LIST: Area’s summer festivals offer bounty of food flavors, experiences

A large crowd gathered for The Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon and Skydiving Festival Friday, July 21, 2023 at Smith Park in Middletown. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

A large crowd gathered for The Ohio Challenge Hot Air Balloon and Skydiving Festival Friday, July 21, 2023 at Smith Park in Middletown. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

The festival season in Ohio is already going strong, but as the summer lights up the temperatures aren’t the only things that will grow more intense. The options for things to occupy us also seems to expand.

A good festival is a community connector and speaks to the civic pride we have in our cities. They are a ticket to a celebration and an invite to make the most of the day and rejuvenate ourselves with the energy that they are imbued with.

There’s no doubt that the outdoor event schedule in Ohio is strong. In Dayton we are particularly lucky to be in such close proximity to large cities with Columbus and Cincinnati, which are both relatively short drives away. Each year I look to see not only what’s happening in Dayton when it comes to outdoor festivals, where often the food can be immensely satisfying, but also out of town to see what rises to the occasion.

Here is a list of summer festivals and events through the end of August that will have a food component or focus. These are all events where the food will be curated and the content presented will be electrified with the festival magic that this time of year always brings with it.

Because there are so many here, only the dates, description and website URL are included. If it’s of interest, you navigate to the website for the description of the event, any vendor lists they might have and other details you would need.

June 29: Pickle Fest, Dayton

https://dineoutdayton.com/events

July 3: Red, White and Brats, Columbus

https://germaniacolumbus.org

July 4-6: Taps, Tastes and Tunes Festival, West Chester

www.westchesteroh.org/our-community/community-events

July 7-13: Montgomery County Fair, Dayton

www.montcofair.com

July 12-13: Columbus Food Truck Festival

https://columbusfoodtruckfest.com

July 12-14: Cincinnati Celtic Festival, Cincinnati

www.cincycelticfest.com

July 13: Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest, Kettering

https://dineoutdayton.com/events

The Kickin’ Chicken Wing Fest, hosted by the Miami Valley Restaurant Association, was held at Fraze Pavilion on Saturday, July 8, 2023. Seventeen local restaurants and food trucks participated in the festival. Did we spot you there? TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

July 13: Bluebery Festival at Berryhill Farm, Xenia

www.berryhillfarm.net

July 13: Dayton Mac and Cheese Fest

www.yellowcabtavern.com/event-tickets

July 13: Cincy Blues Fest, Cincinnati

https://cincyblues.org/cincy-blues-fest

The 29th annual Cincy Blues Fest was held July 15, 2023 at Village Green, Fairfield. Musicians included Blues In the Schools Band, Johnny Fink, Ralph and the Rhythm Hounds, Jimmy D. Rogers, CFG & the Family, Bywater Call, Ben Levin & Lil’ Jimmy Reed, and Sugaray Rayford. AMY BURZYNSKI/STAFF

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July 19-20: The Ohio Challenge, Middletown

https://ohiochallenge.com

July 19-21: Columbus Jazz and Rib Fest, Columbus

www.hotribscooljazz.org

July 21-23: Cincy Soul: The Black Taste, Cincinnati

www.cincysoulblacktaste.com

July 24: Pineapple Fest at Austin Landing, Miamisburg

https://dineoutdayton.com/events

July 24-Aug. 4: Ohio State Fair, Columbus

https://www.ohiostatefair.com

July 25-28 and Aug. 1-4: GoettaFest, Newport, Ky.

https://goetta.com/goettafest

July 26-28: Dayton Celtic Festival, Dayton

https://daytoncelticfestival.com

July 26-28: Annie Oakley Festival, Greenville

https://www.annieoakleyfestival.org

July 26-28: Columbus Food and Wine Festival, Columbus

www.columbusfoodwine.com

July 27: Dayton Burger Fest

www.yellowcabtavern.com/event-tickets

July 27-28: Cincy Soul: The Black Taste Food Fest, Cincinnati

https://www.cincysoulblacktaste.com

Aug. 3: Bacon Fest, Kettering

https://dineoutdayton.com/events

Bacon lovers from across the area came together in Kettering over the weekend. The city hosted the 10th annual Bacon Fest at the Fraze Pavilion on Saturday, Aug. 19.

