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From Prohibition to the Underground Railroad, Westerville is overflowing with history that you can experience today

Everal Barn & Homestead Walking Tour

Take a step back in time as you tour the historical grounds of the Everal Barn & Homestead, which is listed on the National Register of Historic places. Informational signs placed throughout the area offer a brief history of the homestead’s buildings and the individuals who once called them home.

View map here

Westerville Historical Tours

Why just learn about the important role Westerville and its residents played in American history, when you can see it all up close and for yourself?

Four different self guided walking tours (focused on Main Street, State Street, College Avenue and Uptown industry) allow anyone to dive headfirst into the city’s vibrant past. Download the History Tour app to start exploring.

Underground Railroad in Westerville

Westerville was home to many individuals and families who helped enslaved individuals make their way further north. Stop by the Westerville Public Library or Westerville History

Center to learn more about this unique chapter of the city’s past.

Temperance Row History

Making the National Register of Historic Places, Westerville’s Temperance Row district holds a lively history of another sort. Many of the area’s approximately 20 homes

From academics to arts aplenty, the red brick buildings of the Otterbein University campus are a site to see, and a hotspot full of lively activities

It seems the city of Westerville has already lived a number of lives. We’ve put together a quick guide for those interested in learning more about the rich history of Otterbein, its mascot Cardy the Cardinal, and its current profusion of artistic talent.

Catch a Show

Otterbein University has generated a national reputation for its top-tier theater program, which is nothing but good news to the residents and visitors of Westerville. The school, which is home to just under 2,500 total students, currently ranks–according to College Factual–as the 34th best musical theater program in the country, and the best in Ohio.

And even if you have less than four years to spend on Otterbein’s campus, there’s something for everyone.

Tickets go on sale soon for Otterbein's Summer Theatre Series. New subscription orders will be accepted starting May 1, and individual tickets will go on sale May 16.

Hit the Gallery

In the same way that Otterbein offers a renowned theater program, its art galleries feature a compelling collection of local and national exhibitions–from Appalachia to the Pacific Islands and much more.

The school offers four different venues for art: the Miller Gallery, Fisher Gallery, Stichweh Gallery, and The Frank Museum of Art. Make sure to follow the universitys' online art exhibiton schedule for all current exhibition information.

Take it All In

While Otterbein offers plenty to do and see, it’s also easy enough to simply make an afternoon of walking around its 140-acre campus. Historical buildings, like its Towers Hall Building (which is on the National Register of Historic Places) and many more iconic spots await visitors.

Want to take a tour of Otterbein? You can schedule an in-person tour here, or a virtual one here.

Scheduling an event?

The Office of Events and Conferences is dedicated to providing the finest service with the intention of creating convenient and comfortable spaces for events and conferences at Otterbein. This Office is committed to working collaboratively with all campus partners and community members to provide professional and detailed care, in a manner that supports the University. Our team also has a commitment to involve students in the process of crafting the ultimate experience for our guests, whether they’re members of the Otterbein community, summer conference guests or long-time supporters of our arts and athletic performances.

You can learn more about hosting an event at Otterbein here. Additional information about the school’s theatre performances is available here, and you can find a list of upcoming art exhibitions at Otterbein here.

Ongoing Events

4th Friday Festival

When: The 4th Friday of each calendar month (May through October), 6-9 p.m.

Where: Uptown Westerville

Westerville Saturday Farmers Market

When: Saturday mornings, May 20thSeptember 30th, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Where: Behind City Hall (21 S. State St.)

Uptown Friday Nights

When: First, second and third Friday of each calendar month (Starting May 12th through September, 6-9p.m.)

Where: Uptown Westerville

Westerville Sounds of Summer Concert Series

When: Weekly, on Sundays, from June 11-September 10, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Where: Amphitheater at Alum Creek Park North (221 W. Main St.)

Uptown Saturday Nights

When: June 24, July 8 & 22, Aug 5 & 19, Sep 2 & 19, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Where: City Hall Courtyard (21 S. State St)

Spring Events

Westerville Art Hop

When: April 15, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Uptown Westerville

Hoover Sprints Regatta

When: April 29, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Hoover Reservoir (at the corner of Sunbury Road and Walnut Street)

Taste of Westerville

When: May 4, 6-9 p.m.

Where: The Renaissance ColumbusWesterville Polaris Hotel

Field of Heroes

When: May 26-29

Where: Westerville Sports Complex (325 N. Cleveland Ave.)

Summer Events

Summer Kick - Off Celebration

When: June 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: -Thomas James Knox Memorial

Hockey Tournament at Alum Creek Park South (535 Park Meadow Rd.)

Uptown Clue - Uptown Murder Mystery

Walking Tour

When: Shows at 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m, on June 3, 17; July 8, 22; August 12, 26

Where: Uptown Westerville

Westerville Pride Festival

When: June 10, 2-8 p.m.

Where: Uptown Westerville

Juneteenth - Celebrating Freedom

When: June 24, 12-4 p.m.

Where: Alum Creek Park North (221 W. Main St.)

BMX State Race

When: June 25, 1pm

Where: Westerville BMX track at Alum Creek Park South (535 Park Meadow Rd.)

WesterFlora

When: June 25, 12-6pm

Where: Home gardens throughout the city

Westerville Area Chamber Music & Arts Festival

When: July 8-9

Where: Heritage Park & Everal Barn (60. N Cleveland Ave.)

Tapestry of a Town

When: July 30, 1-5 p.m.

Where: Homes & Attractions throughout the city

Uptown Untapped - Craft Beer Festival

When: August 12, 6-10pm

Where: Uptown Westerville

To learn more, go to visitwesterville.org/events