Admission to the Ashville 4th Of July Celebration is free.
Ashville 4th of July Celebration: For more than 80 years, families have gathered to celebrate a day of freedom at this festival. For the first couple of days, the party begins with some good old fashioned food, fun, and entertainment. Ashville’s 4th of July Celebration is famous for its colossal fish sandwiches and Triple Treat Shows. But the real show is on the 4th. To kick off the big day, the festival starts with a Grand Parade. Throughout the afternoon there’s entertainment, food, and contests. And of course, as for a grand finale, there is a firework show.
Admission to Rhythm On The River is free.
- When: Fridays in July beginning at 8 p.m.
- Location: (Map It) Riverside Amphitheater in downtown Pomeroy, Ohio
- Phone: 740-992-6524 or 1-877-MEIGS-CO
Pomeroy, Ohio’s “Rhythm on the River” is a series of free concerts held on Friday evenings throughout the Summer. Well attended by families and individuals alike, the Rhythm on the River shows are a wonderful way to spend a nice summer eve congregating with friends and neighbors.
Admission to the Loudonville Classic Car Show is free.
- When: July 1, 2023, from 8am – 4pm (Fireworks July 4th)
- Where: (Map It) Historic downtown Loudonville, Ohio
- Call: 419-994-2519
The Loudonville Classic Car Show & Fireworks: Enjoy more than 500 cars that will come rolling into town for the day. Listen to live music! Taste great food. It’s a wonderful event for the whole family! Visit the downtown shops and restaurants too.
Admission to Monster Truck Madness at Destination Outlets is Free.
- When: July 1 & 2, 2023, from 12pm – 6pm
- Location: (Map It) 8000 Factory Shops Blvd. in Jeffersonville, Ohio
- Phone: 800-213-9083
- Web: click here
Monster Truck Madness is the 4th of July event you don’t want to miss! Bring the whole family to Destination Outlets on July 3 – 4 from 12pm – 6pm to see the coolest monster trucks in town! Get your photo taken and take a ride on one of the monster trucks! Bring the whole family to shop, eat, and play!
Admission to the BG Community Fireworks is free.
- When: Always held on July 3 at about 9:45pm
- Location: (Map It) Viewing area is at Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Rd. in Bowling Green, Ohio
- Phone: 419-353-7945
- Web: click here
BG Community Fireworks, hosted by the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce, is an annual celebration of Independence Day featuring fireworks.
Admission to Fairborn Heritage Days is free.
- When: Always July 3rd from 4pm – 6pm
- Location: (Map It) Fairborn, Ohio at the Mercer-Smith Log Cabin and other historical locations
- Phone: 937-609-8112
Fairborn Heritage Days in Fairborn, Ohio: Enjoy a quilt show, garden tours, historical re-enactments and photo displays, Wright B Flyer simulators, special family activities from Carriage Hill Farm, Carillon Historical Park, the National Aviation Heritage Alliance, and the National Park Service. Step back in time with the special events at the Mercer-Smith Log Home. Enjoy the Heritage Picnic Lunch and Ice Cream Social from 3:30 – 7pm at the Fairborn Senior Center. Enjoy Young’s ice cream, explore the rain gardens, take a carriage ride, play yard games, relax to great music. Stroll down Main Street to view more than 100 antique and new quilts on display in the storefronts of 22 participating businesses.
Admission to the Gallipolis River Recreation Festival is free.
- When: Always July 3 & 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Location: (Map It) Gallipolis City Park at 16 State Street in Gallipolis, Ohio
- Phone: 740-446-0596 or 740-446-6882
- Web: click here
Gallipolis River Recreation Festival: For almost fifty years, the Annual Gallipolis River Recreation Festival, sponsored by the Gallia County Chamber of Commerce, has been held over the 4th of July, with the magnificent Ohio River as a backdrop. The City Park, occupying one full block in the center of the historic downtown, and First Avenue along the River, provide the ideal venue.
The three-day celebration features daily entertainment, including national and local musical talent, a special Kids Day with multiple activities and prizes throughout the day, outstanding food vendors, crafters, a live auction, Queen contests, baby contests, amusement rides, an art exhibit (both for youth and adult), an impressive Parade and as a grand finale, a fireworks extravaganza! Each year, the River Recreation Festival grows and has become the high point of community celebration, attracting thousands of residents and travelers from across the country.
Admission to the Americana Festival is free.
