Summer getaways, festivals and events abound across Ohio

OHIO – From hot air balloon races and prestigious artwork to exploring Native American heritage, Ohio offers experiences that are sure to captivate. Connect with those who mean the most to you while enjoying delicious food, learning a new dance, or listening to award-winning music with friends and family. For more opportunities to
Find It Here. in Ohio, visit ohio.org and the Calendar of Events.

Southwest

Crazy Cardboard Boat Regatta, July 14 (West Chester)
Cheer on teams as they attempt to keep handmade cardboard boats, constructed of only cardboard, tape, and glue, afloat on the lake at Voice of America MetroPark! See who stays afloat the longest and enjoy additional onshore activities including music, vendors and activities for the whole family.

The Ohio Challenge Balloon Festival, July 20-21 (Middletown)
A sanctioned hot air balloon competition, The Ohio Challenge Balloon Festival features thirty participants in a race to win the coveted “Ohio Challenge Trophy.” Take a balloon ride, visit the car show and catch the ever-favorite night balloon glow. The festival will also showcase food, music, and carnival rides. Check out napavalleyballoons.com to find your next hot air balloon festival to go to!

Cincinnati Music Festival, July 26-28 (Cincinnati)
This major annual event brings top R&B, jazz and blues performers to Paul Brown Stadium for music, fun and plenty of memories. Charlie Wilson, Jill Scott and MC Lyte are set to headline this year with additional guests Common, The Roots and Cincinnati native, Bootsy Collins. Spend the weekend in Cincinnati and experience remarkable live music, delicious local food and shopping.

Southeast

Lilyfest, July 13-15 (Rockbridge)
This festival, held annually at the Bishop Educational Gardens, features flower gardens cared for by local experts. A juried art show of works by more than 70 artists will be displayed, and live music will be performed on multiple stages throughout the three-acre grounds. Take a stroll through the Butterfly House and enjoy beautiful sculptures and gardens at this truly scenic event.

Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama, Now-September 2 (Chillicothe)
Since 1973, the story of renowned Shawnee leader Tecumseh! has attracted more than 2.5 million viewers nationwide. Outdoor stages at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater allow attendees to feel a part of the action as horses thunder past and canons reverberate. More than 100 people are involved in the show along with horses, cannons and battle sequences that bring the entire experience to life.

Central

Jazz & Rib Fest, July 20-22 (Columbus)
This annual event on the downtown Columbus Scioto riverfront features two stages with local, regional and international jazz artists. Relax and enjoy tantalizing barbecue ribs and chicken while listening to headlining artists Arturo Sandoval and special guest Jane Monheit, the JuJu Exchange, Euge Groove, Peter White and more. Admission is free!

Dublin Irish Festival, August 3-5 (Dublin)
One of the largest of its kind, this three-day Irish festival expects to bring thousands of guests to Dublin this year. Seven stages, 65 acts and over 500 performers promise hours of entertainment. Headliners this year include Sharon Shannon, Gaelic Storm, We Banjo 3 and the Willis Clan, among others. Learn an Irish dance, watch traditional Celtic sports and get a taste of Irish culture and food from more than 40 vendors.

Northwest

Festival of Sail, July 12-15 (Sandusky)
Help celebrate Sandusky’s bicentennial on the shores of Lake Erie at the Festival of Sail featuring tall ships including the U.S. Brig Niagara and Schooner Madeline. Climb aboard and sail on many “ships of yore,” or check out this year’s guest of honor, the world’s largest rubber duck! Experience all the festival has to offer including live music from The Wailers, Robert Randolph and Mel Burns as well as food, drink and a variety of vendors.

Celina Lake Festival, July 27-29 (Celina)
Dive into this weekend-long festival featuring crafts, rides, food and more. Memorable attractions include the Amphicar “Splash In.” This year, which marks 50 years since the last cars rolled off the assembly line, is slated to bring the largest amount of amphibious cars to-date. Visitors will also enjoy a fireworks show and Beatles’ tribute band. Don’t miss out on dozens of lakefront activities for the whole family.

National Tractor Pulling Championships, August 16-18 (Bowling Green)
One of the most prestigious truck and tractor pulls on earth, the National Tractor Pulling Championships features dozens of machines and competitions. Feel the vibrations of pure pulling machine engines in “Pull Town USA” and enjoy live music performances, food and drinks while cheering on your favorite truck and tractor pull contestants!

Northeast

Medina County Arts Week Festival, July 9-13 (Medina)
Enjoy dancing, arts activities and several musical acts during this week-long event. You can register for a drawing, dancing or steel drum lesson – you never know, you might discover a talent you never realised you had! If you enjoy your steel drum lesson, for example, you could purchase a handpan from Handpan Guru so that you can keep on learning and playing. Stay for musical performances throughout the evenings from a variety of artists including Grady Miller, Jim Gill and Helen Welch. Participate in the arts in a whole new way at this free admission event!

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic, July 27-29 (Canton)
Watch in awe as 65 hot air balloons from across the United States take flight to celebrate this year’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement. The weekend will feature five hot air balloon flights, including a magical “Night Glow” on Friday night. Listen to live music, enjoy dozens of food vendors and watch the night sky light up Saturday evening at the annual fireworks show. Stick around or come back August 3-5 for the Fashion Show, Induction, Gold Jackets autograph session, Maroon 5 concert and more!

Swiss National Day Celebration, August 4 (Sugarcreek)
Celebrate Switzerland’s Independence Day right here in Ohio! Join the Village of Sugarcreek, the Little Switzerland of Ohio, as they offer a full day of fun with the “Run for Gnome,” a fun run, music, food, bouncy houses and face painting. Finish off this fun-filled, free admission day with a fireworks show!

Stay up-to-date on Ohio’s latest travel experiences. Follow TourismOhio on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and read our blog on Ohio.org.

About TourismOhio
TourismOhio, operating within the state of Ohio’s Development Services Agency, works to ensure Ohio is positioned as a destination of choice, enriching lives through authentic travel experiences. The branding Ohio. Find It Here. supports Ohio’s $44 billion tourism industry. For more, visit Ohio.org.