Autumn After Dark: Fall Fest at The Castle
Logo design by Emory Spitler
Celebrate Fall at The Castle
Following a successful inaugural Fall Fest that welcomed more than 200 guests, The Castle is excited to build on that momentum with an even bigger and better celebration this year!
Step into the magic of fall at this one-night-only event where history meets the spirit of the season. Enjoy delicious appetizers, listen to live music by local band R&R, and explore unique offerings from talented vendors from across the Mid-Ohio Valley. Throughout the evening, you'll also have the opportunity to experience exclusive themed tours of The Castle, available only during Fall Fest.
Whether you joined us last year or are attending for the first time, Fall Fest offers a memorable evening of history, community, seasonal flavors, and autumn fun—all set against the beautiful backdrop of one of the region's most treasured historic landmarks.
We can't wait to welcome you as we make this year's celebration our best yet!
What's Included with Your Reservation
Your reservation includes:
Live music throughout the evening
Delicious appetizers
Shopping with talented Mid-Ohio Valley vendors
An exclusive one-night-only themed tour of The Castle
One drink ticket (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
Food History Trivia Challenge with Prizes
A festive evening celebrating the arrival of autumn with friends, neighbors, and the community
Live Music by R&R
West Virginia natives Rick Poling and Roger Bush have been making music together since their youth. Their blend of vocals, piano, percussion, and classic favorites has made R&R a favorite throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.
Enjoy live music throughout the evening as they provide the soundtrack for Fall Fest.
Food History Trivia Challenge
Join Education Director Kyle Yoho, MA for a fun and engaging Food History Trivia Challenge! Experience one of The Castle's most popular educational offerings as you test your knowledge of the history behind the foods, drinks, and culinary traditions that have shaped the way we eat today. Inspired by the museum's sold-out tea and tours, popular Food History Dinners, and hands-on History Camp cooking classes, this interactive challenge is perfect for history buffs and food lovers alike. Top scorers will be eligible to win unique prizes—including a few treats that offer a taste of the past!
Starts at 8:00 p.m under the side yard tents during the band's intermission. Reminders and announcements will be made throughout the evening. No advance registration is required - simply join us when the trivia begins!
Castle Tours
Explore three iconic rooms of The Castle Museum during this year’s Fall Fest! This year’s tours are self-guided and at your own pace. Interpreters will be stationed throughout the rooms to share fascinating stories and insights about the rooms, objects, and people connected to this year’s theme. Discover The Castle from a new perspective.
This year’s One-Night-Only Themed Tours Will Be …
The “Modern Age” Comes To The Castle: 1910–1940
Step inside The Castle and discover how life changed during the fascinating years between the First and Second World Wars. From new forms of entertainment to changing attitudes toward drinking and increasingly elaborate dining customs, the 1920s and 1930s brought a new sense of modern life into American homes.
In the Sitting Room, discover how families entertained themselves before the age of television, with music, games, radio, reading, and other popular pastimes bringing people together at home.
In the Parlor, explore America's relationship with alcohol, focusing on whisky, throughout pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, and post-Prohibition. Learn about drinking culture, social customs, and the ways Americans enjoyed their drinks from 1910 through 1940.
At the Dining Room table, take a closer look at the standard and specialized utensils and serving pieces that transformed a meal into an occasion. Discover what all those unfamiliar pieces on a formal dinner table were actually used for—and what they reveal about the expectations of fine dining.
Join us for a glimpse into life at home between 1910 and 1940, when old traditions met a rapidly changing modern world.
Participating Vendors
Take a peek at some of this year's participating vendors!
Rob Gorrell – Handcrafted tin lanterns to brighten your home
Meredith Neal – Cozy sweaters and knit goods, perfect for fall evenings
Rhododendron Ice Cream – Scoops served fresh from their charming truck
Bud & Bird Cider – Locally crafted hard cider
Cornerstone Homestead – Natural goat milk soaps & lotions from their own herd
Lilahbloom Jewelry – Bold and beautiful polymer clay designs
Down the Rabbit Hole - Tea blends and herbal products
Reservation & Check-In Information
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Recommended for ages 18 and older.
Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.
Reservations will be accepted on the day of the event only if space remains available.
Once maximum capacity is reached, reservations will close.
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To make arrival as smooth as possible, guests who make advanced reservations have two convenient check-in options.
Option 1: Same-Day Early Pickup
Thursday, September 24
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Carriage House Visitor CenterGuests may pick up their:
Event ticket
Drink ticket
21+ wristband (with valid ID)
Then simply return later that evening and proceed directly into the event.
Please Note: Wristbands must either be applied during pickup or guests must present a valid photo ID upon arrival to receive their wristband.
Option 2: Early Evening Check-In
6:30–7:00 p.m.
Front Gates along Fourth StreetGuests arriving early are welcome to:
Check in
Visit participating vendors
Purchase beverages
Relax on the grounds before festivities begin
Food service, live music, and themed tours begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.
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Please have the following ready at check-in:
Reservation confirmation (printed or on your mobile device)
Valid government-issued photo ID
Guests will receive their drink ticket during check-in. Guests age 21 and older who present valid identification will also receive a drink wristband.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in supporting Fall Fest while promoting your business?
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Celebrate the Season with Us!
Gather your friends, enjoy a beautiful autumn evening at The Castle, and experience one of Marietta's most unique fall traditions.
Make your reservation today—space is limited!
Castle Members: Use code MEMBER10 at checkout for 10% discount.
Early Bird Registration Bonus! Register by Monday, Sept 14 and receive one FREE Castle Museum House Tour with each reservation purchased. Eligible reservations will be added to our complimentary House Tour guest list under the purchaser's name. Free tours may be redeemed at the Carriage House Visitor Center.
To schedule your House Tour, please call 740-373-4180.
Take a look back at last year:
