Home > Press Room > Calendar of Major Events
2011 Ohio Event Highlights
Throughout the year, Ohio hosts an amazing variety of fun, high-profile and quirky events.
Winter Hike at Hocking Hills State Park
Logan, Jan. 16
Jan. 15 Annual Hike at Hocking Hills State Park, Logan Enjoy the serene winter landscape on this 6-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave. Make sure to wear warm layers and sturdy hiking boots! 740/385-6841• www.ohiostateparks.org
Feb. 18 –Sept. 5 Cleopatra:
The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt, Cincinnati Visit the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal for this spectacular National Geographic exhibition. The collection of artifacts features treasures from the sands of Egypt to the depths of the Mediterranean. 513/287-7000 • www.cincymuseum.org
Arnold Sports Festival
Columbus, March 3 - 6
The largest multi-sports festival in the U.S. features thousands of the best sportsmen and women competing in 40 sports — including 13 Olympic events. More than 700 exhibit booths cater to your every sporting need. 614/431-2600 • www.arnoldsportsfestival.com
Cincinnati Zoo Blooms
Cincinnati, April 1 - 30
Don’t miss the event known as “Tulip Mania!” In addition to a rainbow of thousands of tulips, you will see one million daffodils, sweet-smelling hyacinths, flowering trees, shrubs and other spring bulbs. This magnificent annual event also includes the Daffodil Show on April 11 and 12. 513/281-4700 • www.cincinnatizoo.orgm
Geauga County Maple Festival
Chardon, April 28 - May 1
Have a “sweet” time at this annual celebration, which offers a complete weekend of fun for the entire family. Enjoy non-stop entertainment, carnival rides, maple-syrup contests and various games — including bathtub races! 440/286-7275 • www.maplefestival.com
Tri-C JazzFest
Cleveland April 28-May 8
This annual event — the largest educational jazz fest in the U.S. — features the region’s best jazz musicians, educational programming and more. Welcome spring with sweet, soulful and cutting-edge performances. 216/987-4125 • www.tricpresents.com
Asian Festival
Columbus, May 28 - 29
The 17th annual festival showcases Asian culture with a special focus on Philipino and Korean heritages. Fifteen Asian ethnic groups are represented at this event, featuring many outstanding dance performances, ethnic music, Tai Chi and martial arts workshops. 614/451-3550 • www.asian-festival.org
Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Festival
Utica, May 28 - 30
Utica Enjoy ice cream and so much more! The festivities include an ice-cream eating contest, a balloon toss, kiddie tractor pulls, loads of interesting exhibitions and, of course, the crowning of the festival queen. 800/589-5000 • www.velveticecream.com
Columbus Arts Festival
Columbus, June 3 - 5
Visit downtown’s “Discovery District” and welcome summer at this annual event. Hundreds of artists — working in every medium — showcase and sell their work. 614/224-2606 • www.gcac.org
Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival
Cincinnati, June 18 - 19
This celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation — Juneteenth, or June 19, 1865 — features a parade, live music, historical exhibits and educational programs. 513/631-7289 • www.juneteenthcincinnati.org
Jamboree in the Hills
Belmont, June 14 - 17
Experience four days jam-packed with live music at this annual outdoor fest. One of best-known countrymusic events in the U.S., this concert brings crowds by the thousands for a weekend of dancing, camping and good ol’ fashioned fun. 800/624-5456 • www.jamboreeinthehills.com
All American Soap Box Derby Championship Week
July 18 - 23
Join in the fun and excitement of the “Greatest amateur racing event in the world!” — an Akron tradition since 1934. You won’t believe how much fun it is to race or watch! 330/733-8723 • www.aasbd.org
Vectren Dayton Air Show
Dayton, July 23 - 24
Since 1975, this premier Midwestern air show has inspired awe in young and old with amazing feats of flight, including performances by aerobatic champions and military jet demonstrations. 937/898-5901 • www.daytonairshow.com
158th Annual Ohio State Fair
Columbus, July 27 - Aug. 7
From exotic animal exhibits and exhilarating sports events to displays of fine art and popular bands — the family fun at Ohio’s largest fair is never-ending. 888/646-3976 • www.ohiostatefair.com
Macy's Music Festival
Cincinnati, July 29 - 30
This two-night extravaganza of R&B, jazz, hip-hop and soul lights up Cincinnati with sound and energy. More than a concert, this is truly a must-see event. 513/924-0900 • www.macysmusicfestival.com
Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival
Canton, July 28 - Aug. 7
