Festival season is in full swing! You can find lots of charming celebrations happening all around the state. Here are some of the more popular festivals that are worth traveling for.
Troy Strawberry Festival
Downtown Troy
June 7-8
This annual festival is a celebration of community, culture, and of course, strawberries! Enjoy family-friendly activities, including live entertainment, a car cruise, 5K run and an incredible selection of food, all highlighted by the star of the show — fresh strawberries in every form imaginable.
Columbus Arts Festival
Downtown Columbus Riverfront
June 6-8
One of the most highly acclaimed arts festivals in the U.S., the Columbus Arts Festival features more than 250 professional, juried visual artists; multiple performing art stages; hands-on kid’s activities; demonstrations; dozens of food vendors including popular local food trucks; and craft brews and cocktails.
Asheville 4th of July Celebration
Asheville Park
June 30-July 4
Since 1929, families have gathered to celebrate Independence Day with this Asheville tradition. The four-day party begins with a fish fry, and continues through the 4th of July with a parade, family entertainment, contests and lots more food. The grand finale of the festival is a spectacular firework show.
Huron River Fest
Huron Boat Basin
July 11-12
This multi-day summer festival celebrates the community and its waterfront along the Huron River, featuring a lively mix of family-friendly activities, a parade, live music, food vendors, carnival rides, craft booths and a fireworks display over the river.
Columbus Book Festival
Topiary Park, Columbus
July 12-13
Free and open to all book lovers, the 2025 Columbus Book Festival features a whole new lineup of 200+ national and Columbus-based authors, panel discussions, author talks, book signings and more! The Festival Marketplace will brim with dozens of bookish retailers, community exhibitors, an entertainment lineup, local food court and the popular Indie Author Alley pavilion and Friends of the Library Big Book Sale tent.
Lancaster Festival
Downtown Lancaster
July 24-Aug. 2
Featuring 10 days of music, art and family fun! This festival celebrates music and the arts, and features live concerts, daily activities for children and families, an artwalk, a 5K road race and performances at the local mall. Thousands of festival goers from around Ohio and the region travel to Lancaster to enjoy this exciting event.
Frankfort Sunflower Festival
Downtown Frankfort
July 26-27
Held annually on Labor Day weekend, The Frankfort Sunflower Festival has something for everyone, including food vendors, a car show, antique tractors, a kiddie tractor pull, games, live music, a parade, an adult tug-of-war contest, sunflower contest, photo ops, corn hole tournament and craft tent.
Dublin Irish Festival
Coffman Park, Dublin
Aug. 1-3
The largest three-day Irish festival in the world is held in Dublin, Ohio. With seven stages, 65 acts and more than 535 performers, there is something for everyone. Visitors can indulge in great food (from hearty Celtic stews to traditional Irish breakfasts), browse the multiple vendor booths, and kids can play at the Pot O’ Gold Playland, which features 20 inflatables and crafts for wee ones.
Festival Latino
Genoa Park, Columbus
Aug. 9-10
This two-day event celebrates family and community with lively music, dancing in the streets, cultural and arts workshops for children and adults, Latin-American cuisine, and community information tents.
Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival
Community Park, Fairborn
Aug. 16-17
This family-friendly event features handmade arts and crafts booths, food vendors and lots more. Enjoy your favorite corn dishes and summertime food favorites, including steamed cooked sweet corn, BBQ chicken, pork chop sandwiches and fresh cut watermelon.
