Your guide to summer fun in Ohio:
Central Ohio Events
Events happening in Columbus and central Ohio
JORDAN SCHMELZER
Concerts on the Lawn
Livingston House, 1792 Graham Road
Dates: 6:30 to 8 p.m., June 9, June 23, July 14, July 28, Aug. 18
Grab your family and friends and enjoy the sounds of summer at the historic Livingston House. Pack a picnic and a blanket and enjoy live music on the lawn. Just Jazz Live begins the series on June 9, followed by Agent 99 (June 23), Shazzbots (July 14), British Invasion (July 28) and the Reynoldsburg High School marching band (Aug. 18).
Admission: free
Southern Ohio Storytelling Festival
Majestic Theatre Courtyard, 45 E. Second St., Chillicothe
Dates: Sept. 6-7; introductory event on Sept. 5
The festival focuses on the timeless art of spinning tales. Relax under the tent and enjoy the stories from acclaimed and award-winning professional storytellers.
Admission: Daily, $10 for adults, $5 for children; $20 for weekend pass
Joshua A. Bickel | The Columbus Dispatch
Frankfort Sunflower Festival
Downtown Frankfort
Dates: July 26-28
The festival is for people of all ages and includes a sunflower contest, live music, parade, car show, antique tractors, craft tent, festival foods and more.
Admission: free
Shakespeare on Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, 5968 Marietta Road, Chillicothe
Date: 8 p.m. July 21
Shakespeare’s “The Winter’s Tale” unfolds in scenes set 16 years apart to continue the story of two kings, Leontes and Polixenes. The play is put on by The Scioto Society, producers of “Tecumseh!” Outdoor Drama.
Admission: free
Ohio Jeep Fest
Ross County Fairgrounds, 344 Fairgrounds Road
Dates: July 5-7
The third annual festival features drivers testing their wheeling skills and participating in obstacle courses, mud pits, and Trail Rated challenges. There will be a kids’ zone, vendors, food and family fun.
Admission: $10 to $25
Fred Squillante | The Columbus Dispatch
Tapestry of a Town walking tour
Westerville
Date: July 28, 1-5 p.m.
Join the Westerville Habitat Partnership for this annual journey through Westerville’s past, including historical sites, private residences and other locations important to the fabric of the city. At each stop, there will be exhibits by local artists. All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity.
Admission: $15-$18
Fred Squillante | The Columbus Dispatch
Westerville Music & Arts Festival
Heritage Park, 60 N. Cleveland Ave.
Dates: July 13, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and July 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This 46th annual event features creations from more than 150 local and national artists, food vendors, live entertainment and youth activities.
Admission: $1 for adults, kids 10 and under free
Independence Day Celebration
Various Locations around Westerville
Date: July 4
Starting with the 8 a.m. 5k Run/Walk at Alum Creek Park, the Rotary Club of Westerville sponsors a full day of family activities. The Fourth of July parade begins at 1 p.m. from St. Paul the Apostle Church (313 N. State St.) and ends at Westerville South High School. Concerts and children’s activities lead up to fireworks.
Admission: free
Eamon Queeney | The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus Children’s Festival
Westerville North High School, 950 County Line Road
Date: June 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The eighth annual Columbus Children’s Festival features a character breakfast, youth sports and fitness activities, a bounce park and fun zone, a talent contest, a food-truck fest, giveaways, entertainment and more.
Admission: free
Tom Dodge | The Columbus Dispatch
Dresden Melon Festival
Zane’s Landing Park, west end of Market St, downtown Zanesville
Date: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 3
This event celebrates the area’s rich melon-growing heritage with family-oriented activities, including a 5k race/children’s run, fishing tournament, tractor pull, cruise-in, live music, craft and flea-market vendors, petting zoo, melon derby race and more.
Admission: $1 before 4 p.m., $2.00 after 4 p.m. (free parking at Tri-Valley High School, 46 E Muskingum Ave, Dresden; shuttle provided)