- When: Always July 4th
- Location: (Map It) 27 North Main Street in Centerville, Ohio
- Phone: 937-433-5898
- Web: click here
Americana Festival (Centerville-Washington Township) is held in Centerville, Ohio: This is an old-fashioned celebration of our nation’s birthday. Over 70,000 people annually attend this one-day event. The festival features a 5K family run, a street fair with over 300 arts & crafts exhibitors, food vendors, and live entertainment all day. A 21-acre off-street park area is devoted to entertaining children and includes everything from pony rides and a water feature to a petting zoo and games. There is a 100+ unit street parade and a large classic & antique car and truck show. The day culminates with a spectacular fireworks display.
Get tickets to the Country Concert Music Fest in Ft. Loramie, Ohio.
Country Concert Music Festival in Ft. Loramie, Ohio: This nationally known three-day music festival attracts thousands and hosts some of the biggest names in country music. Come enjoy the world’s best country artists in a wonderful outdoor setting. Headlining this year’s concert are Blake Shelton, Jake Owen, Florida Georgia Line, Justin Moore, Chase Rice and many more. Check out the web site above for the complete line up of performers and ticket prices for this year’s show.
Admission to the Greenville Farm Power of the Past is $5/person (free for kids 12 and younger)
- When: July 6 – 9, 2023, from 9am – 9pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday and 9am – 3pm Sunday
- Location: (Map It) Darke County Fairgrounds at 800 Sweitzer Street in Greenville, Ohio
- Phone: 937-459-6424
- Web: www.greenvillefarmpower.org
Greenville Farm Power of the Past is an annual event. Walk through a glimpse of agricultural history as many makes and models of antique (anything over 25 years old) farm machinery are displayed in the shaded areas of the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds echo with the sounds of the stationary gas engines which range in size from tabletop models to large oil field engines. Exhibitors are often nearby and will share their stories. The horse arena is the location for horse and mule events, as well as the traditional draft horse and pony pull. Grandstand events include Friday night and Saturday morning tractor pulls, a Saturday afternoon tractor parade, and Saturday night garden tractor pulls. Young kids get their own chance in the pulling lane at the kiddie tractor pull on Saturday. Special events for ladies are held on Friday and Saturday. The arts, crafts, and flea market area feature all kinds of unique offerings and include spaces for outdoor and indoor vendors. Food trucks and trailers provide something for everyone, whether it is mealtime or time for a snack. Bring your camper and stay awhile. Greenville and Darke County have a rich history and many places to visit before or after the show.
Chagrin Valley Jumper Classic requires a general admission ticket.
- When: July 7 – 16, 2023
- Location: (Map It) 9250 E. Washington St. in Chagrin Falls, Ohio
- Web: Click here
Chagrin Valley Jumper Classic: One of Northern Ohio’s summer highlights is the popular Hunter Jumper Classic, held every July at the Chagrin Valley’s picturesque Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field. In past years, the show has hosted more than 500 competitors from over 30 states and several foreign countries. The event is organized by the volunteers of the non-profit 501(c)(3) Chagrin Valley PHA (Professional Horsemen’s Association) Horse Show, Inc.
The highlight of the show is the Cleveland Grand Prix. The Cleveland Grand Prix has a historic significance in the equestrian world because it was the first showjumping Grand Prix held in this nation, debuting in 1965. In addition to the two weeks of exciting horse show jumping competition, the show also features the following: Opening weekend competition highlighting riders from Northeast Ohio and the surrounding areas. Family activities, canine events, great food, and great shopping.
Admission to the Vermilion All Washed Up Driftwood Art Contest is free.
- When: July 8, 2023
- Location: (Map It) Exchange Park in Vermilion, Ohio
- Phone: 440-963-0772
- Web: click here
At the Vermilion All Washed Up Driftwood Art Contest, you may be part of the fun as a contestant or stop by and enjoy seeing what can be made from this amazing natural resource abundant on local beaches. Whether you’re a seasoned driftwood sculptor, have an artistic spirit, or are a complete beginner to the art of turning driftwood and recyclable lake treasures into works of art, or want to view these pieces of art, “All Washed Up” is an opportunity to be creative or have fun seeing the creative pieces of art displayed.
An 1890 Re-enactment Festival
Admission to Early America Live, An 1890 Re-enactment Festival at Jefferson Depot Village is approx. $7/adult, under 6 free.
- When: July 8 & 9, 2023 (Always the second Sat & Sun in July: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 12-5)
- Location: (Map It) Jefferson Depot Village, 147 E. Jefferson St. in Jefferson, Ohio
- Phone: 440-344-0167
- Web: www.jeffersondepotvillage.org/
Early America Live, An 1890 Re-enactment Festival at Jefferson Depot Village: 1890 becomes “alive” as you enter the gates into the historic 19th-century village. Costumed kinfolk recreate the “period” as you peek into the past in each restored building and on the grounds. Attend school in the 1838 One-Room Schoolhouse, early recess games, make & take crafts. Candle-making, basketry, dying & spinning wool, and pottery. Herb garden tours, tussie-mussies, pump-organ concert, Pastor on horseback, and fashion show.
