May 25
Sing along to patriotic songs and hear marches dedicated to all branches of the military, veterans and their families during the Cleveland Pops Orchestra’s 12th Annual Salute to Our Armed Forces. 216/765-7677, clevelandpops.com

May 26
The Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival is a scream for all ages. Come see the parade, participate in contests, enjoy live entertainment, shop vendor booths and, of course, eat ice cream. uticaoldfashionedicecreamfestival.com

May 27
Enjoy music, dances, activities, games and food at the annual Asian Festival in Columbus. 614/451-3550, asian-festival.org

May 28
Mark the planting season at Flower Day Weekend at the Toledo Farmers Market, where you’ll find hundreds of plants, as well as crafts and food for sale. 419/255-6765, toledofarmersmarket.com

May 29
Hop on your hog and head to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington to see a sampling of the 43 different models produced in Marysville at the exhibit “30-Year Ride: Honda’s Ohio-Made Motorcycles.” 614/856-2222, motorcyclemuseum.org

May 30
Travel to Oz for “Wicked,” the untold story of the witches of Oz, showing at the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center in Dayton. It’s a vibrant show filled with music and dancing as a story unfolds about two girls who become unlikely friends. 937/228-3630, victoriatheatre.com

May 31
Watch the first of four tournament rounds at the 2012 Memorial Golf Tournament in Dublin. 800/245-8387, irishisanattitude.com

June 1
Make the 45th Summerfair at Coney Island in Cincinnati your official kick-off to summer. Admire the work of more than 300 craftspeople and fine artists showcasing paintings, photography, ceramics, leather, jewelry and more. 513/531-0050, summerfair.org

June 2
The Chillicothe Paints take on the Slippery Rock Sliders from Pennsylvania at their home field, the V.A. Memorial Stadium. 740/773-TEAM, chillicothepaints.com

June 3
A trip to the Paul A. Johnson Pencil Sharpener Museum in Logan is worth the drive. The collection, which consists of more than 3,300 unique sharpeners made of wood, glass, metal and plastic, took nearly 30 years to complete and is now on display at the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center. 740/385-9706, 1800hocking.com

June 4
Take your family out to the ballgame to see the Toledo Mud Hens play the Buffalo Bisons at Fifth Third Field. 419/725-4367, milb.com

June 5
Solve a ballpark-themed thriller during Mayhem and Mystery Dinner Theater’s “Baseball Battle” at Spaghetti Warehouse in Columbus. Enjoy the interactive performance and a three-course meal with the show. 614/464-0143, experiencecolumbus.com

June 6
At “The Power of the Purse” in Wilmington, see how handbag trends have evolved and study different styles carried by both men and women throughout the years. 937/382-4684

June 7
Stop by Dalton for the Amish Country Quilt Show, where quilters can find sewing machines, quilting supplies and fabric patterns or take classes from leading quilting educators. 412/372-8130, amishcountryquiltshow.com

June 8
Get ready for a finger-lickin’ good time at Marietta’s fourth annual Brick Street BBQ. Taste competitors’ barbecue recipes and judge them for yourself. 740/885-8194, brickstreetbbq.com

June 9
It’s about more than just the cracklins at Harrod’s Pork Rind Heritage Festival. Taste a variety of freshly made flavors and enjoy a cruise-in, parade, tournaments and live entertainment. 419/648-5091, rudolphfoods.com

June 10
Wilmington, the birthplace of banana splits, hosts the 18th annual Banana Split Festival featuring live music, a classic car show, a banana-split-eating contest and a booth to make your own. 937/382-1965, bananasplitfestival.com

June 11
Visit the new Cedar Point attraction Dinosaurs Alive on Adventure Island in Sandusky. This prehistoric learning experience lets guests control interactive dinosaurs and discover “artifacts” to take home. 419/627-2350, cedarpoint.com

June 12
Arts lovers should check out The View at Rosewood Gallery in Kettering. The juried show presents traditional, contemporary and abstract views of landscapes, world issues and environmental concerns in a variety of mediums. 937/296-0294, ketteringoh.org

June 13
Head over to Sunrise Farm in Burton to Pick Your Own Strawberries during peak season. While there, browse for fresh produce in the gourmet shop or home décor in the gift shop. 440/834-1298, sunrisefarmgifts.com

