Columbus' Family Friendly Festivals

Kelly R said:  The annual Greek Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition presented by the parishioners of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The festival features gourmet food, cathedral tours, cultural exhibits, cooking demos, vendors, and a kids center.

See website for full schedule

Katie G. said:  The city of Galena hosts its annual Summerfest in downtown Galena as a way to celebrate history, support local businesses and promote the community. The Summerfest draws over 10,000 visitors with over 70 food, business, arts and non-profit vendors, as well as live music and entertainment. The Kids Zone includes bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, caricature drawings and pony rides.

Katie G. said:  Celebrate the end of summer at the Sunbury Sizzle & Sounds Food & Music Festival. This family-friendly, one-day festival is filled with food, crafts and music vendors and lots of entertainment. The Kid Zone has free activities for all ages including a petting zoo, giant slide, small carnival rides, bull riding and more.

11 AM - 11 PM

Kelly R said:  Check out the Midwest's largest food truck festival, featuring over 50 food trucks from Ohio and the surrounding areas. There is live music on two stages and activities for the whole family, including a large Kids Zone.

Kelly R said:  The annual Lexington Blueberry Festival features a wide variety of fun for the whole family: Miss Blueberry Pageants, parades, kids' games and crafts, a blueberry bash, treasure hunt, rides, a variety of food vendors, a 5K run/walk, live entertainment, a car/bike show, volleyball tournaments, a Big Wheel race for all ages, and Saturday night fireworks.

Thurs: 4 - 9 PM, Fri: 4 - 10 PM, Sat: 9 AM - 10: 30 PM, Sun: 7 AM - 6 PM

Kelly R said:  Grove City EcoFest takes place in Grove City Town Center, and celebrates the town as a healthy and eco-friendly community. The festival includes live entertainment, food, an interactive KidZone, an educational Sustainability Zone, health and wellness demonstrations, and environmentally friendly vendors.

9 AM - 2 PM

Kelly R said:  Festival Latino is Ohio's largest Hispanic/Latino event, celebrating Latin American culture through the arts, workshops, and authentic cuisine. The whole family will enjoy live music and dance, and there is a special children's area with activities for the younger set.

Both days 11 AM - 8 PM

Katie G. said:  At the All Ohio Balloon Fest you will see hundreds of different types of hot air balloons as they fill the sky in Marysville. The festival will kick off on Thursday night with a concert and balloon launch. On Friday and Saturday the balloons will have their nightly glow. There are lots of activities for the whole family including kids activities, helicopter rides, sky jumping, hot air balloon rides, food and entertainment.

Thurs: 5 - 9 PM, Fri & Sat: 2 - 9 PM

Katie G. said:  St. James Lutheran Church in west Columbus will host the Brats & Crafts Festival to celebrate its German heritage. There will be polka music and dancing, German food and beer, arts & crafts, live entertainment, children's games and a 1860's era baseball game.

Fri: 4 - 9 PM, Sat: 11:30 AM - 9 PM & Sun: 11:30 AM - 4 PM

Kelly R said:  The City of Dublin presents its Irish Festival, the world's largest of its kind. The festival showcases Dublin, promotes Irish culture and tradition through live music, dance, sports, food and drink, exhibitors, speakers, and a variety of other family friendly activities. Kids will love meeting the Celtic Canines, participating in Kids Highland Games, visiting the Wendy's Wee Folk Area, and trying out the inflatables and activities at the Pot O' Gold playland (age 2-12). There is a smaller toddler-friendly play area.

Fri: 4 PM - 12 AM, Sat: 11 AM - 12 AM, Sun: 11 AM - 9 PM

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  This family friendly summer street celebration located at the historic downtown of Canal Winchester is full of live performances for blues music fans! Enjoy the music and have a taste of world-class ribs and make the most of your outdoor summer nights with the family. The kids will have lots of activities to keep them busy, and a wide variety of other food is available as well. They have limited seating so be sure to bring your own chairs!

Fri: 5 - 11 PM & Sat: 12 - 11 PM

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Union County Fair has something for everybody in your family. A Kids Zone offers puppet shows and a Pirate's Cove, Dino Dig, and Cowboy Roundup activities. There are harness races, animal shows, and contests (including a cutest baby contest). Of course not to forget the parade, amusement rides and live performances.

See website for full schedule

Kelly R said:  This annual celebration of Jazz and Barbecue takes place along downtown Columbus' beautiful riverfront. Enjoy continuous jazz on three stages by local and international musicians as pit masters serve up delicious barbecue. Sample the efforts of award-winning barbecue teams and vote for your favorite as they compete for the title of "Best Ribs." The festival welcomes families, with a variety of kid friendly areas and offerings.

Fri - Sat: 11 AM - 11 PM & Sun: 11 AM - 8:30 PM

Kelly R said:  Lancaster Festival is a multi day celebration of music and the arts. Festivities include an ArtWalk, and Festival Fair Day with kid-friendly performances, COSI science spots, noise parades, and more. Don't miss the grand finale performance from Martina McBride with fireworks to follow.

View the festival schedule for full details, including exact locations and musical performances

Katie G. said:  Reynoldsburg, known as the birthplace of the commercial tomato, celebrates its heritage with the annual Tomato Festival. The festival includes all things tomatoes - displays, contests, concessions, arts & crafts, entertainment and children's activities.

Thurs & Fri: 4 - 11 PM, Sat: 9 AM - 10 PM