The most popular time to visit Marion is the first weekend in September for the Marion Popcorn Festival, one of the largest street festivals in Ohio. If the festival appeals, book accommodation well in advance — rooms in Marion fill up and many visitors stay in Columbus or Mansfield.
Spring and summer are the best seasons for visiting the outdoor sites — the Harding Memorial and Marion Cemetery are at their best when the grounds are green. The Harding Home offers guided tours throughout the year, but hours may be reduced in winter. Most of the historic buildings in downtown Marion can be viewed from the outside at any time.