June 14
Sauder Village Dairy Days in Archbold celebrates National Dairy Month with butter- and ice cream-making demonstrations, hands-on activities and historical recipes. 800/590-9755, saudervillage.org

June 15
The Revolutionary War frontier comes to life in “Trumpet in the Land” at New Philadelphia’s Schoenbrunn Amphitheatre. See the exciting tale performed in the same hills where the story took place. 330/339-1132, trumpetintheland.com

June 16
Waldo’s family-owned Shamrock Vineyard provides a fun night of catered food, dulcimer music and, of course, wine at the Annual Twilight Dinner. 740/726-2883, shamrockvineyard.com

June 17
Enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars as the Springfield Symphony Orchestra plays a Summer Arts Festival concert at Turner Pavilion in Springfield’s Veteran’s Park. 866/324-2712, springfieldartscouncil.org

June 18
Grab a book at the Hudson Library and Historical Society and cool off with an iced coffee in their Brewster Café. 330/653-6658, hudsonlibrary.org

June 19
Grandparents’ Day at Young’s Dairy Jersey in Yellow Springs offers activities like wagon rides, batting cage practice and a petting zoo. Enjoy a meal with your family and top it off with homemade ice cream. 937/325-0629, youngsdairy.com

June 20
Relax to the sounds of the Fostoria Community Band on a summer evening. Hear everything from hymns to show tunes at the Verandah Concert at Spiegel Grove in Fremont, which follows an old-fashioned ice cream social. 800/998-7737, rbhayes.org

June 21
Life on the home front during World War II comes alive through the eyes of a child in the “American Girl Movie” at New Concord’s John and Annie Glenn Historic Site. 740/826-3305, johnglennhome.org

June 22
Tents and campers are welcome at Penitentiary Glen Reservation’s The Big Campout! It’s Kirtland’s weekend-long campout for families, complete with nature hikes and roasting marshmallows. 800/669-9226, lakemetroparks.com

June 23
See age-old competitions such as the highland dance, bagpipes, drums and athletic contests at the Annual Scottish Games in Wellington, which also feature animals, a living-history troupe and a genealogist. 440/942-6362, ohioscottishgames.com

June 24
Approximately 100 teams from Ohio and Indiana compete at the American Youth Basketball Tour in Sidney. All skill levels can play, which means the competition gets heated. 866/892-9122, visitsidneyshelby.com

June 25
Come thirsty for craft beer: On Monday, Ohio Brew Week in Athens features a keg-tapping ceremony. Throughout the week, participate in tastings, parings, festivals and competitions. 740/591-8707, ohiobrewweek.com

June 26
Herb Society of America member Carol Braverman speaks at Rose — Herb of the Year 2012 at the Independence Library. Learn about the rose’s history, culinary and medicinal uses, and cultivation techniques. 216/447-0160, cuyahoga.lib.oh.us

June 27
Explore a Roman city’s history during “A Day in Pompeii” at the Cincinnati Museum Center. The exhibit features artifacts left behind after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D. 800/733-2077, cincymuseum.org

June 28
The growing pains of eight children during the 1950s are chronicled in “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?” See the musical at Amherst’s Workshop Players Theatre. 440/988-5613 workshopplayers.com

June 29
The Powell Festival lights up the center of downtown with music, vendors, a beer garden, animals and games. 614/396-3336, visitpowell.com

June 30
Grab a date and head to the Romantic Moonlight Serenade Wine Tasting at the Wilderness Center in Wilmot. Tickets cover concert admission, food and keepsake wine glasses. 330/359-5235, wildernesscenter.org

July 1
Expect ethnic music on multiple stages, dancing in the streets and arts from around the world at Dayton’s annual Cityfolk Festival. Interactive workshops and children’s activities fill the day and fireworks light up the night. 937/223-3655, cityfolk.org

July 2
Drive or walk through the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton. See and feed zebras, giraffes, camels and alpacas and check out animal rides, shows and races. 419/732-3606, africansafariwildlifepark.com

July 3
Magicians, dancers, bands, performing arts groups, a parade and, of course, fireworks, fill the day at Red, White and Boom! in Columbus, 614/299-9221, redwhiteandboom.org

July 4
It’s a little slice of American life: Celebrate Independence Day with a pancake breakfast followed by a parade, street fair, auto show, children’s activities and fireworks at Centerville’s Americana Festival. 937/433-5898, americanafestival.org