Admission to YSU Summer Festival of the Arts in Youngstown is free.
- When: July 8 & 9, 2023, from 10am-5pm and 11am-4pm, respectively
- Location: (Map It) Wean Foundation Park in downtown Youngstown, Ohio
- Phone: 330-941-2307
- Web: click here
YSU Summer Festival of the Arts in Youngstown at Youngstown State University is a true celebration of the visual and performing arts. Welcoming over 80 local, regional and national artists, the event draws over 15,000 people to the park-like campus. In addition to the artists’ marketplace, dozens of music, theater, and dance performances occur and activities are planned by local museums and churches. An ethnic fair, multiple concerts, 5K run, and children’s activities add to the excitement of this two-day event. Admission and parking are free to the Summer Festival of the Arts.
Admission to Toledo Lighthouse Waterfront Festival is free. Parking is free. Donation of $3 is requested.
- When: July 9 & 10, 2023, from 10am – 7pm and 11am-5 pm, respectively
- Location: (Map It) Maumee Bay State Park, 1750 Park Rd. #2 in Oregon, Ohio
- Phone: 419-691-3788 or 734-572-5813
- Web: toledolighthousefestival.com/
Toledo Lighthouse Waterfront Festival is located on an inland lake near the shores of Lake Erie. The waterfront festival offers summer music in the amphitheater throughout the festival. There is a sandcastle contest at 11 am on Saturday. There are over 50 nautically themed arts and crafts in the nautical village. There are over 200 silent auction items and many gift cards and unique items. There are boat rides to go into the lighthouse (weather permitting and the ability to climb the rung ladder) and boat rides around the lighthouse. There are children’s activities, face painting, hands-on art, and more. There are a magician and puppeteer in the amphitheater Sunday afternoon. Fest food vendors offer perch, brats, wraps, Toft’s ice cream, and more. There is a Saturday evening concert at 7 pm. – free.
Admission to FCII Festival is free.
- When: Always the second weekend in July
- Location; (Map It) Elyria, Ohio at Lorain County Community College and Kanisa House (Underground Railroad)
- Phone: 440-366-3244
FCII Festival (First Community Interfaith Institute Festival) at at Lorain County Community College and Kanisa House (Underground Railroad): The annual festival is one of the biggest festivals in Ohio. The festival promotes diversity and family unity. It’s an interpersonal tool that provides an opportunity to help each culture celebrate its beauty, uniqueness, and contributions to today’s society and bring them all into the Iron Castle. The festival features an Underground Railroad tour, recreational activities, and performances, guest speakers, and workshops.
Admission is free. Parking is $5.
- Open: July 14 – 16, 2023 (Always the second full weekend in July from Fri – Sun) Friday from 10am – 6pm, Saturday from 10am – 5pm, and Sunday from 10am – 4pm.
- Location: (Map It) Bishop Educational Gardens at 13200 Little Cola Road in Rockbridge, Ohio
- Phone: 1-800-Hocking or 740-969-2873
- Web: www.lilyfest.com
LilyFest is a must-see garden experience that combines Appalachian artwork and folk music with outdoor education. Enjoy the celebration of arts, crafts, music, and gardens. There are over 70 artisans with their wares displayed throughout the gardens. Musicians perform a variety of Appalachian styles – instrumental and vocal.
All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship Race admission is approximately $5-8/person.
- When: July 16 – 22, 2023 (The world championship race is on the last day)
- Location: (Map It) 789 Derby Downs Dr. in Akron, Ohio
- Phone: 330-733-8723
- Web: www.soapboxderby.org/
All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship Race in Akron, Ohio: Held every July, this world-famous race has run since 1934. The World Championship finals comprise more than 550 qualifiers from states around the U.S. and several foreign countries. The race has over 10,000 spectators who attend annually and over 1,500 volunteers annually. The race features boy and girl drivers from ages 7-20 who compete in one of three different divisions in these “gravity” races for scholarships and other prizes. Race week at Derby Downs race track is filled with many activities. The race encourages young people to take in the true spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship of the derby’s history. With decades of race history, every year at the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship is a new, exciting all-day event that thousands have enjoyed for generations.
Lancaster Festival features more than 75 events, and over half are free.
