The Wayfarers bluegrass group performs for attendees at a past Backwoods Fest. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

Backwoods Fest started in 1995 with a group of family-and-friends campers who loved music, food, arts and crafts and just hanging out with each other.

Now in its 30th year, Backwoods Fest in Thornville is planned to be bigger than ever. Held the third weekend of September, this year’s event is Sept. 19, 20 and 21.

The unique festival combines arts and crafts, music, culture, food and socializing in a relaxed, wooded setting on 15 acres near Buckeye Lake. The event draws thousands of people each year.

For many, it’s the event that heralds the beginning of autumn, cooler weather and a marked change in the seasons. And it’s a unique chance to visit with folks from all over and from next door.

You can find vendors selling everything from blown glass decorations to handmade brooms and baskets and cast iron tools, tie-dyed clothing, as well as rustic home and yard décor. There’s jewelry, soaps, wreaths, candles, and all sorts of country-themed arts and crafts. There’s also an encampment of costumed interpreters demonstrating how people lived in the 1840s.

The food includes soup beans cooked over an open fire, sandwiches made of barbequed chicken, pork tenderloin, hamburger, sausage and even fried green tomatoes. There’s also tacos, chili, hot buttered corn on the cob and all kinds of other freshly prepared foods. After the main course, try kettle corn or hot roasted cinnamon and honey pecans or almonds.

Bluegrass musicians in period costumes perform for attendees at Thornville’s Backwoods Fest. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

In all, you’ll find more than 300 vendors, more than 30 different kinds of food, and bluegrass and country music on five different stages, all three days. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Backwoods Fest is located at 8572 High Point Road, just west of SR 13 about three miles south of Thornville and seven miles south of I-70’s SR 13 exit. Admission is $12 for adults, free to children age 10 and under; parking is free. Service dogs only are permitted.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

Subscribe to Dusty Tires and receive a weekly email with the latest blog article. It’s free!

All rights reserved, Dusty Tires (dusty-tires.com), 2025.