Hey YoTown!
The Valley is putting on its best outfit of the year. The maples in Mill Creek Park are turning, the mornings have that crisp sweater edge, and Monday is a day off for lots of us, which makes this a long weekend worth planning.
The haunts are all open, Youngstown rock legends LEFT END play their farewell show downtown, a heavy music marathon takes over Westside Bowl, and Mill Creek lights up its Pumpkin Walk at Twilight. We found tons of things to do. Grab something warm to drink and let's get into it.
This Week’s Edition
Youngstown's Peak Color Long Weekend:
Your Game Plan + Haunted Happenings
Good Dog Roll Call
Local Eats Spotlight: Sespe Burger
New Color for the Walls This Fall
How to Fix Unwanted Batwings
Take a Leaf Out of Autumn's Book and Slow Down
Peace of Mind Never Goes Out of Season
Do This Before the Cold Nights Arrive
Fall in Love With Your Home
The Best Seat for Peak Color
Good News Around the Valley
The Full Weekend Event Guide (Thu-Sun)
P.S.
👻 Haunted Highlights
🐾 Good Dog Roll Call
Spooky season has haunted hayrides and jump scares, but there is nothing scary about an empty kennel on a Thursday night. Somebody waiting at the Mahoning County Dog Warden on N. Meridian Rd. would rather spend this weekend curled up on a couch than anywhere near a haunted trail, and that is a perfectly reasonable way to spend spooky season together.
Not ready to adopt but want to help? The Dog Warden always welcomes volunteers, donations, and shares of its adoptable dogs on Facebook. Sometimes the share is what finds the home.
Mahoning County Dog Warden & Adoption Center
🍽️ Local Eats Spotlight: Sespe Burger
Peak color weekend means a lot of time outside, and a day of leaf peeping deserves a proper burger. Sespe Burger on Market Street in Boardman is a fast casual spot built around fresh, hand smashed burgers, with a menu that also includes pastrami sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and loaded fries. It is carry out and drive thru only, which makes it an easy stop on the way to the park.
Locals rave about the Pastrami Reuben and the Cart Burger, and the fresh cut fries, onion rings, and homemade lemonade round out a picnic nicely. Want to skip the line? Order ahead through their mobile app, then grab your bag and head for the nearest scenic overlook.
New Color for the Walls This Fall
Infinity Renovations, LLC
The trees are not the only thing in the Valley that deserves a fresh coat this season. Fall is when we head back indoors, and that is when the tired walls, the dated kitchen, and the project you keep meaning to tackle start staring back at you. Infinity Renovations is a Youngstown-based home & commercial painting and remodeling company that turns someday projects into “done” projects. Think a bold new paint color in the living room, or a full kitchen refresh with fresh paint, new flooring, and the updates that make it feel brand new. With the holidays coming and family about to fill your house, now is the perfect time to get on the calendar.
Call Infinity Renovations for an estimate and get your painting or kitchen project done before the holidays.
Leaf Peeping Is Better When Your Dog
Is Having a Great Weekend Too
Maybe the plan is a long drive to catch the color, a weekend away, or a house full of visiting family. Some trips are not built for a dog, and that is okay. Canine Cove in Austintown offers overnight boarding done the way you would want it for your own pup: real attention, real play, and real rest on fenced acreage built for actual dogs. Go enjoy the foliage, the fall festivals, and the extra day off, then come home to a happy, tired dog who had a pretty great weekend of their own. Holiday weekends fill up quickly, so book early.
Call to book overnight boarding before fall weekends fill up.
Don't Let Batwings Haunt You
Wave hello this weekend and feel a little flap?
You are in good company, and October is the month to do something about it. Our Batwing Special tightens and tones the upper arm area, so you can wave at the trick or treaters, pose for the family photo in front of the fall leaves, and slip into that holiday party dress without a second thought.
Priced affordably at $399, and spooky season pricing will not stick around past October. Book now and send those batwings back to the belfry where they belong.
