Flowers, foliage and fresh produce aren’t the only things cropping up as summer makes its grand entrance. Changing seasons means changing into flip-flops and shorts and gearing up for fair and festival fun.
June
Newark Strawberry Festival
What: One of Newark’s best traditions celebrates one of the season’s best foods with strawberry shortcake, rides, games, vendors, treats and entertainment.
When: May 30–June 1
Where: On the Square, Newark
Commercial Point Homecoming
What: The festival famous for its “ocean perch” sandwich also has rides, games, food, entertainment, a beer garden, parade and fireworks.
When: June 11-14
Where: Commercial Point
Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival
What: Traditional festival fare, decked out with balloon launches, rides and glows, along with food vendors and fireworks.
When: June 5-7
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 7-8
Where: Public Square, Troy
Fayette County Toast to Summer
What: Food, music, wine and art topped off with a drone light show and fireworks.
When: June 22
Where: Fayette County Airport, Fayette County
Powell Festival
What: Community fun with live music, children’s activities and food trucks. This event also has a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) for the parents.
When: June 20-21
Where: Village Green Park, Powell
Van Wert Peony Festival
What: The 50th annual festival full of family fun features car shows, a fishing derby, live music, food and drinks. The festival is topped off with the famous Grand Parade.
When: June 6-7
Where: Main Street, Van Wert
Ashland Balloon Fest
What: Balloons galore! This fest includes hot air balloon races, after dark glow balloons, live music and food vendors.
When: June 26-29
Where: Freer Field, Ashland
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 three-day celebration that has something for everyone, from a 5K and kids’ fun run, car and bike show, rides and food.
When: July 10-12
Where: Olde Pickerington Village, Pickerington
Party on the Plaza
What: A celebration of summer featuring live music, food, drinks and art activities.
When: July 17
Where: Municipal Services Center, 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 18-20
Where: Bicentennial Park and West Bank Park, Columbus
Westerville Music and Arts Festival
What: Everyone will find fun with over 125 arts and craft exhibitors, food trucks, live music, entertainment for the kids and a silent auction.
When: July 12-13
Where: Heritage Park and Everal Barn, Westerville
August and September
Columbus Greek Festival
What: Get away on Labor Day and experience Greece. The 52nd annual festival celebrates all things Greek — in dance, food and music for everyone.
When: August 31-September 1
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 Performance Dogs of Ohio make for a fun-filled weekend.
When: August 29-September 1
Where: Fortress 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: August 27-30
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 50. Food trucks from all over the Midwest will be at this 14th annual festival.
When: August 16-17
Where: Franklin County Fairgrounds, Hilliard
Morrow County Fair
What: You won’t want to miss the 175th annual Morrow County Fair. 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 25-September 1
Where: Morrow County Fair Grounds, Morrow County
Marion Popcorn Festival
What: The largest popcorn festival in the world, featuring entertainment, rides and a parade fully focused on popcorn!
When: September 4-6
Where: Downtown Marion
How do you stay healthy during fair and festival season? Our mom on a mission shares what she found out – check out her tips!
