Events in Mansfield, OH

Experience parts of downtown that are usually out of sight with a behind the scenes look at hidden rooms and rarely seen floors. Some areas have been closed off for a while, while others have been refreshed into spaces that look ready for a magazine spread. Admission is $10. The tour coincides with Final Friday and Flannel Fest, and both are DORA days.

Downtown Ashland comes alive for Final Friday, featuring the return of the Hidden Spaces Upstairs Tour and extended hours at downtown shops. It offers a convenient evening option for those who miss regular hours, with time to explore stores and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. As a DORA occasion, adults may purchase a beverage and carry it with them while they browse.

The September edition of Final Friday at The Brickyard in downtown Mansfield features three live performances and food trucks. The lineup includes Jody & Najee, Frank Boyd Jr, and Austin & The Syd Experience as this summer series continues. Sponsors include Blue Scope Recycling, Ideal Electric Company, Ohio Eye Associates, Phoenix Brewing Company, Purdy Construction, and Spherion MidOhio.

Downtown comes alive for Flannel Fest, a fall celebration that goes beyond a typical shop hop. Attendees are encouraged to wear flannel and explore downtown, where specials, giveaways, and flannel-themed extras create a festive atmosphere. Expect plenty of seasonal fun and more, including a DORA, as the community celebrates the arrival of autumn.

D&D with Joe offers a flexible drop in or drop out campaign set in a grim, politically tangled realm made entirely of candy. Bring a third level character and prepare for reckless assignments from rival houses, power plays against rulers and rogues, and heist-like plans that turn gathered resources into bold infiltrations of seemingly unbreachable strongholds as you try to sway a fractured kingdom or even seize its sugar coated throne. Play emphasizes curious places and eccentric personalities while gradually unveiling each heroes' backstory and the bittersweet core of the setting, a path that may end in a move to unseat the candy realm's overlord. The tone leans secretive, suspicious, and occasionally treacherous. Creativity is rewarded, but the world beneath the frosting is brutal, and small slights can lead to knives in broad daylight later on. Participation is limited to seven players. Contact Joe Seals on Facebook or @tydoxo (Jow S) on Discord for details.

Slip into neon and leg warmers for a high-energy 80s throwback at Loft & Rails Wedding and Event Center. A live DJ will keep the dance floor moving with classic hits from the decade, while drinks and food are available to fuel the fun. Expect a nostalgic vibe, plenty of dancing, and music that keeps the party going all night.

At the Phoenix in downtown Mansfield, the place where the name began, brews and tunes come together with a bluesy feel.

This session features open play for Warhammer 40,000. Shop sets will be available to use.

Pride at Home is a supportive group for parents, caregivers, and families of LGBTQIA+ youth, focused on building understanding and everyday support. Through a series of 10 guided modules, participants explore core concepts and language around identity, open communication and trust, mental health, advocacy, reflecting on personal beliefs and values, fostering affirming home environments, and related topics. Each session offers a welcoming, nonjudgmental setting to ask questions, compare experiences, pick up practical tools and resources, and connect with a network of support. Whether beginning this learning journey or continuing alongside a child, the group is open to everyone.

Open Mic Night at The 101 Tea Company welcomes singers, poets, comedians, and musicians to share their work in a friendly, relaxed setting. Enjoy performances by local artists along with good drinks and upbeat energy. Anyone interested in taking the mic can sign up at the door, with spots given on a first come basis. Bring an instrument or simply your voice and contribute to an evening of creativity and connection.

Presented by the Richland Early American Center for History, this heritage gathering offers an immersive look at 18th and 19th century American life through living history interpreters. Explore period crafts and trades, watch blacksmithing and open hearth cooking in action, take part in games and children’s activities, and experience civilian and military reenactments throughout the day. Admission and parking are free. A food truck will be available for visitors. Reenactors can expect water, wood, and restroom facilities on site, along with a food truck during the event.

A kids self-defense session hosted at Mansfield Martial Arts Center.

Richland Young Professionals presents a downtown bar crawl with a mini golf twist, featuring a custom nine hole putting course spread across favorite local bars, restaurants, and businesses. The route begins at The Phoenix Brewing Company and sends teams of four from stop to stop to putt and compete for top score. Creativity is part of the fun, with coordinated themes and costumes encouraged and awards for Best Score, Best Costume, and Best Team Name. A team ticket includes entry for four players, food and drink tickets, a custom RYP swag bag, access to all nine putting stops, and eligibility for prizes. Whether you are serious about your short game or simply in the spirit for a pre Halloween hop, this crawl blends friendly competition with local flavor throughout downtown Mansfield.

