How the Ohio State Fair Is Preparing for the Future
Your guide to classic festivals, great concerts, family favorites and outdoor adventures
New Albany Summer Concert Series
FEATURES //
102 Days and Nights of Summer
Our guide to events, festivals, concerts and more will help you make the most of the long days and warm nights.
60 Ohio State Fair
Take a trip down memory lane and get a glimpse of what’s ahead for this Buckeye State tradition.
66 Butterfly Guide
Naturalist Jim McCormac shares a dozen common species to keep an eye out for this spring and summer.
Anne Greene Design makes pieces that will spark a smile, and Kellie DuBay Gillis talks nature-focused kids books.
Savor Mexican-inspired flavors at Sueño in Dayton, and enjoy late-night cocktails at Cobra in Columbus.
The Cleveland Cavaliers made their first conference finals appearance in May of 1976, ultimately losing 2-4.
See works by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami in Cleveland, and visit a galaxy far, far away in Columbus. 17 Calendar of Events
CONNECT
Summer Sips: Gahanna, also known as the Herb Capital of Ohio, hosts an annual herbal cocktail trail, offering a unique way to experience these earthy flavors that play on the city’s gardening heritage. We visited in 2023 and brought back some great recipes you can make at home this summer, like a strawberry basil lemonade with gin. ohiomagazine.com/herbalcocktails
from the archive: In the late 1940s, Ohio-made Lustron homes — prefabricated houses constructed of steel and packed with built-in features — posed a solution to America’s postwar housing shortage. Today, there are only an estimated 2,000 Lustron homes still standing, with one on display inside the Ohio History Center in Columbus ohiomagazine.com/lustronhome
subscribe to ohio magazine today:
Don’t miss an issue of Ohio Magazine. Subscribe today and explore the beauty, adventure and fun of the Buckeye State.
sign up for our email newsletters:
Stay connected with our email newsletters. Learn about fun events and festivals, explore our state’s food scene, get inspiration for outdoor adventures and find your next weekend getaway. Sign up by scanning the QR code or by visiting ohiomagazine.com/newsletters
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS
MEDINA COUNTY
Find parks, local eats, comfortable stays and more in Medina County.
Cincinnati, p. 16 Cleveland, p. 14, 30
Columbus, p. 16, 30, 31, 60 Dayton, p. 8, 29
New Albany, Cover
New Richmond, p. 13 Sandusky, p. 9 Toledo, p. 7, 16, 30 Zoar, p. 16
STAY IN TOUCH WITH US BETWEEN ISSUES.
milled from replanted forests
and purchases
Chairman Lute Harmon Sr.
President & Publisher Lute Harmon Jr.
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL@OHIOMAGAZINE.COM
Editor Jim Vickers
Associate Editors Erin Finan, Gracie Metz
Contributing Writers Jason Brill, Hollie Davis, Lisa Galek, Macy Kile, Sarah Miller, David Nilsen, Christine Schaffran, Lauren Serge, Emma Shinker, Kristina Smith, Damaine Vonada, Ilona Westfall
Digital Content Assistant Kelly Powell
Editorial Intern Elizabeth Talaga
Art Director Rachael Jirousek
Contributing Artists Matthew Chasney, Erik Drost, Doug Hinebaugh, Steve Miller
ADVERTISING
INQUIRIES: ADSALES@OHIOMAGAZINE.COM 216/377-3652
Associate Publisher & Advertising Director Karen Matusoff
Editorial Interns Kirsten Abbey, Serena Atkinson, Ellie Erich
Managing Art Director Stephanie Mauric
Art Director Emily Gommel
Associate Art Director Sel James
Video Producer Carrie Largent
INTERACTIVE MEDIA
Director of Digital Strategy Jacquie Chakirelis
Digital Strategy Manager Joe Vargo
Development Manager Daniel Klinzing
Operations Associate Camille Ross
CORPORATE
Chief Financial Officer George Sedlak
Finance Director Perry Zohos
Accounts Payable Coordinator Geli Valli
PICTURE YOURSELF IN PICTURE YOURSELF IN MEDINA COUNTY MEDINA COUNTY
great ohio Road Trips
This month, we head to Medina County and find parks to explore, local eats to try and comfortable places to stay.
In 2025, the Medina County Park District celebrates 60 years of preserving the county’s beautiful natural resources. Spend a peaceful day outdoors before enjoying locally loved foods and curling up at a hotel. If you visit on a rainy day, there is an option for that too.
Lakeside find
Brunswick Lake Park, located in the city of Brunswick, offers 79 acres to explore and a 13.2-acre lake for fishing with a wheelchair-accessible fishing platform. The 1-mile All-Purpose Trail offers a paved route perfect for walking or biking, while the 0.5-mile Nature Trail provides a natural surface and caters to those looking for a shorter hike. The park is also home to the Susan Hambley Nature Center, which is open on weekends from noon to 5 p.m. Visitors will find a bird-watching area inside, as well as animals to observe like a snake and a turtle. There is also a reading nook with nature-themed books for kids. When it’s time to eat, Ohio Pie Co. in Brunswick is a favorite for its pizzas ranging from options such as the classic pepperoni pie to the Firebird buffalo-chicken pizza to the Burly Boy, which is topped with five kinds of meat. (Owner Nick Robson also offers brunch pies each weekend that feature an everything-bagel-seasoned crust with cream cheese white sauce, scrambled eggs, cheese and more.) End the day at Comfort Suites, which has a pool and rooms with space to relax. Complimentary cookies and popcorn are served as snacks each day.
scenic spot
Home to a 21-acre lake, Hubbard Valley Park in the village of Seville provides a destination for on-the-water activities such as canoeing, kayaking and fishing. (The park also has a wheelchair-accessible fishing platform.) Spring visitors can see wildflowers blooming along trails such as the 1.25-mile, natural-surface Trillium Trail, one of the park’s three hiking paths. Others include the paved, 0.6-mile All-Persons Trail and the natural-surface, 0.5-mile Sugar Woods Loop Trail. The park’s Buffalo Creek Retreat provides a beautiful spot to book reunions, wedding receptions and other celebrations. After exploring, grab a treat by visiting Skoops, a classic roadside ice cream stand owned by Terry Rastetter-Helbing and his husband, David. Get in line at the walk-up service window and choose from frozen custard treats that range from ice cream nachos and ice cream cake served by the slice to cones, parfaits and sundaes. (Dairy- and gluten-free options are also available.) To experience the comforts of home, book a stay at the Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham in Seville. From standard queen-size hotel rooms to larger suites with a full kitchen, this pet-friendly lodging option offers a full slate of amenities like a 24-hour fitness center, ADA-accessible pool and breakfast buffet.
Shopping Stop
When the summer heat prompts a break in the action or rain clouds send you inside for a bit, The Common Ground offers a welcoming spot to shop, grab a drink and play on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Opened in 2022, the former cold-store warehouse at 220 N. State Rd. in Medina offers about 50 local businesses to explore under one roof. These include smalls shops for apparel, home goods, books and more, as well as a tattoo studio and The Grind Coffee Bar. Visitors can also enjoy a beer or cocktail at Pickleback’s, a bar that has an outdoor patio perfect for the summer months. Other businesses at The Common Ground offer experiences to enjoy, such as a pottery studio, rock-climbing gym, an indoor cornhole facility and a golf simulator. Monthly pop-up markets bring in even more vendors. Starting in 2020, The Common Ground began hosting an outdoor market in its parking lot as renovations took place inside. Since then, it’s come back every year, with the indoor-outdoor market back in 2025 on July 12, Sept. 13 and Oct. 11.
City Explorer
Those looking to embrace the outdoors in Medina will want to visit Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park, located about 5 miles east of the city’s Public Square. The 102-acre park offers a 1.1-mile, naturally surfaced Green Nature Trail, as well as a a 6-acre dog park and a fishing platform that extends over a 3-acre pond. A wheelchair-accessible, inclusive playground caters to kids of all abilities, and a 1-mile storybook trail invites littles ones and their parents to share a story together as pages of a children’s book are presented on platforms along the route. Those who want to pack a lunch for the day or just need a break in the shade can grab a seat at the park’s shared-use picnic shelter. For dinner, head to 111 Bistro in Medina. A local favorite since it opened in 2014, this dinner-only spot from chef and owner Anthony Scolaro offers a rotating menu that changes every 10 weeks and focuses on seasonal ingredients. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Medina is conveniently located less than a mile from the restaurant and include amenities such as an indoor pool and fitness center. Each room is outfitted with a Keurig coffee maker and mini fridge.
Visit medinacountyparks.com for more information about the Medina County Park District. Go to visitmedinacounty.com for more information about destinations through the county.
HUBBARD VALLEY PARK
THE COMMON GROUND
Always in Season?
IT’S A SHORE THING
Shores & Islands Ohio is a yearround destination, just a short drive away. Take a ferry ride to a Lake Erie island, explore miles of beaches and natural trails, enjoy quaint downtowns and museums, and experience the beauty of the changing seasons across the region.
Find your Lake Erie Love at SHORESandISLANDS.com.
Midway Memories
The first time I went to the Ohio State Fair, I wasn’t yet a teenager. I had been going to my local county fair for as long as I could remember, but traveling to Columbus — to our state’s fair — with my family was different. It was an adventure, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
My parents, sister and I spent the day at the fair, but my most vivid memory is visiting a tent off the midway that I remember being a magic show with a bit of a sideshow bent.
At one point, in between acts, a man walked out into the assembled crowd and showed us a tiny gray plastic mouse that seemed to be running smoothly back and forth across the back of his hands, from one to the other, over and over. It even turned on command. I was impressed. Then the kicker: You could buy this magic trick to take home with you and learn how to do it yourself.
A few bucks later, I also owned a tiny plastic mouse that came with an incredibly sheer string finer than fishing line. The string attached to the underside of the mouse in an inconspicuous spot, and you attached the other end of the string to a button on your clothing. The mouse’s “movement” was all left up to the skill and practice of the magician.
That was the day I learned it is often better not to know the secret of a magic trick, but that realization didn’t dampen our visit to the Ohio State Fair. Between the fair food, exhibits and all the other attractions, it is one of countless great memories of growing up in Ohio.
Over the years, I’ve been back to the Ohio State Fair many times, and it remains an event that plays to all ages and interests, while also staying firmly tethered to farming, tradition and community. The fair was first held in Cincinnati 175 years ago, and when it returns on July 23 this year, visitors will begin seeing the first of many changes slated for the Ohio Expo Center, the home of the Ohio State Fair. In all, $460 million in improvements will be completed by the fair’s run in summer 2026, readying it for a new generation of visitors.
You can read about the Ohio State Fair’s history and its new chapter starting on page 60, but that is just the start of the fun in this issue. Our guide to 102 Days & Nights of Summer, which stretches from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend to the last moments of Labor Day, is filled with inspiration for getting out and exploring our state during the season.
Also, if you haven’t done so yet, sign up for our free email newsletters to keep up with online stories released throughout the week that go beyond the pages of the magazine. Let’s connect, and we’ll help you make the most of this time of year.
JIM VICKERS
Fragile Wonders
Nicknamed the Glass City, Toledo was the birthplace of America’s Studio Glass movement, which shifted glasswork from a merely commercial craft to a respected fine art form. This heritage is reflected across the city, most notably on the campus of the Toledo Museum of Art, where the movement took its first steps, in the form of the institution’s Glass Pavilion, which holds exhibits of both historic and contemporary glass works. America 250-Ohio’s recently launched Creativity Trail leads travelers to this location and over 100 others that celebrate Ohioans’ contributions to a multitude of creative endeavors. 2444 Monroe St., Toledo 43620, 419/255-8000, toledomuseum.org
Laugh Lines: Dayton’s Anne Green Design creates fun greeting cards, prints, stickers, apparel and more that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Natural Storyteller: Environmental scientist Kellie DuBay Gillis channels her love of nature into enchanting children’s books that inspire an appreciation for the outdoors.
Laugh Lines
Dayton’s Anne Green Design creates fun greeting cards, prints, stickers, apparel and more that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Dayton native Anne Green’s art features simple and comforting illustrations of objects like animals and plants next to whimsical phrases. On one, a brightly colored beet sits next to the words “Can’t Beet Local.” On another, the head of a golden retriever appears alongside the phrase “You’re Golden.”
“My goal with my business is that I want you to think of someone else,” says Green, whose designs adorn greeting cards, prints, stickers, notebooks, apparel and other gift items.
She launched Anne Green Design a few years after graduating from college when her father encouraged her to devote her life to doing something that she loved. She combines digital graphics with watercolor and hand-drawn illustrations to create minimalist designs that feature bright and cheerful colors inspired by nature.
“I’ve always been inspired by Scandinavian art, which is very clean cut,” says Green, who operates a vendor space at Dayton’s Second
Street Market. “And that’s something that a lot of people come into my shop and point out. It’s fun to see people noticing that because that’s what I really wanted to embrace.”
Some of Green’s bestsellers come from her AlphaDog series, a line of apparel and prints that features different breeds of dogs representing letters of the alphabet. This collection, along with her Victory Garden vegetable puns line, landed the business as a finalist in Martha Stewart’s American Made competition in 2015. Green sells her products online in addition to her retail space at Second Street Market, where customers can shop her wares every Friday through Sunday.
“One of my favorite things to see is when people are walking by and they stop in their tracks and pick up a card and start giggling and show it to their friend,” Green says. “They don’t even have to buy the card. To me, just the fact that they stop and laugh is special. Igniting that joy — that moment to smile — is something that keeps me going.” — Lauren Serge
For more information, visit annegreendesign.com.
To the Point
Inspired by his own cherished memories, David Kaman turned his extensive collection of Cedar Point memorabilia into a new museum in downtown Sandusky.
After graduating from Sandusky’s St. Mary’s High School in 1973, David Kaman got a summer job changing lightbulbs at Cedar Point amusement park. Working nights, he often spent time on the Lake Erie beach, where the park had started with a single bathhouse in 1870.
“I’d walk out on the sand, listen to the waves and see the stars shining overhead,” Kaman recalls. “It was just beautiful, and I fell in love with Cedar Point.”
Starting with a stash of postcards his father gave him, Kaman spent decades scouring antique shops and estate and garage sales for Cedar Point memorabilia. When he retired from practicing law in Cleveland, Kaman decided to share his affection for the park with the public by turning his sizable collection into the Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum. Opened in December 2024, the nonprofit attraction is located inside Sandusky’s Merry-Go-Round Museum, which offers visitors a two-for-one bargain by including Kaman’s Cedar Point exhibits in the admission price.
Although the Cedar Point historical museum is based on Kaman’s keepsakes, its collection is growing with the help of donations from park enthusiasts. Candy Frankowski, the park’s former director of operations, even helped Kaman curate his exhibition, resulting in a decade-by-decade trip down memory lane that evokes the fun and excitement of summer days spent at the park.
The museum’s oldest object is an 1893 ribbon commemorating a park outing by employees of the Huber Manufacturing Co. in Marion, while other treasures include a 1906 beach bucket bearing the words “The Finest Bathing Beach in the World,” a 1964 ride sign from the Blue Streak roller coaster’s opening season, and the 1970s-era yellow shirts worn by Jungle Larry and Safari Jane. Also on display are a rare Meribeth doll from the Frontier Trail and photos of Sandusky’s own Jacquelyn Mayer, whose Miss America journey began in 1962 when she was crowned Miss Vacationland in Cedar Point’s ballroom.
“It’s awesome to have people come in and relive their childhoods by spending time at our museum and then taking a ride on the Merry-Go-Round Museum’s carousel,” Kaman says.
—
Damaine
Vonada
19th-century decorative penny bank
When springtime arrives in Ohio, farmers across the state prepare to plant their crops, filling the air with a buzz of agricultural activity. As anyone familiar with farming knows, well-drained fields are crucial to crop growth, and during the 19th century, one of the largest lines of pottery production was a coarse earthenware called drain tile or sewer tile. During that time, sewer tile was produced throughout the country, especially in factories across Ohio.
The tile was durable and relatively cheap to make, requiring only clay, a firing source, such as natural gas, and proximity to a method of transportation, like the railroads or canals that crisscrossed the state. Because of its accessibility, the tile was also used to produce inexpensive decorative objects, such as animal figures, and children’s penny banks, many of which were made in the form of log cabins, houses or bank buildings.
This charming little bank, which stands at just about 8 inches tall, has simple incised lines that make it appear to be a sturdy block building — just the kind of security one would want when saving pennies.
— Hollie Davis
$450 SOLD
301 Jackson St., Sandusky 44870, 419/626-6111, sanduskycedarpointmuseum.org
Hollie Davis is a co-owner of Meander Auctions in Whipple, Ohio.
Experience historic Marietta through a tour of eleven homes in the first established settlement of the Northwest Territory. Whether you are a collector, architect, historian, photographer, or just love old homes, this tour includes a location to pique your interests! Different homes featured each day.
Bodoni Roman
Come a day earlier for the Bicentennial Celebration of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour on May 23rd. Learn more at mariettamuseums.org/ lafayette-200
Natural Storyteller
Environmental scientist Kellie DuBay Gillis channels her love of nature into writing children’s books.
Growing up in Bay City, Michigan, and now residing in Fairview Park, environmental scientist Kellie DuBay Gillis’ ties to the natural world run as deep as the Great Lakes she grew up around. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she pursued a career in environmental science and communications. Protecting watersheds is a large part of DuBay Gillis’ job.
“After a rain, I’ll see how the clarity levels have changed,” DuBay Gillis says. “I’m constantly thinking about our local environment and watching the changes right in my own backyard.”