July 5
Historical agricultural equipment serves as the backdrop for Farm Power of the Past in Greenville, which offers machinery demonstrations, a car show, flea market and craft vendors, plus live entertainment and tractor pulls. 937/548-3709, greenvillefarmpower.org

July 6
View nine full-length films as well as a variety of short movies from local and national filmmakers at the second annual Northwest Ohio Independent Film Festival in Lima. 419/979-9692, nwoff.org

July 7
Some 1,500 street rods and classic cars descend on Dublin each year for the Classic Auto Show and Cruise-In. Come see the cars and stay for the oldies concert in the evening. 800/245-8387, arthritisautoshow.com

July 8
More than 50 dealers from several states showcase collections of antiques, folk art, clothing, jewelry and more at the Mid-Summer Antique Fest in Milan. 419/499-4001, milanarea.com

July 9
A Sky Full of Cranes — the Japanese symbol of peace and hope — is a Wilmington event honoring those who lost their lives 67 years ago during Hiroshima. Walk among the paper cranes and along a path of lanterns lit in memory of those who died. 937/382-6661, wilmington.edu/qhc

July 10
Pottery Lovers Week in Zanesville celebrates all things ceramic with shows, sales and meet-and-greet opportunities with artists and authors. 740/872-3143, visitzanesville.com

July 11
See Columbus from a different angle during a Capital City Tour. Explore historical sites, factories, local restaurants and tea rooms, or customize your own visit. 614/326-0942, capcitytours.com

July 12
The Whiz Bang Science Show at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster is a night of free family entertainment designed to engage children in the world around them. 330/464-2148, waynecountycvb.org

July 13
Sample regional wines paired with local food at the 10th annual North Market Food and Ohio Wine Festival in Columbus. 614/463-9664, northmarket.com

July 14
Meet past residents of Warren County at the Lantern Light Cemetery Tour in Lebanon. Seventeen “ghosts” tell old tales as a historian guides the way. 513/932-1817, wchsmuseum.org

July 15
Head to Huron for the annual River Fest celebration. Enjoy an animal parade, car show, live entertainment and concessions in a beautiful setting. huronriverfest.com

July 17
Listen to The Magic Buttons play traditional polka and waltzes during the 2012 Lakefront Summer Concert Series in Geneva-on-the-Lake. 440/466-8600, visitgenevaonthelake.com

July 16
It’s a race to the finish line as national and international winners converge on Akron to compete in the All-American Soap Box Derby Championship Week. aasbd.org

July 18
Help celebrate Wapakoneta’s heritage during the Summer Moon Festival. In honor of Neil Armstrong, participate in a moon rock hunt, MoonPie eating contest and rocket-building activities. 419/738-2911, summermoonfestival.com

July 19
Enjoy a festive atmosphere at the 45th Annual St. Demetrios Church Greek Festival in Warren. Aside from Greek food and pastries, visitors will enjoy rides, games and music. 330/394-9021, stdemetrioswarren.org

July 20
More than 65 hot air balloons fill the sky during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic in North Canton. Earthbound attendees can sample from a variety of food and beverage vendors and enjoy music, tours and children’s activities. 330/456-7253, profootballhoffestival.com

July 21
Head to East Fork State Park Campground in Batavia for Christmas in July. Deck the grounds with lights, wreaths and ornaments and take the kids to see Santa and the parade. 513/304-3968, visitclermontohio.com

July 22
The sixth annual Honoring Our Veterans Pow Wow in Waterford brings people together to dance to the beat of drums and browse among more than 20 booths with handmade Native American items. Children will love the storytellers, activities and dances designed just for them. 740/525-7588

July 23
Catch “fair fever” in Tiffin during the 170th Seneca County Fair. Youth teams compete in a variety of events, from pig scrambles to cheerleading contests, and everyone will love the grandstand entertainment, rodeos and tractor pulls. 419/447-7888, senecacountyfair.org

July 24
Trade the heat of the summer for the warmth of a kiln with an appointment at Clayspace in Columbus. Hands and Feet in Clay is an opportunity to turn a child’s prints into a prized plate, platter or framed piece of artwork. 614/449-8144, clayspace831.com

July 25
Living-history performances explore the lives of notable Ohioans, such as Johnny Appleseed, Margaret Blennerhassett and Chief John Logan during the Ohio Chautauqua: When Ohio Was the Western Frontier in Warren. Hands-on activities, story-tellers, lectures and exhibits round out the event. 330/675-3081,
exploretrumbullcounty.com

