Two free fall festivals land in Lewis Center on Sept. 26 and Sept. 27, giving families a jump on the season before the Columbus Zoo's Halloween and lantern events, giving families a jump on the season before Boo at the Zoo opens Oct. 3.

Highbanks Metro Park hosts its Welcome to Fall celebration Saturday, Sept. 26, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Big Meadows Picnic Area, 9466 Columbus Pike. The lineup includes hayrides, inflatables, campfires with marshmallows and archery, according to Orange Township's events page. A free outdoor screening of "Zootopia 2" (rated PG) follows at approximately 7:45 p.m. The township's events page bills it as Highbanks' biggest event of the year.

Orange Township's Founders Festival runs Sunday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. at North Road Park, 5864 North Rd. The festival features bounce houses, games, a pumpkin patch, food trucks and a township plow truck that kids can paint. Admission is free.

At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Powell Road, two seasonal events follow closely. Boo at the Zoo opens Saturday, Oct. 3, and runs weekends only through Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Adventure Cove region. The Halloween event, described by the zoo's website as "merry-not-scary," includes a trick-or-treat trail, giant pumpkin carving, a character ambassador meet-and-greet and a fun house. Costumes are welcome. Boo at the Zoo is included with regular zoo admission.

The zoo's Lantern Festival is already underway and continues Thursday through Sunday evenings, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., through Oct. 25, featuring more than 70 sets of Asian lanterns that depict wildlife scenes alongside new dinosaur displays, the Columbus Dispatch reported.

As we reported Sept. 22, the zoo is also planning a yearlong centennial celebration beginning Dec. 31.

Upcoming fall events

  • Saturday, Sept. 26: Welcome to Fall, Highbanks Metro Park, 5–7:30 p.m. (free)
  • Sunday, Sept. 27: Orange Township Founders Festival, North Road Park, 2–5 p.m. (free)
  • Oct. 3–25 (weekends): Boo at the Zoo, Columbus Zoo, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (included with admission)
  • Through Oct. 25 (Thu.–Sun.): Lantern Festival, Columbus Zoo, 7:30–10:30 p.m. ($25.95–$28.95)