A lot of her work involves writing documents for local, state and federal environmental agencies, but her newest audience is a bit younger. In February 2025, she released her first children’s books, Big Bike, Little Bike and If You Find a Fawn. Her stories are filled with whimsy and teach kids about the natural world. We talked with DuBay Gillis about the inspiration behind her books and how her work shapes her writing. — Sarah Miller
What inspired the storylines for your new books?
A: If You Find a Fawn really goes back to my childhood, when I’d find baby birds with my neighborhood friends. We did what we thought was best to help, and it turns out we weren’t helping at all. As a parent, I’ve watched my kids and their friends go through the same thing. I realized the topic in the form of a picture book could empower kids to know what to do.
Why did you choose to write children’s picture books?
A: I’m frozen at the age of 11 internally. Children’s literature was so important to me in terms of my imagination and the books I used for escape and play. I have fond memories of our children’s librarian just feeding us piles of books. I think everyone needs to tap into their childhood whether they’re 5, 35 or 95. Picture books are for everybody. They’re poetry, they’re magic and they’re science. They’re just amazing.
How does being an environmental scientist tie into picture books?
A: I think the most fundamental way we can all become everyday environmentalists is to feel that bond with nature. I felt that way growing up on the shores of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan — and now Lake Erie — and the connection to all the waterways near me in Ohio. We have to love something to want to protect it. I’m hoping kids will make that connection with my books and find their special nature spots.
For more information, visit kelliedubaygillis.com.
Kellie DuBay Gillis grew up around the Great Lakes, inspiring a lifelong passion for protecting the environment.
Berry Good
BY RILEY HERNANDEZ |
With spring in full swing, why not indulge in a refreshing fruit wine? Despite being around for thousands of years, fruit wines continue to gain popularity. Hop on the bandwagon and visit these Ohio wineries to see what all the rage is about.
Head to Berlin Heights to visit Quarry Hill Winery, owned by the Gammie family, who grow their own grapes and fruits on their estate. Enjoy their strawberry rhubarb wine, a perfect blend of flavors, while looking out at a view of Lake Erie. They also have a selection of appetizers, sandwiches and soups that pair perfectly with their wide range of fruit wines.
Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast in Bellville doubles as a winery and restaurant. Satisfy your hunger with a menu of delicious seasonal foods, while sipping on their Sebastian Batch’s Blueberry Wine. Cherry-pomegranate, strawberry, and pear are just a few of the many other varieties of wine produced here by vintner Donnie VanMeter. Treat yourself to a luxurious slice of their cheesecakes, made by co-owner Jennifer VanMeter. It’s wonderful coupled with a glass from their expansive wine list.
Create custom wine labels for your next special occasion at Bent Tree Winery in Mason. Their fruit wines range from pineapple to cranberry and many are named after the owners’ grandchildren, like Chloe’s Choice, a dry white that features green apple, peach, and hints of citrus. Come for their wine tastings, offered on the third Saturday of every month.
Five Vines Winery in Wapakoneta offers black cherry and grapefruit wines made from hand-picked fruit. With a patio and food trucks, it is the perfect setting to visit with friends and listen to live music.
Sip on cranberry wine or one of the many fruit wines made at The Winery at Spring Hill in Geneva. Come for dinner and end your meal with one of their ice wines. Try the Black Cherry/Bourbon Infused Vidal Blanc Ice Wine or the Frosted Red Raspberry. They also specialize in ciders, including the Bourbon Barrel Maple Hard Cider and Blueberry Hill Hard Cider.
ADVERTISEMENT
Five Vines Winery
Wishmaker House Bed & Breakfast
NEW ALBANY
New Albany
Project Hero Ohio Honor Ride
Ealy House Museum Open
&
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
Ohio Swings Jazz Arts Concert
Ealy House Museum Open
Free Family Flick: The Incredibles
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
Summer Concert Series: McGuffey Lane
Ealy House Museum Open
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
Juneteenth Celebration
Ealy House Museum Open
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
Summer Concert Series: Grassinine
Ealy House Museum Open
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
New Albany Independence Day 5k
Independence Day Parade
Red White & Blues Jazz Arts Concert
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
Summer Concert Series: Buzz Bin
Ealy House Museum Open
Free Family Flick: The Little Mermaid
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
Ealy House Museum Open
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
Summer Concert Series: Yumbambe
Ealy House Museum Open
Taste of New Albany
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
Pelotonia
Ealy House Museum Open
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
Summer Concert Series: Fleetwood Gold
Ealy House Museum Open
Free Family Flick: Shrek
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
Ealy House Museum Open
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
Touch a Truck
Ealy House Museum Open
Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
The Rolling Stones Project Jazz Arts Concert
Ealy House Museum Open
DogFest
DATEBOOK
Ohio Appalachian Festival
May 10–11: New Richmond
The Buckeye State is rich with Appalachian heritage, and the spirit of the mountains comes to life each spring during the Ohio Appalachian Festival. Since 1971, this celebration has been a southwest Ohio tradition, and this year’s event is being held in New Richmond for the first time. Visitors experience activities and events that include cooking demonstrations, storytelling, craft vendors, a living-history area and more. Plus, get a taste of Appalachian arts as fiddle music fills the air and the dance stage plays host to line dancers, square dancers, highland dancers and cloggers. appalachianfestival.org
True Colors: See the vibrant and thought-provoking works of renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami at the Cleveland Museum of Art starting May 25
Calendar of Events: Your spring and summer plans start here. Check out our guide to exhibitions, shows and more happening between now and the end of June
PHOTO
ozens of colorfully robed figures clutch staffs and parchments in a row across the massive canvas. But the Arhats, or Buddhist saints, depicted in the 9-by-32-foot painting look as if they came straight from the pages of a modern Japanese manga.
The painting, “100 Arhats,” is one of roughly 70 paintings and sculptures in “Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow,” at The Cleveland Museum of Art, May 25 through Sept. 7. It’s a perfect example of Murakami’s trademark tendency to blend traditional Japanese art and themes with more modern ones like anime, manga, kawaii and internet culture.
“He’s constantly taking ideas from the past and casting them through a contemporary paradigm and finding analogies between the past and the present,” says Emily Liebert, curator of contemporary art at the Cleveland Museum of Art. “So, the work looks intensely contemporary, but the ideas are so informed by history that he knows that you’re always sort of looking at multiple moments.”
A vibrant and thought-provoking exhibition of works by acclaimed Japanese artist Takashi Murakami comes to the Cleveland Museum of Art.
By Ilona Westfall
Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II; the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which triggered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident; and the COVID-19 pandemic. Works featuring Mr. DOB reflect this through his wildly differing expressions.
“Mr. DOB, who is considered the alter ego of Murakami, has these intense transformations that result from extreme emotions,” Liebert says. “And critics have interpreted the transformation of the character as a metaphor for society in response to trauma.”
Another way Murakami links the past to the present is through a life-size reproduction of Japan’s Yumedono, or Hall of Dreams, an octagonal monument to Shōtoku Taishi, an important figure in Japanese history, religion and culture who is believed to have the power to relieve suffering. Visitors to the exhibition can walk inside Murakami’s re-creation of the building in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s soaring atrium to view four new paintings inspired by the city of Kyoto before entering the main part of the exhibition.
While much of Murakami’s work is seemingly cheerful with smiling cartoon flowers, vivid colors and his now-iconic Mickey Mouse-like character, Mr. DOB, the pieces in this exhibition were made as an escapist response to the trauma of three historical events: the atomic bombings of
“TAN TAN BO, A.K.A. GEROTAN: SCORCHED BY THE BLAZE IN THE PURGATORY OF KNOWLEDGE”
“I think visitors to this show will have a chance to explore how — after shared historical events [and] trauma — art can address crisis, healing and outreach through escapist fantasy,” Liebert says. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland 44106, 216/421-7350, clevelandart.org
DATEBOOK
Unofficial Galaxies
May 10–Sept. 1: Columbus
Agalaxy far, far away will soon feel much closer thanks to Columbus’ Center of Science and Industry’s new exhibit, “Unofficial Galaxies.” So close, in fact, that you can reach out and touch a life-size speeder bike like the ones Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia rode as they darted around trees on the forest moon of Endor in “Return of the Jedi.”
“You can get on the speeder bike and, if it’s not’s too crowded, press the throttle and see the scene change [on a projector screen] behind you,” says Josh Sarver, vice president of experiences and operations at COSI.
“Unofficial Galaxies,” which runs May 10 through Sept. 1, includes movie props, costumes and other items from an anonymous collector’s private stash.
The 10,000-square-foot exhibit includes items that span each era of the franchise, such as Anakin Skywalker’s workshop desk and chair from “The Phantom Menace,” a Han Solo in carbonite prop, Darth Vader,
Clue May 6–11: Toledo
Boba Fett and Stormtrooper costumes and dozens of vintage toys.
In typical COSI fashion, the science center added its own bit of magic, creating life-size renditions of an X-Wing Starfighter, Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter, the speeder bike and more. COSI is also offering staffers and local artists a chance to show off their own Star Wars collections, including some custom-made items that tap into the cultural impact of the franchise. Sarver’s personal Star Wars collection includes a stormtrooper helmet, a print of R2D2 and C-3PO created by a Columbus artist and many unopened vintage toys, some of which will be on display in the exhibit.
“We want to make sure that people feel that this exhibition isn’t just about the props or the costumes,” he says. “It’s about all the things that make Star Wars what it is — an element of our culture.” 333 W. Broad St., Columbus 43215, 614/228-2674, cosi.org — Jason Brill
Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, Professor Plum and the rest of the crew from the classic Hasbro board game Clue take the Stranahan Theater stage in a play inspired by the 1985 film of the same name. Follow the story of six guests who gather at the Boddy Manor, where a party turns into a whodunnit that everyone is dying to solve. Follow the mystery in this reimagining of a classic. americantheatreguild.com/toledo
event
Zoar Maifest
May 9–10: Zoar
Historic Zoar Village celebrates its German heritage during this annual festival featuring traditional foods such as brats and potato salad, craft brews, live music, games, plein air painting, a beerstein exhibit and, of course, a Maypole. A German car show happens on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. historiczoar village.com
Billy
Idol and Joan Jett
May 21: Cincinnati
Billy Idol made his name during the 1980s with songs like “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell” and “Dancing With Myself.” He makes a tour stop at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center, joined by special guest and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee John Jett. riverbend.org
exhibit
music
CALENDAR
MAY Central festivals
THRU MAY 3
COSI Science Festival
Participate in Ohio’s largest STEAM event, which includes happenings like the BioBlitz Citizen Science Series during the first three days. The final day brings COSI’s Big Science Celebration, with over 100 exhibitor stations from STEAM professionals, researchers and experts. COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, 614/228-2674. cosi.org. Visit website for times. Free.
MAY 3
Herb Day Festival
Celebrate Herb Day in Ohio’s “Herb Capital” with a plant sale, herb- and plant-themed activities, local vendors and much more. Creekside Plaza, Mill Street, Gahanna, 614/642-4372. ohioherbcenter.org. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.
MAY 3
Ohioana Book Festival
Readers, come together for this literary gathering that features author and illustrator panel discussions, a book fair and food trucks. Don’t forget to make time to explore the Ohioana Library. State Library of Ohio, 274 E. First Ave., Columbus, 614/466-3831. ohioana.org. Visit website for times and prices.
MAY 16–18
Buckeye Lake Pirate Fest
This family friendly festival features a Port Royal Pirate Trade Show and a Buckeye Lake Pirate Treasure Hunt by Land and Sea. There are plans for a full day of activities all around the lake. Pirate Marketplace @ Harbor Community Center, 5312 Walnut Rd., Buckeye Lake, 740/641-8412. buckeyelakepiratefest.com. Fri. 5–8 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.
MAY 17
Art on the Canal
Watch Canal Winchester burst with color as it hosts a showcase of fine art and crafts from central Ohio creatives. Enjoy live performances, dance in the street and dig into local food and drink. Make sure to visit the Historical Complex while you’re in town. Downtown Canal Winchester, Canal Winchester, 614/270-5053. destinationcw.org. Noon–6 p.m. Free.
MAY 24–25
Columbus Asian Festival
Learn about the cultures of several Asian countries, including China, India, Korea and Thailand. The weekend’s activities span visual arts
shows, cultural displays, educational exhibitions and martial arts demonstrations. Franklin Park, 1755 E. Broad St., Columbus, asian-festival.org. Visit website for times. Free.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
THRU JULY 2 In Ohio
The Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery presents “In Ohio.” The exhibition is curated by Char Norman and features the work of 16 Ohio artists. Image Credit: Richard Lillash, “Grace’s Window, Spring.” Ohio Arts Council’s Riffe Gallery, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/644-9624. riffegallery. org. Tues.–Fri. noon–5 p.m. Free.
THRU AUG 3
Wild Earth: JB Blunk and Toshiko Takaezu
Explore two experimental artists’ work in dialogue with each other. Takaezu and Blunk create handmade worlds made up of ceramics, wood carvings, tea bowls and jewelry. Their pieces place an emphasis on organic forms and patterns of growth. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/221-6801. columbusmuseum.org. Visit website for times and prices.
THRU AUG 24
Louise Nevelson: Dawn to Dusk
View more than 50 works from iconic abstract artist Louise Nevelson. The exhibition highlights the evolution of her craft, spanning early paintings, abstract wood collages, jewelry and more. Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/221-6801. columbusmuseum. org. Visit website for times and prices.
THRU SEPT 1
Sharks: To Be Great Is To Be Misunderstood
Celebrate sharks with this massive exhibition dedicated to the ancient fish. See dozens of models, look through fossils from the museum’s collections and engage with interactive exhibits. COSI, 333 W. Broad St., Columbus, 614/2282674. cosi.org. Wed.–Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit website for prices.
MAY 31–AUG 31
Star Trek & Worlds Beyond
Experience the beloved franchise up close at this traveling exhibition touching down at the
State Regions
Because dates, times and locations are subject to change, please call ahead to confirm all details before traveling. For a more complete listing of events, visit ohiomagazine.com/events.
To submit event information, visit ohiomagazine.com/submit. Events must be submitted at least 8 weeks in advance. Include the date, time, cost, address, phone number, website and brief description of the event. (Events that do not meet our requirements will be deleted.) Print events are published on a space-available basis. Events submitted 8 weeks in advance appear on ohiomagazine.com/events.
Listings with photos are paid for by advertisers. For more information on enhanced listings, email us at adsales@ohiomagazine.com.
Decorative Arts Center of Ohio. Explore props, costumes and images from the iconic universe. Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St., Lancaster, 740/681-1423. decartsohio.org. Visit website for times. Free.
MUSIC + THEATER
MAY 2–11
Somerset Tavern
Be the first to witness the premiere of an original work by American poet and Academy Award winner Daniel Mark Epstein at the historic Woodward Opera House. Woodward Opera House, 107 S. Main St., Mount Vernon, 740/830-6040. mtvarts.com. 7:30 p.m. $20.
MAY 9–10
The Music of Frank Sinatra and Beyond with Tony Desare
Hear this triple-threat songwriter, singer and pianist take on the iconic tunes of Ol’ Blue Eyes alongside the Columbus Symphony. Riffe Center Studio Theaters, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/460-7214. capa.com. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.
OTHER EVENTS
MAY 10
May Chihuly Night
See this destination in a new light and behold 18 illuminated installations. Additionally, view James Turrell’s “Light Raiment II” and enjoy current exhibitions. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/715-8000. fpconservatory.org. 7–10 p.m. Visit website for prices.
MAY 15
Cocktails at the Conservatory: Tequila & Taps
Indulge in Mexican-style lagers and craft mar-
EXPLORE APPALACHIAN OHIO
NOBLE
mcwd.org/places/senecalake
EXPLORE APPALACHIAN OHIO
HOCKING HILLS
13178 St. Rte. 664 S. Logan 43138, 740-385-9706 explorehockinghills.com
Explore nature’s bounty in Ohio’s Hocking Hills with lush forests, scenic waterfalls and thrilling outdoor adventures. Hike breathtaking trails, explore hidden caves and unwind in cozy cabins. Enjoy kayaking, zip lining and stargazing for the perfect nature-filled escape. Plan your visit today.
Witness the epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s. The show runs June through August, and ticket prices start at just $20.
- WASHINGTON COUNTY
241 Front St., Suite 7 Marietta 45750, 740-373-5178 mariettaohio.org
Nestled along the banks of both the Ohio and Muskingum rivers, Marietta exudes charm with historic architecture and scenic beauty. Take a relaxing float down the river, explore downtown shopping, visit intriguing museums and enjoy outdoor adventures in the picturesque surroundings.
VISIT ZANESVILLE - MUSKINGUM COUNTY
205 N. Fifth St. Zanesville 43701, 740-455-8282 visitzanesville.com
Experience everything that Muskingum County has to offer! Enjoy an openair safari at The Wilds, take a tour through the Alan Cottrill Sculpture Studio to see incredible bronze creations, and explore
MARIETTA
garitas from local breweries as you meet new people and enjoy an evening of live entertainment. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/715-8000. fpconservatory.org. 5:30–9:30 p.m. Non-members $35, members $30.
Northeast
festivals
MAY 2–3
Annual Dandelion Festival
Celebrate this colorful weed at an event that serves items such as wine, sangria, and sausage and gravy made with dandelions. Visitors can enjoy cellar tours, arts and crafts tables and live entertainment as well. Breitenbach Wine Cellars, 5934 Old Rte. 39 NW, Dover, 330/3433603. breitenbachwine.com. Fri. noon–7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Visit website for prices.
