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.
Whether you’re into music, arts, food, or family fun, these are the most epic annual events in Ohio you won’t want to miss. Each one captures the spirit of the state — friendly, vibrant, and unforgettable.
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.
Whether you’re dancing at Oktoberfest in Cincinnati, tasting your way through the Circleville Pumpkin Show, or gazing at the sky in Dayton, every festival in Ohio is an opportunity to connect — with community, with culture, and with pure joy.
So mark your calendar, gather your friends, and experience the most epic annual events in Ohio. Adventure awaits — one festival, one town, and one unforgettable memory at a time.
Because in Ohio, celebration isn’t seasonal — it’s a way of life.
The Most Epic Annual Events in Ohio: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
Ohio is more than rolling hills, bustling cities and four distinct seasons. It’s a state where communities come together each year in celebration — where art, music, culture and heritage turn ordinary weekends into unforgettable festivals. Whether you’re a local looking for your next adventure or a visitor drawn to the heart of the Midwest, Ohio’s festival scene is rich, varied and ready to be discovered.
Here are the top 10 must-experience annual events in Ohio, all currently operating and offering something special for curious tourists, families, locals and festival enthusiasts alike.
Ohio State Fair – Columbus’ Grand Summer Spectacle
Every year in mid-summer, the Ohio State Fair takes over the grounds of the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. With roots stretching back to the 1800s, this state fair celebrates everything from agriculture to music, food and craft.
Expect:
Massive carnival rides, fair food favorites and livestock exhibits.
Concerts and big-name entertainment.
Family-friendly activities, vendor tents and local crafts.
This is a foundational event in the “best places for festivals in Ohio” narrative because it brings the state together in one huge, bustling gathering. It’s perfect for families who want all-in-one fun and for visitors wanting to dive into the heart of Ohio’s culture.
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati – Cincinnati’s German Heritage Party
In downtown Cincinnati each September, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati transforms the riverfront into a celebration of German culture — beer steins raised high, bratwursts sizzling and music blaring. According to sources, it’s the largest Oktoberfest celebration in the United States. Wikipedia+1
Key attractions:
The famous “Running of the Wieners” dachshund race.
Traditional German fare and live polka bands.
A lively, inclusive atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
If you’re searching for the “best festival experiences in Ohio,” this one ranks high because of its scale, its deep local roots and its fun, unabashedly festive energy.
Circleville Pumpkin Show – Fall Magic in Central Ohio
As autumn arrives, town of Circleville becomes a hub of pumpkin mania for the annual Circleville Pumpkin Show. Since 1903, this event has drawn crowds to celebrate the harvest, with huge pumpkins, fun food and rides. Wikipedia
What makes it stand out:
The massive pumpkin weigh-ins (over 1,000 lb pumpkins have been recorded).
Pumpkin-themed food in creative forms — donuts, pies, shakes.
Parades, local bands and a community-first vibe.
For a “must-experience festival in Ohio” tied to the seasons, this one gives you authenticity, tradition and a uniquely Ohio flavor.
Dublin Irish Festival – Celtic Culture in the Heart of Ohio
In August, the suburb of Dublin (just outside Columbus) fills with the sound of fiddles, the taste of Irish fare and the energy of Celtic celebration at the Dublin Irish Festival.
Highlights:
Over 60 live acts across multiple stages.
Irish dancing, traditional foods and whiskey tastings.
A festival culture that invites both families and fans of heritage.
This festival is a strong entry in the “best places for cultural festivals in Ohio” category because it merges local tradition with international flavor.
Cleveland International Film Festival – Storytelling at Its Best
If you love film, the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) is one of Ohio’s elite cultural events. Held in the city’s Playhouse Square, CIFF brings global cinema to Ohio audiences. Wikipedia+1
Why this festival matters:
It showcases independent, international and innovative films.
Includes Q&A sessions, panel discussions and immersive art.
Offers a creative and elevated festival experience beyond music and food.
For those seeking one of the “best festival experiences in Ohio” that leans artful and intellectual, CIFF delivers.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival – Canton’s Sporting Spectacle
Every summer in Canton, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival brings sports fans and families together for a week of events, parades and pageantry centered around America’s football legacy.
Features:
Induction ceremony honoring new Hall of Famers.
Parade, tailgates, concerts and public celebrations.
A sense of community pride intertwined with national sports culture.
This one is special because it combines a festival atmosphere with an iconic American tradition, making it “must-experience” in the realm of Ohio events.
Columbus Arts Festival – Creativity Along the Riverfront
On the Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus each June, the Columbus Arts Festival transforms the riverfront into a vibrant gallery of more than 200 artists, live performances and food vendors.
What to expect:
Sculpture, painting, mixed media and interactive art.
Live music, craft beers and street-food culture.
A family-friendly and visual delight for art lovers and casual festival goers alike.
For anyone browsing the “best festivals in Ohio” that blend outdoor fun with creative spirit, this festival checks all the boxes.
Dayton Air Show – High-Flying Fun and Ohio Aviation Heritage
In the skies above Dayton, the Dayton Air Show offers one of Ohio’s most thrilling festival experiences. With roots tied to the region’s aviation history, this show brings together aircraft displays, aerial demonstrations and family-oriented activities.
Highlights:
Aerobatics, historic planes and high adrenaline displays.
Kid-friendly zones, static exhibits and aviation education.
A backdrop of Dayton’s proud flying legacy.
If you’re seeking a festival in Ohio that’s literally elevated (in the skies!) and distinct, the Dayton Air Show delivers big.
Winterfest at Put-in-Bay – Island Magic in the Off-Season
On Lake Erie’s South Bass Island, Put-in-Bay comes alive for Winterfest, bringing holiday flair, ice-carving and festive fun to what many think of as a summer destination.
Why it stands out:
A cooler-season festival in a typical summer getaway spot.
Live music, food specials, themed events and island charm.
Unique experience for those looking to “do something different” in Ohio.
This festival is a fine example of the “best festival experiences in Ohio” that twist expectations and deliver something memorable.
Nelsonville Music Festival – Appalachian Roots & Scenic Sounds
In southeastern Ohio near Athens, the Nelsonville Music Festival offers a blend of indie, folk and Americana music amidst beautiful hill country scenery. Ohio Magazine
What you’ll love:
Camp-style festival with an emphasis on experience, community and music.
Local food, artisan markets and aesthetic appeal.
A slower pace, yet highly memorable, for those who want substance over hype.
As a top pick in the “must-experience festivals in Ohio,” it represents the quieter, soulful side of Ohio’s event culture.
Bringing it All Together
What makes a festival truly unforgettable in Ohio? A mix of local heritage, scale, authenticity and spirited fun. These ten festivals tick those boxes and give you diverse options across the state — city or countryside, music-heavy or culture-rich, family-friendly or off-beat.
If you’re scouting the best places for festivals in Ohio, this list gives you a strong geographic spread, a variety of themes and events that are currently open and active.
Let’s wrap it up: Ohio’s festival calendar is alive all year long. Whether you’re dancing in Cincinnati, munching pumpkin treats in Circleville, watching planes roar above Dayton or sipping Irish coffee in Dublin — you’re part of something bigger. So check your calendar, pick your festival weekend, and get ready to experience one of the most vibrant event states in America.
Ready to join the celebration? Mark your dates, gather your crew and go explore the most epic annual events in Ohio… your next festival adventure awaits!