June Ohio Festivals & Events in Early Summer

Admission to the Dennison Railroad Festival is free.

• When: May 31 – June 3, 2023 (Always the Wed – Sat after Memorial Day)
  
• Location: (Map It) Center Street in Dennison, Ohio
• Web: click here

The Dennison Railroad Festival:  One hundred miles from Columbus and Pittsburgh, the small town of Dennison holds its annual railroad festival in the Historic Depot Museum. The Dennison Railroad was once one of the country’s largest railroad shops and yards. All trains between St Louis and New York stopped there. Today the town of Dennison no longer sees train activity, but the six-day Dennison Railroad Festival is held every year to celebrate the town’s industrial history. Held around the Historic Railroad Depot Museum and the Historic Street District, you can enjoy tasty food, exciting games and rides, a train exhibit, tours, and performances. Visitors can also enjoy the annual parade and car show.

Admission to Downtown Wooster Second Saturdays is free.

• When: The Second Saturday of each month starting in June through October
• Location: (Map It) on the square in downtown Wooster, Ohio at the intersections of Liberty and Market Streets
• Phone: 330-262-6222
• Web: click here

The Downtown Wooster Second Saturdays Series is a Main Street Wooster initiative to bring the joy and culture of arts and music to Downtown Wooster. Once a month on the second Saturday, Main Street Wooster will host a variety of musical performances, theatrical groups, dance troupes, along with kid-focused activities to bring families downtown and engage with the arts and think local. This series is free to everyone, encouraging the community to take advantage of our unique mix of culture and creativity.

Admission to Milford Frontier Days is free (rides and some activities require tickets).

• When: June 1 – 3, 2023 (always the first weekend in June)
• Location: (Map It) American Legion grounds at 450 Victor Stier Dr. in downtown Milford, Ohio
• Call: 513-831-2411
• Web: click here

Frontier Days in Milford began in 1965 as a way to celebrate the heritage of the Milford Miami Township area. Diverse groups, such as church and school organizations, businesses, and athletic associations, come together to make Frontier Days one of the area’s biggest annual events and one of Ohio’s largest parades. Frontier Days has all the earmarks of a traditional hometown festival, including a big kickoff parade, great food, and family fun. In past years, thousands of people have lined the streets of Milford to see the floats, bands, and marching units. Frontier Days combines the distinct character of southwestern Ohio with the noise and color of a carnival…it’s all there, from balloons to bratwurst, from the cotton candy to craft booths.

Admission to the Banana Split Festival in Wilmington is free.

• When: Cancelled/Discontinued 
• Where: (Map It) JW Denver Williams Memorial Park, Rombach Ave. in Wilmington, Ohio
• Phone: 877-428-4748
• Web: click here

Banana Split Festival in Wilmington, Ohio:  The fabulous ’50s & ’60s are celebrated at the nation’s only Banana Split Festival in Wilmington, Ohio. Enjoy free rock ‘n’ roll concerts, continuous entertainment, a cruise-in of classic cars, crafts and collectibles, games, rides, unique food, and of course, Banana Splits!

Admission to the Bradford Ohio Railroad Festival and Train Meet is $5/adult and $3/child age three and older.

• When: June 3, 2023 (Always the first Saturday in June) from 10am – 4pm
• Location: (Map It) 200 N Miami Avenue in Bradford, Ohio, at the Bradford Ohio Railroad Museum on the corner of Main & Miami. Historic BF Tower is at 501 E Main
• Phone: 937-552-2196
• Web: www.bradfordrrmuseum.org

The Bradford Ohio Railroad Festival and Train Meet feature Garden Guage and N Scale suitcase train layouts, a Thomas the Train children’s ride, and the Carillon Park portable train ride. There are also Ohio motor pool vintage military vehicles, including a D-Day remembrance with vehicles from WWII through the Gulf War, plus 101st Airborne Re-enactors. In addition, there’s a drone race, Thomas The Train Play Area, hobo signs and crafts, railroad and historical displays.

The Bradford Ohio Railroad Museum dedicates this festival to the preservation of Bradford & southwestern Ohio railroad heritage.  The railroad was once a significant part of Bradford’s economy, employing many who manned the trains, worked in the switching yards and in the roundhouse where steam locomotives were kept and maintained between runs.