Credit: Alexis Larsen

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Credit: Alexis Larsen

Aug. 3-4: Fulton Farms Sweetcorn Festival, Troy

https://fultonfarmsohio.com/events

Aug. 2-3: Lebanon Blues Festival, Lebanon

https://lebanonbluesfestival.com

Aug. 2-4: Dublin Irish Festival, Dublin

https://dublinirishfestival.org

Aug. 3: Down A River, Down A Beer, Piqua

www.downariverdownabeer.com

Aug. 3: Small Farm & Food Fest, Dayton

metroparks.org/small-farm-food-fest/

July 26-28: Columbus African Festival, Columbus

https://ghanafestohio.org

Aug, 8-10: Tomato Festival, Columbus

https://www.reytomatofest.com

Aug. 9-11: Germanfest Picnic, Dayton

https://germanfestdayton.com

Aug. 10: Art on the Lawn, Yellow Springs

www.facebook.com/ArtOnTheLawnYellowSprings

Aug. 10: Dayton BBQ Fest

https://www.yellowcabtavern.com/event-tickets

Aug. 10-11: Festival Latino, Columbus

www.festivallatino.net

Aug. 11: Art on the Commons, Kettering

www.playkettering.org/art-programs-events/art-on-the-commons

Aug. 16-17 North Market Ohio Wine Festival, Columbus

https://northmarket.org/events/wine-fest-at-north-market-bridge-park-2024

Aug. 17: Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition, Springfield

https://springfieldfoodtruck.com

Aug. 17: The Great American Beer Tasting, Dayton

www.milb.com/dayton/events/greatamericanbeertasting

Aug. 17: Columbus Food Truck Festival

https://columbusfoodtruckfest.com

Aug. 17-18: Fairborn Sweet Corn Festival, Fairborn

www.fairbornsweetcornfestival.org

Aug. 17-18: Dayton African American Cultural Festival, Dayton

www.daacf.com

Aug. 23-24: Clifton Gorge Music & Arts Festival, Clifton

https://villageofclifton.com/festival-information

Aug. 23-25: Germania Society Oktoberfest, Cincinnati

https://germaniasociety.com/oktoberfest

Aug. 23-25: The Lebanese Festival, Dayton

www.thelebanesefestival.com

Aug. 24: Taco & Nacho Fest, Dayton

https://dineoutdayton.com/events

Aug. 24: ArtFest on Main, Springboro

www.artfestonmain.com

Aug. 24: HAMILPALOOZA, Hamilton

www.hamilton-ohio.com/hamilpalooza

Aug. 24: ARTFest on Main, Springboro

www.artfestonmain.com

Aug. 24-25: Columbus Fiery Foods Festival, Columbus

https://columbusfieryfoods.com

Aug. 24-25: Weekend of Fire, Fairfield

https://junglejims.com/calendar

Jungle Jim's Weekend of Fire celebrated all things HOT including all kinds of fiery food, sauces, salsas, rubs, mustards and marinades. The festival also featured new awards and new competitions along with the legendary Arena of Fire. ERIC SCHWARTZBERG / STAFF

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Aug. 3-Sept. 2: Columbus Greek Festival

https://columbusgreekfestival.com


Dayton Eats

This column looks at the regional food stories and restaurant news that make mouths water. Share info about your menu updates, special dinners and events, new chefs, interesting new dishes and culinary adventures. Do you know of new exciting format changes, specials, happy hours, restaurant updates or any other tasty news you think is worth a closer look at? E-mail Alexis Larsen at alexis.e.larsen@hotmail.com with the information and we will work to include it in future coverage.

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