July 26
Every year, the Ohio State Fair in Columbus offers a variety of family entertainment. Get your thrills on more than 60 midway rides and head to Kiddieland for child-friendly entertainment. At every turn, the fair offers exhibits, shows, performers, agricultural competitions and fabulous food. 614/644-3247, ohiostatefair.com

July 27
The Carnival at Kelleys Island promises rides and games for all ages in a beautiful setting. 419/746-2360, kelleysislandchamber.com

July 28
Head to Cincinnati’s riverfront for the annual Macy’s Music Festival to hear the best in R&B, jazz, soul and hip-hop performed by popular musicians, including The O’Jays, and up-and-coming artists. 800/452-3132, macysmusicfestival.com

July 29
Each summer, dogs of all breeds compete for a variety of trophies at the AKC Dog Show in Marion. Categories include obedience, field and agility trials, and hunting, herding and tracking tests. 740/387-2394, marioncountyfairgrounds.com

July 30
Spend the day at Headlands Beach State Park in Mentor for swimming, fishing and hiking. Picnic areas, a playground and concessions also are available. 216/881-8141, dnr.state.oh.us

July 31
Take a tour of the Graeter's production facility in Columbus and cool off with a pint of black raspberry chip ice cream. 614/442-7622, graeters.com

August 1
CookInn the Garden with Chef Anthony from the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls in Logan. Learn how to prepare simple summer foods with fresh ingredients, enjoy lunch and take home recipes. 800/653-2557, innatcedarfalls.com

August 2
If you’re in the Piqua area on the first Thursday of the month, head to the Miami Valley Centre Mall to test your luck during a free bingo game. 800/348-8993, visitmiamicounty.org

August 3
It’s a bargain hunter’s dream: The World’s Largest Yard Sale, held along U.S. Rte. 127, stretches from Michigan to Alabama. Ohioans can shop for antiques, home furnishings and other treasures in Celina, or visit the website to see a full list of participating communities. 127saleohio.com

August 4
Travel past scenic woodlands along the Muskingum River during a Lorena Sternwheeler Twilight Cruise in Zanesville. All passengers receive a coupon for half off admission to the Zanesville Museum of Art. 740/455-8282, visitzanesville.com

August 5
Berlin Heights’ two basket-making businesses showcase their finest wares at the annual Basket Festival. Visitors also will enjoy parades, a quilt show, food, games and basket-making demonstrations. basketfestival.com

August 6
Take a shaded hike around Ash Cave in Logan, Ohio’s largest shelter cave. 1800hocking.com

August 7
Get “All Shook Up” in Springboro with renowned Elvis impersonator Mike Albert, who will perform with the Big “E” Band during “The Ultimate Tribute Concert” at La Comedia Dinner Theater. 937/746-4554, lacomedia.com

August 8
Children can splash and play their way through Bicentennial Park’s 15,000-square-foot fountain, located along Columbus’ Scioto Mile. FountainSide offers kids a chance to enjoy interactive water features, plus games, activities and arts and crafts. sciotomile.com

August 9
Boat or bike your way to the Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival in Marietta. Explore the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers, ride beginner, intermediate or advanced trails, and cool off with locally brewed beers. 740/538-0570, rtafest.com

August 10
The annual Germanfest Picnic brings great food, craft beers, genealogy assistance, live music, German imports and Bavarian fashions to Dayton. 937/429-9251, daytongermanclub.org

August 11
Stuffed friends receive a checkup at the Columbus Zoo’s Teddy Bear Safari. Kids can watch their bears get stitched and bandaged and see animals cool off with blocks of ice filled with treats. 614/645-3550, columbuszoo.org

August 12
Hop on over to Valley City for the annual Frog Jump Festival, where contestants compete for trophies and a grand champion title. Home-cooked meals, children’s activities and the Great Rocky River Race with floatable frogs round out the day’s entertainment. 330/483-1111, valleycity.org

August 13
Come see the players at the top of the ATP rankings matched up during the men’s and women’s main draw at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters and Women’s Open in Cincinnati. 513/651-0303, cincytennis.com

August 14
Take a peaceful ride down the Hocking River in a canoe or kayak, watch the sun set and look for wildlife during a Ladies’ Sunset Float in Logan. 740/385-0523, hockingriver.com

