As the weather heats up outside, so do the events here in Ohio. There are a ton of things to do and this is in no way an exhaustive list for the entire state, but you will find a few of my favorite events happening this month.
The Columbus Arts Festival, Ashland Balloon Festival, and Ohio Scottish Games are events that I’ve enjoyed since I was a child. So grab your calendar, your family or friends and check out some of these events during the month of June in Ohio.
Ongoing Events in Ohio Throughout the Month of June

- The Ohio State Reformatory will host ghost walks and ghost hunts this month.
- The ghost walk, scheduled for Friday, June 16 and 23, is a two-hour guided night tour of the facility.
- The ghost hunts, scheduled for Saturday, June 3, 17, and 24, are a public paranormal investigation only for adults 18 and older!
- The Cincinnati Fringe Festival kicks off on Friday, June 2. Now in its 20th year, Cincinnati’s Summer Theatre Party offers two weeks of live productions from all over the world. Some productions are free, and there are also workshops you can sign up for!
- Bauman Orchards in Rittman will host their annual Strawberry Festival on Saturdays, June 10 and June 17. In addition to strawberry picking, there will be food trucks, strawberry donuts, live music, and pony rides!
Ohio Events June 1 through June 4

- Just outside Cincinnati, the town of Milford kicks off summer with Frontier Days. Starting Thursday, June 1 with a parade, this fun summer festival runs through Saturday and features live music, carnival rides and games, food and drink vendors, as well as a children’s craft area.
- Up by Toledo, Genoa will celebrate Genoa Homecoming from June 1 through June 3. This year’s theme is based on The Wizard of Oz and will feature amusement rides, a car show, live music, a parade on Friday, and tons of fun games and contests throughout the weekend.
- The St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Faith Community in Waterford will host their annual Country Fair from June 1 through June 4. Amusement rides, carnival games, fair food, and a grand raffle are just a few of the fun things to do at this Southeast Ohio festival.
- The Buckeye Imagination Museum in Mansfield celebrates First Friday on June 2; the museum has extended evening hours with special programs and classes. Regular admission fees apply.
- 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.
- June 3 is the next 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 also offer specials.
- Batavia’s WOBO 88.7 FM will host the 4th Annual Bluegrass Bash at the Clermont County Fairgrounds from June 1 through June 4. Enjoy four days of live bluegrass music, and if camping is your jam, you can camp on-site the entire weekend.
- In Western Ohio, Jackson Center will sponsor Community Days, an annual fundraiser for local organizations. Running from June 1 through June 4, there will be live music, carnival rides, pony rides, raffles, and tons of great food and drink.
. - Head to Bridge Park in Dublin for Fore!Fest on June 2 and June 3. This two-day street festival features live music and food trucks, with all profits benefiting Nationwide Children’s Hospital and other local non-profits.
- Dresden, the home of Longaberger, will celebrate America’s Basket Festival, as well as the grand opening of the new Longaberger General Store. Kicking off with a fundraiser dinner on Thursday, the weekend events include a ribbon cutting, basket signing, basket making, and lots of shopping opportunities.
- Wayne County Fairgrounds is where you’ll find the 10th annual Wayne County Music & Ribfest on June 2 and June 3. The event includes tasty BBQ, a beer garden, a fun zone, plus raffles, tournaments, and a BBQ contest.
- The Greenfield Music Festival has been around since 1967 when it was the Greene Countrie Towne Festival. The event begins Friday evening with live music and activities, including a parade, that continues through Saturday night.
- Van Wert celebrates summer with the Peony Festival from June 2 through June 4. Carnival rides, pageants, live music, a car show, and a fishing derby are just a few of the fun activities to join.
- Celebrate Cincinnati’s Italian heritage at Cincitalia, the Cincinnati Italian Festival. From June 2 through June 4, enjoy Italian food, live music, and family-friendly activities at Harvest Home Park. Friday night is for adults only!
- At Coney Island, come out to celebrate young artists and community-based art organizations at Summerfair Cincinnati. From Friday through Sunday, enjoy many exhibits of fine arts and crafts.
- The Kiwanis Club of Newark presents the 37th Annual Newark Strawberry Festival. While strawberries and strawberry treats are the main attractions at this festival, you’ll also find games, rides, entertainment, and crafts at this three-day festival.
- Support Toledo’s historic Old West End district at the 50th Annual Old West End Festival from June 2nd through the 4th. A parade, 5K run, yard sale, and house tours will be available throughout the weekend.
- Travel back to the 18th century at Ohio Valley Frontier Days in Steubenville. On both Saturday and Sunday, see live demonstrations and reenactments from soldiers, settlers, and Native Americans at historic Fort Steuben.
Don’t Forget these for Your Day Out
Ohio Events June 8 through June 11