Schedule a FREE consultation. Call or text and we will find you a time this week.
Take a Leaf Out of Autumn's Book
and Slow Down
Fall is the one season that teaches you to let go, and a long weekend is the perfect excuse to actually practice it. Between the train show, the foliage drives, and the usual Valley hustle, you have earned ninety minutes where nothing is asked of you. The Signature Head Spa Experience at Youngstown Head Spa in Boardman starts with warm steam and a real scalp detox and exfoliation, then moves into aromatherapy and a neck and shoulder release that sends plenty of people straight to sleep mid appointment. Think of it as a reset for the part of you that never gets a day off.
Book the Head Spa experience. Long weekend slots go fast.Don't let a scary scalp haunt you through spooky season. Book your Halloween Head Spa appointment today, weekend slots go fast. Call 330-967-1709 or visit youngstownheadspa.com.
Peace of Mind Never Goes Out of Season
Autumn is a natural time to check in on the things that keep your life steady: the roof over your head, the car in the driveway, the plans you have made for your family. A long weekend is a good moment to ask whether your coverage still fits the way you live now. Preston Moore and his team at Moore Family Insurance on North Broad in Canfield will walk through auto, home, renters, motorcycle, business, and life coverage with you in plain language, so every choice you make is one you feel confident about. Straight answers from neighbors who live here too.
Call for a coverage review and head into fall with real peace of mind.
🌟 Good News Around the Valley
Austintown's oldest building just got a gift for America's 250th. The National Park Service awarded Austintown Township $130,000 to restore the Austin Log House, the cabin township founder and War of 1812 veteran Calvin Austin built back in 1814. The grant covers historically accurate windows, better drainage, and some cosmetic touch ups for the little museum that local school field trips have been visiting for decades. Two centuries old and still getting glow ups.
$1.9 million is headed to Valley jobs. The Appalachian Regional Commission awarded Youngstown State $1.5 million to build a Connected Infrastructure Lab at its Excellence Training Center, giving students hands on, credentialed training in skills employers are hiring for right now. Niles landed another $402,500 for new electrical lines that will serve seven local businesses and are expected to attract about $20 million in private investment over the next three years.
Do THIS Before the First Cold Night
1-800-Plumber +Air Youngstown
The first truly cold night of the year has a way of finding every weak spot in a house. Right now, while the days are still mild, is the easy time to run your heat for ten minutes and listen. If it smells odd, cycles strangely, or makes a sound you do not recognize, get ahead of it before every heating company in the county is booked solid. 1-800-Plumber +Air Youngstown covers heating and cooling plus the full plumbing side, including drains, leaks, water heaters, and emergencies, with real people who show up when they say they will. Save the number now so you have it when it counts.
Call and save the number before you actually need it.
Fall in Love With a Home Before the Holidays
Hailey Ditullio, Howard Hanna
Fall is a genuinely smart season to buy or sell. The frantic summer rush has cleared out, serious buyers are still looking, and a house looks its best with a porch full of mums and a little color out the window. Hailey Ditullio knows Poland, Boardman, and Canfield block by block: which streets back up to the good parks, which neighborhoods are worth an afternoon, and how to get your own place noticed. Whether you want to be settled before the holidays or plan to list while the market is still warm, a long weekend is a great time to start the conversation.
Call Hailey and let’s go look at some houses this weekend.
The Best Seat for Peak Color Is on an E-Bike
Mill Creek Park is about to put on its best show of the year, and the best way to see all of it in one ride is on an e-bike. The hills that make a regular bike feel like a workout stop being a factor, so you can take in the lakes, the bridges, and the gold tree tunnels without choosing just one. Cruise the Creek rents e-bikes and runs guided rides right through the park, flat and paved for beginners or wooded and hilly if you want more of a challenge. With Monday off for many, this is the weekend to go.
Text to reserve your bikes, or follow on Facebook for rental hours and guided ride dates.
📣 Want Your Business in the Scoop?
