Celebrate Fall with Seasonal Events Throughout Cleveland Metroparks Fall

As the leaves begin to change and cooler temperatures arrive, Cleveland Metroparks is welcoming the season with a variety of fall-themed events and activities for guests of all ages. From seasonal clambakes to FallFest in Brecksville Reservation and celebrating Oktoberfest at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation, guests can enjoy live music, seasonal activities, food, family fun, and opportunities to experience the changing season throughout Cleveland Metroparks.

Clambakes Return to Merwin’s Wharf and The Galley

 A seasonal favorite returns to Cleveland Metroparks this fall with clambakes at both Merwin’s Wharf and The Galley at the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center. Merwin’s Clambake will be offered Fridays and Saturdays from September 11 through September 26, beginning at 4 p.m. Clambakes at The Galley will be offered Fridays and Saturdays from October 2 through October 17, beginning at 4 p.m.

Reservations are required and can be made online, with a $50 deposit due at the time of booking. The $42 clambake dinner includes a dozen clams with drawn butter, roasted redskin potatoes, half an ear of corn with butter, a roasted chicken half, kielbasa sausage, a cup of clam chowder and a dinner roll. An additional dozen clams can be added for $12. For reservations and additional information, visit clevelandmetroparks.com.

Step Back in Time at FallFest

On Sunday, September 27, guests can connect with local history during FallFest, an 18th-century festival at the Meadows Picnic Area in Brecksville Reservation. Between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. bring the whole family to smell the wood smoke, taste the fresh-pressed cider, marvel at the magician, and so much more! In addition, food and souvenirs will be available for sale. Free parking is available on-site, with a shuttle available to transport guests from the Brecksville Nature Center parking lot.

Celebrate Fall at Oktoberfest at The Chalet

Fall festivities return to The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation with Oktoberfest at The Chalet on October 3 and October 17 from 3 to 7 p.m. The free, family-friendly celebration features live polka music, dancing, games, fall-themed photo areas, tractor-drawn hayrides, a traditional biergarten and German-inspired food from the Cleveland Metroparks Food Truck. Hayrides are offered on a first-come, first-served basis approximately every half hour. Wagons are ADA accessible and operate rain or shine.

Cast a Line at Fall Family Fishing Fest

Families can enjoy a day of fishing and outdoor fun at Fall Family Fishing Fest on Saturday, October 10, along the Ohio & Erie Canal just down the hill from CanalWay Center in Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation. Rainbow trout and catfish will be stocked prior to the event, giving anglers of all ages an opportunity to cast a line and try their luck.

Educational stations will offer families the chance to learn fishing skills and test their knowledge, while prizes will be awarded in several fishing categories for youth ages 15 and younger. Bait will be provided, and loaner fishing rods will be available while supplies last. Guests are encouraged to bring a rod and tackle, along with a cooler and ice to store their catch. Anglers age 16 and older must have a current Ohio fishing license.

The event is rain or shine, with the Cleveland Metroparks Food Truck available for food and golf cart shuttles provided for seniors and guests with disabilities.

Discover the Strange and Curious at Squire’s Castle

Get into the Halloween spirit at Curiosities at the Castle on Saturday, October 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Squire's Castle in North Chagrin Reservation. This free, family-friendly event invites guests to take a lantern-lit walk around and inside the iconic castle while exploring its history and legends, meeting mysterious creatures of the night, and uncovering curiosities from nature.

Bones, taxidermy, and other natural oddities will be on display during this eerie autumn evening, which also features food trucks and vendors. Costumes are encouraged for guests looking to add a little extra Halloween fun to the experience. The event includes paved and natural surfaces and a steep hill, with a total distance of up to one and a half miles.

Moonlight Golf Returns This Fall

Golfers can hit the links after dark this fall during Cleveland Metroparks popular Moonlight Golf events. Players can enjoy a unique evening round under the moonlight at three Metroparks courses, with upcoming events scheduled for September 11 at Shawnee Hills Golf Course, September 18 at Little Met Golf Course, and September 25 at Mastick Woods Golf Course. Halloween-themed Moonlight Golf returns to Shawnee Hills Golf Course on October 16 and 23. Guests will enjoy specialty decorations and a costume contest on these evenings. Tee times vary by date, with evening play beginning as early as 6:15 p.m. Registration is required.

For a complete list of fall events and programs throughout Cleveland Metroparks, visit clevelandmetroparks.com.

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