The museum has restored Bradford’s former Pennsylvania Railroad BF interlocking tower and opened a museum in the former bank building. The museum Gift Shoppe will be open and feature a number of train paraphernalia and Cat’s Meow figurines of historical train locations.

Admission to the Lancaster Old Car Club Spring Car Show & Swap Meet is Free (Parking on grounds approx. $5.00).

• When: June 3 & 4, 2023 
• Location: (Map It) On the grounds of the Historic Fairfield County Fairgrounds at 157 East Fair Avenue in Lancaster, Ohio
• Phone: 740-862-0565
• Web: click here

Lancaster Old Car Club Spring Car Show & Swap Meet: The show is open to all makes and models, including muscle cars, old motorcycles, trucks, and fire trucks. Saturday is the Swap Meet and Cruise-in. Sunday is the Swap Meet, Car Show, and judging w/ trophies awarded at 4:00 pm.  Fourteen classes will be judged on Sunday, with three trophies per class (top three / no order). There are also special awards, including a club participation cash award for most participating members. Enjoy good food, refreshments, swap meet, Car Corral, 50/50 drawing both days, flea market, and Women’s World (flea market area with jewelry, crafts, and miscellaneous items). Sunday Worship Services, (non-denominational).

Admission to Medina Kids Day of Safety & Play on the Square is free.

• When: June 3, 2023, from 9am – 2pm
• Location: (Map It) Medina, Ohio at the town square
• Phone: 330-722-6186
• Web: www.mainstreetmedina.com/

Medina Kids Day of Safety & Play on the Square:  Enjoy a day of play on the Square, including games of skill and chance, explore Big Toys on Broadway (fire engines, Hummers, police cars, horses, big trucks), a petting zoo and inflatables. Take a scavenger hunt throughout the district for prizes and treasures.

Admission to the Troy Strawberry Festival in Troy, Ohio, is free.

• When: June 3 & 4, 2023 (Normally held the first full weekend in June)
• Location: (Map It) downtown Troy, Ohio
• Phone: 937-339-7714 or 937-339-8769
• Website: click here

Troy Strawberry Festival in Troy, Ohio, is one of the best in the state! Troy is proclaimed by locals to be the Strawberry Capital of Ohio. The festival attracts more than 250,000 visitors. Its featured attractions include a parade, bed races, car shows, arts and crafts, sporting events, and children’s events. In addition, there are pie-eating contests, kiddie tractor-pulls, tug-of-war, rubber duck races, Berry Special Olympics, Big Wheel Races, and a myriad of other activities.

Tickets to the Bexley House & Garden Tour are $20 pre-purchased at www.bexleywomen.org and $25 the day of the tour. Prices are subject to change.

• When: June 4, 2023, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Location: (Map It) Bexley, Ohio
• Phone: 614-253-3307
• Web:  click here

The annual Bexley House & Garden Tour sponsored by Bexley Women’s Club showcases homes in the gracious eastside suburb of Columbus. As you tour these beautiful homes and gardens, you will agree with the tour’s theme, “There’s no place like home.” Bexley BEAT shuttle buses will provide free transportation between homes. Biking is encouraged; bike racks will be provided at the various homes on the tour. There will also be ample, well-marked parking along the streets of each Tour home.

Photo by Jim Williamson

Admission to the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival is free.

• When: June 8 – 10, 2023
• Location: (Map It) Coshocton County Fairgrounds at 707 Kenilworth Avenue in Coshocton, Ohio
• Phone: 740-622-4877 or 1-800-338-4724
• Web: click here

Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival was originally called the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Race. It changed its name to reflect the more encompassing events that occur at this festival. Balloonists from all over Ohio and Michigan come to show off their colorful aircraft. Balloon launches are held at dawn and dusk. And a “night glow” of balloons occurs after dark. Balloonists take part in various events such as dropping markers while in flight in an attempt to hit a target on the ground. A traditional hot air balloon race sanctioned by the North American Balloon Association is also held during the festivities. Other activities include a 5k run, crafters, live music, carnival rides, and more. Free Admission.

Admission to the Columbus Arts Festival is free.