The Lancaster Festival provides 10 days of music, art, and family fun! This fantastic summer festival is a celebration of music and the arts featuring live concerts in downtown Lancaster, an award-winning festival orchestra, nationally recognized top-name performers, daily activities for children, a legendary art walk, and non-stop energy throughout the city.
Children’s events include Festival Fair Day, Rising Park Day, and the Children’s Art Fair. Performing artists come from various genres and include regional talent and household names. Join the Tribute Night, Singer/Songwriter Night, or one of our big Saturday Night shows. Other activities include daily chamber music concerts, a 5K road race, performances at the local mall, and a two-show production by the Ohio University Lancaster Theatre.
Admission to Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest is free.
- When: July 21 – 23, 2023
- Location: (Map It) Columbus Downtown Riverfront at 233 S Civic Center Dr. in Columbus, Ohio
- Phone: 614-645-7995 or 614-645-3300
- Web: www.hotribscooljazz.org/
Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest: This highly anticipated summertime tradition in downtown Columbus offers both jazz and rib connoisseurs the finest in music and barbecue. Located along the Scioto River, the festival offers three days of continuous jazz by renowned international and local musicians while barbecue pit masters serve up sizzling ribs, chicken, and more. Savor the best ribs from around the country as 23 award-winning barbecue teams compete for “Best Ribs” bragging rights.
Admission to The Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival: $15 per carload
- When: July 21 & 22, 2023
- Location: (Map It) Smith Park at 500 Tytus Avenue in Middletown, OH
- Phone: 513-435-6361
- Web: www.ohiochallenge.com/
The Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival in Middletown features a hot air balloon competition with over 40 hot air balloons, skydivers, a classic car show, food and craft vendors, and more! Come out to see special shape balloons, the nightly fireworks, or to enjoy the beautiful balloon glows.
Admission to Ironman 70.3 is free to watch (click the link below for entry info)
Ironman 70.3 has become a popular event for athletes and fans alike! Ironman 70.3, known as a Half Ironman, is a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation. The “70.3” refers to the total distance in miles covered in the race: a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride finishing back, and a 13.1-mile Double-loop style course run.
Admission & parking to the Valley City Frog Jump Festival are free.
Valley City Frog Jump Festival in Valley City, Ohio: For more than 50 years, Valley City, Ohio, has been jumping for joy when frogs take to the ring to test their leg strength in a peculiar festival that celebrates their leaping abilities. An estimated three thousand people, plus or minus a thousand, gather annually to partake in fun. These frog-natics bring their amphibious competitors, friends, and relatives to enjoy the old-fashioned day. More than 700 frogs are entered into the contest by toddlers, retirees, and everyone. Trophies are awarded to the winners. Food, beverage, souvenirs, music, and games are available. Admission and parking are free (a cost is involved in jumping a frog).
Admission and parking to Annie Oakley Festival in Greenville, Ohio is free.
- When: July 28 – 30, 2023 (Usually the last Fri – Sun in July)
- Location: (Map It) Darke County Fairgrounds (South end by the 4-H horse arena) in Greenville, Ohio
- Phone: 937-548-1018
- Web: www.annieoakleyfestival.org and Facebook
The Annie Oakley Festival in Greenville, Ohio celebrates Annie Oakley’s humble beginnings and worldwide fame. The festival includes a shooting contest for young women and recognizes a new Miss Annie Oakley who reigns throughout the year. There will be a fast draw contest, car show, old-time melodrama, bus tours of the historically rich county, talent show, competitive family fun games, and a fabulous western arts show including knife throwing, whip cracking, and variety entertainment. There will also be a petting zoo, live musical entertainment, a Buffalo Bill impersonator and historian, daily Annie’s story time for children, and food, flea market, antique, and craft vendors. Be sure to come out early for the parade in downtown Greenville on Saturday morning at 10am.
Admission to Canal Winchester Blues & Ribfest is free.
- When: July 28 & 29, 2023, Friday 5pm-11pm & Saturday 12-11pm
- Location: (Map It) 36 South High Street, Canal Winchester, Ohio (street closed to vehicles during event)
- Phone: 614-270-5053 or 614-738-4804
- Website: www.bluesandribfest.com
Canal Winchester Blues & Ribfest in Canal Winchester, Ohio: Smokin’ blues, sizzlin’ hot ribs, and more! This summer street celebration features live blues music, world-class ribs, a variety of quality non-rib food options, locally crafted items/art, and a beer garden for blues and rib-loving fans 21 and over. There is no charge for admission to this popular event, so plan early and bring your friends and family to help you celebrate some of your favorite sights, sounds, and tastes of summer!
Admission to Celina Lake Festival is free.
