MANSFIELD — Make the most of your fall days before winter gets here! The Destination Mansfield – Richland County calendar is full of live performances, traditional fall events, and the beginning of Christmas activities.
Learn something new! Come and listen to the TEDxMansfield (Nov 3) speakers for free at the Renaissance Theatre. Learn about the craftsmanship behind Mansfield’s famous carousel and see how a new, carved wooden carousel get made with Free Tours at Carousel Works (Nov 10). Discover the art of cooking like a pioneer at Malabar Farm State Park. Put together a traditional Thanksgiving feast without the trappings of the modern kitchen at the Hearthside Cooking Workshop (Nov 3-4) and Hearth and History (Nov 10-11) at Malabar Farm State Park. Heart and History attendees will also take a guided tour of The Big House. Explore the Ohio State Reformatory as they once again open their doors seven days a week for their Holiday Tours (Nov 24-Dec 17, 11 am to 4 pm). Discover the healing powers of nature at the make your own salve workshop at Kingwood Center Gardens (Nov 3). Have an interest in the cosmetic arts? The Mansfield Barber Expo (Nov 18) at the historic Ohio State Reformatory promises to be a day full of barber battles, educational seminars, product demos, platform artists and giveaways.
Still looking for something spooky as the days get shorter? Your last chance to Escape from Blood Prison is Nov 1-4. Grab your flashlight and explore the Haunted Capital of Ohio. Walk through the darkened halls of the Haunted Bissman Building for their last Public Ghost Walk (Nov 3) of the season. Take a guided Ghost Walk at The Ohio State Reformatory (Nov 30) or learn the basics of paranormal investigation during their late night Ghost Hunt Challenge (Nov 17, 24).
Get out of the cold and see a show. Come enjoy the monstrously amusing antics of the infamous Victor Frankenstein’s grandson with Young Frankenstein at the Mansfield Playhouse (Nov 2-4). The always loveable Annie: The Musical takes the stage at the Renaissance Theatre (Nov 10-11, 17-18). You can also catch the latest showing in the year-long Stephen King Film Festival: The Mist (Nov 15) at the Renaissance Theatre. Enjoy a different kind of show at the Mansfield Toy, Collectible, and Sportscard Show (Nov 4). Toy collectors and fans of pop culture memorabilia won’t want to miss this one-day event at the Richland County Fairgrounds.
Start the holiday season right. Head out to Snow Trails Ski Resort for their season kickoff Zozo Party (Nov 3). Enjoy live music, food, drinks, and a huge bonfire to awaken Ullr, the Norse mythological shepherd of snow. The Polar Xpress is coming to town. Downtown Shelby will be filled with smiles as your kids get the chance to meet Santa, Rudolph, the Grinch, and more familiar faces at the Ashland Railway’s Polar Xpress and SABG’s Moments of Christmas Magic (Nov 18) in Downtown Shelby. Your kids will also love Elf The Musical Jr (Nov 30, Dec 1, Dec 7-8,14-16) presented by the Mansfield Playhouse. Then let your little ones shop for you at the Tiny Tim Shoppe (Nov 24, Nov 30-Dec 1, Dec 7-8, 14-15, 21-22) at 128 N. Main Street. Volunteers will assist children ages 12 and under to shop and wrap gifts (all under $10) for their parents on-site.