• When: June 9 – 11, 2023
• Location: (Map It) Columbus, Ohio (downtown riverfront)
• Phone: 614-224-2606
• Web: columbusartsfestival.org/

Columbus Arts Festival:  American Style magazine had named this an “essential festival.” The Columbus Arts Festival remains the welcome-to-summer event in Columbus, pairing the finest artists and craftspeople with a medley of continuous entertainment, including performances on three stages, food from Columbus’ finest restaurants, and interactive art activities. Families will enjoy the Hands-On Activity area, with numerous fun-filled projects for kids and grown-ups.

Admission to the Fabulous 50s Fling & Car Show in Sugarcreek, Ohio, is free.

• When: June 9 & 10, 2023 (The second Fri & Sat in June)
• Location: (Map It) Main Street and Broadway St, Sugarcreek, Ohio
• Phone: 888-609-7592
• Web: www.fab50sfling.com

Fabulous 50s Fling & Car Show in Sugarcreek, Ohio:  Fifties’ era music and polished chrome grills take on a life of their own the second weekend in June in Sugarcreek at the Fabulous Fifties Fling & Car Show. Successful from its start in 1991, the Fabulous Fifties Fling is now the largest Fifties festival in Ohio and is annually selected among the Top Ten cruise-in downtown car shows in the Midwest by a readers’ poll conducted by Cruisin’ Times Magazine. The Fabulous Fifties Fling & Car Show continues to grow each year increasing in the number of visitors and cars showing and competing for top honors.  The professional judging attracts some of the best custom cars and hot rods in a five-state area–Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana and West Virginia. The show can accommodate more than 500 cars with cars on display overflowing into the downtown streets and lots.

The weekend kicks off with the Friday Night Cruise-In, which features an Open Class Show, the Cruisin’ 5K Run/Walk, and entertainment from popular Car Show DJ The Spikeman. The main event on Saturday features homemade food at bargain prices, continuous entertainment with multiple crowd-pleasing oldies bands, and hundreds of car entries, 1980 or older. Car show participants are attracted by the quality of awards and generous cash prizes. Best of Show wins $500 and a custom-cut scroll award. The Top 50 vehicles will also receive a special award. As always, the first 300 car registrants get a souvenir as well. Make sure to cruise on over to Sugarcreek to join in the old-fashioned fun!

Admission to the Pork Rind Festival is free.

• When: June 9 & 10, 2023 (Usually the second Friday & Saturday in June)
• Location: (Map It) downtown Harrod, Ohio
• Web: www.porkrindfest.com/

Pork Rind Festival in Harrod, Ohio:  Rudolph Foods Company and Harrod, Ohio, offer the Pork Rind Festival annually. Yes, Pork Rind Festival! If you want to see how many tasty ways you can prepare a pork rind, eat freshly popped pork rinds, or enjoy a hog roast, this festival is for you. It also features a parade, live entertainment, and crafts.

Admission and kiddie rides at The Logan  Washboard Arts & Music Festival are free.

• When: June 15 – 17, 2023 (Always Father’s Day Weekend) Thursday 5:00pm – 10:00pm and Friday – Saturday Noon – 11:00pm (Always the Thrs – Sat of Father’s Day weekend)
• Location: (Map It) Logan, Ohio (Hocking Hills region)
• Phone: 740-380-3828 or 740-380-2752
• Web: click here

The Logan  Washboard Arts & Music Festival is an annual extravaganza held in the streets of small-town America.  The festival’s focus is on celebrating the enduring role the washboard has had on American music styles.  This annual event provides wholesome family entertainment.  You can enjoy the foot-tappin’ styles of Dixieland Jazz, Jug Music, Celtic, Blues and Cajun Zydeco played by bands from all around the country. In addition, you may enjoy great food, browse the streets filled with quality craft vendors and enjoy the many special events, including the festive Saturday evening parade. There’s also a handmade quilt show, washboard factory tours, and street entertainers.  For the kids, there’s a large area of FREE rides, games and live entertainment.  ALL entertainment is FREE and FUN! So, kick off the Ohio summer festival season by visiting Ohio’s Most Unique Music Festival.  See ya there!

Admission to Simply Slavic Festival in Youngstown is approx. $4/person.

