The Most Epic Annual Events in Ohio: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
When it comes to celebrating life, Ohio knows how to throw a party. From music and food festivals that fill city streets to small-town fairs steeped in tradition, the Buckeye State’s event calendar is bursting with excitement. Every season brings something to look forward to — a chance to gather with friends, experience local culture, and create memories that feel larger than life.
So pack your bags, grab your festival hat, and get ready to explore the top 10 must-experience festivals in Ohio that are currently open and bringing joy to locals and travelers alike.
Ohio State Fair – Columbus’ Grand Celebration of Everything Ohio
Few events embody the heart of Ohio quite like the Ohio State Fair in Columbus. Established in 1850, this massive summer tradition welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year to the Ohio Expo Center, and it’s nothing short of legendary.
Expect endless rides, concerts, livestock competitions, and mouthwatering fair food — from fried buckeyes to giant turkey legs. The fair also showcases Ohio’s agricultural roots with 4-H exhibits, local crafts, and family-friendly attractions.
Highlights include:
Major concerts featuring national touring artists.
The Butter Cow, an iconic sculpture made entirely of butter.
Competitions and exhibitions that celebrate Ohio talent.
This is where the entire state comes together to celebrate its people, pride, and culture. The Ohio State Fair is more than just an event — it’s a rite of passage for every Ohioan.
Cleveland International Film Festival – Where Storytelling Shines
If you’re a movie lover, the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) is a cinematic dream come true. Held each spring at Playhouse Square and surrounding venues, CIFF has been showcasing the world’s best independent films since 1977.
The festival draws filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from across the globe, creating an electric atmosphere filled with creativity and inspiration.
What makes CIFF stand out:
Screenings of award-winning international films.
Panel discussions and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
A focus on diversity, innovation, and human connection through film.
CIFF isn’t just about watching movies — it’s about experiencing storytelling in its purest form. It’s one of the Midwest’s most prestigious arts events and a true point of pride for Ohio’s creative community.
Cincinnati Oktoberfest Zinzinnati – America’s Largest Oktoberfest
Beer lovers, rejoice! Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, held in downtown Cincinnati, is the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States — and one of the most authentic outside of Munich.
Every September, hundreds of thousands flood the streets to enjoy German food, music, beer, and dancing. You’ll find bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut balls, and plenty of Bavarian-style brews to wash it all down.
Festival highlights include:
The hilarious Running of the Wieners, a dachshund race you have to see to believe.
Live polka bands and dancing in the streets.
The ceremonial keg tapping that kicks off the festivities.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is pure joy in lederhosen form — a high-energy party that celebrates Cincinnati’s deep German roots and Ohio’s love of good times.
Circleville Pumpkin Show – The “Greatest Free Show on Earth”
Fall in Ohio isn’t complete without the Circleville Pumpkin Show, a tradition that’s been lighting up Circleville since 1903. Known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” this festival transforms downtown into a pumpkin paradise.
From pumpkin pies to pumpkin donuts, every treat imaginable takes center stage. There’s even a pumpkin weighing contest, where some gourds tip the scales at over 1,500 pounds!
The event also includes:
A charming pumpkin parade and local performances.
Pumpkin-themed contests and carnival rides.
Handmade crafts and seasonal foods that celebrate Ohio’s harvest.
It’s wholesome, colorful, and filled with small-town charm — the kind of event that captures the magic of autumn in the Midwest.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival – Canton’s Ultimate Sports Party
Football fans, this one’s for you. Every summer, Canton, the birthplace of professional football, hosts the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival — a weeklong celebration of America’s favorite sport.
Events include:
The Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, where football legends are immortalized.
The Grand Parade, with floats, bands, and appearances by former players.
Concerts, fireworks, and the Hall of Fame Game, marking the start of the NFL preseason.
It’s a festival that blends sports history, community pride, and pure excitement. Even if you’re not a diehard fan, you’ll feel the electric energy that takes over the entire city of Canton each year.
