The Ashtabula Covered Bridge Festival 2026 transforms Ashtabula County into a celebration of history, craftsmanship, and fall beauty. Nineteen historic bridges stretch across the county, creating a scenic journey that connects past and present.
A road cannot carve a path on its own. Rough terrain, water, and ravines can halt progress. A bridge carries us forward—connecting what would otherwise remain apart.
A Bridge Between Yesterday and Today
Executive Director Ginger Whitehead calls the festival a bridge between yesterday and today.
“We had a county engineer who saved as many of them as he could. Many counties replaced their covered bridges with modern ones. We have bridges from the 1860s to newer ones built between the 1980s and 2016. We also have the longest covered bridge in the USA and the shortest one open to traffic.”
Each bridge tells a story. From Howe truss to Burr Arch, you can experience every design in one place. The driving tour winds through charming rural communities, making the journey just as memorable as the destination.
What to Expect at the Festival
The Ashtabula Covered Bridge Festival returns October 10–11, with activity at nearly every bridge. Expect handmade crafts, wagon rides, and family-friendly fun at multiple stops along the route.
Local organizations sell homemade goods to support their missions. Churches and small businesses join in with sales and special events. It feels less like a festival and more like a county-wide embrace.
Harpersfield Bridge: The Heart of the Celebration
Harpersfield Bridge serves as a central hub for the festival.
“There will be food trucks, souvenir sales, entertainment, lots of crafters, kids’ activities, and the Harpersfield Fire Department will have trucks there and a beef roast,” said Whitehead. “Some bridges have photo opportunities set up with fall decorations.”
Bring your camera. The fall colors, rustic appeal, and festive touches create perfect moments for memory-making.
Plan Your Fall Getaway
The road through history leads you to Ashtabula. The Ashtabula Covered Bridge Festival 2026 offers a unique way to experience Ohio’s heritage while enjoying the beauty of the season.
Plan your trip at www.coveredbridgefestival.org.
