August signals the beginning of summer’s end. But the season’s not over yet! And we’re here to tell you how you can make the most of it.
Mark your calendars with these festivals to get out and about with the family this August and enjoy the last few weeks of warm temperatures, late sunsets, and summer fun.
Glier’s Goettafest
When: July 27-30 & August 3-6
Where: Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way Newport, KY 41071
Goetta, a German dish pronounced “get-uh”, is often compared to breakfast sausage or scrapple and is a mixture of pork, beef, steel-cut (pinhead) oats, and seasonings. In addition to eating goetta in a variety of dishes, festival goers can enjoy live music, dancing and goetta games.
Greene County Fair
When: July 30-August 5
Where: Greene County Fairgrounds, 120 Fairground Road, Xenia, OH 45385
Rides, tractor pull, truck races, an endless amount of fair food and more!
Lebanon Blues Festival
When: August 4-5, 11am-11pm
Where: Downtown Lebanon, Ohio
In historic downtown Lebanon, Ohio! Enjoy blues bands, your favorite festival foods, music and beer garden. Gaze at over 150 classic cars in the Blues, BBQ, and Bumpers Car Show! Free!
Ohio River Paddlefest
When: August 5
Where: Schmidt Boat Launch Ramp, 2944 Humbert Avenue, Cincinnati
The Ohio River Paddlefest is recognized as the nation’s largest paddling celebration, with 2,000 participants traveling through downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky in canoes, kayaks and other human-powered craft.
Festival on the Lake
When: August 19, 4-11 pm
Where: A.J. Jolly Park, 1565 Race Track Road, Alexandria, KY 41001
Family-friendly festival featuring live music, kids fun zone, food vendors, crafts and drinks from local wineries and breweries.
RiverArts Festival
When: *Moved to October 7, 2023
Where: RiverDays of New Richmond on the Ohio, Susanna Way, Washington St, New Richmond, OH 45157
A juried fine arts fair on the lawn of Susanna Park with RiverDays and the beautiful Ohio River as the backdrop. Live music, sidewalk chalk art competition, wandering storytellers and other fun will accompany the event as well as the proximity of the RiverDays festivities.
Hamilton County Fair
When: August 10-13
Where: Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 7801 Anthony Wayne Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45216
Pig racing, Big Top Circus, Demolition Derbies, farm animal petting farm, livestock and poultry displays, blacksmith demonstration, remote control car racing, wood carving display and much more.
Great Inland Seafood Festival
When: August 10-13
Where: Festival Park Newport, Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
Enjoy oysters on the half shell, shrimp cocktail, lobster rolls, gator bites and so much more from local restaurants and vendors. Plus, live music. Free!
Dayton Porchfest
When: August 19, 12:15pm-6:45pm
Where: St. Anne’s Hill, Dayton
Come out for free mini concerts held on porches throughout St. Anne’s Hill. Explore the neighborhood and support local music at this unique annual festival celebrating the richness and diversity of the Dayton music scene. Free!
Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival
When: August 19-20
Where: Fairborn Community Park, 691 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn, OH 45324
This is a family-oriented event. There will be approximately 180 handmade arts and crafts booths and food vendors. You can enjoy the favorites such as steamed cooked sweet corn, pork chop sandwiches, and fresh cut watermelon. There will be art and crafts for everyone including candles, wood items, jewelry, watercolor and oil paintings, and much more. All day both days, there are activities for children including a train ride, pony rides, and the Big Bounce. There will be free entertainment both days in the festival area. Free!
First Annual Orchid Fest
When: August 26-27
Where: Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 4865 Wilmington Pike, Kettering, Ohio
This is the first annual Ohio Valley Orchid Fest. The goal of the event is to bring high quality orchids, both for sale and display as well as quality information about how to grow orchids to the general public and the orchid hobbyist in a fun, family friendly environment!
Bacon Fest
When: August 19
Where: Fraze Pavillion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd, Dayton, OH 45429
The event commemorating pork’s best side is back with more food and dishes that will make you want to kick off the front door. Whether you’re in the crispy bacon or chewy bacon camp, you’ll love this summer festival. Baconlicous delights at this year’s Bacon Fest include bacon empanadas, bacon nachos, bacon pierogis, chocolate-covered bacon and bacon donuts! Keep scrolling to browse all the options below. Free!