- Dublin’s North Market will host their monthly summer series, North Market Bridge Park Night Market on Thursday, June 8. Over 30 food and craft vendors participate in this sip, stroll, and shop event.
- Saturday, June 10 is the first Brew at the Zoo event this year at Akron Zoo. The theme this month is the 70’s Disco Party, featuring live music by Cold Blue Steele. Your admission ticket includes 8 tastings from local breweries and wineries.
- If you enjoy Greek food and culture, head to Northeast Ohio this weekend for Canton Greek Fest. Live music, wine tasting, cooking demonstrations, and the best Greek food are available from June 8 through June 10.
- Frazeysburg will celebrate Frazeysburg Homecoming this weekend, with three days of family fun, sponsored by the fire department. Beginning Thursday, June 8 with a kiddie parade, pageant, and carnival rides, the festivities continue on through Saturday night.
- Bolivia hosts the Bolivar Strawberry Festival, starting Thursday evening. Pageants, carnival rides, strawberry treats, and crafts are just a few of the fun things on offer this weekend. The festival ends with the parade on Saturday at 4:00
- The Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival is free and fun for the whole family! In addition to usual festival amenities like kiddie rides, crafts, food, and music, there will be tethered balloon rides and a night glow on Friday at 9:15.
- Just outside Toledo, the Whitehouse Cherry Fest opens on Thursday, June 8. Food trucks, raffles, and live music help support a different non-profit each year. This year’s recipient is Task Force 20, a veterans’ organization. Don’t miss the cherry dessert contest!
- For mouth-watering ribs, head to the Cuyahoga Community College Western Campus for Parma Rib N Rock starting Thursday evening. Advance tickets are just $2.50! Enjoy live music, fireworks, and award-winning food!
- The 13th annual Cincinnati Schwabenfest starts on Friday evening with an Oktoberfest chicken dinner. The two-day festival includes food, music, dancing, decorations, and beer, of course! Admission is just $5!
- The Laurelville Volunteer Fire Department will host their annual Fireman’s Old Time Festival on June 9 and 10. Both nights feature live music and fish fry, as well as fun crafts and games for the kids.
- The 10th Annual Lebanon Country Music Festival brings top country performers to downtown Lebanon on Friday and Saturday. The festival concludes Saturday night with a performance by Black Taylor, a Lebanon native.
- Hocking College in Nelsonville presents the Black Diamond Music & Arts Festival, featuring country and bluegrass music. Headliners are Josh Turner, and Ashley McBryde, plus many other artists on both Friday and Saturday.
- Cuyahoga Falls will host the Riverfront Irish Festival at Falls River Square this weekend. Enjoy free admission and free parking for the duration of the festival, from June 9 through June 11. Irish music, food, and dancing are all part of the fun!
- The Columbus Arts Festival is now in its 61st year, with local bands, artists, food vendors, and activities. Enjoy adult beverages from Rhinegeist Brewing and High Bank Distillery while taking in local art.
- Chagrin Falls’ Valley Art Center presents the 39th Annual Art by the Falls, celebrating fine arts and contemporary crafts at Riverside Park. This two-day event includes live music, food, and children’s art activities, as well as opportunities to meet and support the artists.
Ohio Events June 15 through June 18

- Downtown Bowling Green hosts Firefly Nights on Friday, June 16th. The North and South blocks of Main Street will be closed off for an evening of live music, family activities, food trucks, and local vendors.
- Saturday, June 17 kicks off the Toledo Night Market season. Held at the Toledo Farmers Market, this family-friendly night on the town features local artisans, food, and live music.
- Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park is more than just a cool campground this weekend. The Country Fest runs from the 14th through the 17th, with over a dozen country music performances. Of course, on-site camping can be bundled with your concert tickets.
- This weekend brings three strawberry festivals to Ohio:
- The Holland Strawberry Festival has been a tradition since 1938. This year’s celebration will be at Community Homecoming Park from June 14-18.
- The 63rd Annual Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival runs from Thursday night through Saturday night at Kirtland Community Schools on Route 306
- In Ashtabula County, the Jefferson Strawberry Festival will take place on the 17th and 18th at the Jefferson Depot Village.
- Middleburg Heights presents Summer in the City Festival from June 15th through the 17th. Admission and live music are free, including tribute bands for Foreigner and Jimmy Buffett. Midway games, rides, food, and attractions are all planned.
- In the Hocking Hills, the Logan Washboard Arts & Music Festival runs from Thursday through Saturday. In homage to the last operational washboard factory in the country, you will hear washboard music, tour the factory, and enjoy many craft vendors
- The Cleveland Juneteenth Freedom Fest is scheduled for June 16th and 17th at Mall C in downtown Cleveland. Fireworks, music, dancing, and soul food are just a few things to experience at this family-friendly celebration.
- Columbus will also host a Juneteenth Ohio Festival this weekend at Genoa Park. Saturday’s theme is Roots, Reggae, and Blues, while Sunday’s theme is Gospel and Old School.
- The Toledo Area Polka Society presents the 8th annual Polish Summer Picnic at the Oak Shade Grove Pavilion in Oregon on June 16 and 17. Music, dancing, food, and performances culminate with a pierogi eating contest on Saturday afternoon!
- Youngstown’s Simply Slavic Heritage Festival begins Friday night with an opening ceremony parade. Celebrate the Slavic cultures of Ohio in downtown Youngstown with fun events, performances, and food planned through Saturday evening.
- The Grove City Wine and Arts Festival is a great chance to try some local wines, including Grove City’s Plum Run Winery. Artists and craft vendors will also be on hand June 16 and 17 with jewelry, photography, glass works, and more!
- The 24th Annual Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival returns to Gahanna with three days of world-class music set on 3 stages. Performers range from Steely Dan tribute bands to the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra.
- Zanesville celebrates the Zane’s Trace Commemoration this weekend. Beginning Friday at noon, this festival combines fun and education for a three-day event commemorating Zane’s Trace, and this important time in Ohio’s history.
- Ashtabula County offers the chance to attend a Native Pow Wow at the Honoring our Ancestors Pow Wow in Williamsfield. Three days of drumming and dancing are just the beginning of this annual celebration.
Ohio Events June 22 through June 25

