Nothing screams summer more than outdoor fairs and festivals! Many of the festivals offer live music, unique vendors, mouth-watering food trucks, and outdoor fun for the whole family. Use this guide to help you decide which ones you want to hit this summer! There are so many to choose from! {This information is curated from multiple sources, so be sure to confirm the details are still accurate before heading out.}
Fairs and Festivals In & Around Columbus
Check out our post about Community Hops to Check Out This Summer because many communities host these free events on various days of the week.
June
Columbus Arts Festival: June 9 – June 11, 2023 | Join in celebrating the return of the Columbus Arts Festival this year, at the downtown riverfront!
Grove City Wine and Arts Festival: June 16 – June 17, 2023 | Enjoy the pairing of art and wineries in this eight-year anniversary tradition. The event runs in the heart of Grove City’s historical area.
Columbus Pride Festival: June 16- 17, 2023 | The festival takes place on Friday with a parade on Saturday!
Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival: June 16- June 18, 2023 | This event brings together top regional blues and jazz talent to Gahanna along with food vendors, retail vendors, and a discovery zone area for kids.
Worthington Arts Festival: June 17- June 18, 2023| Ceramics, glass, fibers, jewelry and leather work along with food and beverage vendors too on The Worthington Green this year!
Powell Festival: June 23- June 24, 2023 | A 2-day summer experience that includes family-friendly entertainment, delicious food, and fireworks.
Comfest: June 23- June 25, 2023 | A free non-corporation yearly celebration of Columbus, Ohio’s community organizations, performers, artists, and volunteers. Great music!
July
Red, White and Boom: July 3, 2023 | Huge all-day festival in downtown Columbus with all day events and fireworks.
Ohio Brew Week Festival: July 7- July 15, 2023 | Beer festival with many events held in Athens, Ohio.
Westerville Music and Arts Festival: July 8-July 9, 2023 | 2 days of art with local musicians and diverse food offerings from over 20 food trucks and 130 artisans.
Franklin County Fair: July 17- July 23, 2023 | Find your favorite fair foods, rides and family-friendly attractions, like massive Monster Trucks, furry Farm Animals, Fishing fun, mind-blowing Magic, and much more! Find something for every member of family at the Franklin County Fair in Hilliard Ohio! From farm animals, an amazing dog show, mind-blowing magic, tasty fair food and much more!
Lancaster Festival: July 20-29, 2023 | Celebration of music, arts, and community. Sheryl Crow, Andy Grammer and Red Hot Chili Peppers will perform!
Columbus Jazz and Rib Festival: July 21- July 23, 2023 | The finest in music and BBQ! Come get your hot ribs and cool jazz!
Union County Fair: July 23- July 29, 2023 | Harness racing, Kidzone, animal costume contest, cutest baby contest, touch truck and pony pulls! Lainy Wilson will perform!
Columbus Food and Wine Festival: July 29-July 30, 2023| This festival aims to bring people together to celebrate with family over food, wine, and live music.
Ohio State Fair: July 26- August 6, 2023 | A unique tradition in Columbus with camel rides, games for the kids, petting zoo, pig races, rides, and stage performances. Don’t forget about all the food too! Kidzbop, Clint Black., and Third Eyed Blind will be some of the performers!
Canal Winchester Blues and Ribfest: July 28- 29, 2023 | 2-day summer celebration with award-winning ribs and world-class music.
August
Dublin Irish Festival: August 4- August 6, 2023 | 3-day celebration of all things Irish!
All Ohio Balloon Festival: August 10- 12, 2023 | This festival is held in Marysville with over 30 hot air balloons, sky jumpers, helicopters, live music and food and drinks. Beach Boys Band and Wallflowers to perform in 2023.
Festival Latino: August 12- August 13, 2023 | Experience traditional and contemporary Latin American Culture.
Columbus Food Truck Festival: August 19-August 20, 2023 | Over 50 food trucks, live music, arts and crafts, games and more! Admission is free. In Hilliard!
Millersport Sweet Corn Festival: August 30- September 1, 2023 | Festival, concert, rides, 5k and more. Matt Stell and the Frontman to perform.
September
Obetz Zucchini Festival: September 1, 2023- September 4, 2023 | Family friendly 4-day event that includes rides, concerts, and entertainment!
Columbus Greek Festival: September 1, 2023-September 4, 2023 | 4-day event to experience the traditions of Greece.
Nelsonville Music Festival: July 21- July 23, 2023 | So many artists to see!
Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival: September 2, 2023 – September 4, 2023 | Three days of music, Columbus Zoo animals, and the food is always a popular attraction at this local tradition!
Ohio Renaissance Festival: September 2, 2023- October 28, 2023 | Takes place on Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day. Each weekend has a different theme like Pirate weekend or Fantasy Weekend and there will always be chicken legs! Typically special trick or treat weekend in October.
Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival: September 4, 2023 | Interactive performances and activities, art to purchase, and a variety of vendors. A great tradition!
Marion Popcorn Festival: September 7- September 9, 2023 | Free entertainment with rides, a popcorn parade, and pageants for all ages!
Columbus Oktoberfest: September 8- September 10, 2023 | Stages for polka dancing, kids plaza, 4-mile run and lots of cream puffs and pretzels!
Delaware County Fair: September 16- September 23, 2023 | 4H, mini tractor pull, magic shows, dinosaurs, truck pull and hot dog eating contest! Enjoy a great week with the family!
October
Columbus Italian Festival: October 6- October 8, 2023 | Parade, featured entertainment, taste of Italy, and so much more!
Circleville Pumpkin Show: October 18- October 21, 2023 | Famous spot for all things pumpkin! You’ve got to see it, to believe it!
