There’s a reason Ohio has been dubbed “The Heart of it All.” Ohio always has something going on. The state of Ohio boasts fairs, festivals and events all year long. Anything is a reason for celebration in Ohio. There are fairs and festivals in celebration of seasons, cities, hobbies, crops, people and more.
The Ohio State Fair runs for two weeks at the end of July and beginning of August in Ohio’s capital city, Columbus. The midway is bustling with crowds, vendors, crafts, rides and games. The Ohio State Fair boasts one of the United States largest junior fairs. The Junior Division (Livestock) includes members of the Ohio 4-H and Future Farmers of America. The Junior Division (Non-Livestock) includes the 4-H and FFA, as well as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, technical showcases and more. Thousands of exhibits crowd the Expo Center, which is located on the fairgrounds. To end each evening with a bang, top entertainers take the stage of the adjacent Crew Stadium.
Ohio State Fair
717 East 17th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43211
614-644-3247
ohiostatefair.com
The Circleville Pumpkin Show has been nicknamed “The Greatest Free Show on Earth.” The festival celebrates the arrival of fall each year, bringing crowds from throughout Ohio and surrounding states to Circleville, 30 minutes south of Columbus. The Circleville Pumpkin Show fills the streets of the small town with food, rides, crafts, vendors and more. The event features a display of giant pumpkins as well as the world’s largest pumpkin pie. There’s something good for everyone to eat, but pumpkin lovers will be especially pleased with the selection of pumpkin-flavored chili, burgers, donuts, pizza, ice cream, pancakes and more. Two stages feature entertainment throughout the four-day event, and a parade through town brings the festival to an end each night.
Circleville Pumpkin Show
Circleville, Ohio
740-474-7000
pumpkinshow.com
No place else on earth can you observe rows and rows of people, from all walks of life, standing together at tables with corn and butter dripping from their faces. It’s a sight to be seen, and you can find it at the Sweet Corn Festival in Millersport, Ohio. The festival, which takes place the week before Labor Day each year, features rides, crafts, vendors, line dancing, tractor pulls and a stage for entertainment, but the hot buttered sweet corn is always the star of the show.
Sweet Corn Festival
Millersport, OH 43046
sweetcornfest.com
It’s the tool that no one can live without. Duct tape and those who love it are celebrated during this three-day festival in Avon, Ohio, the town Duck brand duct tape calls home. Visitors to this festival learn uses for the all-purpose tape they never thought were possible as they view larger than life statues and clothes made from the sticky stuff.
Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival
Veteran’s Memorial Park
37001 Detroit Road
Avon, OH 44011
avonducttapefestival.com