MAY 3
Bear’s Mill Spring Open House
Explore Bear’s Mill, a historic water-powered mill located on the outskirts of Greenville. Celebrate the arrival of spring with tours, vendor booths, product samples and more. 6450 Arcanum Bears Mill Rd., Greenville, 937/548-5112. bearsmill.org. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
MAY 9
Zoar Maifest
Kick off the month with this gathering that highlights traditional German food and drink,
including Cleveland Kraut and German potato salad from the Canal Tavern of Zoar. Plus, enjoy live music, a beer stein exhibit and a German car show. Kids can take part in games and arts and crafts projects. Historic Zoar Village, 198 Main St., Zoar, 330/874-3011. historiczoarvillage. com. Fri. 5:30–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
MAY 9–10
HCAHC 47th Annual Spring Festival and Auction
Enjoy a weekend of fun in Amish Country. Friday brings live music, delicious food and a bake sale, while Saturday brings a breakfast, barbecue chicken lunch and various auctions. Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities, 8001 Township Rd. 574, Holmesville, 330/6748045. facebook.com/HCAHCSpringFestival. Fri. 6–10 p.m., Sat. 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
MAY 17–18
Horsefest
Explore the importance of horses to entertainment, transportation and farming power. See a variety of breeds and enjoy demonstrations of
skill between horses and their riders. Bring the kids along for pony rides and more children’s activities. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, 440/639-7275. lakemetroparks.com. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit website for prices.
MAY 23–26
Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off and Beer Fest
Spend Memorial Day weekend digging into delicious ribs, listening to live music and checking out a massive classic car show. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 Bagley Dr., Middleburg Heights, 440/234-5181. berearib.com. Visit website for times and prices.
MAY 29–31
Dennison Railroad Festival
Make your way to this festival held at what was once one of the nation’s largest railroad shops and yards. Eat, play games, look through a train exhibit and take tours of the historic museum. Downtown Dennison, Center Street, Dennison, 740/922-6776. facebook.com/drrfestival Visit website for times. Free.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
THRU MAY 31
National Packard Museum’s 25th Annual Motorcycle Exhibit
Celebrate the 25th Annual Motorcycle Exhibit at the National Packard Museum. This showcase presents a retrospective of exhibitions from the museum’s previous 25 years. It features an impressive collection of over 30 iconic and
The Trumbull County Historical Society and Medici Museum of Art present “Science Fiction & Hollywood: The Art of John Zabrucky,” an exhibition showcasing a collection of movie and television props designed by John Zabrucky, co-founder of Modern Props Inc. Medici Museum of Art, 9350 E. Market St. , Warren, 330/8562120. trulytrumbull.com. 5–8 p.m. Free.
MAY 6–APRIL 30, 2027
The Eras Exhibit: 250 Years of First Ladies’ Progress and Power
MAY 10–JUNE 13
Singularity: Materialized from Oct. 7
This solo exhibition features works on paper by artist Kim Goldberg, who is based out of Omaha, Nebraska. An opening reception will be held May 10. Strauss Studios, 236 Walnut Ave. NE, Canton, 330/456-0300. thestraussstudios.com. 4–6 p.m. Free.
MAY 10–SEPT. 24
animatronic and move and make noise. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, 330/ 3752550. akronzoo.org. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $11–$21.
MAY 25–SEPT 7
Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow
View this imagination-capturing exhibition of works from acclaimed Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, who pulls inspiration from anime, manga, otaku and kawaii styles to create his colorful and magnificent art. The exhibition also provides visitors the opportunity to reflect upon how art can be a response to shared crisis and trauma. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216/421-7350. clevelandart. org. Visit website for times. Free.
MUSIC + THEATER
THRU MAY 11
Catch the hit Tony Award-winning musical comedy during its stop at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. With songs by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, this country-infused show delivers big laughs, small-town charm and unforgettable Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216/241-6000. playhousesquare. org. Visit website for times and prices.
Oleg Kruglyakov, Balalaika Virtuoso
Join Oleg Kruglyakov as he performs classical, folk and ethnic music on this unusual and beautiful instrument. Kruglyakov began playing the
balalaika at just 7 years old and later was educated at the renowned Yekaterinburg Conservatory. Canal Fulton Public Library, 154 Market St. NE, Canal Fulton, 419/853-6016. ormaco.org. Visit website for times. Free.
MAY 22
The Rat Pack Concert
Experience a night of timeless classics at Gervasi Vineyard with the Rat Pack Concert, featuring unforgettable hits, fine wine and an elegant ambiance. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard.com. 8 p.m. $17–$27.
MAY 29
Cleveland Keys Concert
Enjoy an electrifying night with the Cleveland Keys at Gervasi Vineyard. Sing along to your favorite hits, sip fine wine and enjoy an unforgettable experience. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330/497-1000. gervasivineyard.com. 8 p.m. $17–$27.
MAY 30
Emma Nissen
Known for her “Jesus and Jazz” style, 23-yearold Emma Nissen is a jazz-pop phenom whose videos have amassed more than 100-million views worldwide. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39, Sugarcreek, 855/344-7547. dhgroup. com. 7 p.m. $49–$68.50.
MAY 30–JUNE 29
The Robber Bridegroom
This musical — based on the novella of the same name — is a fairy-tale journey set to bluegrass music. The performance conveys how a sense
of justice for the average person compels us to seek out Robin Hood-type heroes. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216/521-2540. beckcenter.org/professionaltheater. Visit website for times and prices.
MAY 31
Let’s Hang On: Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Tribute
The nation’s premier Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Tribute Show is a full-blown stage production complete with that classic sound, crisp choreography and a live band. Ohio Star Theater, 1387 Old Rte. 39, Sugarcreek, 855/3447547. dhgroup.com. 7 p.m. $46–$65.50.
OTHER EVENTS
MAY 4
Backyards Gone Wild: Rain Barrel Workshop
Discover ways to conserve water in your own backyard. Participants receive a rain-barrel kit, a 55-gallon plastic drum and step-by-step instructions for assembly and maintenance. You can choose to assemble the barrel on-site or take the kit home. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, 330/867-5511. summitmetroparks. org. 3–4 p.m. $60.
MAY 13
Oh Wow! Birthday Bash
Celebrate Oh Wow! Children’s Center for Science & Technology’s 13th birthday with a day full of hands-on STEM activities, free refreshments, a dance party, a photo booth and more. Oh Wow! Children’s Center for Science & Technology, 15 Central Sq., Youngstown, 330/744-5914. ohwowkids.org. 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Visit website for prices.
MAY 16
Country Pairing Dinner
Take a wagon ride and learn about the draft horses pulling it. Afterward, enjoy a glass of wine and tour the park’s equine facility before ending the evening with country-style barbecue. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, 440/358-7275. lakemetroparks. com. 5:30–9 p.m. Visit website for prices.
Celebrate 10 seasons of open-air market shopping with the makers, bakers, brewers and growers of 720 Market. Plus, find live music, food trucks, coffee and craft beer. The event takes place rain or shine. North Canton City Square, 141 N. Main St., North Canton, 330/5710367. eventsby720.com. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free.
MAY 17
Medina County Collectors Fair
The Medina County Collectors Fair is where sports cards and pop culture collide. Explore 200 tables dedicated to Pokemon and over 100 tables displaying sports cards, vinyl, comics, music and much more. Medina County Fairgrounds Community Center, 735 Lafayette Rd., Medina, 330/486-5159. greeniesportscards. com 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.
MAY 17
Vintage in the Village & Millersburg Garage Sales
Spend the day hunting for treasures in Downtown Millersburg at community-wide garage sales. Then, head to the courthouse lawn for Vintage in the Village to find antiques, handmade goods, food trucks and live entertainment. Historic Downtown Millersburg, Millersburg, 330/674-2412. historicdowntownmillersburg. com. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free.
MAY 18
Secret Life of Trees
Explore the hidden world of trees on a guided hike along the 1.2-mile Oxbow Trail. Learn about their role in nature while enjoying the beauty of the wooded landscape. Participants should be prepared for steep hills. Cascade Valley Metro
In Ohio
Curator: Char Norman
Indulge in an Island Getaway
Escape the ordinary and indulge in the charm of Put-in-Bay with a stay at our cozy and picturesque boutique hotel. Enjoy relaxation and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Park, 1135 Cuyahoga St., Akron, 330/867-5511. summitmetroparks.org. 3–4:30 p.m. Free.
MAY 22
Ladies Night Out
Put on your favorite tropical muumuu and bust out your pearls for the theme of this year’s Ladies Night Out: “Golden Girls.” Participants are encouraged to register for a swag bag and fill up their passport for a chance to win the grand prize. Enjoy music, shopping, dining and a fun-filled atmosphere. Historic Downtown Wooster, 330/262-6222. mainstreetwooster.org. 4:30–7:30 p.m. Free.
Northwest
festivals
MAY 22–26
Inn Boutique Hotel
Port Clinton Walleye Festival
The festival features amusement rides, carnivalstyle food and live entertainment. Attendees can also visit the museum to see a working moonshine still. Downtown New Straitsville, Main Street, New Straitsville, 740/605-0131. facebook.com/newstraitsvilleohio. Visit website for times. Free.
OTHER EVENTS
MAY 24–25
Marietta Historic Tour of Homes
Experience historic Marietta with a tour of 11 homes located in the first-established settlement of the Northwest Territory. Six homes, including The Castle Museum, will be featured on Saturday, with five different homes featured on Sunday’s tour. City of Marietta, 740/373-4180. mariettacastle.org. 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. $30.
for all ages! Adventure Zone boasts over 10 thrilling attractions for all ages including zipline • go-karts • bumper boats • putt-putt golf • climbing walls • batting cages • and more
Catawba Avenue Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456 www.anchorinnpib.com - 419.285.5055 Golf Carts Attractions Parties & Groups 5600 Lake Rd E • Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 44041 440-466-3555 • adventurezonefun.com The Best Value in Family Entertainment On The Strip of Geneva-on-the-Lake, Lake Erie, Ohio
Kick off summer on the shores of Lake Erie by attending this fishy festival teeming with live entertainment, a kids fishing derby, educational content, carnival rides and over 100 vendors. Waterworks Park, 205 E. Perry St., Port Clinton, 419/734-5503. mainstreetportclinton.org. Visit website for times. Free.
MUSIC + THEATER
MAY 9
Clue
Watch this classic board game come to life as you follow the ultimate whodunnit surrounding six mysterious guests assembling at Boddy Manor for an evening of murder and blackmail. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, 419/381-8851. stranahantheater.com. 7:30 p.m. $44–$104.
Southeast
festivals
MAY 23–25
Feast of the Flowering Moon
This festival features Native American music and dancing, crafters, exhibitors and a Mountain Man Encampment with working craftsmen and demonstrations. Plus, enjoy main stage entertainment, carnival rides and much more. Yoctangee Park, 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, 740/702-7677. feastofthefloweringmoon.org. Visit website for times. Free.
MAY 23–26
Moonshine Festival
Enjoy the five days a year when New Straitsville is licensed to brew old-fashioned moonshine.
Southwest festivals
MAY 16–24
Cincinnati May Festival
This inspiring festival series features a lineup of music-oriented programs exploring love, nature and the human condition. Grammy Award-winning soprano Renée Fleming serves as festival director. Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, 513/381-3300. mayfestival.com. Visit website for times and prices.
MAY 17
Miami County Food Truck Rally
Teams of food trucks gather to show off their best dishes and desserts. Enjoy entertainment while tasting some of the areas finest food truck fare. Miami County Fairgrounds, 650 N. County Rd. 25A, Troy, 937/335-7492. homegrowngreat. com. 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Visit website for prices.
MAY 25
Dayton Heritage Day Festival
Honor the Gem City’s history with a concert band performance, an impressive lineup of activities and costumed interpreters. Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton, 937/293-2841. daytonhistory.org. Noon–5 p.m.
Adults $14, seniors $12, children 3–17, active military, retirees, veterans and reservists with valid ID $10, Dayton History members free.
JUNE Central festivals
JUNE 6–8
Columbus Arts Festival
Featuring over 230 visual artists, four performance stages and over 40 food vendors, this free festival draws some of the nation’s top artists, as well as art enthusiasts from across the country. Downtown Riverfront & Scioto Mile, Columbus, 614/224-2606. columbusartsfestival. org. Fri. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free.
JUNE 13–15
Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival
Spend the weekend listening to world-famous musicians across three stages at this storied cultural celebration. Enjoy blues, reggae, funk, pop rock, jazz and more musical styles. Creekside Plaza, 151 Mill St., Gahanna, 614/418-9114. creeksidebluesandjazz.com. Fri. 5–11 p.m., Sat. 1–10:50 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Three-day pass $25, one-day pass $10.
MUSIC + THEATER
JUNE 6–14
Black Voices
Watch three innovative ballets, including “Red Angels” by Ulysses Dove, as well as world premieres from directors Jennifer Archibald and Dwight Rhoden. Riffe Center Studio Theaters, 77 S. High St., Columbus, 614/460-7214. capa. com. Visit website for times and prices.
JUNE 21
Buckeye Country Superfest
See country legends in Columbus during this one-night-only concert in The Shoe. This year’s headliners include “Need a Favor” singer Jelly Roll and Kane Brown, as well as guests Megan Moroney, Treaty Oak Revival, Dasha and Conner Smith. Ohio Stadium, 411 Woody Hayes Dr., Columbus, buckeyecountrysuperfest.com. Visit website for times and prices.
OTHER EVENTS
JUNE 2–7
Columbus Taco Week Columbus Taco Week is a citywide celebration
No need to get on a plane for your next vacation destination!
of tacos, featuring exclusive creations at unbeatable prices from participating restaurants. Enjoy traditional flavors and unique twists while exploring Columbus’ vibrant food scene. Multiple Locations, Columbus, columbustacoweek.com. Mon.–Sat. noon–10 p.m. Free.
JUNE 21
The Flutter Run
Run or walk the conservatory’s scenic grounds while raising funds for educational programs and community initiatives. Stay after the race for Pollinator Palooza. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 614/715-8000. fpconservatory.org. 7–11 a.m. Visit website for prices.
Northeast
festivals
JUNE 5–7
Bolivar Strawberry Festival
Take a bite out of this popular festival loaded with delicious strawberry treats. Plus, enjoy a 5K, live entertainment, pageants, a parade and other activities. Main Street, Bolivar, 330/9335426. bolivarmainstreet.com. Visit website for times. Free.
JUNE 5–7
Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival
Float over Coshocton County during this entertaining weekend featuring children’s rides, craft booths, live music, fireworks and, of course,
Start
hot air balloon launches. Coshocton County Fairgrounds, 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton, 740/502-4294. coshoctonhotairballoonfestival. com. Visit website for times. Free.
MUSIC + THEATER
JUNE 21
Outlaw Music Festival
At age 92, Willie Nelson still reigns as one of country music’s most iconic singers. His Outlaw Music Festival returns to northeast Ohio this summer with Bob Dylan and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats also on the billl. Blossom Music Center, 1145 Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 330/920-8040. blossommusic.com. Visit website for times and prices.
JUNE 27
Keith Urban: High and Alive World Tour
See country superstar Keith Urban on stage at Blossom Music Center. The Grammy Awardwinning performer brings several hits and beloved favorites to the stage. Blossom Music Center, 1145 Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 330/920-8040. blossommusic.com. Visit website for times and prices.
OTHER EVENTS
JUNE 12
Sunset Kayak
Paddle through serene waters at sunset, accompanied by a certified instructor. Learn the basics of kayaking while enjoying some picturesque views. Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park,
See the streets of Historic Downtown Wooster lined with classic cars and hot rods during this annual event. Plus, enjoy live music by Blackout, who will be playing the best of classic rock ’n’ roll. Historic Downtown Wooster, 330/262-6222. mainstreetwooster.org. 6:30–9 p.m. Free.
Northwest festivals
JUNE 4
Ohio Bike Week Dice Run
Take an interactive tour of this Lake Erie island by participating in an exciting scavenger hunt and collecting dice rolls at several local businesses. Kelleys Island, West Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island, 419/746-2360. ohiobikeweek. com. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JUNE 13–14
Pork Rind Heritage Festival
The Annual Pork Rind Heritage Festival offers family fun, entertainment and Rudolph Foods’ famous popped pork rinds. Each year Rudolph Foods donates their famous-recipe pork rinds that are popped fresh during the festival for participants to enjoy. Downtown Harrod, Main Street, Harrod, 419/648-4162. porkrindfest.com. Fri. 6–11:45 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–11:45 p.m. Free.
JUNE 14
Toast of Ohio Wine Festival
Raise a glass to several Buckeye State wineries at this summer gathering. Admission includes tasting tickets and a wine glass. Merry-GoRound Museum, 301 Jackson St., Sandusky, 419/626-6111. merrygoroundmuseum.org. Noon. Visit website for prices.
JUNE 21 Grovefest
Honor President Rutherford B. Hayes’ love of nature at this lively event featuring arts and crafts booths, hands-on outdoor activities and delicious treats, including ice cream and hot dogs. Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Spiegel Grove, Fremont, 419/3322081. rbhayes.org. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free.
JUNE 27–29
Maria Stein Country Fest
Bring the whole family for this free festival that features tractor pulls, go-karting, a sand artist and chainsaw carving. Make sure to grab some grub and listen to live musicians during the three-day affair. Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics, 2291 St. Johns Rd., Maria Stein, 567/890-8092. facebook.com/mscountryfest. Visit website for times and prices.
