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2013 Ohio Event Highlights
Throughout the year, Ohio hosts an amazing variety of fun, high-profile and quirky events.
January 19
Annual Winter 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. See frozen waterfalls and cave walls covered in “ice beards.” Make sure to wear warm layers and sturdy boots!
(740) 385-6841 or www.ohiostateparks.org
February 28 – March 3
Arnold Sports Festival, Columbus
Come flex your muscles at the largest multi-sports festival in the country! The event annually hosts 18,000 athletes competing in 45 events including 12 Olympic sports. The three-day Arnold Fitness EXPO welcomes 650 exhibitors offering a street of shops with the latest in fitness apparel, equipment, training tools and supplements.
(614) 431-2600 or http://www.arnoldsportsfestival.com/
April 1–30
Cincinnati Zoo Blooms, Cincinnati
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 or www.cincinnatizoo.org
April 25–28
Geauga County Maple Festival, Chardon
Have a “sweet” time at this annual celebration, offering 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 or www.maplefestival.com
April 19–27
Tri-C JazzFest, Cleveland
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 or www.tricpresents.com
May 25–27
Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Festival, 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 or www.velveticecream.com
May 25–26
Asian Festival, Columbus
The 18th 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 or www.asian-festival.org
June 7–9
Columbus Arts Festival, Columbus
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 or www.gcac.org
June 15–16
Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival, Cincinnati
This celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation — Juneteenth or June 19, 1865 — features a parade, live music, historical exhibits andeducational programs.
(513) 631-7289 or www.juneteenthcincinnati.org
June 22–23
Vectren Dayton Air Show, Dayton
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. The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will be headlining the show.
(937) 898-5901 or www.daytonairshow.com
July 4-7
Tall Ships Festival, Cleveland
A fleet of magnificent Tall Ships will sail into Cleveland’s harbor to participate in a 4-day, fun-filled family-friendly festival July 4-7. The Festival will showcase the diverse Great Lakes maritime history and spotlight environmental themes while promoting youth leadership through sail training.
(216) 556-8637 or http://www.clevelandtallships.com/
July 18–21
Jamboree in the Hills
Experience four days jam-packed with live music at this annual outdoor fest. One of best-known country-music events in the U.S., this concert brings crowds by the thousands to Belmont for a weekend of dancing, camping and good ol’ fashioned fun.
(800) 624-5456 or www.jamboreeinthehills.com
July 19–August 1
National Senior Games, Cleveland
Over 14,000 athletes from around the country will converge on Cleveland as the 2013 National Senior Games take place. This event invites athletes ages 50 or older to compete in 19 medal-awarding sports and 3 demonstration sports. Come out and cheer on these inspirational participants as they compete for the gold!
(225) 766-6800 or http://www.nsga.com/2013-national-senior-games.aspx
July 19–August 6
Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, Canton
Come to the 50th Annual Hall of Fame Festival, honoring the 2013 enshrinees with 19 unique events over a two week period. Check out the Balloon Classic Invitational, a community parade, fireworks, a food fest, a fashion show, family activities and more.
(330) 456-8207 or www.profootballhoffestival.com
July 21–27
All American Soap Box Derby Championship Week, Akron
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 watch!
(330) 733-8723 or www.aasbd.org
July 24–August 4
Ohio State Fair, Columbus
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 or www.ohiostatefair.com
July 26–27
Macy’s Music Festival, Cincinnati
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 or www.macysmusicfestival.com
August 2–4
Dublin Irish Festival, Dublin
This festival features seven stages of Irish music, including international Celtic bands, plus step dancing, food, a marketplace, genealogy information, a wee-folk area and more.
(614) 792-7666 or www.dublinirishfestival.org
August 2–4
Twins Days Festival, Twinsburg
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 or www.twinsdays.org
August 10–11
Festival Latino, Columbus
Gather up your friends and family to enjoy a weekend of Latin food, music, dance, art and more at this unique Ohio event. Follow the festival on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.
(614) 469-1045 or www.festivallatino.net, www.facebook.com/festivallatino
August 15–17
Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival, Bucyrus
Head to Bucyrus for an afternoon of tasty food and endless entertainment, from parades and an art show to the Best “Wurst” bike ride. Nothing says summertime like this popular festival!
(866) 562-0720 or www.bucyrus.org
August 28–31
Millersport Sweet Corn Festival, Millersport
Enjoy hot buttered sweet corn, tractor pulls, square dancing, contests, farm animals and more at Historic Lions Park.
(740) 467-3639 or www.sweetcornfest.com
August 31–Oct. 20
Ohio Renaissance Festival, Harveysburg
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 or www.renfestival.com
Sept. 6–8
Ohio River Sternwheel Festival, Marietta
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 or www.ohioriversternwheelfestival.org
September 6–9
Marion Popcorn Festival, Marion
Delight in entertainment, food, crafts, arts and rides. Plus, don’t miss the Popcorn 100 bicycle tour, popcorn softball tournament, Popcorn 5000 5K run, the nationally sanctioned cornhole tournament of the two-hour parade.
(740) 387-3378 or www.popcornfestival.com
September 13–15
Ingenuity Festival, Cleveland
Art and technology converge for a weekend of fascinating fun in downtown Cleveland — and this festival gets better every year! Enjoy geeked out (in a good way!) exhibits, live music, outdoor art, dance, drama and more.
(216) 589-9444 or www.ingenuitycleveland.com
September 21–22
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Downtown Cincinnati
More than 500,000 people gather annually in downtown Cincinnati for the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the country – second only to the festivities in Germany. Enjoy the “Running of the Wieners” (dachshund races); bier gartens, the world’s largest chicken dance with 48,000 participants; 87,542 mettwursts; 64,000 sauerkraut balls and 16,002 strudels. All these offerings make for one unforgettable experience! http://www.oktoberfestzinzinnati.com/okt.aspx
September 27–28
Ohio Swiss Festival, Sugarcreek
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 or www.villageofsugarcreek.com/ohioswissfest/
October 1-6
The President’s Cup 2013, Dublin
The Presidents Cup, a team match play competition featuring 24 of the world's top golfers (12 from the U.S. and 12 from around the world, excluding Europe) is held every two years. This year the event will be held in Dublin, OH. Don’t miss this exciting event bringing the most talented golfers around the world to Central Ohio.
(614) 889-6700 or http://dublinohiousa.gov/visiting-dublin/presidents-cup-2013/
October 11-13
Annual Bob Evans Farm Festival, Rio Grande
Celebrate the harvest at Bob Evans Farm, which welcomes guests each year for live entertainment, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, farm contests, delicious local food, children’s activities, demonstrations and musical performances.
(800) 994-3276 or www.bobevans.com
October 12–13
Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival, Ashtabula
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 or www.coveredbridgefestival.org
October 16–19
Circleville Pumpkin Show, Circleville
Come see pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. Previous “king pumpkins” have tipped the scales at more than 1,500 pounds. Also enjoy pumpkin foods, carnival rides, parades, contests and entertainment.
(740) 474-7000 or www.pumpkinshow.com
Nov. 1 – Jan. TBD, 2014
Dickens Victorian Village, Cambridge
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. You’ll never forget this incredible event.
740/432-8789 or www.dickensvictorianvillage.com
November 29 – January 1, 2014
Legendary Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill, Clifton
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 take a peek into Santa’s workshop.
(937) 767-5501 or www.cliftonmill.com
December 31
Walleye Madness at Midnight, Port Clinton
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 or www.walleyemadness.com