Ohio's Favorite Summer Traditions Featured in Summer Events Guide

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - From county fairs and food festivals to concerts and community celebrations, Ohio's summer event season is officially here. TourismOhio is marking the occasion with the release of the 2026 Ohio Summer Events Guide, featuring 440 events statewide.

Now online on Ohio.org, the guide spotlights five standout events from each of Ohio's 88 counties happening now through the end of August. Events range from longtime community traditions to new celebrations, including dozens connected to America 250-Ohio commemorations.

"Summer in Ohio brings communities to life," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which oversees TourismOhio. "From county fairs and hometown festivals to art shows and celebrations of America's 250th birthday, these events showcase what makes Ohio special during the summer months."

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This edition's cover celebrates the winning drive in the heart of it all, featuring the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday in Dublin. Now in its 50th year, the Memorial Tournament is a central Ohio tradition founded and hosted by professional golfer and Ohioan Jack Nicklaus. Each year, thousands of spectators, professional and amateur golfers, and media converge on Dublin, Ohio for a week of competition, charitable events, and community celebrations. The tournament runs June 1-7.

Other featured events include the Mesopotamia Ox Roast over Fourth of July weekend, the Nelsonville Music Festival from June 18-20, the Troy Strawberry Festival from June 7-8, and the Bratwurst Festival in Bucyrus, Aug. 13-15.

"Summer in Ohio is pure nostalgia in the very best way," said State Tourism Director Sarah Wickham. "It's strawberry festivals and county fairs, fireworks over the water, live music downtown, and the kind of traditions that bring families and friends together year after year. These events are where memories are made - and they're a big part of what makes Ohio the Heart of it All."

Travelers looking for more travel inspiration should check out the Summer in Ohio landing page at Ohio.org. There they can find the newly refreshed Ohio Sports Road Trip, the always popular Ohio Ice Cream Trail, and the new Ohio Golf Trail among the thousands of trip ideas, destination highlights, and must-see attractions. Additionally, the free 2026 Ohio Travel Guide is available to order, featuring local favorites, recommended stops, and travel inspiration from Ohioans who know their communities best.

Reporters and producers looking for Ohio summer travel story ideas, road trip inspiration, hidden gems, or interviews with destinations across the state can contact the Ohio Department of Development [email protected].

Operating within Ohio's Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

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For Immediate Release:
May 29, 2026

For more information, contact:
Mason Waldvogel
[email protected]