• When: June 16 & 17, 2023 (limited fest preview the day before) from Noon to Midnight
• Location: (Map It) Federal Plaza East, Downtown Youngstown
• Phone: 330-503-9874
• Web: www.simplyslavic.org

Simply Slavic Festival in Youngstown, Ohio, was created specifically to celebrate the rich traditions of Youngstown’s diverse Eastern European community. It will include live music, Polish, Slovak, Carpatho-Rusyn, and Ukrainian folk dance performances, homemade food, children’s learning areas, educational exhibits and an ethnic marketplace with crafts and folk art. Especially unique to the event will be an Ecumenical Prayer Blessing and Parade of Flags with representatives from a variety of faiths and parishes; a Slavic Beer Garden featuring a tasting “flight” of unique imports; a Baking Contest where amateurs and professionals alike can compete to be the Kolachi Queen/King, and; a Euro Disco showcasing modern Eastern European dance music.

Admission to the Vermilion Festival of the Fish is free.

• When: June 16 – 18, 2023 (Always Fri – Sun Father’s Day Weekend)
• Location: (Map It) Vermilion, Ohio at Victory Park
• Phone: 440-967-4477
• Web: click here

Vermilion Festival of the Fish in Vermilion, Ohio:  This festive event features a lighted boat parade on the river and a “Crazy Craft” boat race. Pull up a lawn chair and make a day of it riverside and take in the sun and “crazy crafts.” And if you get hungry, treat yourself to a Walleye or Perch sandwich. Now, doesn’t that sound yummy? Oh, and there’s plenty of activities, entertainment and crafts too such as sandcastle building contests and pageants. This is a fun Father’s Day weekend event featuring a fishing contest, games, vendors, and Lake Erie perch. An outdoor marketplace with unique items for sale is also available.

Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) fees vary for the annual week-long event.

• When: June 17 – 24, 2023
• Location in 2022: Sidney, Wapakoneta, and Troy
• Phone: 614-273-0811
• Web: click here

Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) is an annual week-long bicycle-camping tour held in June. The route differs each year, so a new part of the state is explored. Enjoy biking through the serene countryside to various destinations of interest.

Admission to the London Strawberry Festival is free. 

• When: June 22 – 24, 2023
• Location: (Map It) St. Rt. 56 & St. Rt. 42 in downtown London, Ohio
• Web: londonstrawberryfestival.com/

London Strawberry Festival in London, Ohio:  Looking to have a “berry” good time? The London Strawberry Festival, located in the historical city of downtown London has plenty of special activities for all visitors. There are games, rides, contests, and crafts for kids. Free nightly entertainment, contests, and a parade are sure to be fun had by all. The festival even has a kiddie tractor pull and pageants. Or try some strawberry-flavored sweets and treats that give this festival its unique twist. Explore all the London Strawberry Festival offers at this yummy celebration.

Admission to Cy Young Days Festival is free. 

• When: June 23 – 25, 2023 (Always the fourth weekend in June).
• Location: (Map It) Downtown Newcomerstown, Ohio
• Phone: 740-498-4545 or 740-498-8562
• Web: click here

Cy Young Days Festival in Newcomerstown, Ohio celebrates the exhilarating, enjoyable game of baseball and an Ohioan named Cy Young — perhaps the greatest pitcher of all-time. He lived over 100 years ago. Today, the greatest professional pitching honor is to win the Cy Young Award. This festival honors him and his love for his game. A special guest, usually a retired ballplayer or past Cy Young award winner such as Gaylord Perry and Vida Blue signs autographs and is honored as the Grand Parade Marshall. Some of the proceeds from Cy Young Days will benefit the Cy Young Youth League, a baseball and softball league for hundreds of kids.

Admission to Garrettsville Summerfest is free. 

• When: June 23 – 25, 2023
• Location: (Map It) Downtown at St Rte 82 & 88 in Garrettsville, Ohio
• Phone: 330-524-2646
• Web: garrettsvillesummerfest.com/

Garrettsville Summerfest:  Home to the largest summer festival in Portage County, the Garrettsville Summerfest is jam-packed with fun activities for you and your family. Relax and enjoy some live entertainment, celebrate summer with Ohio’s largest tractor parade, or check out some of Summerfest’s exciting car and bike shows. New this year is a Flower and Garden show and a 5k run/ 1 Mile Fun Walk. From the Cornhole Tournament to the Hamburger Eating Contest to the Adult Canoe Race, this three day extravaganza at Garrettsville Summerfest has something for everyone.