The Columbus Arts Festival – Creativity on the Riverfront
Each June, the Columbus Arts Festival turns the city’s Scioto Mile Riverfront into a massive open-air gallery featuring more than 250 artists from across the nation.
The event showcases everything from painting and sculpture to glasswork, jewelry, and photography, making it one of the largest art festivals in the Midwest. But it’s not just about visual art — the festival also features:
Live music and theater performances.
Gourmet food trucks and local craft beverages.
Hands-on art zones for kids and families.
The atmosphere is creative, welcoming, and perfect for spending a sunny weekend exploring Columbus’s thriving arts scene. It’s a must for anyone who believes art should be experienced — not just admired.
The Dayton Air Show – High-Flying Excitement
Every summer, the skies above Dayton come alive with roaring engines and stunning aerobatics during the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show.
Held at the Dayton International Airport, this event celebrates the city’s rich aviation legacy — after all, Dayton was home to the Wright Brothers, the pioneers of flight.
Crowd favorites include:
Daredevil stunt pilots and skydiving demonstrations.
Performances by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds or Navy Blue Angels.
Family zones, static aircraft displays, and flight simulators.
It’s thrilling, patriotic, and perfect for all ages. The Dayton Air Show is not just a performance — it’s a salute to Ohio’s proud history as the birthplace of aviation.
The Dublin Irish Festival – A Celebration of Celtic Culture
Ohio’s Dublin Irish Festival, held annually in Dublin, just outside Columbus, is one of the largest Irish festivals in the world.
For three unforgettable days each August, the event draws visitors from across the country to celebrate Irish music, food, and culture. The festival features:
Over 65 musical acts across multiple stages.
Authentic Irish dancing, whiskey tastings, and storytelling.
A cultural village and artisan market.
It’s family-friendly yet full of energy, offering everything from traditional folk tunes to modern Celtic rock. Whether you’ve got Irish roots or simply love the culture, the Dublin Irish Festival is pure emerald magic in the heart of Ohio.
The Cleveland National Air Show – Labor Day Weekend Tradition
Each Labor Day weekend, Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront Airport hosts the Cleveland National Air Show, a thrilling display of aerial precision and aviation power.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Erie, the show features performances from military and civilian pilots, including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Golden Knights Parachute Team, and more.
Visitors can also explore interactive exhibits, aircraft displays, and family zones along the waterfront.
It’s a blend of patriotism, technology, and excitement, and one of the most iconic events in northern Ohio.
Winterfest – Magical Holidays at Put-in-Bay
When most people think of Put-in-Bay, they picture sunny island fun. But come winter, this Lake Erie island transforms into a holiday wonderland for Winterfest, one of Ohio’s most unique seasonal celebrations.
Held in early December, the festival features:
A massive tent party with live music and local brews.
Festive ice carving competitions and holiday lights.
Warm community spirit despite the chilly island air.
Visitors ferry over for a weekend of cheer, local food, and small-town magic. It’s a reminder that in Ohio, the fun doesn’t end when the temperature drops — it simply changes shape.
Bonus Pick: The Nelsonville Music Festival – Appalachian Sound and Soul
Tucked in the hills near Athens, the Nelsonville Music Festival is a hidden gem that combines incredible live music with the relaxed beauty of southeastern Ohio.
The lineup often features major acts alongside indie stars, with past performers including Willie Nelson, The Avett Brothers, and Brandi Carlile. The festival’s eco-friendly focus and family-friendly environment make it a favorite for those who love music with a message.
Camping under the stars while listening to live performances? That’s the Ohio summer dream.
A Year-Round Celebration of Ohio’s Spirit
From high-flying air shows and music-filled weekends to small-town fairs celebrating pumpkins and heritage, Ohio’s festivals are as diverse as its landscapes. Each event captures a different side of the state — the creative energy of its cities, the warm hospitality of its towns, and the timeless traditions of its people.