The Kevin Prater Band brings a seasoned bluegrass sound to Paradise Church, led by Kevin Prater, whose musical path began at age seven and now spans 47 years. He has performed across 49 states and 24 countries, and is widely recognized for a 12-year tenure with the James King Band that yielded multiple award-winning projects, including two Album of the Year honors along with Song of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year accolades. He also earned a Banjo Player of the Year nomination during three years with The Bluegrass Brothers, and has toured with many other bluegrass greats. Now in its 17th year, the band delivers a high-energy blend rooted in coal fired Kentucky bluegrass while weaving in classic country, bluegrass gospel, original material, and vintage rock reimagined in a bluegrass style. Their road work has been extensive, including more than 100 shows in 2024 and 90 in 2025, and they served as the three day feature band at the Blueberry Bluegrass Festival in Edmonton, Alberta. The group is completing its first all original recording, produced by Kevin at his Music Makers studio. The lead single, "Kentucky Mountain Memories," debuted in 2024 and rose to number 6 on the Roots Music Charts. On stage are Kevin on mandolin, Dalton Smith on guitar, Larry Cadle on bass, Codie Allen on banjo, and Eb Sunders on fiddle. Dalton, from Alderson, West Virginia, also works as a staff musician at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede in Tennessee when not touring. Larry, from Galion, Ohio, draws on a range of musical influences with a strong bluegrass core. Codie, from Campbellsville, Kentucky, is a recent graduate of a bluegrass program at Campbellsville Community College. Eb, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, is 16 and a sophomore at Chattanooga State Community College studying criminal justice, and is the son of Owen Saunders, who previously performed with Kevin in the James King Band. Every member sings and plays multiple instruments, adding rich harmony and versatility to the performance.

Test your knowledge at a free team trivia night presented by the Ashland County Historical Society and Ohio Fire. Form a team of up to eight players and compete for the Trivia Champion title in a friendly, fair setting. Seating is limited, so reserve a table by calling Ohio Fire at (419) 903-0084. To keep the competition fun and equitable, looking up answers during play is not allowed, and repeated attempts to search for answers may lead to disqualification. Bring a creative team name, because the hosts will award bonus points for the most imaginative one. For questions, contact achs@ashlandhistory.org or 419-289-3111.

Celebrate Pumpkinfest with a hands-on needle felting class at Tin Can Chandelier. Local fiber artist Ginger Stoops will guide participants through foundational techniques to sculpt charming autumn pumpkins, a seasonal accent for a table centerpiece or mantel display. The session lasts two hours and is open to ages 10 and up. The cost is $30 plus tax. Participants will gain skills they can apply to future needle felting projects. Please note that the needles used are very sharp. Needles can be borrowed for use during class, and all other materials are included. Attendees are welcome to bring a favorite beverage or snack.

The second round of Sheldon Haudenschild's NOS Energy Drink Buckeye Brawl marks the return of the World of Outlaws to Mansfield Speedway for the first time since 1981.

Back at the Loudonville Street Fair, the performers return to rock once again.

This final Cars & Coffee of the season offers a relaxed morning at the Parts Superstore lot with conversation, coffee, and a wide mix of vehicles. Enthusiasts arrive with project builds and daily drivers, while others simply walk the lineup to see what’s on display. Sponsored by @ironwing_parts. Additional details will be shared.

Celebrate the 11th Annual Trunk or Treat with a family friendly Halloween afternoon filled with games, spooky music, tasty food, and plenty of candy. This free community event welcomes kids of all ages. Costumes are encouraged, and fun surprises will add to the festive spirit.

Now in its 13th year, this regional fiber marketplace fills the Arts & Crafts Building at the Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield with makers, growers, and small businesses. Browse raw plant and animal fibers, handspun, mill spun, and hand dyed yarns, along with tools and supplies for spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, and felting. Discover dyes, kits, fiber art equipment, and distinctive handmade pieces. Throughout the weekend, enjoy live demonstrations, meet fiber animals up close, enter a raffle, and find meals and treats from food trucks. It is a convenient chance to stock up on materials, explore a new craft, or get an early start on holiday gifting, all under one roof. Admission and parking are free. Vendor notice: participation is handled only through the official application on the event website, not through social media comments or messages. Be mindful of scams.

A masquerade ball hosted by the Mirage Club offers an elegant evening where guests are asked to wear formal attire. Food and refreshments will be available. Tickets are $50 if purchased before the deadline and $60 afterward, and tickets will not be sold at the door. Reservations are available for full tables of eight only. A hotel room block is available at Quality Inn & Suites under the Mirage Club name, with rates of $99 for a double and $119 for a suite, plus tax. Proceeds benefit May Chapter No. 62 Order of the Eastern Star, supporting scholarship and charity funds. For tickets, contact Ernie Gordon at 419-529-9587, Danielle Saffold at 419-610-6627, Robert Westerfield at 419-610-8798, Carmen Willis at 419-989-1514, Renae Willis at 419-564-7896, Jimmy Willis at 419-564-7892, William (Redd) Baker at 567-307-1904, or Christa Parnell at 419-610-6257, or reach out to a Mirage Club member.