Admission to Lorain International Festival and Bazaar is free.

• When: June 23 – 25, 2023 (Usually the last full weekend in June)
• Location: (Map It) Black River Landing in Lorain, Ohio
• Phone 440-984-5282
• Web: www.loraininternational.com

Lorain International Festival and Bazaar in Lorain, Ohio:  A celebration of the ethnic diversity, and the religious and cultural heritage of the “International City.”  The spotlight Nationality is different each year. The festival and bazaar run Friday through Sunday where more than 40 nationalities are represented with ethnic foods, pastries, crafts, and non-stop entertainment. The festival also features a kids’ area full of rides and educational fun. The International Queen will be chosen during Thursday nights pageant which features our princesses representing their nationalities. The International parade takes place on Sunday.

Admission and parking to the Maria Stein Country Fest are free.

• When: June 23 – 25, 2023
• Location: (Map It) Maria Stein, Ohio
• Email: mscf@mscountryfest.com or crafts@mscountryfest.com
• Phone: 419-202-6255
• Web: click here

Maria Stein Country Fest in Maria Stein, Ohio:  This is a family festival with free entertainment.  For this year’s schedule, entertainment and headlining acts, click the web address above.  There are several competitive events for all ages, a craft show, chainsaw carving and auction, a sand artist, tractor pulls, go-kart and a wide variety of foods, and much, much more.

Admission to the Put-In-Bay Pyrate Fest is free.

• When: June 23 – 25, 2023
• Location: (Map It) downtown Put-In-Bay, Ohio
• Phone: 419-285-2832 or 419-285-3101
• Web: http://pyratefest.org/

The Put-In-Bay Pyrate Fest: The king returns to find his stolen treasure. The fest opens Friday with “Booms over the Bay.” Don’t miss the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, where participants paddle their vessels around the downtown harbor. There’s also a kid’s costume contest and an adult costume contest. Saturday and Sunday offer Pyrate Marketplace, Faire Wynds Circus, and historic cooking, medicine, weapons, and navigation displays. More than 50 re-enactors in pyrate gear will be downtown for photo ops, discussing tactics, and helping you choose a “pyrate name”.

Admission to Fayette County’s Toast to Summer & Hot Air Balloon Glow is free (approx. $5 parking).

• When: Cancelled for 2023 but will return in 2024, from 1-10pm
• Location: (Map It) Fayette County Airport, 2770 St. Rt. 38, Washington Court House, Ohio
• Phone: 740-335-0761
• Web:  click here

Fayette County’s Toast to Summer & Hot Air Balloon Glow in Washington Court House, Ohio:  Fayette County’s Toast to Summer is a wine tasting event and art show with local food vendors, beer garden, live music, bi-plane rides, fireworks, and a hot air balloon glow. Twelve Ohio wineries offering wine tastings and wine for purchase.  Wine tastings are $3 each/8 for $25.  View over 40 artisans’ unique creations and enjoy food from local restaurants. Ten Hot Air Balloons will take off at dusk for an evening glow in the sky followed by a large fireworks display!

Admission to the Ashtabula Beach Glass Festival is free.

• When: June 24 & 25, 2023, from 10am – 5pm
• Location: (Map It) Bridge Street at Historic Ashtabula Harbor in Ashtabula, Ohio
• Web: click here

The Ashtabula Beach Glass Festival in Ashtabula, Ohio, celebrates the rebirth of something man-made but reshaped by nature over many years of water breaking apart, rounding, and smoothing a variety of colorful glass from bottles and other sources — beach glass (or sea glass).  Now, its use is as limitless as the imaginations of the hundred or so artisans, vendors, and collectors who showcase their wares here annually, ranging from sculpture to jewelry. Award-winning restaurants, and boutique shops, also line the street.

Admission to the Historic Home & Garden Tour is approx. $15.

• When: June 24 & 25, 2023, from 11-5 (Always the last Saturday and Sunday in June)
• Location: (Map It) A different town in Champaign County, Ohio, every year.
• Phone: 1-800-791-6010
• Web: click here

Historic Home & Garden Tour by The Champaign County Preservation Alliance:  Enjoy a summertime tour of fascinating historic homes and beautiful gardens.  Entertainment, food and craft sales and demonstrations along with a free shuttle are all part of the package!