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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!

104 things to do in Ohio

Snow Rollers

mid-January–mid-March Nature

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

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

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

Dublin Irish Festival

August 2-4, 2024 Event

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

Ohio State Fair

July 24-August 4, 2024 Event

Experience traditional Midwestern summer entertainment

Coney Island’s Nights of Lights

November 23, 2024-January 5, 2025 Event

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

PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo

November 17, 2023–January 7, 2024 Event

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

Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights

November 22, 2024–January 5, 2025 Event

One of the largest drive-through holiday displays in Ohio

Dragon Lights Columbus

November 23, 2018–January 6, 2019 Event

A magical annual show held in the Ohio Expo Center

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

September 19–22, 2024 Event

Don't miss America's largest Oktoberfest

Savage Race Ohio

June 17, 2023 Event

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

Country Concert

July 11-13, 2024 Event

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

Barberton Mum Festival

September 28-29, 2024 Event

Celebrate fall watching millions of blooms at a scenic park

Barnesville Pumpkin Festival

September 26-29, 2024 Event

Giant pumpkins highlight the fall harvest celebration

Circleville Pumpkin Show

October 16-19, 2024 Event

One of the top 10 largest free festivals in the country

Ohio Renaissance Festival

August 31–October 27, 2024 (weekends only) Event

Find yourself in a 16th-century English village

Ohio Bike Week

May 24–June 1, 2024 Event

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

Celtic Fest Ohio

June 15, 2024 Event

Experience the rich heritage of the Celtic people

Beavercreek Popcorn Festival

September 7–8, 2024 Event

Watch tons of popcorn popping up in Beavercreek

Troy Strawberry Festival

June 7-8, 2025 Event

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

Woollybear Festival

September 29, 2024 Event

The largest one-day event in the state of Ohio

Tipp City Mum Festival

September 27–28, 2024 Event

The largest antique car showcase in the state of Ohio

Columbus Greek Festival

August 30-September 2, 2024 Event

The most tasty and merry ethnic festival of Columbus

Columbus Italian Festival

October 11–13, 2024 Event

A vivid celebration of Italian American culture

The Country Fest

June 12–15, 2024 Event

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

Asian Festival

May 25-26, 2024 Event

One of the most popular ethnic festivals in Central Ohio

All Ohio Balloon Fest

August 8–10, 2024 Event

A popular and family-friendly summer hot air balloon event

Ohio Brew Week

July 12-20, 2024 Event

Celebrate craft brewing and sample over 200 kinds of local beer

Columbus Arts Festival

June 7-9, 2024 Event

One of the largest outdoor summer events in Columbus

Hippie Fest

August 10–11, 2024 Event

Celebrate peace and love with a free-spirited crowd

Columbus Food Truck Festival

July 12–13, 2024 | August 17, 2024 Event

The biggest food truck festival of the Midwest

Dayton Celtic Festival

July 25-27, 2025 Event

Celebrate Irish culture and heritage in Dayton

Grand Rapids Applebutter Fest

October 13, 2024 Event

A pioneer tradition that has become a massive celebration

Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest

July 19-21, 2024 Event

Hot ribs and sweet jazz is a formula for success

Dayton Greek Festival

September 6–8, 2024 Event

One of the best ethnic festivals in Dayton

Columbus International Auto Show

February 22-25, 2024 Event

A major car industry event in Ohio

Springfield Antique Show & Flea Market

January 20–21, 2024 | March 16–17, 2024 | April 20–21, 2024 | May 17–19, 2024 | June 15–16, 2024 | August 17–18, 2024 | September 20–22, 2024 | October 19–20, 2024 | November 16–17, 2024 Event

One of the largest and best antique shows in America

614 Restaurant Week Columbus

July 22–27, 2024 Event

Enjoy special offers from dozens of restaurants

Ohio River Sternwheel Festival

September 6-8, 2024 Event

Sternwheeler races and other fun activities to watch

Ohio Sauerkraut Festival

October 12-13, 2024 Event

A favourite annual fall tradition of Waynesville

Twins Days Festival

August 2–4, 2024 Event

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

CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show

June 22-23, 2024 Event

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

Vintage Ohio Wine Festival

August 2–3, 2024 Event

One of the best outdoor wine festivals in the state

Dublin, Ohio, 4th of July Fireworks, Parades & Shows

June 29–July 4, 2024 Event

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

Made in Ohio Festival

August 30-September 1, 2024 Event

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

Columbus Marathon

October 20, 2024 Event

One of the best fall marathons in the USA

Columbus Pride Festival and Parade

June 14–15, 2024 Event

One of the largest pride festivals in the Midwest

Cuyahoga County Fair

May 18–19, 2024 | August 6–11, 2024 Event

One of the oldest fairs in Ohio held since 1893

Halloween

late September–early November Event

Get spooked and have fun in America's heartland

Ohio Christmas Lights

mid-November–early January Event

Dazzling holiday displays for the whole family

Kings Island WinterFest

November 29–December 31, 2024 Event

One of the best Christmas festivals in the Cincinnati area

Brite Winter

February 24, 2024 Event

Celebrate all the best things about Cleveland winter

Balloon Classic Festival in North Canton

July 26-28, 2025 Event

Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement festival

Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon Festival

July 19–20, 2024 Event

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

Cincinnati Labor Day Weekend & Fireworks

August 30–September 2, 2024 Event

The 'Nati knows how to celebrate the end of summer

Fall Colors in Ohio

October–early November Nature

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

Cleveland Winterland (WinterFest)

