What Is Possum Fest
Possum Fest is Hobart’s annual celebration of the First Feast of Hobart, a local story about the village’s earliest settlers sharing their food with a group of wild possums. Whether the event happened exactly that way or was embellished over time, the tale became a symbol of Hobart’s unusual brand of gratitude and hospitality.
The modern festival began as a Thanksgiving chili cook off near the courthouse and evolved into a full Uptown takeover. Food vendors, neon lights, civic programming, performances, questionable fireworks, and possum related attractions now fill the streets each year.
At the center of the festival is the Possum Mound in Hobart Civic Park, the ceremonial gathering point for events, announcements, photo ops, and the retelling of the First Feast.
Festival Quick Facts
- Date: Thanksgiving Day, 2026
- Location: Uptown Hobart
- Near: The Ohio River
- Admission: Free
- Presented by: Village of Hobart and PAL TV
Festival Attractions
Big Al’s Main Stage
Live music, civic announcements, talent showcases, and the annual Possum Proclamation.
Marsupial Midway
Rides, fair food, neon lights, and vendors who get stranger as the day progresses.
Possum Mound
The ceremonial heart of the festival. Evening lighting and photo opportunities.
Kids Zone
Crafts, activities, supervised play, and special performances.
PAL TV Live Coverage
Wave to the cameras or become part of a televised civic moment.
After Dark Program
As night settles in, Uptown Hobart takes on a surreal glow and programming becomes unpredictable.
Festival Map
Locate stages, vendors, park areas, and service locations at a glance.
Map layout may change if needed by safety officials.
Vendors and Performers
Food trucks, craft booths, local groups, musicians, and entertainers are welcome to apply. Space is limited and tends to fill quickly.
- Food vendors must provide health inspection verification.
- Fireworks vendors coordinate with Big Al.
- Community groups receive reduced booth rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there real possums
Yes. Wildlife professionals supervise them. Mascots and illusions appear as well.
Is the festival family friendly
The daytime portion is family appropriate. Evenings may feel unusual or intense.
Can I bring my own possum
No personal wildlife is allowed. Service animals are permitted.
Where do I park
Street parking is available throughout Uptown Hobart. Avoid marked municipal zones.
Getting Here
Hobart is located along the Ohio River, with Uptown Hobart rising on a gradual slope above the water. Visitors can enter from multiple directions by road, with most routes converging near the civic core. The village is compact and walkable, with neighborhoods and municipal facilities accessible on foot.
By Road
Route 3 / State Street
Runs east–west through Hobart and is the primary route into town. Wayfinding signs direct visitors
toward Uptown parking, the Civic Green, and festival routes.
Gallia Street & Court Street
Run north–south into the central civic district, connecting directly to Village Hall, the courthouse,
and the main festival grounds.
Hocking Street
The central north–south corridor through Hobart’s industrial and market district and famous Ukrainian Village.
Best used for access to vendor areas, staging, and service entrances.
Canal Street
Runs north–south from the West Virginia Bridge. Provides access from Guthrie and the riverfront area.
Travel Note
The Route 3 Pit Stop has resumed operations. Fuel and limited convenience services are available.
Additional stations are located in Guthrie, WV (across The Bridge) and west toward Symmes Landing
and Leadville.
Parking
Civic Lot (Court & Symmes)
Free public lot. 2-hour limit from 8a–6p.
Bandstand & Civic Green Area
Street parking available along Mulberry and Scioto.
Overflow Parking
Hobart High School, 400 High St.
Available on event nights only.