Music Highlights Ohio’s Summer Festivals and Events

5/24/2012

CONTACTS:
Tamara Brown, (614) 466-8591
Leslie Holbrook, (614) 383-1635

COLUMBUS, Ohio (May 24, 2012) – Ohio is home to some of the country’s premier summer festivals and celebrations, and this year’s addition of the World Choir Games in Cincinnati will add to the music-rich season in the Buckeye State. Whether you want to groove to the beat of your favorite kind of music, take the kids out for awesome entertainment, feel the power of fighter jets as they zoom above your head or celebrate gridiron greats, Ohio’s festival lineup offers ample choices for summer fun.

Following is just a sampling of amazing summer festivals celebrating music, the arts, culture and chapters of American history. For more fun, budget-friendly getaway ideas, visit the summer fun section of DiscoverOhio.com, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoverOhio or like us on Facebook.

Groove to the Beat of Ohio
World Choir Games, Cincinnati, July 4 – 14
The Seventh World Choir Games will be held in North America for the first time when it comes to Ohio this July. This Olympics of choral music will bring more than 20,000 participants from more than 70 countries to Cincinnati for 10 days of musical celebration and competition. There will be entertainment-packed Olympic-style opening and closing ceremonies, award ceremonies and hundreds of public performances, including free choral performances on city streets, public squares, attraction venues and parks. There will also be ticketed-events for some of the premier competitions and performances. Participants will compete in 23 different musical categories including barbershop, folklore, jazz, pop, gospel and spiritual. Judging is done by an impartial international jury.

Jamboree in the Hills, Belmont, July 19 – 22
Experience four days jam-packed with live music featuring some of country’s biggest names at this annual outdoor fest. Included in the line-up this year are: Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Tracy Lawrence, Ronnie Dunn, Lorrie Morgan and more. 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.

Macy’s Music Festival, Cincinnati, July 27 – 28
Macy’s Music Festival is a two-night extravaganza of R&B, jazz, hip-hop and soul in the heart of Cincinnati at Paul Brown Stadium and dates back to 1962. This larger-than-life music experience features national acts including Charlie Wilson, Maze (featuring Frankie Beverly), En Vogue, Jill Scott and more. Clap your hands, stomp your feet and discover why Macy’s Music Festival is more than just a concert!

Festival Fun for the Whole Family
Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival, Avon, June 15 – 17
This three-day event celebrates duct tape, its enthusiasts and its wacky and fun uses. The festival honors the history and heritage of the city that is proclaimed the “Duct Tape Capital” of the world and the home of Duck brand duct tape. From sculptures and fashion to games and a parade, everything at the festival revolves around duct tape!

Summer Moon Festival, Wapakoneta, July 18 – 22
Check out the Summer Moon Festival in Neil Armstrong’s hometown, and test your sleuthing skills at the moon rock hunt or visit the kid-friendly, rocket-building demonstration. One of the most unique and fun activities during the festival is the moon pie eating contest where contestants battle to see who can down the largest combination of chocolate and marshmallow heaven. Other highlights include wiener dog races, festival rides and live music entertainment from regional acts.

Ohio State Fair, Columbus, July 25 – Aug. 5
The 159th Ohio State Fair packs appeal for everyone with a variety of activities and exhibits ranging from agricultural displays and baking competitions to sporting competitions, a fine arts show, amazing hypnotists, impressive magicians and wholesome kids' entertainment. Headlining entertainment this year includes Jason Aldean and Victoria Justice, with many more performers to be announced. Don’t miss the eight-acre natural resources park with wildlife and free fishing, a farm animal delivery room, horse shows, 60 scream-inducing midway rides, 175 food vendors and much more.

Celebrations of Art and Culture
Columbus Arts Festival, Columbus, June 1 – 3
The Columbus Arts Festival returns to the city’s downtown waterfront along the beautiful new Scioto Mile and Bicentennial Park. Pairing the finest artists and craftspeople from around the country and the world with continuous entertainment including hands-on art activities, this festival kicks off summer in an artful fashion.

Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival, Cincinnati, June 16 – 17
This celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation — Juneteenth, or June 19, 1865 — features a parade, live music, historical exhibits andeducational programs.

Festival Latino, Columbus, Aug. 11 – 12
Revel in the bright colors, delicious food and hip-swinging music of central Ohio’s Hispanic culture at the Festival Latino in Columbus’ Genoa Park. The perfect way to heat up summer, this amazing festival features multiple stages of continuous salsa, cumbia, meringue, norteño and banda music. Sample traditional Latin fare, dance to the beats of a Mexican mariachi band or peruse the marketplace for Ecuadorian crafts and Mayan jewelry.

Cheer on the Best!
Vectren Dayton Air Show, Dayton, July 7 – 8
Join aviation enthusiasts from around the country to celebrate Dayton’s aviation heritage during one of the country’s leading air shows. At the Vectren Dayton Air Show, feel the adrenaline rush as the world-renowned U.S. Navy Blue Angels push their F-18 Hornets to the limit in a display of speed, skill, power and precision, and the Brazilian Air Force Smoke Squadron will leave decorative smoke trails across the sky. The event also showcases world-class aerobatic champions and military jet demonstrations.

All American Soap Box Derby Championship Week, Akron, July 15 – 21
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!

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, Canton, July 26 – Aug. 5
Honor the 2012 enshrinees with 18 unique events over 11 days. The festival features a Ribs Burnoff, Grand Parade, Balloon Classic Invitational, fireworks, a food fest, a fashion show, family activities and more all leading up to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement. Don’t miss the autograph sessions, Fan Appreciation Tailgate Party and, of course, the NFL Hall of Fame Game pitting the Arizona Cardinals against the New Orleans Saints on August 5.

About the Ohio Office of Tourism
The Ohio Office of Tourism is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio’s vibrant tourism experiences, attractions and economy. Tourism marketing programs contributed to an estimated $40 billion in sales from visitor spending in 2011. A part of the Ohio Department of Development, the Office’s mission is to market and celebrate Ohio’s unique travel opportunities and promote the State’s outstanding quality of life.

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