along the shores of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland will send those feelings soaring. Among the high-lights will be appearances by the US Air Force Thunderbirds and the US Army Golden Knights Precision Parachute Team. clevelandairshow.com
BANDS AND BBQ AT THE POINT
September 8–9
Show up hungry to Carrollton, Kentucky’s Point Park for a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned contest. Be assured, there will be plenty to eat. You can burn off the calories dancing (or at least tapping your toes) to live music on both days. visitcarrolltonky.com/events, facebook.com/bandsandbbqcarrolltonky
OHIO RIVER STERNWHEEL FESTIVAL
September 8–10
Big wheels keep on turning at the Ohio River Levee in Marietta, Ohio, when more than 30 paddlewheelers will line the riverbank. Tours, a car show and food vendors will keep you busy until your day ends with an amazing fireworks display. sternwheel.org
OKTOBERFEST ZINZINNATI
September 14–17
Yes, it’s time for part of downtown Cincinnati to transform into a colorful Bavarian village serving up German-style food, entertainment and beer. Boasting to be America’s largest Oktoberfest, this fantastic party will transport you to Germany—no passport needed. oktoberfestzinzinnati.com
OGLEBAY FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL
September 16
Prepare to chow down during this gathering of cuisine conveyances at Oglebay, Wheeling, West Virginia’s 2,000-acre public park. The food choices will be varied, and beverages also will be available. To keep the kids engaged, there will be an inflatable fun zone and face painting. oglebay.com/fall-food-truck-festival, 877/436-1797
WORLD CHICKEN FESTIVAL
September 21–24
Which came first: the Colonel or the egg? Downtown London, Kentucky celebrates the life of Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Home to the World’s Largest Stainless Steel Skillet, the event features a Colonel Sanders look-alike contest, carnival rides, cooking contests, kid-centric activities and much more. chickenfestival.com
LEAF PEEPERS FESTIVAL
September 22–24
Ready, set, peep! Tucker County, West Virginia, is almost heaven for fans of foliage. The town of Davis, at an elevation of 3,200 feet in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, promises leaf peepers colorful views, custom crafts and locally made craft ales along the beautiful Blackwater River. wvtourism.com/event/leaf-peepers-festival-2
MOUNTAIN BIKE WORLD CUP
September 27–October 1
Mountain Bikers descend on Snowshoe, West Virginia, as Snowshoe Mountain hosts the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Mountain Bike World Series downhill, cross country and short-track racing. snowshoemtn.com/things-to-do/events
2023 CINCINNATI MOON FESTIVAL
September 30
Celebrate the Cincinnati region’s Chinese community, its traditions and the arrival of the autumn harvest moon. This family-friendly event at Fountain Square features food, fun and entertainment, including live performances that combine music with storytelling about the Asian-American experience. visitcincy.com/vibe/events/cincinnati-moon-festival
NATIONAL TRAILFEST
October 5–7
Off-roaders can challenge the world-famous Hatfield–McCoy Trails near Gilbert, West Virginia, during this premier event for side-by-side, ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts. hatfieldmccoycvb.com/event/national-trailfest
BOURBON ON THE BANKS
October 7
Spend a Saturday afternoon on the banks of the Kentucky River at River View Park in downtown Frankfort sampling dozens of bourbons. Area microbreweries and wineries will also be giving samples. Don’t worry about lunch; there will be food tents and food trucks available, too. Be sure to bring your designated driver! bourbononthebanks.org/festival
MOUNTAIN STATE APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL
October 19–22
How do you like them apples? Head for Martinsburg, West Virginia, for all things apple—from apple pie baking and apple photography contests to an apple-themed parade and pageant. msahf.com
BRIDGE DAY
October 21
Take your fun to new heights with a BASE jump off the New River Gorge Bridge. Or, maybe simply watch others do it as you enjoy the spectacular views of the gorge from up high, visit with local artisans, participate in the 5K and explore Fayetteville, West Virginia. officialbridgeday.com