November 30, 2024 Event

The official start of the holiday season in Cleveland

New Year's Eve in Columbus

December 31 Event

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

Chinese New Year in Columbus

February 8, 2024 Event

Colorful annual festivities at Ohio State University and around Columbus

Chinese New Year in Cleveland

January 29–February 13, 2025 Event

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

Sandhill Cranes

late February–Ocober | best September Nature

Sandhill cranes flock to Ohio to nest and raise their colts

Hummingbirds in Ohio

May–September Nature

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

Brandywine Falls

March–May | September–early November Nature

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

Ashland Balloon Fest

June 27–29, 2024 Event

Let yourself unwind while watching the sky turn into a colorful display at Freer Field

Ravenna Balloon A-Fair

September 19-22, 2024 Event

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

Cherry Blossom

late March–mid- or late April Nature

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

Cincinnati Water Lantern Festival

July 8, 2023 Event

A beautiful festival with deep spiritual meaning

Cleveland National Air Show

August 31-September 2, 2024 Event

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

Cincinnati Comic Expo

October 18-20, 2024 Event

The largest comics and pop culture convention in Ohio

Fan Expo Cleveland

March 21-23, 2025 Event

The largest comic con in the Cleveland area

Columbus Beerfest

January 20 Event

Indulge in dozens of craft beers from 120+ local breweries

Woosterfest

September 27-28, 2024 Event

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

Taps Tastes and Tunes Festival

July 4–6, 2024 Event

Get ready for three days of fun and great time!

Cincinnati 4th of July Events & Fireworks

July 2–4 Event

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

Gahanna 4th of July Fireworks & Parade

July 3–4, 2024 Event

Spectacular firework displays near Columbus

4th of July Fireworks at Buckeye Lake

July 3 Event

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

Grove City Fireworks

July 4, 2024 Event

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

Plain City 4th of July Fireworks, Parades, Shows & Events

July 4 Event

Independence Day festivities near Columbus

Akron 4th of July Firework Shows, Events & Festivals

June 30–July 4, 2024 Event

This 4th of July, Akron promises loads of festivals, concerts and celebrations

Mentor 4th of July Events & Fireworks

July 4 Event

Celebrate Independence Day with an incredible fireworks show

Port Clinton 4th of July Events & Fireworks

July 4 Event

Fireworks and a community festival on the banks of Lake Erie

Springfield 4th of July Buck Creek Boom Fireworks

July 3 Event

Witness the Independence Day celebration at the Banks of Buck Creek

Reynoldsburg 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

July 3–July 4 Event

Join one of the coziest Independence Day celebrations in the country

Newton Falls 4th of July Fireworks

July 4 Event

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

Fairborn 4th of July Fireworks, Parades & Events

July 3–4 Event

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

Stark County Fair

August 27-September 2, 2024 Event

Visit Stark County's top event

Medina County Fair

July 29–August 4, 2024 Event

A week-long summer celebration in the suburb of Cleveland

Milford Frontier Days Festival

May 30-June 1, 2024 Event

Get ready for three days packed with fun!

Ohio Marijuana Expo

June 2022 Event

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

Christmas in Springboro

November 22-24, 2024 Event

A favorite local holiday tradition since 1986

Lancaster Christmas Parade

November 23, 2024 Event

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

Medina Ice Festival

February 2024 Event

The largest Ice Festival in Northeast Ohio

Flag City BalloonFest in Findlay

August 9–11, 2024 Event

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

Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival

June 6–8, 2024 Event

Experience one of the favorite summer traditions in Ohio

Coney Island Balloon Glow

July 3, 2024 Event

The highlight of Cincinnati's Fourth of July Weekend

Columbus Air Show

June 14-16, 2024 Event

One of the largest events in Central Ohio

D-Day Conneaut

August 15–17, 2024 Event

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

The Great Lakes Medieval Faire

July 6-August 11, 2024 Event

A Renaissance-themed park nestled in a forest

Yuletide Village: Season of Lights

November 29-December 21, 2024 Event

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

Weber Family Pumpkin Festival

October 19–20, 2024 Event

Watch pumpkins steal the show at this annual harvest festival!

Country Apple Fest in Lebanon

September 28–29, 2024 Event

Savor the taste of fall at this cozy apple festival

Harvest Home Fair

September 5-8, 2024 Event

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

Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival

June 21–22, 2024 Event

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

Krampus in Columbus

December 1–15, 2024 Event

Experience the thrill and cheer of German folklore in the heart of the American Midwest

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