Now in its third year, this local favorite brings families together for a safe, festive evening featuring decorated trunks, lots of candy, and tasty food for everyone. Kids can wear their costumes in a friendly setting while parents enjoy a relaxed Halloween tradition. Guests are encouraged to arrive hungry, dress up, and be ready for a sweet night.

Women’s Leadership Connection is a monthly series created with women in mind and hosted by the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. Each gathering features meaningful networking, a motivational TED‑style talk, and opportunities to learn more about the local community. This session takes place at DLX in the Kobacker Room. Lunch is provided before the program. The specific program content will be announced. Admission is $20 per person, and attendance is open to everyone.

This celebration honors women who are making the community a better place. Nomination forms to put forward a Woman of Achievement will be available soon.

Settle in for an evening filled with live entertainment, tastings from local favorites, and a lively auction at the Mid Ohio Conference Center. Admission is $30 per person, with a higher price after the registration deadline. Each guest may sample one selection from every vendor, then explore a wide range of auction offerings that include weekend getaways, themed baskets, chocolates, gift cards, sports items, and more. The tasting experience spans appetizers and main dishes to pastries, desserts, and beverages. This event welcomes Chamber members as well as the general public. Sponsors include presenting sponsor Medical Mutual and souvenir glass sponsor Park National Bank.

Orders for the Ashland SWCD fall fish sale can be placed online or at the office, with pickup at the Ashland County Fairgrounds.

This trunk or treat returns with a free Halloween celebration for families. Costumes are encouraged and there will be lots of treats, playful scares, and big smiles to share. The festivities will go ahead regardless of the weather.

An annual evening featuring a parade of costumed children and trick-or-treating for little ghouls and goblins. A kid-friendly celebration focused on festive outfits and sweet treats.

Enjoy lunch in the parking lot at Newman Tech, opposite Rabel Machine in the airport business park.

Arrive in downtown Ashland ahead of the Costume Crawl for extra shopping time, and costumes are welcome. Downtown shops will stay open later, which makes it convenient to stop by after work if weekdays or weekends are packed. After browsing, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant. As part of Final Friday, this is a DORA event, so you can purchase an adult beverage and carry it with you while you sip and shop.

This downtown Halloween costume crawl is geared toward adults. Local restaurants feature food and drink specials and host contests throughout the night, and the yearly costume contest returns. Attendees may carry beverages during the crawl, since the evening is designated a DORA.

Enjoy a lunch gathering in the Newman Tech parking lot, directly across from Rabel Machine in the airport business park.

Create cozy fall decor at Tin Can Chandelier with a needle felting workshop led by local fiber artist Ginger Stoops. Over two hours, participants ages 10 and up will learn beginner techniques to shape charming felt pumpkins, perfect for a holiday centerpiece or mantel display. The skills taught can be applied to future projects after the class. All materials are provided, and felting needles are available to borrow during the session. Please note that the needles are extremely sharp, so careful attention is required. The experience offers a calm creative break for the fall season. The cost is $30 plus tax. Guests may bring a favorite beverage or snack.

Open Mic Night at The 101 Tea Company spotlights local performers in a relaxed, welcoming setting, inviting singers, poets, comedians, and musicians as well as anyone who enjoys a good show. Enjoy live acts, good drinks, and upbeat community energy. Performers can sign up at the door, with stage time given in order of arrival. Bring a voice or instrument and plenty of enthusiasm.

Settle in for Conservation Chat: Forest to Flask alongside the Ashland SWCD Annual Meeting, an evening that blends forest stewardship and bourbon craftsmanship. Learn about the white oak bourbon barrel shortage and how thoughtful oak forest management can help keep bourbon flowing. Bourbon samples from local distiller Minglewood will be available as the program highlights how strong roots in conservation support strong spirits. The gathering also recognizes the people advancing conservation in the community. Attendees can vote in the Ashland SWCD Board Election, recognize the 2026 Annual Award winners: Sundance Valley Farm, Twin Oak Farm, and Mapleton Cares Day, and toast the many partners driving this work, including local H2Ohio participants, dedicated cover crop producers, and students recognized through the Ashland SWCD County FFA Soils Contest. A blend of learning, celebration, and bourbon appreciation, it serves as a reminder that when forests thrive, communities, and glasses, remain full.

Experience the museum under black lights as exhibits take on a vivid new look. Wear bright white or neon clothing and enjoy music, games, crafts, and a movie with family and friends. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase throughout the event. Tickets are $10 per person for ages 2 and up, and this pricing applies to members as well.

