Free events in Ontario, OH

Explore daily life in the 18th and 19th centuries as living history reenactors share the crafts, skills, and stories of early America. Throughout the day, see traditional trades in action, including blacksmithing and open hearth cooking demonstrations. Take in civilian and military reenactments, and look for games and activities designed for children. Admission and parking are free. A food truck will be available for visitors. Reenactors are provided setup support as well as water, firewood, and restroom facilities.

Experiment with book-page art in a relaxed, drop-in session where you draw or paint directly on a page using any medium you prefer. Choose to portray a raven, a lantern, explore abstract patterns, or create anything your imagination suggests. This Creation Station class is free, welcomes all ages and abilities, and requires no registration. Guests may bring their own food and beverages to enjoy while working. The series is supported by United Way of North Central Ohio, and donations are appreciated.

Put your knowledge to the test at this monthly trivia series presented by the Ashland County Historical Society and hosted at Ohio Fire. Participation is free, but seating is limited, so table reservations are available by calling (419) 903-0084. Teams can include up to eight players to keep the competition fair and fun. Searching for answers online is not allowed and repeated violations may result in disqualification. Create a standout team name, because the hosts at Ohio Fire will award extra points to the most creative one. For questions, contact the Ashland County Historical Society at achs@ashlandhistory.org or 419-289-3111.

Offered in collaboration with OhioHealth Fitness Center, this weekly wellness session features a relaxed walk of about three quarters of a mile through the gardens at Kingwood, followed by a 10 minute stretch designed to support muscle tone, flexibility, and range of motion. The experience aims to leave participants feeling renewed in body and mind. Dress for the weather and wear supportive, comfortable shoes. Members attend free, nonmembers pay $10, and SilverSneakers participants may attend at no cost with a valid member number and card at check in. Registration is handled one week at a time rather than for the entire series, with spots opening the week prior, and drop ins may be accommodated if space allows. For questions, contact Kingwood Center Gardens.

Explore a weekly card show at Counterbalance Brewing Company featuring Pokémon, trading card games, and sports cards. Browse a rotating selection of tables each week, enjoy prize giveaways and other special happenings, and take advantage of free admission. The brewery offers food and drinks, and the gathering welcomes attendees of all ages.

This event has no entry fee and welcomes the general public. Anyone may participate.

A creative workshop exclusively for teens invites participants to make art, try out unfamiliar materials, and explore new ideas alongside other teens. Snacks are available, and imagination is encouraged. Registration is free for ages 13 to 19 and includes admission to the museum. Walk-ins are welcome.

Richland County residents are invited to enjoy a free community meal held on the second Thursday of each month. Enter through the back of the building to reach the community room. Doors open before the meal begins, and to-go boxes are available later during the event.

Art Possible Ohio and the Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center present a ReelAbilities Film Festival Columbus program spotlighting autism through a curated slate of short films, followed by a conversation with curator Tristan Turner. The lineup includes Boys, Key of Genius, Bubble Boy, Once More, Like Rain Man, Hole, Late Diagnosed, and Act Natural. These stories span a student seeking calm away from a hectic classroom, the musical connection between a teacher and a blind autistic savant in 1980s London, a young artist who communicates through drawing, an actor confronting casting stereotypes, an adult shadowed by a mysterious hole, a personal look at auditory processing disorder and late diagnosis, and the inner work of navigating everyday conversation. Admission is free and open to everyone, and registration is requested due to limited seating. Open captions and assistive listening will be provided, and ramps are located on the east side of the building. For access requests, email info@ArtPossibleOhio.org at least two weeks in advance. Questions can be directed to Nikki Swift at info@ArtPossibleOhio.org or 380.799(MAKE).