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
JUNE 19
Tour & Talk: James Webb Telescope History and Craft
Be a part of this educational program focused on the history of the James Webb Telescope. Participants will create an origami craft to help illustrate how NASA combines art, math and science to overcome challenges like putting a telescope into space. Armstrong Air & Space Museum, 500 Apollo Dr., Wapakoneta, 419/7388811. armstrongmuseum.org. 2–4 p.m. Adults ages 13–59 $13, seniors $12, veterans $11, children 6–12 $7.50, OHC members and children 5 and under free.
Southeast festivals
JUNE 5–7
Logan Washboard Arts & Music Festival
Hit the streets of Logan for this event featuring arts and crafts vendors, motorcycle and car shows, live entertainment and children’s activities. Make sure to ride the festival train and tour the last operating washboard factory in the United States. Downtown Logan, East Main Street, Logan, loganwashboardfestival.com. Visit website for times. Free.
JUNE 20–22
Nelsonville Music Festival
Nestle into the rolling hills of Appalachia to listen to an impressive lineup of over 40 national, regional and local musicians. The event includes camping, children’s activities, craft and retail vendors and local food offerings. Snow Fork Event Center, 5685 Happy Hollow Rd., Nelsonville, 740/753-1924. stuartsoperahouse.org. Visit website for times and prices.
MUSIC + THEATER
JUNE 7
Tom Papa: Grateful Bread Tour
Catch Tom Papa, one of America’s top comedians, for a night of side-splitting humor, insightful stories and all-around good vibes. With over 20 years of stand-up experience, the comedian is known for his stage, television and film appearances. Peoples Bank Theatre, 222 Putnam St., Marietta, 740/371-5152. peoplesbanktheatre. com. 8–10 p.m. $54–$119.
JUNE 12–AUG 31
‘Tecumseh!’ Outdoor Drama
Witness the epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands during the late 1700s. “Tecumseh!” has been called one of the most mesmerizing outdoor dramas in the nation. Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Rd., Chillicothe, 866/775-0700. tecumseh drama.com. Tues.–Sat. 8–10 p.m. $25–$75.
OTHER EVENTS
JUNE 12–14
Southern Ohio Forest Rally
Experience the thrill of rally racing at the Southern Ohio Forest Rally, one of the premier motorsport events in the region. The action kicks off Thursday night in Chillicothe’s Yoctangee Park with exciting rally activities and festivities. Yoctangee Park, 1 Enderlin Circle, Chillicothe, 740/703-4251. southernohioforestrally.com. Tues.–Thurs. 4–10 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Free.
Southwest festivals
JUNE 7–8
Troy Strawberry Festival
Join in on this two-day extravaganza featuring a car cruise, a 5K race, live entertainment and a lineup of flavorful strawberry dishes. Visitors can expect to find berry shortcake, doughnuts and jam, among other fruit-focused offerings. Downtown Troy, 510 W. Water St., Troy, 937/339-7714. troystrawberryfest.com. Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free.
JUNE 7–8
Ohio Valley Indigenous Music Festival
Attend this weekend defined by world-class performances from folk singers and award-winning music featuring the Native American flute. Plus, enjoy vendors, workshops, food, family-friendly activities and more. Patricia Allyn Park, 7266 St. Rte. 48, Springboro, 937/657-5466. facebook.
FALLINGWATER
MUSEUMS + EXHIBITS
JUNE 7–SEPT 7
The Crafted World of Wharton Esherick
This exhibition features over 3,000 pieces from the rarely loaned collection of the Wharton Esherick Museum in Pennsylvania. Explore the artist’s fascination with the natural world and connection to its raw materials. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Cincinnati, 513/241-0343. taftmuseum.org. Wed.–Mon. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Adults $12, seniors $10, members, military and children under 18 free.
MUSIC + THEATER
JUNE 3
Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas
Spend an evening with these iconic musicians touring together for the first time in a decade. The group’s last musical achievement came in the form of their critically acclaimed album “Paper Airplane.” Riverbend Music Center , 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, 513/232-6220. riverbend.org. 8 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JUNE 13
Dave Matthews Band
See this iconic band play from their expansive discography, which includes hits like “Crash Into Me” and “Ants Marching,” as they stop in the Buckeye State this summer, bringing their energetic and immersive sound to the stage. Riverbend Music Center, 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, 513/232-6220. riverbend.org. Visit website for times and prices.
JUNE 23
An Evening with James Taylor & His All-Star Band
Legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor brings his All-Star Band to Riverbend Music Center for an unforgettable night of timeless hits. Tiny Habits joins as special guests. Riverbend Music Center , 6295 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, 513/232-6220. riverbend.org. 7:30 p.m. Visit website for prices.
JUNE 27
The Fab Four: USA Meets the Beatles
Experience a new show from this award-winning Beatles tribute group. This year’s tour honors iconic moments in the band’s history, including performances from “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights, 937/610-0288. rosemusiccenter. com. 8 p.m. $34.50–$54.50.
OTHER EVENTS
JUNE 5
Reds Day at the Zoo
Spend an hour celebrating the zoo’s 150th anniversary with appearances from Cincinnati Reds players, as well as your favorite team mascots: Rosie Red, Mr. Redlegs and Gapper. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, 513/281-4700. cincinnatizoo.org. 11 a.m.–noon Visit website for prices.
FARM & TABLE
Flavor Journey
Sueño in Dayton offers a dream of a dining experience with its Mexican cuisine that merges time-honored traditions with modern innovations. »
Roll Call: The return of warm weather means it’s prime food-truck season, which includes these three gatherings across the state that happen each week.
Cobra, Columbus: This popular Asian American-inspired neighborhood spot offers a cocktail and food menu shaped by its owners’ memories and backgrounds.
CARNE ASADA
FARM & TABLE
Sueño on the east side of downtown Dayton explores what Mexican food is, has been and will be. The restaurant’s menu is tethered to executive chef Jorge Guzmán’s childhood roots in Mexico, focusing on the Yucatán area where he is from while getting creative with its modern takes on rustic Mexican cooking.
“People tend to have a preconceived notion of Mexican food,” says Julia Lesniak, the restaurant’s creative director, “and we try hard to introduce both new and traditional dishes that might not be known north of the border.”
Sueño opened in 2021 in a building from the 1800s that originally housed a paper factory. It had sat empty for some time before The Idea Collective ownership group renovated it. The space is smart but comfortable, with both openplan dining areas and more secluded spaces for small groups. Creative lighting choices further diversify the space, allowing for bright, natural window lighting in the front of house and a dimmer, more private atmosphere as you move farther back.
Dishes include appetizers such as grilled shishito peppers topped with Tajín and queso dressing and entrees like the Lamb Birria, featuring braised lamb, mole rojo, consomé, salsa picante, lime, onion and cilantro. The entrees come with house-made tortillas, and Lesniak recommends that groups order dishes to share and enjoy them family style.
Sueño aims to change people’s notions of what Mexican food is by both reconnecting to older traditions and using familiar ingredients in unexpected ways.
“If someone is having mole or mezcal for the first time, we want to highlight the traditional rather than Americanized version,” Lesniak says.
Sueño has an excellent bar program run by beverage director Tyler Hampton. It focuses on additive-free agave spirits like tequilas, mezcals and sotols, many of which are hard to find in Ohio. Wine director and sommelier Lauren Gay, who runs her own Joui Wine bar just a few blocks away, curates the restaurant’s wine list, which features organic and biodynamic wines that complement Mexican cuisine. Beer lovers will be grateful for bottles of Saison Dupont, a Belgian farmhouse ale that goes perfectly with a rustic meal. And speaking of drinks, the same ownership group runs Tender Mercy, a cocktail bar directly underneath Sueño that will have you asking if you’re cool enough to be drinking there. Don’t worry, you are. — David Nilsen
607 E. Third St., Dayton 45402, 937/453-0008, suenodyt.com
ROLL CALL
The return of warm weather means it’s prime food-truck season, which includes these three weekly gatherings.
Walnut Wednesdays
Cleveland
Wednesdays • May 7–Sept. 24
Perk Plaza in downtown Cleveland hosts this weekly food-truck gathering for downtown workers and visitors. Seek out local legends like Swensons, an Akron-based drive-in burger chain, or newer participants like The Twisted Jerk Food Truck, which serves Jamaican jerk cuisine and classic soul food. Live music and games of cornhole are part of the fun. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; 1717 E. 12th St., Cleveland 44114
Food Truck Food Court
Columbus
Thursdays • May 1–Oct. 30
The 6-acre Columbus Commons hosts 10 food trucks at this weekly event that features eight regular participants and two spots that rotate every month. Attendees will find the Local Matters Veggie Van, a mobile grocer that sells fresh produce, and The Good Market, a mobile vendor market that offers locally made goods. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; 160 S. High St., Columbus 43215
Lunch at Levis | Toledo
Thursdays • June 5–Oct. 2
This weekly event brings 17 food trucks to Levis Square Park in downtown Toledo. Options range from Venezuelan cuisine to burgers and fries. Keep an eye out for the Middle Eastern taco truck Baba’s Eats; sandwiches, platters and homemade sides from Deets BBQ; and the Lebanese street-food truck Falafel King. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; corner of St. Clair Street and Madison Avenue, Toledo 43604 — Elizabeth Talaga
Bordertown, a cocktail made with rye whiskey, the Mexican spirit sotol, crème de cacao and bitters (above); grilled shishito peppers with Tajín and queso dressing
Cobra, Columbus
This popular Asian Americaninspired neighborhood spot offers a cocktail and food menu shaped by its owners’ memories and backgrounds.
Columbus’ Brewery District hot spot Cobra bills itself as “A Good Night Bar,” a slogan that’s reflected in the establishment’s creatively crafted cocktail list, bold Asian American cuisine and electric atmosphere that keeps the energy buzzing late into the night.
Service-industry veterans Alex Chien, David Yee and Josh Spiers opened Cobra in October 2023 to highlight the experience of growing up in an immigrant family. They translate their childhood memories into menu items that reflect their upbringing.
“[We use] small twists where each item is recognizable but it’s got our own flavor to where you get a glimpse into what it means to be Asian American,” Chien says.
The cocktail menu spans eight drinks that beautifully illustrate the bar’s approach. The Cobra Old-Fashioned features Toki Japanese whisky, Jim Beam rye bourbon, barley and cocoa, offering a fresh take on an American classic. The Kopiko Espresso Martini was inspired by the Indonesian Kopiko coffee candy that Chien’s grandmother used to give him.
Many cocktails are designed in-house, showcasing the talents of Cobra’s staff. The
Tooth Tiger pineapple rum drink, for example, was created by bartender Kayla LeRoy and features popular Southeast Asian ingredients such as ginger, mint and curry leaf.
Because food so wonderfully conveys memory and identity, Cobra also serves a menu of comforting cuisine. A favorite item is Mama Chien’s Dumplings, which are available on the regular menu as well as the smaller late-night one that kicks in at midnight. The dish features a recipe from Chien’s mom and includes a choice of either pork or a sweet potato filling topped with house-made dumpling sauce.
Other favorites include the Ezzo Pizza Dumplings, Shanghai Noon Burger (which can be enjoyed with its Asian flavors or American style) and noodle dishes such as the Thai Basil and Clams Linguine.
Seating at Cobra is first come, first served, and the establishment is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day except Tuesday. Opt to sit at the softly lit bar, casual dining room or large patio, all of which offer a different perspective on the Cobra experience.
“Cobra is a dual concept, where we wanted to do a neighborhood bar in the front,” Chien says, “and an over-the-top, crazy cocktail bar in the back.” — Macy Kile
684 S. High St., Columbus 43206, 614/502-8863, cobrabarcolumbus.com
Gold
WADSWORTH IS THE PLACE TO BE
Enter to win a family weekend getaway in Wadsworth! Enjoy an overnight experience at Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham, eat at Cambria’s Bistro and test your wits at Escape Wadswoth. Winners also receive a gift basket full of goodies and gift cards to enjoy during their stay. The total prize package is worth over $300.
GERVASI VINEYARD SUMMER EXPERIENCE SWEEPSTAKES
Enter for a chance to win an unforgettable getaway that includes a luxurious overnight stay in a Tuscan-inspired villa, delicious dining at one of Gervasi’s exceptional restaurants and a relaxing experience at The Spa. Don’t miss your chance to create lasting memories at Gervasi Vineyard.
ENJOY AN INSPIRING WEEKEND IN KNOX COUNTY
Enter for the chance to win a luxurious overnight stay at the Kenyon Inn & Restaurant and tickets to a show at one of Downtown Mount Vernon’s historic theaters, courtesy of Mount Vernon Arts Partners. Sip and dine with a gift card to the Village Inn and complete your getaway with a shopping spree using an Experience Mount Vernon downtown e-gift card. Enter for your chance to win this unforgettable experience!
ENJOY A FINE DINING EXPERIENCE IN GAHANNA
Enter Visit Gahanna’s giveaway for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Three Creeks Kitchen + Cocktails. This brand-new restaurant showcases chef-inspired dishes and delicious cocktails.
24. Fallingwater
25. Fayette County Travel & Tourism Bureau
26. Full Moon & The Crow
27. Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa
28. GoBus
29. Grand Lakes Visitor Region
30. Greene County CVB
31. Historic Zoar Village
32. Hocking County Children’s Chorus
33. Hocking Hills Tourism Association
34. Iron & Rind
35. Jerry’s Hamburg Fireworks
36. Jungle Jim’s Int. Market, Inc.
37. Kentucky Dept. of Tourism
38. Kentucky State Parks
39. Kingwood Center Gardens
40. Knox County CVB
41. Lake County Visitors Bureau
42. Lehman’s
43. London Laurel Tourism Commission
44. Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau
45. Marietta CVB
46. Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau
47. Miami County VCB
48. Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District
49. MVP Dairy
50. New Albany Chamber of Commerce
51. Noble County Convention & Visitors Bureau
52. ODOT Office of Environmental Services
53. Ohio Amish County | Holmes County Chamber & Tourism Bureau
54. Ohio Caverns
55. Ohio Grape Industries
56. Paddle The River
57. Portsmouth & Scioto County Visitors Bureau
58. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
59. Riffe Gallery
60. Ross Chillicothe CVB
61. Shores & Islands Ohio
62. StayInAkron.com
63. Streetsboro Visitors & Convention Bureau
64. The Bicycle Museum of America
65. The Boathouse at Grand Lake
66. The Castle
67. The Grand Resort and Spa
68. The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake
69. The Lodge at Hocking College
70. The Scioto Society - Tecumseh
71. Travel Butler County, OH
72. Trumbull County Tourism Bureau
73. Vinton County Department of Tourism
74. Visit Athens County CVB
75. Visit Canton
76. Visit Cincy
77. Visit Dublin Ohio
78. Visit Findlay (Hancock County CVB)
79. Visit Gahanna
80. Visit Greater Lima
81. Visit Grove City (Grove City Area CVB)
82. Wayne County Convention & Visitors Bureau
83. Zanesville/Muskingum County CVB
Brandywine
recreational opportunities for all levels. We invite you to plan your next adventure with us and see why Life is Better Here!
cityofcf.com
Make Cuyahoga Valley National Park your front porch with a stay at the historic Stanford House. Let breathtaking scenery and nearby Brandywine Falls complement your relaxing visit. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking and more.
forcvnp.org/stanfordhouse
Discover the world’s vibrant coffee culture with our hand-crafted organic and dairyfree beverages. Join us at Café Bereka for traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies and delicious food for breakfast or lunch. Add a touch of cultural diversity to your coffee experience today! berekacoffee.com
Paddle the River
Paddle the river in a single kayak, tandem kayak or a raft. Our paddling options are perfect for all skill levels to embrace nature and make unforgettable memories. Reserve your adventure today!
paddletheriver.com
Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Café Bereka
RAILS, TRAILS & ALES FESTIVAL
DAYS and NIGHTS OF
From family-friendly events to beloved festivals to marquee concerts, our guide to summer fun in Ohio will help you make the most of the season.
By Erin Finan
MAY 23–25:
Headlined by Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra, Dark Star Jubilee brings a mix of legendary performers and rising stars to Thornville’s Legend Valley Concert Venue & Campground. The annual music festival pays tribute to the spirit of the Grateful Dead with performances from over a dozen artists spanning rock, folk, country, bluegrass and psychedelia. darkstarjubilee.com
MAY 23–26:
Spend Memorial Day weekend at the Oak Hill Festival of Flags, a patriotic event that features a display of more than 2,000 flags. Enjoy a parade, classic car show and a variety of food booths. Plus, stick around for carnival rides, midway treats, children’s activities, a karaoke contest and more. oakhillfestivalofflags.com
Get a sneak peak of some of Dayton’s largest cultural festivals during Passport to MetroParks. Participate in games and activities hosted by the Dayton Celtic Festival, Hispanic Heritage Festival and Dayton African American Cultural Festival. Plus, enjoy live music, food trucks and plenty of family-friendly fun. metroparks.org/passport-to-metroparks
MAY 26–
JUNE 1:
Founded and hosted by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, The Memorial Tournament, held at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, celebrates some of the sport’s greatest and most distinguished players. The annual competition benefits local charities like the Nicklaus Children’s Healthcare Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. thememorialtournament.com
MAY 30–JUNE 14:
Celebrate theater, music, film, dance and other forms of artistic expression at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival, held in the city’s Over-theRhine neighborhood. Over the course of two weeks, the festival puts on dozens of theatrical productions in addition to gallery shows, film screenings, concerts, workshops and other art events. cincyfringe.com
WildWonders
Explore these nature centers where kids can interact with wildlife, discover hands-on exhibits and connect with the outdoors.
