Spring has officially arrived, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve been anticipating all the fun events that warmer temperatures bring!
This month we’re sharing some really great events and activities that are taking place throughout the state.
From ghost tours to art walks to polka to Vikings, we hope you’ll find this list of things to do in April in Ohio helpful.
And do us a favor. If your favorite event isn’t on this list, leave a comment below and tell us about it so we can check it out.
Ongoing Ohio Events Throughout April
- Robins Theatre in Trumbull County features a wide variety of acts in April, including tributes to Whitney Houston, the Monkees, and several other live performances, including Ace Frehley and Ambrosia.
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens hosts Blooms and Butterflies through the end of May in the Pacific Island Water Garden. This is a fun opportunity to observe hundreds of butterflies as they float through the tropical plants.
- The Ohio State Reformatory will host ghost walks and ghost hunts this month.
- The ghost walk, scheduled for Friday, April 7, and Friday, April 21, is a two-hour guided night tour of the facility.
- The ghost hunt, scheduled for Saturday, April 15 is a public paranormal investigation for adults 18 and older only!
Things to do March 31 – April 2
- Alpaca Meadows in Mansfield is hosting Spring Farm Days on April 1 and 2. Meet the resident alpacas as well as goats and bunnies, and learn all about alpaca farming and fiber production.
- This weekend marks the end of Kite Week at the National Museum of the United States Air Force. Bring your own kite and a picnic lunch, and enjoy the large show kites flown by the PIGS Aloft Kite Club.
Things to do April 6 through April 9
- Dillon State Park near Zanesville hosts The Park After Dark on several dates throughout the winter. Thursday, April 6 features a Full Moon Hike starting at 8:30 pm.
- The Buckeye Imagination Museum in Mansfield celebrates First Friday on April 7; the museum has extended evening hours with special programs and classes. Regular admission fees apply. Learn more about this amazing children’s museum in this post. —-> Buckeye Imagination Museum: Where Imagination Runs Wild
- April 7 is the second concert in the First Friday Concert Series in downtown Middletown. Head to Governor’s Square for live music starting at 6:00; local restaurants will be offering specials as well.
- The Artist Colony of Zanesville presents the First Friday Art Walk, a great opportunity to stroll through local galleries and meet the artists. Enjoy live music, food, and drink specials, and of course, art!
- There’s a First Friday in Dayton, too! This free art hop features exhibit openings, street performances, live music, roaming entertainers, plus dining and shopping specials.
- Columbus Zoo is throwing its annual Eggs, Paws & Claws event on April 7 and 8. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos, and there is an egg hunt with fun prizes.
Things to do April 13 through April 16
- Ever wanted to experience COSI without kids? COSI After Dark is the perfect opportunity. This month’s event on April 13 features a Prom theme, with spiked punch, music, and food!
- The Metroplex in Girard is home to the Ohio PinBrew Fest from April 13 through April 15. Enjoy three days of pinball, arcade games, craft beer, food, and more! Ticket packages include free gameplay, with a pinball tournament open to the public as well.
- The Holiday Inn in Perrysburg will host the Holy Toledo Polka Days from April 13 through April 16. This is one of the most popular Polka festivals in the States and has been running since 1992. Enjoy live music, dancing, and discounted hotel rooms on-site.
- Deerassic Park in Cambridge hosts a Youth Turkey Hunt on April 14th and 15th. This weekend event includes your tag, meals and drinks, lodging, a hunting guide, and a swag bag full of hunting supplies. Applications are due March 22nd.
- This weekend also brings the Equine Affaire to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. North America’s largest horse-related trade show includes competitions, entertainment, and horse sales. If you love horses, mark your calendar for this amazing event!
- Hale Farm and Village in Bath, Ohio will be celebrating Native American Cultural Weekend on April 15 and 16. This 2nd annual event will honor the Native cultures of the region with stories, presentations, and demonstrations. Advance tickets are available online.
Things to do April 20 through April 23
Saturday, April 22 is Earth Day! There will be hundreds of Ohio events around the state; check with your local parks and libraries to find out what is happening near you!
- Wisteria Campground in Pomeroy is the best place to kick off the summer music festival, with Spring Phoenix Rising from April 20 through April 23. Enjoy live music, dancing, and pyrotechnics at this four-day musical festival.
- Hale Farm and Village in Bath, Ohio celebrates Vintage Baseball & Picnic Days on April 23rd. This is a fun opportunity to see the Akron Black Socks in action! Local brews and concessions are available during the game, which is played with 19th-century uniforms and rules.
- If you love shopping for vintage, you should check out the Vintage Market Days of Dayton-Cincinnati at the Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center in Xenia. Advance tickets give you early access to the shopping on Friday and Saturday, while Sunday is general admission.
- Another maple celebration this month is the Sugar Maple Festival in Bellbrook. From April 21 through April 23, festivities include a beer garden, pancake breakfast, dog show, 5k race, a parade, and many children’s activities.
- Ohioana Book Festival at the Columbus Metropolitan’s Main Library brings together nearly 150 authors to celebrate reading through a variety of activities on April 22. This free event is a must for book lovers.
Things to do April 27 through April 30
- The Cleveland International Wine Festival kicks off on Friday, April 28th for the second annual event. This unique event offers opportunities to learn from sommeliers, and enjoy gourmet meals with expert wine pairings.
- April 26 kicks off the Columbus International Film & Animation Festival, the oldest film festival in the United States. Since 1952, the festival has been bringing independent films from around the world to central Ohio.
- Most Ohio maple festivals occur in March, but Chardon hosts the Geauga County Maple Festival from April 27th through the 30th. The festival has carnival rides, concessions, pancake breakfasts, tractor pulls, a fun run, a parade, and more!
- Piketon in Southern Ohio celebrates the coming of spring with the Dogwood Festival from April 27 through April 30 at the Pike County Fairgrounds. Live music, concessions, and artisans will be on hand for the weekend fun.
- Another spring celebration is the Spring Plowing Days at Malabar Farms State Park. Held both Saturday and Sunday, the event features the local Draft Horse Club with plowing demonstrations. There are contests and competitions, and it’s free to attend!
- You’ve heard of the Renaissance Faire, but have you heard of the Viking Festival? Head to the Village Park in Ashville for the Ashville Viking Festival this weekend, for food, entertainment, shopping, and family-friendly activities. The only cost of entry is a food donation for the local food pantry.
- This year’s theme at Mohican Wildlife Weekend is “Know Your H2O.” The weekend event kicks off on Friday and includes events all over the region, from trout fishing at Malabar Farm to birding boat tours at Clearfork Reservoir Marina and night sky viewing at the Warren Rupp Observatory. Reservations may be required for some activities.
What fun events are you looking forward to in Ohio this month?
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