- Wadsworth is home to the five-day Blue Tip Festival, which runs from June 20 through June 24. It begins with a parade and the lighting of a 20-foot blue tip match, followed by a full-blown carnival, with rides, food, and games.
- Southern Park Mall in Boardman will host the Ribs N Rock Festival from June 22 through the 24th. Enjoy rock n roll music while sampling some of the best BBQ ribs in Ohio!
- Another rib festival in Ohio is the Strongsville Rib Burnoff, now in its 37th year. Award-winning rib vendors compete for the title, while visitors enjoy the fruits of their labor.
- This weekend brings another year of hot air balloons to central Ohio at the Ashland Balloonfest from June 22 through June 24. Each night has a balloon glow planned, in addition to family-friendly activities, entertainment, and food.
- Cleveland’s Playhouse Square is home to the 44th Annual Tri-C Jazz Fest, from June 22 through June 24. Musicians from all over the world, including Angélique Kidjo, Herbie Hancock, and Trombone Shorty, are just part of this amazing music festival.
- Furey Field in Malvern will host Flite Fest from June 22 through June 25. One of the largest radio control events in the world, this is a great opportunity for beginner fliers to give it a go. Instructors will be on hand to help anyone who wants to learn.
- Celebrate Independence Day early in Knoxville, with the New Knoxville Independence Day Festival, which takes place at the Community Park on June 23 and 24. Kids inflatables, raffles, plus tournaments for baseball, volleyball, and cornhole, all lead up to the fireworks show on Saturday night.
- The Prairie Townships Fire Department will fry up 2,000 pounds of perch at the PTFD Fish Fry & Friday Cruise-In. There is a beer garden, as well as other food vendors, and a raffle each evening. Registration for the Friday Cruise-In starts at 4:30 the day of.
- The Ohio Scottish-American Cultural Society presents the Ohio Scottish Games on June 23 and 24 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Highland games, pipes, drums, dance performances, and live bands are just some of the fun on tap at this annual fest.
- Celebrate the Summer Solstice at the Soaring Eagle Retreat near Serpent Mound. This is a great opportunity to learn about the serpent mound from locals, historians, scientists, Indigenous American, and musicians. The festival runs from Friday afternoon through Sunday evening.
- Celebrate Midsummer like a Viking at the Ohio Viking Festival in Cortland. Friday night begins with a torch-lighting, followed by two full days of Viking events like full combat fighting, Viking camps, a sword master’s challenge, and live demonstrations.
- Embrace the international cultures of Ohio at the Lorain International Festival at the Black River Landing festival site. With a spotlight on the Ukrainian community, there will be food, music, and vendors from many backgrounds.
- This is the perfect weekend to head to Put-In-Bay for Pyrate Fest. Friday night begins with a bar crawl, followed by two days of family-friendly fun. Consider camping on South Bass Island.
- Learn about Ohio native Cy Young at Cy Young Days in Newcomerstown. The weekend starts Friday with a cornhole tournament, followed by a full weekend that includes a parade, a pageant, a car show, a pet show, and a talent show.
- Ashtabula is home to the Ashtabula Harbor Beach Glass Festival on June 24th and 25th. Over 100 food trucks and vendors, as well as many local participating restaurants and shops along Bridge Street, make this the perfect event to close out the month of June!
Looking for tips on finding your own beach glass? Check out our post that shares tips on how to find beach glass like a pro provided by top beach glass hunters. - Saturday, June 25 is the first Grandview Hop of the summer. This Columbus Night Market series features food trucks and vendors lined up along Grandview Avenue, which is closed to traffic for the evening. Live music and a charity beer garden are also planned.