By Erin Finan
Brukner Nature Center, Troy
This southwest Ohio nature center helps educate visitors through its wildlife rehabilitation program and more than 50 animal ambassadors. Kids can meet Ohio wildlife like amphibians and reptiles inside the center, while larger animals can be seen just outside. Also inside, visitors can get a birds-eye view of the surrounding area by climbing up to the Tree-Top Bird Vista or find a favorite read in the Children’s Nature Library. bruknernaturecenter.com
Brecksville Nature Center, Brecksville
Built in 1939 as a trailside museum, this structure at Cleveland Metroparks’ Brecksville Reservation is the oldest standing nature center in the park system. Having remained relatively unchanged over the years, the center connects visitors with the area’s history through its construction materials (locally sourced American chestnut wood and Berea sandstone) and original fixtures like wrought-iron chandeliers and decorative
wood carvings of native tree leaves. Visitors can also enjoy a bird-watching area from the comfort of one of the nature center’s original hickory rocking chairs. clevelandmetroparks.com
Everett Kruger Nature Center, Lewis Center Located in Franklin County’s Highbanks
Metro Park, this nature center reflects the landscapes and natural features of the area. Inside, visitors encounter a shale ravine wall showcasing the area’s geology. Nearby, a replica of the park’s largest sycamore tree appears to burst through the ceiling. (Its 28-foot circumference offers a fun challenge for kids to
see how far they can wrap their arms around it.) They can also meet animal ambassadors like reptiles and amphibians and peer through the center’s bird-viewing windows. metroparks.net
Hocking College Nature Center, Nelsonville Hands-on activities are plentiful at this family-focused nature center. Kids can get up close to the various animals that live in the building or watch native fish swim around in the 660-gallon tank. The augmented reality sand table invites kids to create different landscapes, while the projector above adjusts the colors and topography as they play. Kids can also plunge their hands into the touch tank to feel around for leaves, antlers, skulls, snakeskin, fur and other items. naturecenter.hocking.edu
BRUKNER NATURE CENTER
JUNE 6–8:
Kick off your summer at the Columbus Arts Festival, held along the scenic downtown riverfront. Enjoy a vibrant weekend filled with live performances, handson activities, art demonstrations, food trucks, craft brews and cocktails and over 250 juried artists. columbusartsfestival.org
JUNE 7:
Get ready to reel in some fun at Mosquito Lake State Park during the kids Fishing Derby. Children ages 15 and under can enjoy a day of fishing, with prizes for the best anglers. Attendees can also enjoy naturalist-organized activities and a lunch provided by Friends of Mosquito Lake State Park. ohiodnr.gov
JUNE 3–AUG. 26:
Every Tuesday, the Mentor Rocks Concert Series brings fresh, exciting performances to the Mentor Civic Amphitheater. See national headliners like Gavin DeGraw, Uncle Kracker and Eli Young Band, as well as appearances from a wide range of tribute bands covering pop, rock and country favorites. mentorrocks.info
JUNE 7–8:
Step back in time at Ohio Valley Frontier Days, held at Historic Fort Steuben — a re-created 18th-century fort overlooking the Ohio River. This family-friendly weekend features reenactors performing camp demonstrations, musket shooting and military drills. Plus, attendees can visit with the blacksmith, candle-maker and flintknapper as they showcase early American skills. oldfortsteuben.com/frontier-days
JUNE 5–7:
Held annually each June, the Logan Washboard Arts & Music Festival celebrates the town’s unique heritage. Learn more about this iconic piece of Americana by touring Logan’s washboard factory — the last operating facility of its kind in the nation. Plus, shop from local craft vendors, savor food truck treats and enjoy two stages of live music. loganwashboardfestival.com
JUNE 9:
Wade through streams in Summit County’s Furnace Run Metro Park looking for fossils. Fossils for Kids invites families to explore shallow waters with the help of a naturalist as they hunt for fossils and learn about prehistoric plants and animals that lived in the area thousands of years ago. summitmetroparks.org
Storied Strolls
The Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour, Cincinnati
German Village Walking Tours, Columbus
The Barenaked Ladies are making a stop at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center during the Last Summer on Earth Tour. Known for its contagious energy and engaging stage presence, the multiplatinum rock group promises an unforgettable night as it performs some of its greatest hits like “One Week,” “Pinch Me” and “If I Had $1,000,000.” riverbend.org
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived there your entire life, these insightful walking tours are an entertaining way to discover Ohio cities.
By Gracie Metz
Hidden Marietta Ghost Trek
Walking Tours, Marietta
Visitors to Marietta from June through October can explore the history and paranormal atmosphere that lingers in Ohio’s first city with a choice of three different Ghost Trek Walking Tours: Front Street, Putnam Street and Harmar Village. The tours, which started in 2013, share some history of the city and stories of paranormal encounters. The Front Street Tour includes a walk along the riverfront as well as a stop into the reportedly haunted Lafayette Hotel. hiddenmarietta.com
In 1800s-era Cincinnati, lager was fermented and stored in underground tunnels that ran below the streets of the city’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. When modern refrigeration arrived, the tunnels were filled in and forgotten about. Now, this lost piece of history is open for exploration on the Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour, offered by American Legacy Tours. Over the course of two hours, explore these expansive lager tunnels as well as a crypt in the basement of a church built in 1869. americanlegacytours.com
John and Jan Clark have lived in Columbus’ German Village for more than 30 years and started resident-led walking tours of the area in 2015 to share their love for the neighborhood. In the 1850s, nearly half of the city’s population was of German descent and that heritage is still reflected in the neighborhood today. Stops on the tour include the 1865 St. Mary Catholic Church as well as favorite shops like The Book Loft. germanvillagetours.com
Canton Hall of Fame City Food Tour, Canton
Taste your way through Canton’s downtown on this three-hour experience from Explore City Tours that visits four to six restaurants and teaches participants about the city’s history along the way. Guests can enjoy a variety of small-plate servings, ranging from burgers to pizza to Asian cuisine. There is also an option to stop by Bender’s Tavern, Canton’s oldest restaurant. Tour tickets can be upgraded to include a drink package. explorecitytours.com
GERMAN
JUNE
12–AUG. 7:
Bring your snacks and a folding chair and settle in for an evening performance under the stars at New Albany’s Summer Concert Series at Hinson Amphitheater. On five select evenings throughout the summer, enjoy a mix of ’90s alt-rock, bluegrass, country and Latin jazz from some truly stellar groups. The series concludes with a performance by one of the best Fleetwood Mac tribute bands in the Midwest, Fleetwood Gold. newalbanyohio.org
JUNE
13–15:
Embrace Irish tradition and culture at the Riverfront Irish Festival in downtown Cuyahoga Falls. This free, family-friendly event features two stages of live music, an Irish Market Place, traditional Irish and American fare, an Irish Mass on Sunday, lively Irish dance and more throughout the weekend. riverfrontirishfest.org
Mill Creek MetroParks Fellows Riverside Gardens
JUNE 13:
Get ready for an unforgettable night of music with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Dave Matthews Band. A perennially touring summer favorite, the jam band is known for its incredible musicianship and deep catalog of songs that includes hits such as “Crash Into Me,” “Ants Marching” and many others. riverbend.org
JUNE 13–15:
Break out your best leg warmers and tease your hair for the theme of this year’s Vermilion Festival of the Fish, “Fishing in the 80s, Mullet Mania!” Take part in the fun with activities like the Crazy Craft Regatta, Lighted Boat Parade and a Best Mullet Contest. A fireworks show kicks off the fun on Friday, while a Father’s Day Parade concludes the festivities on Sunday. vermilionohio.com
JUNE 14:
Now in its fourth year, the Black Diamond Music & Arts Festival celebrates the Little Cities of Black Diamonds, a small group of historic coalmining communities in southeast Ohio. The event is free to attend and features multiple entertainment stages, arts and crafts vendors, camping and
Celebrate Flag Day in Findlay (known as Flag City, USA) with its Flag City 5K. The 3.1-mile race kicks off at 9 a.m. and offers something for everyone, such as refreshments (including a post-race beer courtesy of Findlay Brewing Co. for those 21 and older), on-site phys-
stained glass, jewelry, soaps ture, baskets, rugs and more.
PICTURE YOURSELF IN MEDINA COUNTY
JUNE 15, 18, 21 & 25:
Soccer fans are in for a treat this summer as Cincinnati’s TLQ Stadium prepares to host four FIFA Club World Cup Games. It is one of 12 stadiums scheduled to host matches as 32 of the top soccer clubs in the world play for the tile of FIFA Club World Champion. Competitors hail from across the globe, including teams from Germany, New Zealand, South Korea, Austria and South Africa. tqlstadium.com
JUNE 21:
Celebrate nature during GroveFest, held at Spiegel Grove, the estate where President Rutherford B. Hayes and first lady Lucy Hayes once lived. The nature-focused event honors the couple’s love for the outdoors and invites guests to participate in hands-on activities and crafts, and talk with regional nature organizations. rbhayes.org
JUNE 22:
One of summer’s most popular music tours, the Outlaw Music Festival makes a stop at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center. Led by music legend Willie Nelson, this year’s southwest Ohio stop also has Bob Dylan, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles and Myron Elkins on the bill. riverbend.org
JUNE 20–22:
Get ready for a musical weekend in the heart of southeast Ohio. The 19th annual Nelsonville Music Festival returns to Snow Fork Event Center for a three-day event featuring over 40 local, regional and national artists across three stages. Headliners include Charley Crockett, Waxahatchee and Taj Mahal. nelsonvillefest.org
JUNE 24:
World-renowned singer-songwriter James Taylor brings his vast catalog of music to Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls. The six-time Grammy Award-winning musician’s blend of soft rock, folk, pop and blues is sure to delight as he performs hits such as “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” and more. livenation.com
JUNE 25
Watch the three-time Major League Soccer Cup-winning Columbus Crew as they take on Atlanta United FC at Lower. com Field in Ohio’s capital city. The Crew has been around since 1994 and has only grown in popularity over the years as Ohio’s first professional soccer team. columbuscrew.com
JUNE 26–29:
Look to the sky over Ashland to see dozens of colorful hot air balloons during the Ashland Balloon Festival. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment and music, food vendors, an art walk, kids zone and much more. Be sure to stick around until evening so you don’t miss the popular balloon glow. ashlandballoonfest.com
Escape for a weekend or an afternoon — adventure is waiting for you in Belmont County!
Paddle, bike, or stroll along scenic trails and sparkling waterways in communities as fun and friendly as they are beautiful.
JULY 4–5:
Sandusky’s Cedar Point is a great place to visit for fun all summer long, but Friday and Saturday of Fourth of July weekend promise to be especially memorable. Watch colors burst and pop above the park from Cedar Point Beach during Light Up the Point, one of the largest fireworks displays in the Midwest. cedarpoint.com
JULY 5
Prepare for the ultimate homage to summer at Cherry, White & Blue, hosted by Quarry Hill Orchards. Pick your own cherries, enjoy live music and indulge in delicious treats, including the event’s signature Red, White and Blue Sundae — made with cherry ice cream, blueberry compote, buttered brown sugar baked rolled oats, chocolate syrup, whipped cream and fresh cherries. quarryhillorchards.com
JULY 5–6:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert brings the wizarding world to life through the talents of the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra. Relive the magic of John Williams’ sweeping score performed live with a screening of the first Harry Potter film at Blossom Music Center. clevelandorchestra.com
Catch The Lumineers as they make a stop at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center during the “Automatic” world tour. Sing along to favorites like “Ophelia” and “Ho Hey” at this concert featuring the group’s unique blend of folk and rock. The band is joined by special guest Hippo Campus. riverbend.org
JULY 10–12:
Get ready for a three-day country music extravaganza at Hickory Hill Lakes during the Country Concert in Fort Loramie. This unforgettable weekend features national headliners Blake Shelton, Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Parker McCollum and more. Plus, take part in karaoke on a side stage, camping and lots of fun with friends and family. countryconcert.com
JULY 10 & 26, AUG. 13:
Be sure to stick around after the baseball game concludes on select nights this summer to catch a Cincinnati Reds Postgame Concert. Enjoy performances from Old Dominion, premier Jimmy Buffett tribute act The Landsharks and Grammy Award-winning group Train. mlb.com/reds
Timeless Traditions
JULY 11–19:
Join the Athens community in celebrating Ohio’s craft brew scene at Ohio Brew Week. This nine-day festival offers the chance to sample the state’s best brews, ciders and meads from more than 20 local producers. In town, visitors can directly support brewers like Devil’s Kettle Brewing, Jackie O’s and Little Fish Brewing Co. ohiobrewweek.com
From frog jumps and fried walleye to tomato wars and chicken dinners, these festivals celebrate our state’s heritage with funfilled events all summer long.
By Erin Finan
Port Clinton Walleye Festival
May 22–26
Celebrate late spring in the Walleye Capital of the World during this event that started in 1981. Founded by a group of local volunteers, the festival has grown to a five-day affair that draws around 40,000 people over the course of the weekend. Each day brings headlining entertainment, as well as a Grand Parade and the Kids Fishing Derby. Plus, check out the
many food vendors, including those selling fresh perch and walleye in the featured vendor tent. portclintonchamber.com
Versailles Poultry Days
June 13–15
Once one of the largest poultry producers in the United States, the southwest Ohio community of Versailles has celebrated its heritage with an annual festival since 1952. The festival’s biggest claim to fame is its chicken dinners that are prepared and served by festival volunteers. In 2024, 39,400 chicken dinners were gobbled up by hungry attendees, making the event the largest multiday poultry festival in the nation. versaillespoultrydays.com
Valley City Frog Jump Festival | July 20
During Valley City’s 150th anniversary back in 1962, residents celebrated with a frog jump inspired by a short story from author Mark Twain. Since then, the Valley City Frog Jump Festival has been held
each summer. In past years, as many as 800 frogs have faced off, and prizes are awarded for the shortest and longest jumps, with the latter being crowned the Grand Champion. Contestants are welcome to bring their own frogs to compete, or they can rent one for $5. valleycity.org/frog-jump
Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival | Aug. 7–9
To celebrate its heritage as The Birthplace of the Tomato, Reynoldsburg hosts this festival honoring Alexander Livingston, a local horticulturalist who is credited with developing the first commercial tomato. The festival celebrating his legacy started in 1965, and traditions such as the Tomato Wars remain staples. Enjoy a tomato-growing contest (with categories like heaviest and most oddly shaped), a salsa challenge, a tomato smash for the kids and an experience where attendees can throw tomatoes at a comedian on stage. reytomatofest.com
VALLEY CITY
FROG JUMP FESTIVAL
JULY 11–12:
Celebrate summer on the water during Huron River Fest
The two-day festival along the scenic Huron River includes a parade, midway rides and games, performances from several local artists and musicians, a princess meet-andgreet, a fireworks extravaganza and more. huronriverfest.com
JULY 12:
Located in charming downtown Rocky River, the Sunflower Wine Festival offers live music, local food, and exceptional wine, all for a good cause. Attendees can relax in the wine and craft beer gardens, enjoy VIP experiences and more. All proceeds benefit the Prayers From Maria Foundation to help in the fight against childhood cancer. prayersfrom maria.org
JULY 18–19:
Watch over 30 hot air balloons take to the skies over Middletown during the Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival
Enjoy dozens of events and
JULY 18–20:
Founded in 1979, the Columbus Jazz & Rib Festival has since grown to be Columbus’ largest free outdoor music festival. Held in Bicentennial Park, this beloved summertime tradition offers incredible
JULY 18–20:
Get ready for Kelleys Island’s biggest event of the year. Island Fest returns with three days of craft vendors, delicious food, a beer tent, live music and a street dance on Friday and Saturday nights. The festival is free to attend and features a parade on Saturday morning and a stunning evening fireworks display. kelleysislandchamber.com
JULY 19:
Head to Historic Downtown Willoughby to see the streets lined with local artists showcasing their work during Willoughby ArtsFest. Stroll through the city’s Erie and Center streets as well as Wes Point Park to shop works spanning jewelry, prints, painting, sculpture, apparel, home decor and more. willoughbyartsfest.com
JAZZ: RANDALL L. SCHIEBER
JULY 23–AUG. 3:
A tradition since 1850, the Ohio State Fair is a quintessential summertime experience in the Buckeye State. Whether it’s your first visit or your 50th, there’s always something new to find. From live music, classic fair food and magic shows to petting zoos and interactive exhibits to agricultural competitions and horse shows, there’s plenty to enjoy. ohiostatefair.com
JULY 24-AUG. 2:
The Lancaster Festival returns this summer for its 40th year celebrating art, music and community. Enjoy creative concerts, workshops, classes and exhibits while supporting the local community. This year’s festival welcomes a new maestro, John Devlin, who will be leading the Lancaster Festival Orchestra’s performances as music director. lancasterfestival.org
Road Trip with US!
Are you ready to explore? Plan your trip to Findlay in Northwest Ohio! Taste Ohio’s best ice cream at Dietsch Brothers, or sip a local brew at one of our craft breweries. Stroll historic South Main as you walk the Historic Homes trail, or strike a pose on the Findlay-Hancock County Mural Trail. Plan your visit to include a show at MCPA, or visit one of our art galleries! Or, spend time outside as you hike a local trail or attend a local festival this summer! VisitFindlay.com
Connect with us!
Summer Lovin’
Take your significant other out for an afternoon of adventure or a night of fun under the stars at these four great stops that are open all summer.