Treat yourself before the Black Friday bustle during Pink Friday, a downtown Ashland celebration of small and local businesses. Shops and restaurants are offering specialty drinks for a DORA Day, along with shop specials, new releases, and more. The focus is on you, with plenty of ways to explore and support your favorite local spots.

This event provides volunteer supported Christmas shopping for kids ages 12 and younger. Each gift costs $25 or less, and items are wrapped on site before heading home. For questions, call 419-522-0099 or email info@downtownmansfield.com.

Participation costs $30, with capacity limited to 32 participants.

Black Friday in Ashland shifts the focus away from big box retailers and celebrates small, local, and distinctive businesses throughout downtown. Framed as a lead-in to Small Business Saturday, it highlights the many shops and restaurants that make the area a destination for visitors from near and far. There will be a variety of shopping specials across downtown. It is also a DORA Day.

Celebrate Black Friday in downtown Ashland by supporting local merchants and the Ashland economy. Instead of waiting for Small Business Saturday, enjoy the distinct downtown character that malls and big box stores cannot replicate. Downtown shops will be open later, making after work visits convenient and giving time to explore, then stay for a meal at a local restaurant. Final Fridays are also DORAs, so purchasing an adult beverage and carrying it with you while you sip and shop is permitted.

Buckeye Imagination Museum welcomes the season with an evening of family-friendly celebrations. Santa will make a special appearance, and a tree lighting adds a bright highlight. Seasonal craft activities encourage creativity, and the museum stays open for play after hours, creating a cozy way to mark the start of the holidays. Admission is free for members, and non-members pay general admission.

Children 12 and under can shop for Christmas gifts with guidance from volunteers, making it easy to pick out presents for loved ones. All items are priced at $25 or less, and every purchase is wrapped on site so gifts are ready to give. For questions, call 419-522-0099 or email info@downtownmansfield.com.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday in Downtown Ashland by supporting locally owned shops. Bring family and friends, take a relaxed stroll through downtown, and work off that turkey while browsing and buying from neighborhood retailers. It is also a DOA Day, with a little extra good cheer on hand.

At the Tiny Tim Shoppe, children ages 12 and under can choose holiday presents with support from friendly volunteers. Every item is priced at $25 or less, and gifts are wrapped at the shop so they are ready to give. For more information, call 419-522-0099 or email info@downtownmansfield.com.

An open mic at The 101 Tea Company offers a casual stage for singers, poets, comedians, and musicians. The evening features live sets from local performers, a relaxed atmosphere, and drinks. Performers can sign up at the door, and spots are given in the order people arrive. Bring your voice or your instrument and take the mic.

An annual holiday celebration fills downtown Mansfield with family-friendly cheer, highlighted by a Christmas tree lighting. Richland Carrousel Park becomes a centerpiece of the festivities with carriage rides, photos with Santa, and other seasonal activities.

At Tiny Tim Shoppe, children 12 and under can choose Christmas gifts with help from volunteers. Each item is priced at $25 or less, and purchases are wrapped on site so surprises are ready to give. For questions, call 419-522-0099 or email info@downtownmansfield.com.

A festive evening in downtown Ashland features a Christmas parade, a tree lighting, and fireworks, creating a picture perfect holiday celebration.

Richland Academy of the Arts presents The Nutcracker, brought to life with Tchaikovsky’s celebrated music. The story follows Clara after a mysterious Christmas Eve gift sends her on an imaginative journey through the shimmering Land of Snow and into the delightful Kingdom of Sweets, where the Sugar Plum Fairy and a cast of colorful characters await. Local dancers power the performance with expressive choreography, vivid costumes, and inventive staging on the Renaissance Theatre stage. A beloved seasonal tradition for families in the community, this production captures the joy and wonder of the holidays and offers a memorable experience for first-time attendees and longtime fans of the ballet alike.

Returning for a third straight year by popular demand, this class has become a holiday tradition at Tin Can. Take a relaxing break from the season while making charming needle-felted cookie ornaments for the tree or for gifting. Ginger teaches the basics step by step so everyone can create treats that look delicious but last year after year. The project is beginner friendly and equally suitable for experienced needle felters. Choose from more than twenty festive cookie-cutter shapes, including Santa, snowmen, gingerbread figures, and snowflakes, with new designs added each year. All core materials are provided, and needle felting needles plus extra yarn are available to take home. Non-alcoholic punch will be available, personal beverages are welcome, and bringing holiday cookies to share is encouraged.

Experience a private photography session inside the historic Mansfield Reformatory, the filming location for the movie Shawshank Redemption. PPO has reserved the entire facility exclusively for the group, opening areas that are not part of regular public tours. Bring your own models to photograph and explore at your own pace. Personal lighting is encouraged as long as it is portable. Participants may also follow other photographers to observe different techniques for shooting in the prison.