Honor the 2011 enshrinees with 18 unique events over an 11-day period. Check out the Balloon Classic Invitational, a community parade, fireworks, a food fest, a fashion show, the enshrinement ceremony, a football game, family activities and more. 330/456-8207 • www.profootballhoffestival.com
Twins Day Festival
Twinsburg, Aug. 5 - 7
Join thousands of identical pairs in Twinsburg for a weekend of sporting events, live entertainment, contests and look-alike fun at the “Largest Annual Gathering of Twins in the World!” 330/425-3652 • www.twinsdays.org
Festival Latino
Columbus, Aug. 13 - 14
Gather up your friends and family to enjoy a weekend of Latin food, music, dance, art and more at this unique Ohio event. 614/469-1045 • www.festivallatino.net
Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival
Bucyrus Aug 18 - 20
Head to Bucyrus for an afternoon of tasty food and endless entertainment, from parades and an art show to the Best “Wurst” bike ride. 866/562-0720 • www.bucyrus.org
Millersport Sweet Corn Festival
Millersport Aug 31 - Sept 3
Enjoy hot buttered sweet corn, tractor pulls, square dancing, contests, farm animals and more at Historic Lions Park. 740/467-3639 • www.sweetcornfest.com
Ohio Renaissance Festival
Harveysburg, Sept. 3 - Oct. 16
Celebrate the 22nd annual Ohio Renaissance Festival as you travel back to 16th-century England! Enjoy a world of magic, jousts, fancy dress, castles and tasty turkey legs. 513/897-7000 • www.renfestival.com
Lake County Perch Festival
Fairport Harbor, Sept. 9 - 11
Enjoy a finger-licking good time at this delicious festival — home to Ohio’s Largest Lake Erie Yellow Perch Fry! Work up an appetite at the karaoke contest, and then work off your lunch at the cornhole tournament. 800/368-5253 • www.perchfest.net
Ohio River Sternwheel Festival
Marietta, Sept. 9 - 11
Check out boat races, a car show, a 5K run, the famous Harry J. Robinson Fireworks and more as you discover what life is like in a riverboat town. 800/288-2577 • www.ohioriversternwheelfestival.org
Ingenuity Festival
Cleveland, Sept. 16 - 18
Art and technology converge for a weekend of fascinating fun in Cleveland — and this festival gets better every year! Enjoy geeked out exhibits, live music, outdoor art, dance, drama and more. 216/589-9444 • www.ingenuitycleveland.com
Ohio Swiss Festival
Sugarcreek Sept 30 - Oct 1
Head to Ohio’s little Switzerland for a unique fall fest that transports visitors to the Alps for a day. Enjoy Swiss music, Swiss cheese, a parade, polkas galore and the crowning of the “Swiss Festival Queen” and “Little Miss Swiss.”330/852-4113 • www.villageofsugarcreek.com/ohioswissfest
Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival
Ashtabula, Oct. 8 - 9
Head to the “Covered Bridge Capital of Ohio” to visit 17 bridges during this 28th annual self-guided tour. Make sure to check out the Smolen-Gulf Bridge, the longest covered bridge in the U.S. 440/576-3769 • www.coveredbridgefestival.org
Ohio Sauerkraut Festival
Waynesville, Oct. 8 - 9
Celebrate all things sauerkraut! The humle cabbage is the hero of the weekend when transformed into traditional sauerkraut dishes and wildly creative recipes. Enjoy exhibitors and live entertainment. (513) 897-8855 or www.sauerkrautfestival.com
Bob Evans Farm Festival
Rio Grande, Oct. 14 - 16
Celebrate the harvest at Bob Evans Farm, which welcomes guests each year for live entertainment, one-of-akind arts and crafts, farm contests, delicious local food, children’s activities, demonstrations and live music. 800/994-3276 • www.bobevans.com
Circleville Pumpkin Show
Circleville, Oct. 19 - 22
The streets are filled with dozens of amusement rides and more than 300 food booths, games and other vendors during this annual fall fest. Discover 1,000-pound gourds (literally!) and participate in contests and games. 740/474-7000 • www.pumpkinshow.com
Dickens Victorian Village
Cambridge Nov 1 - Jan 8
Step into Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” when Main Street Cambridge transforms into a 19th-century English village for the holidays. Enjoy strolling carolers and beautiful displays as the entire town comes together in celebration. 740/432-8789 • www.dickensvictorianvillage.com
Legendary Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill
Clifton, Nov. 25 - Jan. 1
Millions of lights illuminate the gorge, mill, trees and riverbanks during this fantastic holiday display. See a synchronized light and music show and an animated-miniature village, and then take a peek into Santa’s workshop. 937/767-5501 • www.cliftonmill.com
Walleye Madness at Midnight
Port Clinton, Dec. 31
Forget the ball drop, how about a 600-pound fish instead? For one of the most unique ways to ring in the New Year, head to Port Clinton for the annual Walleye Drop, a family-friendly event full of good tidings, good food and good cheer. 800/441-1271 • www.walleyemadness.com