- When: July 28 – 30, 2023 (always the last full weekend in July that is followed by a Monday, still in July)
- Location: (Map It) Main Street and Lake Shore Dr. in Celina, Ohio
- Phone: 419-586-2219 or 419-586-0993
- Web: https://celinalakefest.com/
Play a video of the Amphicars at the Celina Lake Festival
The Celina Lake Festival is held on the Grand Lake St. Mary’s shores in downtown Celina. For more than 50 years, this three-day event packs in family fun and even features cars that swim! The festival begins Friday night with a brilliant fireworks show, live entertainment, the Amphicar Swim-In, and a Cruise-In with over 250 cars. The weekend will include a parade, a car show, a boat Poker Run, a cardboard Duct Tape boat race, a kiddie fishing derby, and a kiddie and adult tractor pull. A volleyball tournament, a 5-k, a Women’s Walk for Wellness, and the pageant to win Miss Lake Festival are also held during this festival, all centered around the beautiful shores of Celina Lake.
Admission to Frankfort Sunflower Festival is free.
- When: Usually the last Sat & Sun in July
- Where: (Map It) Frankfort, Ohio (Located on U.S. Rt. 35 between Chillicothe and Washington Court House, Ohio)
- Phone: 740-998-4060 or 800-413-4118 or 740-702-7677
- Web: click here
Frankfort Sunflower Festival (formerly the International Sunflower Fest) is in Frankfort, Ohio. It is held annually on Labor Day weekend. This event is for people of all ages and includes concessions, a car show, antique tractors, a kiddy tractor pull, games, live music, a parade, an adult Tug of War contest with a purse, sunflower contest (biggest, tallest, etc.), photo contest, corn hole tournament, pie auction, and craft tent. Come join the community church service held Sunday morning in the center of town.
Admission to Zoar Harvest Festival is approximately $10/person (Free for children younger than 12).
Zoar Harvest Festival at Historic Zoar Village has something for the whole family! A juried craft show, wagon rides, sheepdog demonstrations, historic demonstrations in historic buildings, and a spectacular antique show and sale with over 60 dealers. Games and crafts for children and an antique car show are highlights of the weekend. Food and beverages are available throughout the village and a brew tent featuring bands and entertainment will be on site. The Zoar Community Association operates Zoar Village State Memorial with the Ohio Historical Society. The site features 12 beautifully restored buildings mixed in with privately owned and restored historic homes. The village features guided tours, shopping for antiques and American folk crafts, as well as bed and breakfasts, and two full-service restaurants, The Zoar firehouse Grille, and the Canal Tavern of Zoar.
Ohio County Fairs in July:
Adams County Fair in West Union
http://www.adamscountyfairground.com/
Butler County Fair in Hamilton
http://www.butlercofair.com/
Carroll County Fair in Carrollton
https://www.carrollcountyfairohio.com/
Clark County Fair in Springfield
http://clarkcoag.com/
Clermont County Fair in Owensville
click here
Clinton County Fair in Wilmington
http://clintoncountyfair.org/
Crawford County Fair in Bucyrus
http://www.crawfordcofair.com/
Fayette County Fair in Washington Court House
http://fayettecofairoh.com/
Franklin County Fair in Hilliard
https://www.fcfair.org/
Harrison County Fair in Cadiz
Click here
Jackson County Fair in Wellston
Click here
Knox County Fair in Mount Vernon
http://www.knoxcountyfair.org/
Lake County Fair in Painesville
http://www.lakecountyfair.org/
Lawrence County Fair in Proctorville
www.lawrencecountyohiofair.com/
Logan County Fair in Bellefontaine
https://locofair.org/
Lucas County Fair in Maumee
https://lucascountyfair.com/
Madison County Fair in London
http://www.madisoncountyfairoh.com/
Ottawa County Fair in Oak Harbor
http://www.ottawacountyfair.org/
Perry County Fair in New Lexington
http://perrycountyfair.com/
Pike County Fair in Piketon
Click Here
Preble County Fair in Eaton
Click Here
Shelby County Fair in Sidney
Click Here
Summit County Fair in Tallmadge
https://www.summitfair.com/
Seneca County Fair in Tiffin
Click Here
Union County Fair in Marysville
https://www.ohiounioncountyfair.com/
Warren County Fair in Lebanon
http://www.warrencountyfair.org/
and don’t forget the
OHIO STATE FAIR
in Columbus
http://www.ohiostatefair.com/
Don’t miss our FREE monthly issues.
Click Here for FREE Subscription or
email ZoneFreePublishing@gmail.com
Or see everything going on in your region of Ohio
