MANSFIELD, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—As the first hints of spring emerge in North Central Ohio, Mansfield and Richland County are launching a diverse calendar of events for March 2026, ranging from historic agricultural traditions to cinematic celebrations.
The season’s centerpiece, the 49th Annual Maple Festival at Malabar Farm State Park, returns March 7-8 and 14-15. From noon to 4 p.m. each day, visitors can witness the transition of sap to syrup at the sugar shack, take horse-drawn wagon rides, and tour the historic “Big House.”
Film enthusiasts will gather on March 1 for a special free screening of The Shawshank Redemption at Cinemark Ontario Towne Center. The event, part of the “Ohio Goes to the Movies” statewide initiative, celebrates the local filming legacy of the 1994 classic.
Downtown Mansfield will also see a boost in activity with the return of First Friday Live at Social on Main on March 6. The free community event features live music and local dining, serving as a kickoff for the weekend’s festivities.
For those seeking a more eerie experience, the Ohio State Reformatory begins its “After-Dark” season. Programs including “Frights & Lights” and Public Ghost Walks offer immersive nighttime tours of the castle-like structure, known for both its architecture and its paranormal reputation.
County tourism officials encourage visitors to round out their stays with trail walks and stops along the regional Wine & Ale Trail.