Columbus' Family Friendly Festivals

Kelly R said:  At the Ohio State Fair, your family can eat its fill of food-on-a-stick while enjoying live entertainment, carnival rides, and getting up close and personal with livestock.

Admission gates are open daily 9 AM - 10 PM

Kelly R said:  This family-friendly festival at Westerville's Heritage Park showcases art from local and national artists, including youth art from students in the Westerville school district. There are performances by local musicians and entertainers, kids activities, and food trucks and concessions. In honor of the festivals 45th anniversary there will be special concert on Saturday night!

See website for full schedule

Katie G. said:  The Franklin County Fair features farm, family, food & fun. There is plenty to see and do at the county fair with several animal barns, arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides, games, food booths, harness racing and daily events.

Fri - Sat: 9 AM - 11 PM & Sun - Thurs: 9 AM - 10 PM

Katie G. said:  The Picktown Palooza is a community event celebrating the city of Pickerington. There is plenty of fun and entertainment in store for families throughout the four-day event. The festival includes carnival rides, a car & bike show, food vendors, entertainment and a fun kids corner.

Thurs: 5 - 11 PM, Fri: 5 PM - 12 AM, Sat: 12 PM - 12 AM

Katie G. said:  The city of Delaware transforms into a weekend of fun at the St. Mary's Parish Festival. Located in downtown Delaware, the festival provides entertainment for all ages while serving as the number one fundraiser for the church and school. The festival will feature carnival rides, slides and inflatables, kids games, musical entertainment, a casino, grilled brats and hot dogs and other food from local restaurants.

Both days 5 PM - 12 AM

Katie G. said:  The Strawberry Festival has become a tradition for the folks of Newark and the surrounding areas. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Newark, the festival provides families with rides, games, crafts, entertainment, and of course, food. Many of the festival food items are strawberry themed, including the strawberry shortcake topped with local Velvet ice cream.

Fri - Sat: 12 - 10 PM & Sun: 12 - 5:30 PM

Katie G. said:  What better way to kick off the start of summer and festival season than with the Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival. Held every year over Memorial Day weekend, the Ice Cream Festival takes place on the grounds of the Velvet Ice Cream company in Utica, just an hour southwest of Columbus. This festival offers fun for the whole family with contests for kids, pony rides, local arts and crafts (some ice cream themed), a classic car show and or course ice cream! Outside Velvet Ice Cream there is a small farm with animals for kids to pet and a playground.

Sat: 9 AM - 7 PM, Sun: 10 AM - 7 PM & Mon: 10 AM - 6 PM

Hannah Scott said:  The Easton Food Fest is a three-day event that's sure to please your taste buds. Food Truck Friday features 20+ food trucks, with live music during lunch and dinner hours. Sippin' Saturday is just for the adults with a Crawl Around the Town Pub Crawl and ride vouchers available. Sweet Sunday gives your family the chance to sample desserts (4 for $1) on the Town Square, with live music again. Prizes and free food are offered with a donation of Youth Socks or T-Shirts for the Directions for Youth & Families organization.

Friday 11 AM - 8 PM, Saturday 3 - 7 PM & Sunday 1 - 4 PM

Katie G. said:  Celebrate the Amish heritage at the Der Dutchman Heritage Days. They'll be days of old-fashioned activities including vintage baseball game (1860s rules!), a horse parade, horse and buggy rides, glass blowing, blacksmithing and antique farm equipment. There will also be a petting zoo, pony rides and other activities for the kids.

Friday 11 AM - 7 PM & Saturday 8 AM - 4 PM

Katie G. said:  The Asian Festival will celebrate the cultural heritage of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The festival, which draws up to 100,000 visitors throughout the weekend, will feature cultural demonstrations, hands-on art, interactive dance performances, Asian music, marketplace, martial arts workshops and Asian cuisine. There is a special children's area where kids can participate in crafts, games and activities and even dress up in ethnic costumes.

Sat: 10 AM - 8 PM & Sun: 10 AM - 6 PM

Kelly R said:  This annual event is part music festival, part camping trip, set in Ohio's beautiful Hocking Hills. The music lineup features a modern twist on Bluegrass, Americana, Folk, Roots, and Rock music, and the festival has a simple, respectful, and fun vibe. There are a variety of camping areas, with a conveniently-located family friendly area with limited noise after the music stops.

Katie G. said:  As one of the premier fine arts and craft shows in the city, the Worthington Arts Festival draws about 25,000 visitors each year. Held on the lawn of the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center, vendors come from all over the country to showcase their sculptures, jewelry, glass, photography, furniture and mixed media art. Food, beverages and entertainment are also featured during the two-day event. Local shops and restaurants are also open for families to enjoy in downtown Worthington.

Sat: 9 AM - 6 PM & Sun: 11 AM - 5 PM

Kelly R said:  Gahanna's annual signature festival offers 3 days of live blues and jazz music on multiple stages, great food and tasting events, and regional vendors. The Family Fun Zone and includes free crafts, activities, games, inflatables, and hands-on musical experiences. Amusement rides are available with wristband purchase.

Fri: 5 -11 PM, Sat: 11 - 11 PM & Sun: 12 - 6 PM

Kelly R said:  This festival is Powell's signature annual event, featuring live entertainment, a wide variety of food trucks, and plenty to occupy the kids. The highlight for children is the Kids Zone, featuring a large assortment of inflatables, interactive games and activities (wristband purchase required). The festival is capped off each year with an impressive fireworks show.

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

Kelly R said:  The highlight of the Columbus Arts Festival is the hundreds of artists who showcase and offer their art at all price points, but there is plenty more for families to enjoy. Live performances on the festival's multiple stages include music, theater, dance, and spoken word. The many food and drink vendors will please everyone, with options ranging from traditional festival food to unique offerings. Kids will love hands-on arts and crafts activities, face painting, a children's art gallery, and much more.

Friday 11 AM - 10:30 PM

Saturday 10 AM - 10:30 PM

Sunday 10 AM - 5 PM