Thousands of your Valley neighbors read this newsletter every week, and they love supporting local. Get your business a themed spotlight just like the ones above, written fresh every week and tied to whatever the whole town is already talking about.
Reply to this email and let us get you featured.
📅 The Full Weekend Event Guide
TONS of ways to spend the next four days within about 45 minutes of Youngstown, grouped by day and distance (see our Worth the Drive section).
Click any event for details and tickets.
All Weekend Long
Kuchta Farms Fall Season
📍 Kuchta Farms - Newton Falls, OH
🕟 Thu-Fri from noon · Sat-Sun from 10 AM
Corn maze, wagon rides, pumpkin train and farm animals.
Noble Creature OkTrollberfest
📍 Noble Creature Wild Ales & Lagers - Youngstown, OH
🕟 Fri-Sat noon to 10 PM · Sun recovery day
German beer hall vibes, stein hoisting and live music.
Nightlights at the Planetarium
📍 Ward Beecher Planetarium, YSU - Youngstown, OH
🕟 Fri-Sat 7 PM · family Night-LITE Sat 1 PM
Free spooky light and music show under the dome.
Historical Youngstown Ghost Tour
📍 Arms Family Museum - Youngstown, OH
🕟 Fri 5-8:30 PM · Sat 2-3 PM and 5-8:30 PM
Costumed actors bring Wick Avenue history to life.
Nightmare in Niles
📍 5185 Youngstown Warren Rd - Niles, OH
🕟 Fri-Sat 7 PM-midnight
Longtime Valley haunt scaring from its new Niles home.
Maniacs in the Woods
📍 Paradise Lakes Campground - Bristolville, OH
🕟 Fri-Sat 7-11 PM
Nonprofit haunted trail celebrating its tenth scary season.
Come From Away
📍 450 E Market St - Alliance, OH
🕟 Fri, Oct 9 · 7:30 PM (runs Oct 9-11)
Feel good hit musical about strangers welcomed in Gander.
Hellement Hollow
📍 Cheeseman Fright Farm - Portersville, PA
🕟 Fri, Oct 9 to Sun, Oct 11 · after dark
Haunted attraction at the Fright Farm after dark.
Thursday, October 8
Seniors & Caregivers Expo
📍 Eastwood Mall - Niles, OH
🕟 Thu, Oct 8 · 10 AM-1:30 PM
Free resources and info for seniors and caregivers.
Friday, October 9
A Bucking Nightmare 2026
📍 Garwood Arena - Columbiana, OH
🕟 Fri, Oct 9 · 9 AM (per Facebook)
Halloween themed barrel racing for a good cause.
Freedom First Jazz Concert
📍 St. John's Episcopal Church - Youngstown, OH
🕟 Fri, Oct 9 · 7 PM
Nonviolence Week jazz with spoken word by Keith LaMar.
Dancing Queen
📍 Oaks Theater - Oakmont, PA
🕟 Fri, Oct 9 · 7:30 PM
An ABBA flavored night of dancing in Oakmont.
Gen X Trunk and Treat
📍 224 E Maple St - Hartville, OH
🕟 Fri, Oct 9 · 7:30 PM
A nostalgic, grown up spin on trunk or treat.
Saturday, October 10
Toth Antique Tractor Auction
📍 Toth Farm - West Farmington, OH
🕟 Sat, Oct 10 · 10 AM
Antique tractors and farm collectibles hit the auction block.
At the Farm Mini Sessions
📍 Mill Creek MetroParks Farm - Canfield, OH
🕟 Sat, Oct 10 · 10 AM
Quick fall family photo sessions at the Farm.
Toyhio Toy Show: Toysylvania
📍 Metroplex Expo Center - Girard, OH
🕟 Sat, Oct 10 · 11 AM-4 PM
25,000 square feet of collectible toys for every fan.
Brunch, Bubbly, & Bingo
📍 Whole Life Services - Hermitage, PA
🕟 Sat, Oct 10 · 11 AM
Brunch, bubbly and bingo for a good cause.
