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As summer fades into autumn, northwest Ohio serves up a rich menu of flavors, experiences and seasonal celebrations. From gourmet breakfasts alongside turtles at the zoo to the fizz of handcrafted cocktails, from Oktoberfest revelry to cider tastings on the riverfront, September is filled with opportunities to taste, sip and savor. Whether you’re seeking hands-on cooking classes, intimate wine flights, or lively festivals that bring the community together, there’s something delicious happening every week.
SAT, Sep. 6
Breakfast Series: Gardens & Turtles
Start your weekend with a gourmet breakfast at the Toledo Zoo, followed by a hands-on exploration of turtles, tortoises, and the gardens. Ticketed. $50-$80. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org
WED, Sep. 10
Sourdough 101
Learn the basics of Sourdough with Just Toledo. $40. 6-8pm. Also on Sunday, Sep. 28, 2-4pm. Just Toledo, 909 Jefferson Ave. justtoledo.net
THUR, Sep. 11
The Graze Station
Enjoy a night out at Adventure Spirits with a variety of delicious dishes paired with a handcrafted cocktail. $17, cocktails are an additional charge. 5:30-8:30. Adventure Spirits Distilling, 10907 Waterville St., Whitehouse. adventurespiritsdistilling.com
Cooking Classes With Tim Valko and Jim Moore
Attend a cooking class supporting The Arts Commission’s Young Artists at Work program, where participants can create and taste delicious dishes in a relaxed setting with beer and wine provided. $100. 6-9:30pm. WS Design, 901 Jefferson Ave. theartscommission.org
Beer & Wine Tasting
Join a monthly beer and wine tasting with complimentary chef-prepared treats, and enjoy early access to the gardens and Blair Museum of Lithophanes at no extra cost. Registration is required. $38. 6:30-9:30pm. Schedel Arboretum & Gardens, 19255 W. Portage River S Rd., Elmore. schedel-gardens.org
TUE, Sep. 16
Argentinian Wine Tasting at Nooney’s Speilbusch Lounge
Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and sample pours of top Argentinian wines from Las Perdices and Monteviejo, presented by Guillermo Gonzalez of Graziano Imports. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $20. RWNooney Company, 1001 Cherry St.
THUR, Sep. 18
Registry Bistro Craft Cocktail Workshop
Shake up your evening with a full hands-on cocktail class, featuring the history and mixing of a seasonal drink, and light bites. Reservations are required. $35. 6pm. Registry Bistro, 144 N. Superior St., (419) 725-0444 registrybistro.com/cocktail-workshop
FRI, Sep. 19
Empty Bowls 2025
Enjoy soups from local restaurants served in handcrafted bowls by the Toledo Potters Guild at this lunchtime event benefiting Food for Thought Toledo. Tickets are encouraged. $35. 11am-2pm. Toledo Botanical Garden, 5403 Elmer Dr. feedtoledo.org
SAT, Sep. 20
Ciderfest419
Sip local and regional hard cider, wine, mead, and craft beer while enjoying scenic riverfront views at this 21+ event. 5-9pm. $48-$68. Glass City Metropark, 1505 Front St. toledonightmarket.com
SUN, Sep. 21
Oktoberfest
Enjoy a full day of live music, traditional German dancing, festive brews, and classic bites at this lively Oktoberfest celebration. 1-8pm. Maumee Bay Brewing Co., 27 Broadway St. mbaybrew.com
RELATED: Toledo Events Calendar
MON, Sep. 22
Harvest Dinner at Earth Coffeehouse and Cafe
Savor a farm-to-table meal prepared by local chefs with fresh Toledo GROWs produce. Cash bar available. $100. Earth Coffeehouse & Cafe, 1447 N. Summit St. toledogrows.org
FRI, Sep. 26
Sip Sip Hooray! Harvest Wine Fest
Sip and stroll through the Zoo at this limited-attendance fall wine tasting, featuring 15 samples, live entertainment, Harvest Fest previews, and a souvenir glass with a champagne toast. Ticketed. $65-$70. 6-9pm. The Toledo Zoo, 2 Hippo Way. toledozoo.org.
MON, Sep. 29
Tea & Autumn Pie Chocolate Flight Class
Savor an afternoon of black, white, and green teas perfectly paired with gourmet Autumn Pie Chocolates, hosted by The Summer Kitchen Girls and the Wood County Museum. Ticketed. $40. Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Rd., Bowling Green. woodcountyhistory.org
TUE, Sep. 30
Campfire Cooking: Breakfast for Dinner (All Ages)
Join Metroparks staff to learn campfire cooking tips while making your own haystack breakfast. Registration is required. $10. 6-7pm. Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, 4139 Girdham Rd., Swanton. metroparkstoledo.com