By Gracie Metz
Smale Riverfront Park, Cincinnati
Enjoy a romantic summer stroll along the water at Smale Riverfront Park. The 45-acre park has downtown Cincinnati on one side and the mighty Ohio River on the other. Take in views of colorful flowers and the historic Roebling Bridge or grab a seat on one of the swinging benches along the path. Plan your visit during the Rockin’ the Roebling or Music at the Esplanade
summer music series events. cincinnati-oh.gov/ cincyparks
Adventure Zone, Geneva-on-the-Lake
Located along the Lake Erie shore, Adventure Zone Family Fun Center has been providing accessible adventures since 1996. Experience a full slate of entertainment, such as an arcade, merry-go-round, go-karts, a climbing wall and bumper boats. Popu-
lar date-night options at this lakeside locale include mini golf and sunset zipline experiences. Adventure Zone is a perfect place to combine a day at the beach with a touch of theme-park nostalgia. adventurezonefun.com
GREATER AKRON LODGING COUNCIL
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus
Stroll through 13 acres of flora at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus. Explore the
conservatory’s different indoor biomes — from the rainforest to the desert — and take in the beauty of the outdoor grounds. Select summer evenings bring special after-hours events like Cocktails at the Conser -
vatory, with cocktails, food trucks and the chance to see Franklin Park in a new light. fpconservatory.org
The
Ribbon at Glass City Metropark, Toledo
Since its opening in June 2023, Glass City Metropark in Toledo has seen over 1 million visitors, and The Ribbon is one of the reasons why. This flowing, 1,000-foot-long loop is a great summer stop for roller skating. If you don’t own your own skates, rent a pair from the counter and enjoy views of the Maumee River as you roll along. After-hours glow skates are held on select dates through the season. metroparkstoledo.com
JULY 24–26:
The Cincinnati Music Festival is a three-day celebration that brings the best in R&B, jazz, soul and hip-hop to the Andrew J. Brady Music Center and Paycor Stadium stages. Past performers have included Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Janet Jackson, while this year features a celebration of hiphop on Thursday and a headlining performance by Earth, Wind & Fire on Friday. cincymusicfestival.com
JULY 26–27:
Experirence the history and charm of Historic Zoar Village as you browse and shop high-quality antiques and handcrafted art pieces from over 60 vendors during the Zoar Antiques Show. Plus, watch historic demonstrations and tour the property’s various museum buildings to see examples of early American architecture. historiczoarvillage.com
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park, Summit Metro Parks Akron Zoo
Blossom Music Center
AUG. 1–2:
Spend a weekend shopping along the shore during the Vermilion Beach Market on Lake Erie. More than 100 vendors are set up in Sherod Park, selling everything from antiques to handcrafted jewelry and art. Plus, indulge in delicious food offerings, relax at the beachside wine bar, check out vintage VW busses on Saturday morning and more. vermilion beachmarket.com
AUG. 1–3:
Get the family together for some summer fun while supporting a local cause at Harmar Days in downtown Marietta. Enjoy food trucks, craft vendors, art demonstrations, live music, a petting zoo, car show and much more. Proceeds go to Save Harmar Bridge, a local nonprofit organization committed to preserving this piece of Ohio history. saveharmarbridge.com
AUG. 1–3:
A tradition in this city for over 35 years, the Dublin Irish Festival, promises an exciting weekend celebrating the culture of the Emerald Isle. The event features traditional Irish music with performances from over 40 artists across multiple stages, food and drink, dance and more. Whiskey tastings, workshops and shopping round out the experience. dublinirishfestival.org
AUG. 1–3:
Get ready to rev your engines at Toledo JeepFest, hosted in the city that helped cement the iconic vehicle’s reputation. Thousands of Jeep fans from across the country are drawn to downtown Toledo to celebrate the brand’s legacy with an all-Jeep parade, a vehicle showcase and many more events. toledojeepfest.com
Grab your best canoe, kayak or paddleboard and get ready to paddle the river during the nation’s largest paddling celebration, Ohio River
Paddlefest Join over 2,000 participants as you paddle past downtown Cincinnati on the Ohio River. The festival takes place on Saturday, while Friday brings the free Outdoors for All Expo. ohioriver paddlefest.org
AUG. 1–3:
Head to Twinsburg to cele brate the city’s annual Twins Days Festival and you’ll be seeing double. Join hundreds of twins and multiples in this celebration that includes con tests, parades, a golf outing, talent show, a hot dog roast, cornhole tournament and more. twinsdays.org
AUG. 7–10:
Celebrate access to the great outdoors and great beer in Marietta during the annual Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival downtown. Sample products from some of the best local breweries and enjoy outdoor activities, raffle prizes and more at this community-focused event billed as
Experience the unexpected in Greater Lima! Dive into our dynamic culinary scene, catch a thrilling performance, uncover fascinating historical narratives, and unwind in our beautiful green spaces. There's an adventure waiting for everyone. Rediscover Greater Lima and see what you've been missing. visitgreaterlima.com
AUG. 6–10:
Get ready for some hands-on farming fun during Farm Days at COSI. Kids can interact with real farming equipment and see how it works, watch baby chicks hatch, meet farm animals, learn about plant growth and gardening and discover where their food comes from. Admission to Farm Days is included with general admission to the museum. cosi.org
AUG. 8–9:
Join Springfield native and EGOT-winning musician John Legend at the Springfield Jazz and Blues Festival. Enjoy two stages of live music featuring performances from incredible blues and jazz musicians, sample local brews from Mother Stewart’s Brewing, take part in late-night jam sessions at the State Theater and more. springfieldjazzbluesfest.com
AUG. 8–10:
Wander through acres of radiant sunflower fields during the Coshocton Sunflower Festival. Celebrate the peak bloom of the bright and cheerful flower with wagon rides out to the fields, live music, food trucks, craft vendors, and a beer and wine garden. Try your hand at crafts such as tie-dye or ceramic painting, and don’t forget to take a flower home with you. coshoctonsunflowerfestival.com
AUG. 8–10:
The Salt Fork Arts & Crafts Festival, billed as Ohio’s oldest arts festival, features 100 artists showcasing painting, pottery, jewelry and more. Hosted in Cambridge City Park, the festival also brings live performances, local foods and special programming for kids. saltforkfestival.org
AUG. 14–16:
A tradition in the Bratwurst Capital of America for over 50 years, the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival draws more than 100,000 visitors to town to join in a tasty celebration of the German sausage. Enjoy fire-roasted brats, parades each evening, live music, craft shows, a stein auction and much more. bucyrus bratwurstfestival.com
Umbrella Weather
AUG. 16–17:
Sample cuisine from over 50 gourmet food trucks that roll into Ohio’s capital city from across the Midwest during this lively weekend event. The Columbus Food Truck Festival brings more than just great eats — it’s an all-around celebration of community with live music, local vendors and much more. columbus foodtruckfest.com
Take cover from the rainy days by immersing yourself in these kidfriendly museum exhibits that are all here for a limited summer run.
By Elizabeth Talaga
Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books | Through July 27
Illustrations in children’s picture books are often the first works of art that kids encounter. “Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books” at the Akron Art Museum celebrates this by showcasing original artwork from the beloved children’s author. Kids can see works pulled from the pages of their favorite stories such as The Day the Crayons Quit and The Great Paper Caper. As you walk through, be sure to make a stop in the cozy reading space. akronartmuseum.org
Steam and Steel: Propelling the Future of the Great Lakes | May 23–Aug. 31
A 14-by-10-foot replica of the hull of the William G. Mather steamship (the real one is moored behind the museum) greets guests as they enter this exhibit at the Great Lakes Science Center. Kids can learn about the historic importance of freighters as well as present-day Great Lakes shipping through hands-on activities. Shovel coal into a boiler to maintain ship speed, balance cargo on a model ship and even take the wheel to steer the Mather through the Great Lakes while in a simulator. greatscience.com
Barbie: A Cultural Icon | Through Sept. 1
It’s a Barbie world at the Cincinnati Museum Center this summer. See the evolution of one of the world’s most iconic dolls as you explore this exhibition of over 300 artifacts ranging from 1959 to present day, including the first Barbie doll and original clothing and accessories. Step inside the living room of a larger-than-life Barbie Dreamhouse, pose for pictures in a Barbie or Ken doll box and explore fashion pieces that showcase Barbie’s many careers. cincymuseum.org
Sharks: To Be Great Is to Be Misunderstood | Through Sept. 1
Dive into this thrilling undersea adventure at COSI in Columbus. As you explore, you’ll come face to face with life-size models of these often-misunderstood creatures that can range from 5.5 inches to 33 feet long. Created in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History in New York, this interactive exhibition invites kids to examine shark teeth and jaws up close and learn about ancient creatures such as the massive megalodon. cosi.org
BARBIE: A CULTURAL ICON, CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER
AUG. 22–24:
Aviation enthusiasts are in for an action-packed weekend at the Columbus Air Show, held at Rickenbacker International Airport. See thrilling aerial performances from dozens of individuals and groups, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. On the ground, attendees can enjoy family-friendly activities and a variety of aircraft displays. columbusairshow.com
AUG. 23–24:
Make sure to bring some chewing gum to this spicy festival held at Cleveland’s Shaker Square. The Cleveland Garlic Festival offers everything garlic lovers crave — from fries to ice cream to beer, all prepared with a unique garlicky twist. Enjoy garlic grill-offs, shop local artisans and sample from local craft brewers. Kids will stay entertained with activities like a bouncy obstacle course, face painting and more. clevelandgarlicfestival.org
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
AUG. 29–31:
Experience Ohio’s artistry and creative heritage firsthand at the 15th annual Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival. Shop offerings from local makers that include jewelry designers, potters, wood carvers, glass artists, quilters and much more while immersed in the serene setting of Hale Farm & Village. madeinohiofestival.org
AUG. 29–SEPT. 1:
Sweeten the final days of summer with a trip to the Milan Melon Festival. Held every Labor Day weekend since 1958, this festival offers plenty of fun for the whole family. Enjoy melon-eating contests, the Big Wheelie Race and kiddie pedal-tractor pulls, as well as a grand parade, live bands, arts and crafts, and a classic car show. sites.google.com/view/milanmelonfest
AUG. 29–31:
Celebrate Labor Day Weekend at Portsmouth River Days. For over 60 years, this event has brought the community together with free nightly concerts, children’s activities, games, midway rides, food trucks, a parade and more. Close out summer and the weekend with a stunning fireworks display on Sunday night. friendsofportsmouth.com
AUG. 29–SEPT. 1:
Celebrate German culture at Cleveland Oktoberfest. Sample local and international brews, enjoy a variety of activities, like wiener dog races and a strongman competition, and check out hourly performances that include skits, music and dancing at the largest glockenspiel in the country. clevelandoktoberfest.com
Workers at the 1941 Ohio State Fair
FAIR DAYS
Since 1850, the Ohio State Fair has showcased the vital role farming plays here. this summer event so deeply tied to tradition, memory and community is readying More than $460 million in upgrades that will take the fair into a new era.
By Jason Brill
Steve Ide had strict rules for his kids when his family would attend the Ohio State Fair. First, they visited the livestock barns and produce exhibits to make sure the kids grasped and appreciated the work that went into raising animals and growing food. After that, they went to eat together as a family before setting out to explore the rest of the fair.
“‘Once we get done eating, then you can go ride the rides,’” Ide recalls telling his kids. “It was so important that they understand what the fair is and the amount of effort that was put into it.”
Ide knows well what it’s like to go to the Ohio State Fair and miss the point. He was a 13-year-old farm kid from eastern Delaware County the first time he attended the Ohio State Fair in 1956. He and a friend tagged along with Ide’s aunt, who was there to campaign for Delaware County clerk of courts. The boys checked out the horse-racing area and the farm machinery. They even made a few bucks helping a barker pass out flyers before promptly spending that money on a carnival game that involved tossing washers onto saucers and plates.
“We hadn’t seen much of the fair,” Ide says with a laugh.
Soon after, though, he joined 4-H and began raising landrace hogs, showing them at the Delaware County Fair and, later, the Ohio State Fair.
“The fair was something I just got ingrained with,” says Ide, now 81 years old. “It was the thing.”
Ide, who still lives in Delaware County, has been to more than 40 different editions of the Ohio State Fair as a visitor, exhibitor and collaborator, and he and his wife eventually started collecting fair memorabilia. The 2,000-piece collection includes items such as a ribbon from the first fair in 1850, a map of the 1852 fairgrounds from the first time it was held in Cleveland, and the fair manager’s lapel badge from the Diamond Jubilee 1925 fair.
Ide’s collecting slowed down when his wife died in 2012, and he goes to the fair less frequently now, but he says he had a passthe-torch moment in spring 2024 when then-newly hired Ohio State Fair executive director Adam Heffron came to visit. Ide set up about 400 pieces of his memorabilia collection in his garage, and the men spent roughly 45 minutes discussing the history and future of the fair.
From Ide’s perspective, the last 175 years of the fair can be split into two eras: The first — from 1850 to around 1920 — was about the growth and development of the fair as an agricultural showcase. The second era began as cars became more ubiquitous, making it so families could more easily travel to the fair. The way Ide sees it, a
new chapter of the Ohio State Fair is about to begin, with significant additions to the fairgrounds slated to be unveiled in summer 2026.
“The fair just exploded in the ’60s and ’70s, but it’s coming to a generational change,” Ide says. “I told Mr. Heffron, ‘You and your staff are going to open up the third era of this fair.’”
Although the Ohio State Fair has been closely associated with our state capital for generations, the annual event had a nomadic first 24 years before permanently settling in Columbus in 1874. The first fair was planned for Cincinnati, and during a March 1 and 2, 1849, meeting, groups from the Ohio State Board of Agriculture, Cincinnati Horticultural Society, Ohio Mechanic’s Institute, Hamilton County Agricultural Society and Ohio State Fruit Convention decided the inaugural Ohio State Fair would take place Sept. 5 through 7.
But something outside their power kept that decision from coming to fruition. An outbreak of cholera resulted in the fair’s cancellation in 1849. The groups tried again in 1850, setting the dates a month later, from Oct. 2 through 4, to lessen the risk of cholera.
A little more than a week before the fair, on Sept. 24, 1850, E. W. Cunningham was appointed superintendent of the fairground, replacing Darius Lapham, who had died of cholera a few weeks earlier.
The 1850 fair was only open to the public Oct. 3 and 4 (the first day included exhibit setup and judging) and admission was 20
cents, with an estimated attendance of 25,000 to 30,000 people. In subsequent years, the fair traveled to nine cities across Ohio — including Cleveland, Dayton and Toledo — before arriving in Columbus in 1874, first on the site of what is now Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and in 1886 at what is today known as the Ohio Expo Center.
“The Ohio State Fair was yesterday formally opened and the beautiful new grounds fittingly dedicated to the annual mechanical, art and agricultural exhibits,” The Columbus Dispatch reported in its Sept. 1, 1886, edition. “If there is any omen of prosperity in a good beginning, the Board of Agriculture and the people of the state ought to feel content with the future.”
Like anything that’s been around for 175 years, the fair has had its ups and downs and a lot of additions that eventually became traditions. In 1903, the first butter cow sculpture debuted and has been displayed at the fair’s Dairy Products Building since the 1920s.
In 1922, an Aug. 4 fire destroyed six buildings, but exhibitors rallied to support the fair while 50 prisoners from the Ohio Penitentiary were detailed to remove debris and rubbish. Three years later, the fair celebrated its Diamond Jubilee with a look back at the last 75 years in Ohio. In 1928, the John Philip Sousa Band performed twice a day every day of the fair — an early example of the event’s ability to court popular entertainment acts that, over the years, have included Aretha Franklin, The Beach Boys, Sonny & Cher and Johnny Cash.
Phil Grover was at the mid-1960s meeting that introduced one of the biggest changes to the livestock program at the fair: the Sale of Champions. At the time, Grover was the assistant director of the fair’s sheep department and joined other department directors in a meeting with then-Gov. Jim Rhodes, where Rhodes proposed the program to showcase top youth livestock exhibitors to promote farming and attract the interest of buyers. Since its debut in 1968, Sale of Champions sales have exceeded $9 million and 523 youth champions have been honored.
“There’s a fascination with livestock by non-farm people,” says Grover, 91, who retired as director of the fair’s Boer goat department in 2023. “They want to see baby pigs. They want to see baby lambs. It’s human nature to want to see Mother Nature.”
Lithograph depicting the first Ohio State Fair in 1850 (opposite page); a Ferris wheel at the 1905 fair (left); High Pockets the clown in the 1970s; cars arrive at the fair in 1941 (below)
When it comes to Ohio State Fair traditions, Smokey Bear, which debuted in 1959 and was updated in 2015, and the SkyGlider, which opened in 1969, are perennial favorites. But there may be no more beloved symbol of the Ohio State Fair than the annual sculpture of a cow and calf carved from blocks of butter and displayed in a refrigerated case.
Each year since the 1960s, the cow and calf have been joined by a different Ohio icon sculpted in butter. Over the years, zookeeper and conservationist Jack Hanna, Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas and Ohio State mascot Brutus Buckeye have been immortalized in the medium.
Since 2000, toy-design and sculpture artist Paul Brooke has been part of the team bringing the ideas to life. Working with over a ton of butter, Brooke and his team of four spend more than 400 hours on the sculptures, which are built in a display cooler that is kept at a crisp 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Recent displays include ones depicting the Ohio-made movie “A Christmas Story,” Ohio inventors and Team USA Olympic athletes.
“That [Olympics] one was really challenging because we had made some crazy armatures of Olympic athletes doing gravity-defying poses,” Brooke says. “We had a lot of butter weight hanging out in midair.”
Upgrades to the 100-year-old Dairy Products Building are part of the Ohio State Fair improvements already underway that aim to make the Ohio State Fair experience better for vis-
Singing group the Golddiggers and Smokey Bear in the 1970s (left and top); the annual butter cow sculptures (above); (opposite page clockwise from left) trick riders, the kayak pond at the Natural Resources Park and livestock at the fair in more recent years
itors. Air conditioning, public restrooms and a recessed butter cooler are all set to be unveiled in summer 2026.
