Best time to visit Ohio

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Ohio

Best time of year to visit Ohio

The period between September and October is the best time to visit Ohio. By this months, the summer storms have come to an end, so you can expect pleasant weather with less rain and breathtaking fall foliage. The fall season also offers numerous outdoor events like the Ohio River Sternville Festival, the Columbus Pride Parade and Festival, and the Columbus Marathon. Late fall through early spring marks the low season for the Buckeye State. December through February brings fewer visitors, but features a variety of Christmas-lights displays. Pack warm and waterproof clothes as rainfall and snowstorms are likely to happen. Late spring is still crisp and cloudy with frequent rain, but it is also a nice time to witness fire rainbows in the sky. The period between June and August is hot-and-humid summertime, with droves of tourists and skyrocketing prices. Book rooms in advance if you are planning to come for the Columbus Jazz & Rib Festival, Hippie Fest, or the must-see Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg!

11 THINGS TO DO IN OHIO (MAY 25 - JUNE 03)

Ohio Bike Week

Ohio Bike Week

unconfirmedMay, 2024 • event

The largest motorcycle rally of the Midwest and rock concerts roll out in Sandusky on the shores of Lake Erie

Columbus Pride Festival and Parade

Columbus Pride Festival and Parade

June 1-30, 2024 • event

One of the largest pride festivals in the Midwest

Troy Strawberry Festival

Troy Strawberry Festival

June 1-2, 2024 • event

A massive celebration in the epicentre of Ohio's strawberry-growing region

Hummingbirds in Ohio

Hummingbirds in Ohio

May–September • nature

View dozens of tiny, swift, and bold ruby-throats in the Buckeye State during their breeding season

Fire Rainbows

Fire Rainbows

late March–September • nature

A curious optical phenomenon occurs quite rarely and only in special locations. If you are in the right time and in the right place, just look up to the sky

Asian Festival

Asian Festival

May 25-26, 2024 • event

One of the most popular ethnic festivals in Central Ohio

American Discovery Trail

American Discovery Trail

all year round • activity

You'll find no better way to discover America than this lengthy hike across 15 states, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. For such a long journey, one needs at least a year of time reserved

Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Cranes

late February–Ocober | best September  • nature

Sandhill cranes flock to Ohio to nest and raise their colts

Cicada Mania

Cicada Mania

May–mid-June • nature

A billionth population of American cicadas come out during final weeks in their lives to rejoice in a huge mating par

Brandywine Falls

Brandywine Falls

March–May | September–early November  • nature

Take in the vibe of one of the most beautiful of Ohio's natural sites

Milford Frontier Days Festival

Milford Frontier Days Festival

May 30-June 1, 2024 • event

Get ready for three days packed with fun!

96 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest

Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest

out of rangeJuly 19-21, 2024 • event

Hot ribs and sweet jazz is a formula for success

Twins Days Festival

Twins Days Festival

out of rangeAugust 4–6, 2023 • event

The world's biggest gathering of twins in the city founded by twins—Twinsburg

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

out of rangeSeptember 6-8, 2024 • event

Sternwheeler races and other fun activities to watch

All Ohio Balloon Fest

All Ohio Balloon Fest

out of rangeAugust 8–10, 2024 • event

A popular and family-friendly summer hot air balloon event

Barberton Mum Festival

Barberton Mum Festival

out of rangeSeptember 28-29, 2024 • event

Celebrate fall watching millions of blooms at a scenic park

Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival

Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival

out of rangeJuly 19–20, 2024 • event

With a car show, biplane rides, fireworks, it's definitely more than just hot air!

Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market

Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market

out of range November 18–19, 2023 • event

One of the largest and best antique shows in America

Cincinnati Labor Day Weekend & Fireworks

Cincinnati Labor Day Weekend & Fireworks

out of rangeMay 26, 2023 • event

The 'Nati knows how to celebrate the end of summer

Hippie Fest

Hippie Fest

out of rangeAugust 10-11, 2024 • event

Celebrate peace and love with a free-spirited crowd

Circleville Pumpkin Show

Circleville Pumpkin Show

out of rangeOctober 16-19, 2024 • event

One of the top 10 largest free festivals in the country

Medina Ice Festival

Medina Ice Festival

unconfirmedFebruary 2024 • event

The largest Ice Festival in Northeast Ohio

Country Concert

Country Concert

out of rangeJuly 11-13, 2024 • event

One of the best summer country events in Ohio and all of the Midwest

Ravenna Balloon A-Fair

Ravenna Balloon A-Fair

out of rangeSeptember 19–22, 2024 • event

This hot-air balloon festival isn't just about flying in a balloon

Columbus Food Truck Festival

Columbus Food Truck Festival

out of rangeAugust 19–20, 2023 • event

The biggest food truck festival of the Midwest

The Country Fest

The Country Fest

out of rangeJune 12–15, 2024 • event

A perfect getaway with swimming, camping, and the best country music

Columbus International Auto Show

Columbus International Auto Show

out of rangeFebruary 22-25, 2024 • event

A major car industry event in Ohio

Ohio State Fair

Ohio State Fair

out of rangeJuly 24-August 4, 2024 • event

Experience traditional Midwestern summer entertainment

Ohio Sauerkraut Festival

Ohio Sauerkraut Festival

out of rangeOctober 12-13, 2024 • event

A favourite annual fall tradition of Waynesville

Restaurant Week Columbus

Restaurant Week Columbus

unconfirmedJanuary, 2024 • event

Enjoy special offers from dozens of restaurants

Balloon Classic

Balloon Classic

unconfirmedJuly 26-28, 2024 • event

Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement festival

Vectren Dayton Air Show

Vectren Dayton Air Show

out of rangeJune 22-23, 2024 • event

One of the leading air shows in the U.S.

Fall Colors in Ohio

Fall Colors in Ohio

out of rangeOctober–early November • nature

As the Ohio weather chills, trees display the hues of red, orange, and yellow

Cincinnati 4th of July Events & Fireworks

Cincinnati 4th of July Events & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 2–4 • event

If you think you know how Independence Day is celebrated, go to Cincinnati to prove yourself wrong

Dayton Celtic Festival

Dayton Celtic Festival

out of rangeJuly 26-28, 2024 • event

Celebrate Irish culture and heritage in Dayton

Cuyahoga County Fair

Cuyahoga County Fair

out of rangeAugust 6-11, 2024 • event

One of the oldest fairs in Ohio held since 1893

Ohio Renaissance Festival

Ohio Renaissance Festival

out of rangeAugust 31–October 27, 2024 (weekends only)  • event

Find yourself in a 16th-century English village

Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest

Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest

out of rangeOctober 13, 2024 • event

A pioneer tradition that has become a massive celebration

Columbus Italian Festival

Columbus Italian Festival

out of rangeOctober 6–8, 2023 • event

A vivid celebration of Italian American culture

Savage Race Ohio

Savage Race Ohio

out of rangeJune 17, 2023 • event

One of unique action sports and adventure events in the U.S.

Barnesville Pumpkin Festival

Barnesville Pumpkin Festival

out of rangeSeptember 26-29, 2024 • event

Giant pumpkins highlight the fall harvest celebration

Cleveland National Air Show

Cleveland National Air Show

out of rangeSeptember 2–4, 2023 • event

Have you ever seen a wall of fire? Because it's on this airshow's program

Columbus Arts Festival

Columbus Arts Festival

out of rangeJune 7-9, 2024 • event

One of the largest outdoor summer events in Columbus

Cincinnati Comic Expo

Cincinnati Comic Expo

out of rangeOctober 18-20, 2024 • event

The largest comics and pop culture convention in Ohio

Tipp City Mum Festival

Tipp City Mum Festival

out of rangeSeptember 23–24, 2023 • event

The largest antique car showcase in the state of Ohio

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom

out of rangelate March–mid- or late April • nature

Catch a short-lasting flowering season in Columbus, Athens, and Cleveland

Vintage Ohio Wine Festival

Vintage Ohio Wine Festival

out of rangeAugust 4–5, 2023 • event

One of the best outdoor wine festivals in the state

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

out of rangeSeptember 19-22, 2024 • event

Don't miss America's largest Oktoberfest

Ashland Balloon Fest

Ashland Balloon Fest

unconfirmedJune 27-29, 2024 • event

Come and see for yourself how the sky turns into a colorful canvas

The Great Lakes Medieval Faire

The Great Lakes Medieval Faire

out of rangeJuly 6-August 11, 2024 • event

A Renaissance-themed park nestled in a forest

Made in Ohio Festival

Made in Ohio Festival

out of rangeSeptember 1–3, 2023 • event

A showcase of Ohio crafters held on the Labor Day weekend since 2009

New Year's Eve in Columbus

New Year's Eve in Columbus

out of rangeDecember 31  • event

When it comes to New Year festivities, this city always has something to offer

Dayton Greek Festival

Dayton Greek Festival

out of rangeSeptember 8–10, 2023 • event

One of the best ethnic festivals in Dayton

Flag City BalloonFest in Findlay

Flag City BalloonFest in Findlay

out of rangeAugust 9–11, 2024 • event

Bring your family to the largest, free ballooning event in Hancock County!

Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival

Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival

out of rangeJune 6-8, 2024 • event

Experience one of the favorite summer traditions in Ohio

Coney Island’s Nights of Lights

Coney Island’s Nights of Lights

out of rangeNovember 10–December 31, 2023 • event

A popular drive-through holiday lights display in Cincinnati, Ohio

Columbus Greek Festival

Columbus Greek Festival

out of rangeSeptember 1–4, 2023 • event

The most tasty and merry ethnic festival of Columbus

Ohio Christmas Lights

Ohio Christmas Lights

out of rangemid-November–early January • event

Dazzling holiday displays for the whole family

Gahanna 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

Gahanna 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

out of rangeJuly 3 • event

Spectacular firework displays near Columbus

Fireworks at Buckeye Lake

Fireworks at Buckeye Lake

out of rangeJuly 3 • event

Celebrate a star-spangled night on the lake in the east suburb of Columbus

Medina County Fair

Medina County Fair

out of rangeJuly 31–August 6, 2023 • event

A week-long summer celebration in the suburb of Cleveland

Woollybear Festival

Woollybear Festival

out of rangeOctober 8, 2023 • event

The largest one-day event in the state of Ohio

4th of July in Dublin

4th of July in Dublin

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

The suburb of Columbus is famous for its Independence Day celebration with the Irish twist

Kings Island WinterFest

Kings Island WinterFest

out of rangeNovember 24-December 31, 2023 • event

One of the best Christmas festivals in the Cincinnati area

Stark County Fair

Stark County Fair

out of rangeAugust 27-September 2, 2024 • event

Visit Stark County's top event

Fairborn 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

Fairborn 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 3–4 • event

Grab your cameras along because you'll want to remember these celebrations!

Beavercreek Popcorn Festival

Beavercreek Popcorn Festival

out of rangeSeptember 7-8, 2024 • event

Watch tons of popcorn popping up in Beavercreek

Ohio Brew Week

Ohio Brew Week

out of rangeJuly 12-20, 2024 • event

Celebrate craft brewing and sample over 200 kinds of local beer

Coney Island Balloon Glow

Coney Island Balloon Glow

unconfirmedJuly 3, 2024 • event

The highlight of Cincinnati's Fourth of July Weekend

Dublin Irish Festival

Dublin Irish Festival

out of rangeAugust 2-4, 2024 • event

Go experience the Irish attitude at the largest three-day Irish festival in the world

Fan Expo Cleveland

Fan Expo Cleveland

out of rangeApril 12-14, 2024 • event

The largest comic con in the Cleveland area

Grove City Fireworks

Grove City Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

Check out one of Columbus' suburban 4th of July traditions with family-friendly entertainment and community fireworks

Port Clinton 4th of July Events & Fireworks

Port Clinton 4th of July Events & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

Fireworks and a community festival on the banks of Lake Erie

Chinese New Year in Columbus

Chinese New Year in Columbus

unconfirmedFebruary 8, 2024 • event

Colorful annual festivities at Ohio State University and around Columbus

Chinese New Year in Cleveland

Chinese New Year in Cleveland

out of rangeJanuary 21–22, 2023 • event

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Cleveland's AsiaTown and other locations

Country Apple Fest in Lebanon

Country Apple Fest in Lebanon

out of rangeSeptember 23–24, 2023 • event

Savor the taste of fall at this cozy apple festival

Brite Winter

Brite Winter

out of rangeFebruary 24, 2024 • event

Celebrate all the best things about Cleveland winter

Newton Falls Fireworks

Newton Falls Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

Join the Newton Falls community in local 4th of July festivities

Weber Pumpkin Festival

Weber Pumpkin Festival

out of rangeOctober 21–22, 2023 • event

Watch pumpkins steal the show at this annual harvest festival!

