Looking for the best things to do this weekend in Cincinnati and Dayton with kids? This weekend is bursting with variety, from a hot sauce showdown in Fairfield to bagpipes and Irish dancers along the Dayton riverfront, plus two county fairs kicking off their week-long runs. Whatever your crew is into, we’ve rounded up the picks worth planning around.
Top Things to Do This Weekend in Cincinnati and Dayton (July 24-26, 2026)
All Weekend
Grand Carnivale | Kings Island, Mason | Included with Admission
Kings Island transforms into a world tour this summer, with international music, cultural crafts, authentic cuisine, and the dazzling Spectacle of Color Parade winding through the park each night. Stick around for the fireworks, lasers, and drone finale that caps off the celebration.
Runs July 18-August 2, 2026
Annie Oakley Festival | Darke County Fairgrounds, Greenville | FREE
Head to Greenville to celebrate the town’s famous sharpshooter with a full weekend of live entertainment, a parade, historical bus tours, a car show, and shooting contests, plus a new Cowboy Mounted Shooting demonstration and kiddie tractor pulls for the little ones.
Weekend of Fire | Oscar Event Center, Fairfield | $12 per session, $2 for kids, or $25 for a weekend pass
Bring the heat-loving members of your family to Jungle Jim’s fiery food festival, where more than 400 hot sauces, salsas, and spicy snacks are up for sampling. Kids can cheer on the Arena of Fire challenges, and everyone can catch stilt walkers, fire performers, and live entertainment between rounds.
Friday, July 24
Dayton Mac n’ Cheese Fest | The Brightside, Dayton | 5:00-10:00 pm, FREE
Kick off the weekend with a cheesy celebration at The Brightside, where food trucks will be dishing up every mac and cheese creation imaginable alongside their regular menu favorites. Entry is always free at this family-friendly food festival.
The United Irish of Dayton Celtic Festival | RiverScape MetroPark, Dayton | 5:30-11:00 pm, FREE
Discover the sights and sounds of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales along the riverfront, with three stages of continuous music and dance, a beer garden, and plenty of covered seating for the whole family. Rain or shine, this is Dayton’s original Celtic celebration.
Sunday, July 26
Clermont County Fair | Clermont County Fairgrounds, Owensville | Gates open all day
A Southwest Ohio tradition since 1850, the Clermont County Fair opens its gates with 4-H exhibits, carnival rides, pie-baking contests, magic shows, and a kiddie tractor pull that’s always a hit with the youngest fairgoers.
Runs July 26-August 1, 2026
2026 Butler County Fair | Butler County Fairgrounds, Hamilton | Gates open all day
Rides, games, livestock exhibits, fair food, and grandstand entertainment kick off in Hamilton this weekend. It’s a longtime summer tradition that draws thousands of visitors, with something for every age from agricultural showcases to demolition derbies.
Runs July 26-August 1, 2026
Cincy Favorites Tasting Tour | Findlay Market, Cincinnati | 2:00-3:30 pm, $35 per person
Older kids and foodie families can sample their way through five stops at Findlay Market vendors while soaking up a historical tour of Ohio’s oldest public market. It’s a tasty way to round out the weekend before Cincinnati Music Festival crowds arrive.
Ready for more? Check out our full events calendar or browse our free things to do guide for even more ideas this month.
Things to do near Cincinnati and Dayton this weekend (July 24-26, 2026):