August 15

August 16
Don your lederhosen and prepare to eat your way through Bucyrus during the annual Bratwurst Festival. Contests, parades and entertainment surround the main attraction — a variety of locally made bratwurst cooked over open flames. 419/562-2728, bratfest.org

August 17
New Richmond’s portion of the Ohio River comes alive during River Days, an annual festival with cruises, cardboard boat races, live music, arts and crafts vendors, a petting zoo and gambling tents. 513/417-2085, newrichmond.org

August 18
Take flight in a variety of ways at the All Ohio Balloon Fest in Marysville. More than 35 balloons descend on the town, and restored World War II planes and helicopters are available for rides. Stick around for the balloon glow at dusk. 937/243-5833, allohioballoonfest.com

August 19
Head to the Nelsonville Depot for a historic train ride through the Hocking Hills. Along the way, learn about canal locks, industries and other landmarks before stopping at Robbins Crossing, a pioneer log village. 740/753-9531, 1800hocking.com

August 20
The Lorain County Fair in Wellington has it all: tractor pulls, demolition derbies, live musical entertainment, animals and fair food. 440/647-2781, loraincountyfair.com

August 21
There are a variety of boat rentals all along Lake Erie, but Blue Sky Charters in Port Clinton teaches novice anglers how to find and catch the most walleye. They’ll even bait the hook for you. 937/414-6742, blueskycharters.net

August 22
Find your inner “om” during Yoga in the Hills in Rockbridge. All experience levels are welcome to join in a refreshing outdoor exercise class in the scenic Hocking Hills. 740/653-2256, 1800hocking.com

August 23
Spend a day at the Brown County Bluegrass Festival in Georgetown for great music, or make a weekend out of it at the campgrounds and explore the historic area. 740/516-0416, browncountybluegrass.com

August 24
Celebrate Findlay’s 200th anniversary at the Bi(ke)centennial Bash and Motorcycle Ride featuring plenty of food, a cornhole tournament, raffles and games for all ages. 419/422-3315, visitfindlay.com

August 25
Hand-feed ruby-throated hummingbirds at Lake Hope State Park and learn facts and feeding tips from a park naturalist. 740/596-3030, lakehopestatepark.com

August 26
Head to the Great American Ball Park along the Ohio River to see the Cincinnati Reds play the St. Louis Cardinals. 513/381-7337, cincinnati.reds.mlb.com

August 27
Visit the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, with more than 40 tanks holding everything from native Ohio fish to tiger sharks and piranhas. 216/862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

August 28
At the Danville Farmers Market, pick up some locally grown produce along with jams, jellies, cheese and baked goods. This year, the market has added alpaca yarn, goat soap and pet treats. 740/485-9018, visitknoxohio.org

August 29
Hot, buttered corn isn’t the only highlight of the Millersport Sweet Corn Festival. Each year, visitors attend to sample a variety of food and enjoy carnival rides, square dancing, tractor pulls, historical exhibits and live country music. 740/467-3639, www.sweetcornfest.com

August 30
Enjoy free nightly entertainment along the banks of the Ohio during Portsmouth River Days, plus arts and crafts, midway rides, a parade and plenty of children’s activities. 740/353-1116

August 31
Known as a symbol of good luck, the Japanese welcoming cat, or Maneki Neko, is a common sight in Asian communities. The Feline Historical Museum in Alliance will display more than 160 sculptures of these cats in a variety of mediums and sizes during the Maneki Neko Special Collection exhibit. 330/680-4444

September 1
Tour the Geauga County countryside from a unique vantage point during Ma and Pa’s Buggy Rides in Burton. The owners drive the authentic buggies through woods, fields and along back roads. Each 30-minute ride covers about three miles. 440/548-5521, tourgeauga.com

September 2
A variety of dog races and contests for furry friends and their owners await during Max’s Flea Market and Water Dog Races in Lima. Vendors sell everything from dogs and dog food to antiques, tools and generators. 419/225-8545, maxsfleamarketandwaterdograces.com

September 3
Say goodbye to summer by camping at Caesar Creek State Park in Waynesville. Spend one last weekend boating or fishing in Caesar Creek Lake or hiking, biking and horseback riding along wooded trails. Various shelters and a lodge also are available for large gatherings. 866/644-6727, caesarcreekstatepark.com