Salem Ghost Trolley Tours
📍 Salem Historical Society - Salem, OH
🕟 Sat, Oct 10 · 6:30 PM and 8 PM
After dark trolley ride through Salem's spooky stories.
LEFT END: The Final Ride
📍 Powers Auditorium, DeYor PAC - Youngstown, OH
🕟 Sat, Oct 10 · 7 PM
Youngstown's hometown rock legends play their farewell show.
Barktober 5K & 1-Mile Walk
📍 Rootstown Community Park - Rootstown, OH
🕟 Sat, Oct 10 · 11 AM
Run or walk with your pup this Barktober.
Canton Pickle Fest 2.0
📍 Stark County Fairgrounds - Canton, OH
🕟 Sat, Oct 10 · 11 AM
A pickle themed fall festival at the fairgrounds.
OHIO CCW CLASS
📍 4445 Mahoning Ave., Austintown, OH, OH 44515
🕟 Sat, Oct 10 at 10 AM
Sunday, October 11
NE Ohio Reptile Show
📍 Metroplex Expo Center - Girard, OH
🕟 Sun, Oct 11 · 9 AM-3 PM
Over 100 tables of reptiles and exotic pets.
Canfield Train and Toy Show
📍 Canfield Fairgrounds - Canfield, OH
🕟 Sun, Oct 11 · 10 AM-3 PM
Model trains and vintage toys from dozens of vendors.
Pumpkin Walk at Twilight
📍 Wick Recreation Area, Mill Creek MetroParks - Youngstown, OH
🕟 Sun, Oct 11 · 4-8 PM
Stroll glowing jack-o'-lantern paths as day turns to night.
Worth the Wait
Boyz II Men
📍 Citizens Live at The Wylie
🕟 Fri, Oct 16 at 7:30 PM
WITCH
📍 702 Mahoning Ave, Youngstown, OH, OH 44502
🕟 Fri, Oct 16 at 7:30 PM
Fall Fest
📍 3310 Elm Road N.E., Warren, OH
🕟 Sat, Oct 17 at 12 PM
Barnyard Takeover
📍 4785 State Route 82, Newton Falls, OH, OH 44444
🕟 Sat, Oct 17 at 7 PM
Homeschool Days
📍 4785 State Route 82, Newton Falls, OH, OH 44444
🕟 Mon, Oct 19 at 9:30 AM
Vampire Circus
📍 160 E. Market St., Warren, OH, OH 44481
🕟 Wed, Oct 28 at 7:30 PM
Tech Thursdays
📍 375 Boardman Poland Rd, Boardman, OH, OH 44512
🕟 Thu, Nov 5 at 10:30 AM
Live Music: 80's Proof
📍 7401 Market St, Youngstown, OH 44512-5614, Boardman, OH, OH 44512
🕟 Sat, Nov 14 at 9 PM
BLACK FRIDAY 2026!
📍 1282 Trumbull ave Suite A1, Girard, OH, OH 44420
🕟 Fri, Nov 27 at 10 AM
Live Music: RDNA
📍 7401 Market St, Youngstown, OH 44512-5614, Boardman, OH, OH 44512
🕟 Fri, Nov 27 at 9 PM
Live Music: Old Skool
📍 7401 Market St, Youngstown, OH 44512-5614, Boardman, OH, OH 44512
🕟 Sat, Nov 28 at 9 PM
Nelly
📍 Covelli Centre
🕟 Fri, Dec 11 at 7:30 PM
Live Music: Old Skool
📍 7401 Market St, Youngstown, OH 44512-5614, Boardman, OH, OH 44512
🕟 Sat, Dec 26 at 9 PM
🍁 P.S.
The leaves only look like this for about a week or two, and they do not care about your to do list. Take the long way home, pick a trail, grab a cider, and go have a great long weekend in Youngstown.
The YoTown Scoop · Youngstown & the Mahoning Valley
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