When the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, you know it’s fall event season in Belmont County.

Our hillsides transform into a canvas of color, our towns fill with the aroma of seasonal treats, and our communities come alive with festivals that celebrate the best of small-town Ohio. From time-honored traditions to quirky contests and pumpkin-filled fun, autumn here is about more than scenery–it’s about gathering together, making memories, and welcoming visitors to experience the spirit of Belmont County.

The Barnesville Pumpkin Festival has been a hallmark of fall in eastern Ohio for more than six decades, drawing families, friends, and visitors from across the state and region. This year’s celebration takes place September 25-28 in historic downtown Barnesville, and it promises to be one of the best weekends of the season.

I am especially honored to be cutting the ribbon at this year’s opening ceremony–kicking off four days of fun, tradition, and community pride.

What makes the Pumpkin Festival so special isn’t just the giant gourds or the pumpkin pie (although those are some of my favorites!)–it’s the way the community comes together to make it happen. For generations, local volunteers have poured their time and heart into this event, ensuring that every detail–from the parades to the contests to the food booths–creates a welcoming, small-town atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year.

Of course, no Pumpkin Festival would be complete without the famous King Pumpkin Weigh-Off. It’s the moment everyone talks about–watching those massive gourds hit the scales and waiting to see which one will be crowned the King Pumpkin. Last year, the winning entry tipped the scales at nearly a ton! The King Pumpkin will be proudly on display all weekend, making for the perfect photo opportunity. And if you can’t make it in person to watch the weigh-off, the Tourism Office live streams the event on our Facebook page, where viewers as far away as Alaska have tuned in to share in the excitement.

But pumpkins aren’t the only stars of the show. Visitors can enjoy everything from quirky contests (hog calling, anyone?) to toe-tapping music, a bustling craft market, the classic car show, and, of course, the Giant Pumpkin Parade that fills the streets with hometown pride. And let’s not forget the food–pumpkin rolls, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin pie–oh my! All the festival favorites taste even better when enjoyed outdoors on a crisp fall afternoon.

The Barnesville Pumpkin Festival is more than an event–it’s a tradition. It’s about celebrating harvest season, showcasing community spirit, and welcoming visitors to experience the warmth of Belmont County.

Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, I invite you to join me in Barnesville for a weekend full of pumpkins, parades, and memories in the making.

To find out more about all upcoming events happening in Belmont County, go to our website at visitbelmontcounty.com. Also, if you are planning events, please use the calendar event submission form on our website. We are your community partner, and here to help promote all the upcoming events happening right here, in friendly, beautiful, Belmont County.

Each month this space will be devoted to a column written by Jackee Pugh, executive director of the Belmont County Tourism Council. She will provide information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She will share information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.