COLUMBUS, Ohio (Aug. 1, 2025) — This weekend, Central Ohio will buzz with diverse festivities ranging from traditional fairs to cultural celebrations, offering something for every taste.
The Ohio State Fair, held at the Ohio Expo Center through Sunday, remains a highlight. This year’s fair features The Barnyard, a shaded petting zoo complete with pig races and kangaroos, plus axe‑throwing, a 200‑foot slingshot ride and daily entertainment. Foodies can sample 20 foods on a stick, including viral favorites like smashdilla and peanut‑butter chocolate buckeye lemonade. Evening concerts spotlight Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Foreigner and a free Taylor Swift tribute performance. Admission runs $8–$12 depending on purchase type and day, with early closing at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Dublin Irish Festival in nearby Dublin, Ohio, celebrates Celtic culture in Coffman Park with eight entertainment stages, Irish dance competitions, genealogy sessions, crafts and children’s activities. The festival runs through Sunday and draws crowds exceeding 100,000 visitors each year.
In Downtown Columbus, Columbus Commons continues its summer Picnic with the Pops concert series on the Bicentennial Pavilion stage. Expect casual outdoor orchestral music, family‑friendly activities and food‑truck fare throughout the weekend. On Friday evening, the Commons also features a free outdoor movie night, screening Tangled under the stars.
Music lovers can enjoy an indie evening at Kemba Live, where Lucy Dacus performs outdoors, while those craving blues and barbecue should head to the Canal Winchester Blues & Ribfest for live bands, smoky ribs and community fun. For fans of local pageantry, the Ohio State University Marching Band (TBDBITL) will appear at Columbus Commons during picnic performances.
Families looking for free or low‑cost activities can browse the weekend’s farmers markets, splash pad and playground options, and low‑cost programming at libraries and parks—many listed under free or cheap events across the city, including story times, trivia nights and local theatre at Schiller Park.
Ethnic and cultural celebrations add to the weekend’s flavor: Columbus hosts the Furry FUN Fair and the Ghana Festival Ohio, where attendees can explore African heritage, crafts, food and live performances.
Central Ohio also welcomes Little Nashville Music Festival in Ottawa, the St. John the Baptist Summer Festival in Cincinnati, and beyond the metro area, events like Berlin Heights Basket Festival, Vintage Ohio Wine Fest, and Brick Street Block Party across the state through Aug. 3.
Weekend at a Glance
| Event | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio State Fair | Columbus | Rides, concerts, quirky foods, petting zoo, “Butter Cow” unveiling, fairgrounds |
| Dublin Irish Festival | Dublin, OH | Celtic music, dance, cultural exhibits, genealogy |
| Columbus Commons | Downtown Columbus | Picnic with the Pops, food trucks, outdoor movie night |
| Lucy Dacus @ Kemba Live | Columbus | Outdoor indie rock concert Friday night |
| Canal Winchester Blues & Ribfest | Canal Winchester | Blues bands, ribs, community festival |
| Cultural festivals | Columbus | Ghana Festival, Furry FUN Fair, farmers markets, park events |