5 Best November 2026 Events in Marion, Ohio
November in Marion is when fall starts giving way to the holiday season—and the local calendar is packed with reasons to get out of the house.
Whether you’re ready to start Christmas shopping, enjoy a night at the Palace, or watch Downtown Marion light up for the holidays, here are five local events worth adding to your November calendar.
1. Ohio Valley Christmas Craft Show
When: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Marion County Fairgrounds
Admission: $10
If you like finding gifts that didn’t come from a big-box store, this is a good place to start.
The 37th Annual Ohio Valley Christmas Craft Show will bring more than 100 vendors to the Marion County Fairgrounds, offering thousands of handcrafted Christmas items, decorations, gifts, and pieces for the home.
Even if you’re normally a “Christmas starts after Thanksgiving” person, this one may convince you to make an exception.
2. Gutenberg! The Musical!
When: Saturday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 15 at 2 p.m.
Where: Marion Palace Theatre Pavilion
Tickets: $25 general admission or $10 for students with ID, plus a $3 restoration fee
Two aspiring writers. One wildly ambitious musical. A lot of hats.
Gutenberg! The Musical! follows Bud and Doug as they attempt to perform their entire original production by themselves—playing every character along the way.
The Palace describes it as a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy about big dreams, creativity, and the kind of confidence that comes from not knowing any better. Honestly, that sounds pretty relatable.
Find show and ticket information
3. Sara Evans Live at the Marion Palace Theatre
When: Friday, November 20, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Marion Palace Theatre
Tickets: $36–$65, plus a $3 restoration fee
A nationally recognized country artist is coming right here to Marion.
Grand Ole Opry member Sara Evans will perform hits including “Born to Fly,” “Suds in the Bucket,” and “A Little Bit Stronger” on the historic Palace stage.
Between her unmistakable voice and one of Marion’s most beautiful venues, this should be one of the biggest local entertainment events of the month. VIP and meet-and-greet packages are also available.
View tickets and concert details
4. Harding Mistletoe Craft Show
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Harding High School, 1500 Harding Highway E.
Admission and parking: Free
Need another chance to shop locally before the holiday rush?
The Harding Mistletoe Craft Show offers a full day of seasonal shopping with free admission and free parking. It’s an easy Saturday activity—and because the Downtown Marion Christmas parade happens later that evening, you can turn it into an entire holiday-themed day around town.
5. Lighted Truck Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Where: Downtown Marion
This is the event that officially makes it feel like Christmas in Marion.
Downtown Marion’s Lighted Truck Christmas Parade will feature decorated trucks, construction equipment, business vehicles, cars, and walking groups filling downtown with lights.
This year’s theme is “A Season to Sparkle.” The parade will end at Founders Park in time for the community Christmas tree lighting, making it a great way to kick off the holidays with the family.
November Is a Great Time to Explore Marion
One of my favorite things about Marion is seeing how the community shows up for local events.
Whether it’s supporting local makers, catching a show at the Palace, or standing downtown with the family as the Christmas lights come on, these events give us another reason to appreciate the place we call home.
If you see me out at one of them, make sure you say hello.
For additional events and last-minute additions, visit the Visit Marion Ohio event calendar.