Cincinnati Water Lantern Festival

Cincinnati Water Lantern Festival

out of rangeJuly 8, 2023 • event

A beautiful festival with deep spiritual meaning

Yuletide Village: Season of Lights

Yuletide Village: Season of Lights

out of rangeNovember 24–December 16, 2023 • event

A magical world filled with holiday lights, music, and cheer

Snow Rollers

Snow Rollers

out of rangemid-January–mid-March • nature

These huge white 'doughnuts' surely raise questions. Like, what is a 'snow roller' and where does it come from?

Cleveland Winterland (WinterFest)

Cleveland Winterland (WinterFest)

out of rangeNovember 25, 2023 • event

The official start of the holiday season in Cleveland

Springfield Fireworks

Springfield Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 3 • event

Witness the Independence Day celebration at the Banks of Buck Creek

Lancaster Christmas Parade

Lancaster Christmas Parade

out of rangeNovember 18, 2023 • event

The favorite local tradition, which occurs on a Saturday before Thanksgiving

Mentor 4th of July Events & Fireworks

Mentor 4th of July Events & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

Celebrate Independence Day with an incredible fireworks show

Christmas in Springboro

Christmas in Springboro

out of rangeNovember 17–19, 2023 • event

A favorite local holiday tradition since 1986

D-Day Conneaut

D-Day Conneaut

out of rangeAugust 15-17, 2024 • event

The largest World War II D-Day reenactment in the US

Harvest Home Fair

Harvest Home Fair

out of rangeSeptember 5-8, 2024 • event

Ohio's so-called biggest little fair spanning four fun-packed days in September

Celtic Fest Ohio

Celtic Fest Ohio

out of rangeJune 15, 2024 • event

Experience the rich heritage of the Celtic people

Woosterfest

Woosterfest

out of rangeSeptember 27-28, 2024 • event

Enjoy music, foods, libations, and tons of family-friendly entertainment within a weekend of Wooster's Oktoberfest

Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights

Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights

out of rangeNovember 17, 2023–January 1, 2024 • event

One of the largest drive-through holiday displays in Ohio

Dragon Lights Columbus

Dragon Lights Columbus

on holdNovember 2023–January 2024 • event

A magical annual show held in the Ohio Expo Center

Columbus Beerfest

Columbus Beerfest

unconfirmedJanuary 20 • event

Indulge in dozens of craft beers from 120+ local breweries

Columbus Air Show

Columbus Air Show

out of rangeJune 14-16, 2024 • event

One of the largest events in Central Ohio

Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival

Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival

out of rangeJune 21–22, 2024 • event

Embrace two days of Medieval entertainment 16 miles (26 km) of Cleveland

PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo

PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo

out of rangeNovember 17, 2023–January 7, 2024 • event

Voted #1 Zoo Lights in the country as a favourite​ Ohio family holiday tradition

Taps Tastes and Tunes Festival

Taps Tastes and Tunes Festival

out of rangeJuly 2-4, 2024 • event

Get ready for three days of fun and great time!

Akron Fireworks 4th of July

Akron Fireworks 4th of July

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

Looking for a bright fireworks display on the 4th of July in Akron? Say no more! This article will help you plan your day and have lots of fun

Ohio City Street Festival

Ohio City Street Festival

unconfirmedSeptember 29, 2019 • event

A cozy neighborhood party with food and entertainment for all

Plain City 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

Plain City 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 4 • event

Independence Day festivities near Columbus

Ohio Marijuana Expo

Ohio Marijuana Expo

on holdJune 2022 • event

The best occasion to educate yourself on cannabis medicine, shop with tons of leading businesses, and build a useful network

WCOL Country Jam & Campout

WCOL Country Jam & Campout

on holdAugust 16–17, 2019 • event

The largest honky-tonk and country music festival in Ohio

Columbus Marathon

Columbus Marathon

out of rangeOctober 20, 2024 • event

One of the best fall marathons in the USA

Halloween

Halloween

out of rangelate September–early November • event

Get spooked and have fun in America's heartland

Reynoldsburg 4th of July Events & Fireworks

Reynoldsburg 4th of July Events & Fireworks

out of rangeJuly 3–July 4 • event

Join one of the coziest Independence Day celebrations in the country

Donuts and Beer Festival

Donuts and Beer Festival

out of rangeMay 6, 2023 • event

Plenty of mouth-watering donuts and lots of beer are waiting for you at Donuts and Beer Festival

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