Also in 2026, the fair will debut a more than 175,000-squarefoot agriculture exhibit building, an Ohio Showcase building, an Ohio-themed carousel and other upgrades as part of a more than $460 million makeover. Other changes that have already happened reflect shifts in culture. For example, baking competitions at the fair now include sourdough entries, based on the bread’s rising popularity. Exhibitions of pygmy goats — the kind found at goat yoga — are another recent addition.
“You have to evolve to people’s tastes and interests and spark some excitement,” says Heffron, who became the fair’s executive director in 2024. “You’ve got to keep evolving but stay true to what your mission is.”
He is just the person to lead the fair into the future too. He
grew up on the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair, one of the largest in the country, where his dad was the fair manager. One of his first jobs out of college in 1994 was at the Ohio State Fair, where he worked in the rental department for four years.
“I like what the Ohio State Fair stands for — the history, tradition — and it’s well-rooted in agriculture,” he says. “A fair is a reflection of the community.”
For Heffron, the butter sculpture display is a perfect analogy for the fair. While the butter cow is one of its oldest traditions, the display has a new element each year, making it a must-see.
“That’s the magic of the fair,” he says. “That’s what drives people here — it’s something old, and it’s something new.”
The Ohio State Fair runs July 23 through Aug. 3 in 2025. For more information about the Ohio State Fair, visit ohiostatefair.com.
OHIO BUTTERFLY GUIDE
Naturalist Jim McCormac shares a dozen common species to keep an eye out for and where to find them this spring and summer. By Kristina Smith
There’s something enchanting about a brightly colored butterfly flitting by and daintily landing on a blooming flower. Across Ohio, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of different kinds of these delightful insects. Nearly 140 species of butterflies, from the large, vivid varieties to smaller, moth-like types, have been recorded here. Although their caterpillars require specific host plants, nearly all adult butterflies feed on flower nectar, making them easier to find than you might think.
“If you did a quick search, you would find mountains and mountains of poetry on butterflies, and all of it’s flattering,” says Jim McCormac, co-author of Gardening for Moths: A Regional Guide. “They’re probably easily the most popular group of insects. They’re out in the day and around flowers. Everything people like is there.”
McCormac, an accomplished nature photographer, spent 31 years with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as a botanist and working on special projects involving animals. He shares 12 butterfly species found in the Buckeye State, their distinguishing characteristics and where to look for them.
Black Swallowtail
The black swallowtail is unique for the distinctive yellow stripes on its black wings. It also has vivid blue dots and two orange dots along the bottom of its wings. It can be seen across the state from April through October and does not migrate.
Common Buckeye
This brown butterfly is known for its large faux eye spots and little orange dots and bars on its wings. Scientists theorize the eye spots are meant to distract predators and cause them to strike the butterfly away from its body. Common Buckeyes are seen throughout most of Ohio in open areas but prefer areas of soil without much vegetation.
Ohio’s most recognizable butterfly, the monarch, is one of the easiest to spot. This orange and black butterfly has a 3-to-4-inch wingspan and is seen across Ohio from May through November. (The Monarch migrates thousands of miles to Mexico each fall.) Its population is declining, but you can help by planting milkweed, the plant its caterpillars eat.
Clouded Sulphur
This yellow butterfly flies low over open areas and, in the fall, congregates in hay fields with alfalfa and clover. It has one of the longest flight seasons of any Ohio butterfly and is seen from mid-March into early December. It does not migrate. Its folded wings are all yellow, and its unfolded wings, which span up to 2 inches, display brown tips.
Great Spangled Fritillary
This orange, brown and black butterfly can be seen across Ohio from mid-May through October. Violets are its host plant, and with 28 species of violets across the state, Ohio is a perfect place for it to thrive. These butterflies are easy to find and frequently stop at a variety of flowers.
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
This large butterfly is similar in size to a monarch and is seen throughout the state from late March through mid-September. Its brilliant yellow and black wings, marked with bright blue streaks and orange spots, make it easily identifiable. It leaves its offspring in Ohio over the winter to hatch in the spring while it migrates to the southern United States.
Coral Hairstreak
This adorable butterfly is brownish gray with orange and black dots under its wings and black and white striped antennae. It is found in most of Ohio from June through August in overgrown clearings, fields, woodland borders, meadows and roadsides covered
Red-Spotted Purple
The red-spotted purple prefers the forest, which can make it less likely to be noticed. It also likes parks and gardens. It tends to be more blue than purple and has brilliant blue open wings. (Its folded wings are black with blue and orange spots.) They can be seen here
Silver-Spotted Skipper
This butterfly might be Ohio’s friendliest because it tends to land on people. Twenty-five percent of butterflies are skippers, which are similar to moths. This one is easy to identify because of its namesake big silvery splotches under its wings. Its wingspan can reach 2.5 inches, making it bigger than most skippers.
Spring and Summer Azure
These two little blue butterfly species are nearly identical and ubiquitous throughout the state. The easiest way to tell them apart is the time of year they are seen. Spring azure are spotted March through May, and summer can be found June through September. Their wingspan is about an inch, and their wings are entirely blue.
Red Admiral
This black, red and white butterfly is native to Ohio but also has populations that migrate from southern states, at times making its numbers here incredibly abundant. It is found across the state from early April through the end of October and has a wingspan of 1.75 to 3 inches.
Mourning Cloak
It’s difficult to miss this conspicuous butterfly when its wings are open with its deep, velvety purple, bordered with gold and marked with blue spots. When the wings are up though, they mimic tree bark. Mourning cloaks eat rotten fruit and tree sap, allowing them to be out in cold weather. They are most often seen from early March through late October.
Butterfly Field Guide
1. Black Swallowtail
Average size: 2.5-4.2”
Occurrence: April-Oct.
Field notes:
Cut out this page and keep it handy as you discover butterflies in your own backyard.
7. Monarch
Average size: 3.5-4”
Occurrence: March-Nov.
Field notes:
2. Clouded Sulphur
Average size: 1.6-2.4”
Occurrence: April-Nov.
Field notes:
8. Mourning Cloak
Average size: 3-4”
Occurrence: March.-Oct.
Field notes:
3. Common Buckeye
Average size: 1.5-2.7”
Occurrence: May-Oct.
Field notes:
4. Coral Hairstreak
Average size: .9-1.26”
Occurence: July-Aug.
Field notes:
5. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Wingspan: 3.5-5.5”
Occurrence: April-Sept.
Field notes:
6. Great Spangled Fritillary
Average size: 2.9-3.8”
Occurrence: June-Oct.
Field notes:
9. Red Admiral
Average size: 1.75-2.5”
Occurrence: April-Oct.
Field notes:
10. Red-Spotted Purple
Average size: 3-4”
Occurrence: May-Oct.
Field notes:
11. Silver-Spotted Skipper
Average size: 1.75-2.4”
Occurrence: May-Oct.
Field notes:
12. Spring and Summer Azure
Wingspan: .75-1.25”
Occurrence: Spring, April-May; Summer, May-Sept.
Field notes:
BUTLER COUNTY
This southwest Ohio county promises plenty of summer fun, from an outdoor art destination to thrilling adventures like skydiving and wakeboarding. By Emma Shinker
BARN-N-BUNK
BUTLER COUNTY
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
Art and nature become one at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, where a collection of over 70 outdoor sculptures complements the rolling natural landscape. Take the paved Gallery Loop by foot or rent an Art Cart to see the park’s sculptures, including Alexander Liberman’s “Abracadabra,” a three-dimensional collage of red shapes that stands in stark contrast to the field where it sits. The newest addition to the park’s collection is “Halfmoon Lake” by Deborah Butterfield, which features a horse sculpted out of bronze that is made to look like driftwood. The 470-acre park also features three gardens, two hiking trails and two indoor museums to explore, including the Pyramid House built by the park’s founder. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton 45013, 513/868-8336, pyramidhill.org
Start Skydiving
With its emphasis on both fun and safety, Start Skydiving makes it easy for first timers to take the leap at the largest drop zone in the Midwest. Book a high-altitude tandem skydiving experience and jump from 16,000 feet while strapped to a professional instructor or sign up for a class to learn how to become a solo skydiver. Start Skydiving also offers tandem skydiving experiences for those with a disability (visit website for specifics). Ad-
ditionally, the drop zone offers more than a simple airplane hangar. While you wait for your jump, take advantage of the climbing wall, ropes course and games or watch other skydivers from the picnic areas. Start Skydiving also films your jump and edits a cut of it before you leave. 1711 Run Way, Middletown 45042, 513/422-5867, startskydiving.com
The Mullen Dairy & Creamery
Fourth-generation owner Emily Mullen knew she would have to get creative to make sure her family farm stayed afloat after she took over. Today, The Mullen Dairy & Creamery sells over 30 different flavors of milk in about 20 local stores. Flavors range from classics such as chocolate and strawberry to unique specialties such as cookies and cream, cotton candy and blueberry. Book a tour to see how the bottles make their way to store shelves and gain an appreciation for what Mullen calls the “story behind every refrigerator door.” You’ll see behind the scenes of the creamery and barn,
including the robotic milker and the devices worn by the cows to track their health. 7938 Hamilton Scipio Rd., Okeana 45053, facebook.com/TheMullenDairyandCreamery
‘Oxford Beehive’ Mural
Artist Joe Prescher has been on a mission to bring public art to Oxford ever since he moved there in 2011, and his most recent project has the city buzzing. The “Oxford Beehive” mural’s bright honeycomb and larger-than-life bees are painted on both sides of an Uptown alley to create an immersive experience for viewers. Completing the work was a community affair. Many Oxford residents and some Miami University students sponsored bees and even assisted in the painting itself. Prescher chatted with dozens of curious pedestrians who walked by each day and asked them to paint part of a cell. The mural also pays homage to L. L. Langstroth, inventor of a commonly used modern beehive design, who lived in Oxford from 1858 to 1887. The “Oxford Beehive” mural is located between 21 and 23 E. High St., Oxford 45056
(Clockwise from bottom left): Start Skydiving in Middleton; group riding an Art Cart at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum; Wake Nation in Fairfield; “Oxford Beehive“ mural
Wake Nation
With Wake Nation’s cable wakeboarding system, the exhilarating water sport doesn’t require a boat and can even be enjoyed by beginners. Just step onto the board and the cables will pull you along the course. Beginners can start with knee boarding, but anyone looking to level-up their skills can sign up for wakeboarding lessons. Summer camps and group events are offered as well. Wake Nation’s other draw is its Aqua Park. With one section designed for kids 6 and up, and two others made for older kids and adults, everyone can climb, slide, jump and swing across the inflatable waterpark. Teens and adults can make a trip down the Launch Slide, which sends riders flying into the air before splashing down into the pool below. 201 Joe Nuxhall Way, Fairfield 45014, 513/887-9253, wakenation.com
The Cone
With a roof shaped like its signature Orange & Vanilla Swirl ice cream, The Cone is not only an eye-catching destination but also a local favorite for soft serve and other sweet treats. Items on the menu are customizable, and patrons can choose from a variety of flavors and toppings. Have your favorite ice
cream and candy blended into a Wizard or try one of the novelties made in-house. The Cone also offers shaved ice, parfaits and ice cream cakes. New owners Beth and Mike Heydt are excited to continue the legacy of the stand’s founders, the Wren family, by maintaining the menu that the community loves. Order at the drive-through or enjoy your treat at the indoor or outdoor seating. 6855 Tylersville Rd., West Chester 45069, 513/779-7040, thecone.com
Paintball Country
Located on the Niederman Family Farm, Paintball Country encourages fun and play for all skill levels. Duck in and out of inflatable bunkers, defend an elevated fort and hide behind obstacles as you dodge paintballs and eliminate your opponents. Participants are encouraged to create their own games inspired by the unique terrains of the facility’s six fields, and referees are there to
BUTLER COUNTY
ensure safety. (For the most comfortable experience, its recommended participants wear loose-fitting long sleeves and long pants.) Weekends are open for walk-on play, so rent a safety mask and paintball marker (or buy them at the on-site pro shop), and prepare for fun. After playing, grab a bite at the snack shop. 5110 Lesourdsville West Chester Rd., Hamilton 45011, 513/7793228, paintballcountryohio.com
Barn-N-Bunk Farm Market
With four barns to explore and a slew of annual events, Barn-N-Bunk Farm Market offers more than your typical farmers market. At the first barn, visitors find three floors of foods such as jams, baked goods and pickles — some of it grown on the farm itself — as well as around 50 local craft vendors. The second barn offers homemade candy and
crafts, while another is reserved for events. The final barn serves as a museum of old farm equipment. When outside, don’t forget to take a picture with the two grain silos on the property that have been painted with rural scenes and memories from the family farm’s more than 100 years of history. 3677 Wayne Madison Rd., Trenton 45067, 513/988-9211, barnnbunk.com
Holiday Auto Theatre
With its original entrance sign, concession stand and box office from 1948, pulling up to the Holiday Auto Theatre feels like a trip back in time. Each night brings a double or triple feature, projected on the 60-by80-foot screen, with 1950s-era trailers and cartoons before the movies and during intermission. Whether you want to sit in your car or in a lawn chair, make sure to have a radio available to tune into 87.9 FM for
HOCKING HILLS
Explore beautifully crafted art and celebrate local culture in this scenic region of Ohio at these five festivals and events happening between now and the end of summer. By Lisa Galek
JACK PINE GLASS GARDEN ART FESTIVAL
THE PERFECT GETAWAY
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away or a venue for an event, The Lodge at Hocking College has room for you!
use promo code “SAVE” and get a 15% discount on room rate from May to the end of August 2025
15770 State Route 691 Nelsonville, OH 45764
740-753-3531
HOCKING HILLS
Jack Pine Glass Garden Art Festival | May 2–4
Each spring, the Jack Pine Glass Garden Art Festival delights visitors to Laurelville with thousands of hand-blown glass art pieces. Now in its third year, the free event (May 2 through 4) is the culmination of years of dedication by glassblower Jack Pine.
Pine and his artists work throughout the year to create sculptures for the festival, including over 1,000 of his studio’s signature glass pumpkins. The festival features over 20 artists and vendors showcasing art in a variety of mediums — glass, metal, wood, painting, fiber arts and ceramics — but the real highlight is the captivating glass-blowing demonstrations.
“You’re watching these skilled artisans take this blob of 2,000-degree, molten lava glass and transform it right before your eyes into something really beautiful,” Pine says. “It’s just amazing to watch.”
This year’s showcase includes unique sculptures, outdoor decor and the exclusive release of Pine’s annual Mother’s Day glass pumpkin. Foodies can also indulge in the Taste of Morels event on Friday, during which vendors prepare sample dishes featuring prized morel mushrooms.
“They only grow for a very short time in the spring,” Pine says of the mushroom that
is a forager favorite. “It’s not something you can find at the grocery store.” 21397 St. Rte. 180, Laurelville 43135; glassgardenfestival.com
Logan Washboard Arts and Music Festival | June 5–7
The Logan Washboard Arts and Music Festival (June 5 through 7) celebrates music, art and small-town living all through the city’s claim to fame as the home of the last
The Jack Pine Glass Garden Art Festival celebrates its third year in 2025 (top). The annual Garden Art Happening at Hocking House runs June 28 and 29 (above).
remaining operational washboard factory in the United States.
“When the original organizers put the festival together, they wanted to focus on something unique about the city of Logan,” says Andy Good, festival board president.
What began as a small downtown event has become a festival that attracts over 10,000 people annually. While washboard music remains a highlight, the festival expanded in 2022 to include artists such as stone and wood carvers and painters. Visitors can also tour the factory and even buy a washboard to take home.
Thursday night features gospel music, followed by a weekend of live folk and Americana music on two stages. There’s also a parade, craft vendors and great food and drinks — all within a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, so attendees can sip and stroll.
“We’re a big tourist area with the Hocking Hills,” Good says of the city of Logan. “But the Washboard Festival is the No. 1 event supported by locals. We want people to come and experience what locals love about this community.” Main Street, Logan 43138, loganwashboardfestival.com
An Evening of
Garden Art Happening at Hocking House | June 28–29
Since the 1990s, artist Jean Magdich has invited visitors to her annual Garden Art Happening at Hocking House. This casual weekend festival (June 28 and 29) showcases Magdich’s sculptures in the tranquil surroundings of her 2-acre garden. What began as a private creative space has blossomed into a beloved tradition where visitors can explore a serene botanical atmosphere. The event has a laid-back vibe, allowing visitors to stroll through the gardens, unwind on patios and enjoy refreshments.
“It’s a really easygoing, no stress kind of situation,” Magdich says.
Over the years, Magdich has expanded the garden with new sculptures, pottery and plants. She also collaborates with local artists to offer a variety of handmade crafts. Hocking House is home to Magdich’s fine art craft gallery, which features her signature pieces, including handmade terra-cotta stepping stones, garden art sculptures and porcelain plates. Highlights include her popular terra-cotta green men and unique porcelain watering cans.
Support for this ad comes from the Hocking Hills Tourism Association ExploreHockingHills.com
Featuring Broadway Stars Darilyn Castillo
Christopher Henry Young
HOCKING HILLS
“The garden has grown through the years, and it’s helped me keep making new and different things,” Magdich says. “I find the pieces I make for myself for the garden are also the things that people want.” 29580 Big Pine Rd., Logan 43138, hockinghouse.com
Lilyfest | July 11–13
Originally a small gathering of five artists, Lilyfest has blossomed over the years to feature more than 60 vendors. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Bishop Educational Gardens, the event (July 11 through 13) attracts around 5,000 attendees each year.
