Flowers, foliage and fresh produce aren’t the only things cropping up as summer makes its grand entrance. Changing seasons and changing into flip-flops and shorts means gearing up for fair and festival season.
June
Newark Strawberry Festival
What: One of Newark’s best traditions celebrates one of the season’s best foods with strawberry shortcake, rides, games and entertainment.
When: June 3-5, 11am-10pm Friday and Saturday, 11am-6pm Sunday
Where: On the Square, Newark
Commercial Point Homecoming
What: The festival famous for its “ocean perch” sandwich also has rides, games, entertainment, a car show, parade and fireworks.
When: June 8-11
Where: Commercial Point
Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival
What: Traditional festival fare, decked out with balloon launches, rides and glows, along with a flea market and fireworks.
When: June 9-11
Where: Coshocton County Fairgrounds, Coshocton
Troy Strawberry Festival
What: Another central Ohio favorite festival that makes the most of the season’s freshest fruit. There’s something for everyone in the family, from the Bike Tour to the Big Wheel Race to the Diaper Derby, and more.
When: June 4 and 5, Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-9pm
Where: Public Square, Troy
Fayette County Toast to Summer and Hot Air Balloon Glow
What: Food, music, wine and art topped off with a hot air balloon glow.
When: Saturday, June 25
Where: Fayette County Airport, Washington Court House
Powell Festival
What: You can’t miss with food, music, and interactive games that will keep the kids on the move and having fun. They’ll be ready to settle in for fireworks to top off the night.
When: Friday, June 24.; Saturday, June 25
Where: Village Green Park, Powell
July
Fourth of July Celebrations:
Celebrate our country’s independence by making the rounds of some of the July 4th festivals throughout central Ohio. How much ice cream, corn on the cob and hot dogs can you down?
Dates and times for different cities’ firework shows to be announced.
Picktown Palooza
What: A four-day celebration that has something for everyone, from a 5K and kids’ fun run, car and bike show, rides and food.
When: Thursday, July 14, 5–11 p.m.; Friday, July 15, 5 p.m.–midnight; Saturday, July 16, 11am-midnight
Where: Olde Pickerington Village, Pickerington
Summer Celebration 2022
What: It’s a night of free, outdoor fun for the whole family! Inflatable obstacle course, splash slide, tethered hot air balloon rides, face painting and more. Top it all off with a movie after dark.
When: Thursday, July 21, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Thompson Park, Upper Arlington
Jazz and Rib Fest
What: Music lovers and meat lovers are sure to enjoy the Jazz and Rib Fest. The music and rib supply never ends at this three-day event! View the full music lineup and food vendors on their website.
When: July 22-24, Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm; Sunday 11am-8:30pm
Where: Bicentennial Park and Genoa Park, Scioto Mile, Columbus
August and September
Dublin Irish Festival
What: Grab a kilt, and celebrate all things Irish at one of the country’s largest Irish festivals. Get your fill of a Celtic take on music, dancing, games, sports, food and animals.
When: Friday August 5 to Sunday August 7
Where: Coffman Park, Dublin
Annual All Ohio Balloon Fest
What: Hot air balloons will dot the sky, along with sky jumpers, helicopters and planes. Balloon launches and glows, along with music, food, a 5K run, and plenty of kids’ activities will make for a great family outing all around.
When: August 11-13
Where: Union County Airport, Marysville
Columbus Greek Festival
What: Get away on Labor Day and experience Greece. The 46th annual festival celebrates all things Greek — in dance, food and music for everyone.
When: September 2-5; Friday and Saturday, 11am-11pm; Sunday, noon-11pm; Monday, 11-5pm
Where: The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Columbus
Obetz Zucchini Festival
What: Celebrate one of summer’s best-known (and grown!) vegetables all weekend long. Maybe your zucchini-growing talents can take home the grand prize. Music, rides, a parade, and Kids Day with COSI and the Cincinnati Circus make for a fun-filled weekend.
When: Friday September 2-Monday September 5, schedule TBA
Where: Village of Obetz, Obetz
Millersport Corn Festival
What: Celebrate summer’s other best-known vegetable as you wrap up the summer. Get the family moving with a 5K run, then enjoy music, tractor pulls, corn-eating contests, animals and even more ear-resistible fun.
When: Wednesday August 31-Friday September 2, 5pm-11pm; Saturday September 3, 11am-11pm
Where: Millersport
Columbus Food Truck Festival
What: How many food trucks can you visit in one day? At the Columbus Food Truck Festival, you’ll have the opportunity to try more than 60. Food trucks from all over the Midwest will be at this 9th annual festival.
When: Friday August 19, 4pm-11pm; Saturday August 20, 11am-11pm; Sunday August 21, 12pm-7pm
Where: Franklin County Fairgrounds, Hilliard
Morrow County Fair
What: The 169th annual Morrow County Fair won’t be one you want to miss. As one of the biggest events in Morrow County, there will be a variety of things to do from their grandstand events, such as truck pulls and a demo derby, to their junior and senior schedules, which have many different shows and music.
When: August 29 to September 5, more information to come
Where: Morrow County Fair Grounds, Morrow County
How do you stay healthy during fair and festival season? Our mom on a mission shares what she found out – check out her tips!