Founded in 1992 by retired art teachers Bobbi and Bruce Bishop, Lilyfest was born from an artistic vision for their 40-acre property. The couple transformed the land into stunning flower and water gardens that are now owned by the Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District.
“I still try to maintain the gardens with local high school kids,” Bobbi says. “I hire them for the summer and they keep me young.”
According to Bobbi, some attendees are initially apprehensive as they drive the winding country roads to find the festival in Rockbridge. But once they arrive, the serenity of the gardens, trees and flowers puts them at ease.
“They get here, open their car doors and step out, and you can actually see them relax,” she says.
The event features live artisan demonstrations, juried art, folk music, drum circles, plant sales and a gnome and fairy trail for kids. One of the highlights is the Lost Viking Hoard Encampment, which showcases Viking cooking, tents and blacksmithing. 13200 Little Cola Rd., Rockbridge 43149, lilyfest.com
Hocking Hills Medieval Festival | Aug. 23–24
Heed the call to embrace adventure at the Hocking Hills Medieval Fest (Aug. 23 and 24). What started as a small gathering at Brewery 33 in Logan has grown into a thriving festival — now hosted at the
HEAD HILLS
Need a change of scenery? Head for the Hills, the Hocking Hills. You’ll find pet-friendly cabins, lodges and inns surrounded by the new colors of spring. This is the place for fresh air, sparkling waterfalls, outdoor adventures, spas, galleries, small town charm and a much needed break. Revive your mind, body and soul in the Hocking Hills, Ohio’s Natural Crown Jewels.
Call or click for your free Visitor’s Guide: 1-800-Hocking | ExploreHockingHills.com
HOCKING HILLS
Hocking County Fairgrounds — that is expected to host between 15,000 and 20,000 attendees this year.
Founded in 2023 by passionate Renaissance fairgoers Kevin and Juanita Knight, the event was born of their love for medieval culture, and attendees will feel as though they’ve stepped into another time. One of the festival’s highlights is the armored combat duels.
“We have armored combat fighters come from all over Ohio and bash each other for your enjoyment,” says Kevin, who also participates as a fighter.
The festival features entertainment for all ages, including the Singing Sirens comedy group, a medieval-style circus and a family-friendly sword challenge where kids can battle with realistic-looking foam weapons. Visitors can also browse the wares of medieval-themed vendors that sell chain mail, jewelry, swords, leather goods and other period-inspired items.
“It’s great seeing all the families dress up to come to escape their crazy, realistic lives and get to be medieval for a day,” Kevin says. 100 N. Homer Ave., Logan 43138, explorehockinghills.com
GRAND LAKE REGION
This large, manmade lake in Mercer and Auglaize counties draws boaters as summer arrives, but there is plenty to explore on land as well. By Christine Schaffran
BOARDWALK VILLAGE, CELINA
GRAND LAKE REGION
Local lore says the Irish and German immigrants who hand dug Grand Lake St. Marys between 1837 and 1845 were paid 30 cents and a jigger of whiskey a day. Originally created to supply water to the Miami & Erie Canal, Grand Lake St. Marys only fulfilled that purpose until 1915 when it was designated for public recreational use.
Today, the 13,500-acre inland lake serves as a hub for boaters, but it is just one of the reasons to visit this part of northwestern Ohio, which also offers opportunities to bike and hike along the route of the Miami & Erie Canal and experience a slice of quintessential small-town America in astronaut Neil Armstrong’s hometown of Wapakoneta.
Lakeside Eats
Restaurants and watering holes that offer opportunities to jump from boats to bars and back without missing a beat can be found along the shore of Ohio’s largest inland lake. Some have even built docks just outside their doors to make boater visits all the easier.
Lakeside Hideout Bar & Grill on the southern side of the lake along state Route 219 invites guests to grab an outside patio table and order from a menu of American cuisine that includes options like the Machine Gun Mushroom Burger or Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza.
“Most of our employees, a lot of them, are family,” says Ryan Payne, head chef at Lakeside Hideout. “And even if they’re not
Experience high-end dining with a family-centric atmosphere at 17 West, an American bistro located in historic downtown New Bremen.
17west.com
17 West Monroe | New Bremen, Ohio 419-629-3800
Discover over 200 years of bicycle history at the Bicycle Museum of America, in scenic downtown New Bremen.
bicyclemuseum.com
7 W. Monroe St. | New Bremen, OH 45869
419-629-9249
BOARDWALK GRILL
GRAND LAKE REGION
family, they become family. So, I think that kind of rubs off on our customers and that keeps people coming back.”
A little over 2 miles away, the Shingle Shack calls to boaters and their crew with its subs, cheeseburgers and pizzas. On the northwestern corner of the lake, along West Bank Road, Boardwalk Grill invites visitors to try its signature crispy fish tacos or grilled shrimp tacos, both of which have been staples since the restaurant opened in 2020. (A pizza kitchen that uses fresh ingredients and house-made sauces is a recent addition.) Although Boardwalk Grill is open yearround, the summer season is the best time to visit for the place’s tropical vibe and options to dine with waterfront views either outside or indoors with the roll-top doors open.
“Summertime is our time to shine,” says Brianna Obringer, marketing coordinator for Bruns Construction, which oversees Boardwalk Grill. “We also have boat docks right on-site, so people can bring their boats and dock right up to the restaurant.”
Small-Town Shopping
Many of the two- and three-story buildings that line downtown Wapakoneta are the same ones that stood here when horse-drawn carriages and Model Ts were the most up-to-date forms of transportation. The intricate stonework and hand-carved embellishments that add character to each storefront continue to be cherished features that current business owners work hard to maintain in order to provide a unique experience for visitors.
“We do have a bustling downtown, which is unique because not all small towns get to have a really robust downtown,” says Lind
MODERN PLANTSMAN
GRAND LAKE REGION
THE BICYCLE MUSEUM OF AMERICA
sey Young, executive director of the Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce. “We have a lot of store owners that just really care about this area and this town.”
Among the restaurants on Auglaize Street that capture the attention of locals and visitors is J. Marie’s Wood-Fired Kitchen & Drinks. Owned by John-William Davis and named for his daughter, Jessalyn Marie, the restaurant uses wood-fired ovens to turn out everything from its pork entree to its spinach dip appetizer to its margherita pizza.
For fashion finds, Frost Impressions stocks trendy women’s clothing, accessories and gifts in a boutique that appeals to 12-year-old girls and 80-year-old women alike. Owner Annie Frost also creates custom graphic tees for the whole family on-site.
For a touch of nostalgia, stop at Relics to see how store owner Michele Shicora repurposes old cassette tapes and vinyl records and revisit childhood favorites like Cabbage Patch Kids and Smurfs. Dad’s Toy Shop stocks a selection of model trains and remote-controlled airplanes, boats and cars. If gardening is more your speed, Modern Plantsman carries plants, pots, books, garden markers and more.
Although it has a bounty of small businesses, Wapakoneta is best known as the hometown of astronaut Neil Armstrong, and you can learn all about his life at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in town.
Canal History
In its heyday, the Miami & Erie Canal played a vital role in transporting goods and services from Toledo to Cincinnati and various points in
between. A towpath that ran alongside the canal provided a place for the mules that pulled the canal boats to walk, and today a 40-mile stretch of that pathway offers visitors the opportunity to hike, bike, walk and run along this historic route that is dotted with reminders of the canal era.
“The canal never died,” says Sam Bonifas, chairman of the Miami & Erie Canal chapter of the Buckeye Trail Association, which oversees a more than 1,400-mile route that touches all four corners of Ohio. “It’s just being repurposed for recreation and history of the area.”
From Lake Loramie to Delphos, trail users can still see pieces of the locks that carried boats through the intricate canal system, as well as buildings and noteworthy landmarks that supported it.
Located in New Bremen on the corner of state Routes 66 and 274, the Lockkeeper’s House Visitor’s Center stands as a replica of the original building that occupied the site for more than a century, according to local historian Genevieve Conradi. It allows a glimpse into history with photos, exhibits and artifacts, and visitors can even operate a restored lock gate that raises and lowers the water in the lock chamber. Also in New Bremen, which serves as the halfway point of the original canal route, Komminsk Legacy Park on South Main Street abuts the historic Lock One Park.
Just a short pedal away on West Monroe Street, The Bicycle Museum of America takes visitors on a ride through history. From high wheels to e-bikes, the more than 200 bicycles on display pay tribute to the vehicle’s significance and its evolution throughout history, says museum coordinator Ryan Long.
When You Go
For more information about these and other destinations in the Grand Lake Region, visit seemore.org.
FOOD + DRINK
J. Marie’s Wood-Fired Kitchen & Drinks facebook.com/woodfiredwapak
Lakeside Hideout Bar & Grill lakesidehideoutbarandgrill.com
Shingle Shack facebook.com/shingleshackbar
Boardwalk Grill theboardwalkgrill.com
SHOPPING
Dad’s Toy Shop 419/738-2007
Frost Impressions frostimpressions.com
Modern Plantsman modern-plantsman.square.site
Relics 419/649-7588
HISTORY
Armstrong Air & Space Museum armstrongmuseum.org
The Bicycle Museum of America bicyclemuseum.com
Lockkeeper’s House Visitors Center 419/629-0313
Miami & Erie Canal Towpath Trail jampd.com
SCENIC BYWAYS
Take the long way this season with these four Ohio Scenic Byway routes that offer glimpses of nature, history and heartland. By Gracie Metz
AMISH COUNTRY BYWAY
SCENIC BYWAYS
Amish Country Byway
Holmes County is the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country and has one of the largest concentrations of Amish and Mennonite communities in the world. Unlike Ohio’s more linear byway routes, the 196-mile Amish Country Byway starts near Utica on state Route 62 in Knox County before spiderwebbing out across 13 different roads.
“When you’re out traveling in the springtime, you’re going to see horses and plows, you’re going to see women and men planting gardens [and] children helping outside,” says Sharon Strouse, executive director of the National Scenic Byway Foundation and a resident of Holmes County.
There are plenty of sites to visit along the way, including the Sieverdes Millersburg Glass Museum and the Victorian House Museum, which are both housed in one location. Here, travelers can learn more about the Millersburg Glass Co. and tour a 28room Victorian-style mansion.
Heading east from Millersburg, several bakeries and cheesemakers line the route. Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery just west of Berlin offers family entertainment like an adorable farm animal petting zoo, and Guggisberg Cheese Factory north of the village of Charm is known for its famous Baby Swiss variety.
Farther east, the route unfolds into the charming communities of Walnut Creek and Sugarcreek, which offer a wealth of stops for home decor, authentic foods prepared from traditional recipes, and comfortable places to stay.
“Soak in the differences,” Strouse says. “Don’t be afraid to get off the most traveled roads and go to the back roads as well.”
Land of the CrossTipped Churches
Spanning 45 miles across Auglaize, Mercer, Darke and Shelby counties, this byway mainly follows state Routes 49 and 119 as it passes by roughly 50 historic buildings with religious significance.
“The buildings consist of churches, convents, schools, rectories and seminaries,” says Mark Travis, executive director of the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics. “They were all originally here because of the work from the Precious Blood community that was ministering to the larger population of German Catholics.”
The Saint Charles Senior Living Community in Celina got its start as a seminary for young men in the early 1860s by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood before it closed in 1969. The structure was later renovated and became a nonprofit retirement community, which can be visited for Mass in the chapel.
The epicenter of the byway, Travis says, is the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics Established in 1846, visitors to this historic location can pray in the presence of a large collection of relics, tour the museum and visit the gift and bake shops.
MARIA STEIN SHRINE OF THE HOLY RELICS
AMISH COUNTRY BYWAY
SCENIC BYWAYS
To the east in Minster, St. Augustine Church was one of the first places that German Catholics settled in the region. Their church, which was established in 1836, was a mother parish of the area. Like so many other churches along the byway, this one boasts crosses at the top of its tall spires that stretch toward the sky.
“There’s a very unique architecture many of them have,” Travis says, “including the spire and the cross.”
Lower Valley Pike
Although it covers just 11 miles, the Lower Valley Pike byway is packed with both natural beauty and local history. The route follows the path of the Mad River as it heads southwest from Springfield, ending just north of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton.
Springfield sits at the eastern end of the byway, where travelers will find the 250acre George Rogers Clark Park. This natural space is adjacent to the site where the Battle of Peckuwe took place and where Shawnee leader Tecumseh was born. The
DANIEL HERTZLER HOUSE MUSEUM
park, which features hiking trails, a lake and picnic shelters, is also home to the Daniel Hertzler House Museum. The 19th century, pre-Civil War home is open seasonally for programs and tours.
Farther southwest, travelers find the community of Medway and the Estelle Wenrick Wetlands just before arriving in the center of town. The 160-acre preserve features a boardwalk that allows visitors to walk out and take a closer look at the natural area.
“Medway on the Lower Valley Pike is halfway from Dayton to Springfield,” says Donald Wallace, a Medway resident whose ancestors were instrumental in helping develop the area. “It’s named Medway because there’s already a Midway in Ohio. So, they named this one Medway.”
Wallace is a descendent of the Lamme and Wallace families, the latter of whom were farmers in Medway, and he still lives on their land today. The industrious nature of the Lamme and Wallace families contributed to products we use still use today, with Wallace Carothers aiding in the development of nylon and Kinderman Boblett helping create the modern car radiator.
NATIONAL NAMES
Ohio is home to 27 scenic byways, and six of them are also part of America’s Byways.
Amish Country Byway:
These 196 miles of roads crisscross the region and promise a slower pace, as well as the chance to see pastoral settings and visit favorite food spots.
Historic National Road:
This 225-mile Ohio byway follows the route of the National Road and is part of the larger All-American Road that spans six states and covers 825 miles.
Hocking Hills Scenic Byway:
This byway covers nearly 27 miles and passes by several natural landmarks, including Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls and others.
Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail:
This 293-mile drive along the Lake Erie shore passes by several recreational sites and attractions like Marblehead Lighthouse, Cedar Point and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Ohio & Erie Canalway:
This byway covers approximately 110 miles as it traces the route of the Ohio & Erie Canal across northeast Ohio and passes through Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Ohio River Scenic Byway:
This 452-mile route follows the Ohio River from the edge of Ohio to the Indiana border, passing through 14 counties with a wealth of history.
• 60+
• Premier
• Homemade German food and beer
• 19th-Century historic demonstrations
• Tour historic buildings and museums
Wally Road Scenic Byway
The Walhonding Railroad connected Coshocton with Loudonville between 1893 and 1936. After the railroad shut down, its tracks were torn up and the metal was used to help with the war effort. Ultimately, the route fell into disrepair until 1940, when part of it became Wally Road. It was designated an Ohio Scenic Byway in 2004.
“The motto of the byway has always been: ‘A Touch of the Past Preserved for the Future, Shared With the Present’” says Gretchen Conrad, whose father, Bill Conrad, was a key supporter of the byway.
Starting in Loudonville, the 10.4-mile route passes through Ashland, Holmes and Knox counties. Summer visitors can get out of the car and head for the water at the Loudonville Canoe Livery or the River Run Canoe Livery. The area is also home to several camping spots, including campgrounds at River Run as well as Arrow Point and October Hills
As the route continues into Holmes County, more camping and canoeing opportunities await at Wally World Riverside Resort. The county is also home to the 300foot Spellacy Covered Bridge.
Heading toward Knox County, visitors can see several historic sites from the road, including a marker signifying the Greenville Treaty Line. The route ends just before Danville in Knox County, where small shops and restaurants can be found.
For more information about Ohio’s Scenic Byways, visit ohiobyways.com. For more Ohio Magazine coverage of our byways, visit ohiomagazine.com/scenicbyways.
SPELLACY COVERED BRIDGE
Cleveland Cavaliers Make Their First Conference Finals Appearance
Decades before Cleveland’s NBA team claimed their first national championship, they faced off against the Boston Celtics during the 1976 Eastern Conference Finals.
While the Cleveland Cavaliers of today can boast a string of playoff runs and a historic NBA Championship win, the team’s first Eastern Conference Finals appearance came in a series against the Boston Celtics that began May 6, 1976, during the team’s fifth season in existence.
“Cavaliers fans have suffered through humiliation, frustration and defeat, waiting for this moment — a shot at the class of professional basketball,” Robert Daniels wrote in
The Plain Dealer’s May 7, 1976, edition.
The team fell to defeat during the first two games hosted in Boston. Once the Cavs returned to Ohio to play its next two games at the Richfield Coliseum, the squad began to shine. Austin Carr, Jimmy Cleamons and Campy Russell each scored pivotal points, while Nate Thurmond — nicknamed the “Tower of Power” — anchored the team with seasoned skills in both offense and defense.
“It was the old man, Nate Thurmond, who inspired his younger teammates to one of the finest victories ever achieved by the six-year-old Cleveland franchise,” Bill Nichols reported in The Plain Dealer’s May 15, 1976, edition, following the team’s second victory.
The series was tied heading into game five, but after injuries in previous games, the Cavaliers’ run seemed near its end. Two more losses sealed it. Still, the series foreshadowed a promising future for the team.
“The party is over, but northern Ohio discovered pro basketball in a big way this season,” Nichols wrote, “and were rewarded by one of the guttiest seasons a team of any kind could have.” — Erin Finan
Thurmond of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to
basket during the 1976 Eastern Conference Finals.
Nate
the
For a century, people have explored legendary Kentucky State Parks to feel more revitalized and alive. Remarkable vistas, untrampled trails and quaint lodging await you in our new Kentucky home. Plan your amazing getaway now at parks.ky.gov.
