102 Days & Nights of Summer (2016)

MAY

May 27
The town once considered the moonshine capital of the world is a fitting spot for the New Straitsville Moonshine Festival. This Perry County event brings on the fun with food, two parades and a working moonshine still. You can even taste the spirit for yourself at the Straitsville Special Distillery. May 26–30, explorehockinghills.com

May 28
Pig out at Berea’s National Rib Cook-off as 13 teams compete for best ribs, best sauce and people’s choice. Plus, there’s live entertainment, family activities, inflatables and a rock climbing wall. May 27–30, berearib.com

May 29
The sign as you enter Waynesville reads, “Antiques Capital of the Midwest.” And while the city’s fine antiques shops and malls are open year-round, you’d be smart to schedule a visit to coincide with the annual Old Main Street Antique Show. waynesvilleshops.com

May 30
The roller coasters keep getting taller, faster and steeper along the shores of Lake Erie. Cedar Point’s newest ride, Valravn, promises to be a monster of folkloric proportions, with a downright scary 214-foot-long vertical drop. cedarpoint.com

May 31
Traverse the untamed wilderness, from the Everglades to Yosemite, in “National Parks Adventure” at COSI in Columbus. The immersive 3-D adventure celebrates the centennial of the U.S. National Park Service. Through Sept. 5, cosi.org

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For Pete’s Sake
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, June 24­–26

His clutch hitting, dynamic base running and competitive spirit earned him one of baseball’s most iconic nicknames: Charlie Hustle. In 1976, Pete Rose was the catalyst for one of the most dominant teams in the history of the game as the Cincinnati Reds rolled to the National League pennant and swept the New York Yankees to win the World Series. Rose, the Queen City native who went on to become baseball’s all-time hit leader, will be honored along with the Big Red Machine at Great American Ball Park during a weekend series with the San Diego Padres. — Barry Goodrich

Flashback Friday: An on-field ceremony will reunite members of the 1976 Reds prior to the Friday night game. “That [1976] season was very important for the club, because they had just won the World Series the year before,” says Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum executive director Rick Walls. The Reds will wear their 1976 throwback uniforms, and all fans will receive a 1976 team photo. Fireworks will cap off the night.

Hall Pass: Rose will be the lone player in the Reds’ 2016 Hall of Fame class when he is inducted during a pregame ceremony before the Saturday afternoon game. “It’s appropriate that the stage will be his and his alone,” says Walls. All fans in attendance will receive a commemorative Rose poster featuring baseball cards from throughout his career.

Lucky Number: The nostalgic weekend concludes when Rose’s No. 14 jersey is officially retired in a pregame ceremony before the Sunday afternoon contest. All fans at the game will take home a special Pete Rose print. That night, Rose will hold court during an event at the Duke Energy Convention Center, with all proceeds going to benefit the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. Great American Ball Park, 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati 45202, 513/765-7000, cincinnati.reds.mlb.com

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JUNE
June 1
Roll into Kelleys Island on two wheels for the Ohio Bike Week Dice Run, featuring a scavenger hunt and plenty of time to soak in island life. The largest motorcycle rally in the Midwest provides an entire week of entertainment, bike shows and more. May 27–June 5, ohiobikeweek.com

June 2
Northeast Ohio’s crooked river winds through deep forests, farmlands and rolling hills, creating an idyllic backdrop for biking in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Hop on the Towpath Trail for a ride along the route of the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. nps.gov/cuva

June 3
Prepare yourself for celebrity sightings at Cincinnati’s Bunbury Music Festival. The lineup of acts performing on the event’s three stages includes The Killers, Florence + The Machine, Mudcrutch, Ice Cube, Of Monsters and Men, The Neighbourhood, Elle King and many more. June 3–5, bunburyfestival.com

June 4
From turned wood to quirky jewelry, the 10th annual Main Street Kent Art and Wine Festival is as much a place of inspiration as it is a chance to find the perfect gift. Plus, a handful of northeast Ohio wineries will be on hand to help you unwind. mainstreetkent.org

June 5
Large fields filled with aromatic blooms inspired Van Wert’s first Peony Festival in 1932. Today, the annual event continues on with two parades, a children’s fishing derby, an art show, garden tours and a variety of entertainment. June 3–5, vwpeonyfestival.com

June 6
Summer brings a few fresh faces to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (hint: the lion pride has grown by six), plus more family fun (story below).

June 7
Get a dose of pure artistic expression when Blue Man Group performs at Toledo’s Stranahan Theater. The energetic crew delivers music with a splash of color, technology and comedy. blueman.com

June 8
Forget elaborate sets and stylized lighting. The 12-day Cincinnati Fringe Festival features more than 200 performances in a variety of genres at nontraditional spaces, including bars, churches and coffee shops, as well as a few theater stages. May 31–June 11, cincyfringe.com

June 9
Bright, rainbow-colored balloons have been floating over the hills and valleys of Coshocton for 35 years, thanks to the Hot Air Balloon Festival. The weekend also promises ground-level fun, including entertainment, carnival rides, fireworks, a night glow and an antiques flea market. June 9–11, visitcoshocton.com

June 10
Take in the smooth sounds as the Canton Blues Fest hosts 18 artists on two stages. Memphis vocalist and harmonica player Brandon Santini headlines Friday, and Billboard blues-chart-topper Samantha Fish caps the lineup. June 10–11, cantonbluesfest.com

June 11
The red, seed-speckled star of summer fruits meets Welsh heritage at Shandon’s Old-Fashioned Strawberry Festival. Dine on hot-pressed chicken, homemade shortcakes and ice cream before exploring the local shops. Then, kick back and enjoy traditional live Welsh harp and organ music. gettothebc.com

June 12
Whether you’re a beginner seeking the tame waters of Put-in-Bay Harbor or a seasoned paddler ready to traverse miles of coastline, the Lake Erie islands provide a range of kayaking options. Make a weekend of it. Camp out and join the party during the South Bass Island Kayak Rendezvous. June 10–12, sbikayakrendezvous.com

June 13
Isolated by the Hocking Hills, Logan grew slowly until the Hocking Canal and the railroads came through town. Celebrate the community’s history, beauty and growth with guided historic tours, parades, a Prohibition party and more during the Logan Bicentennial Celebration. Various events throughout the summer, logan200.com

June 14
Roll up your sleeves during Sauder Village’s Agriculture Adventures. The living history village offers visitors the opportunity to experience rural life in Ohio 100 years ago, including the chance for guests to take part in hands-on demonstrations. June 14–19, saudervillage.org

June 15
In the shadow of the world’s largest outdoor chandelier, another is poised to crash to the stage during “The Phantom of the Opera.” Fall under the spell of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s love story and the music of the night at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. June 15–July 10, playhousesquare.org

June 16
Soak in summer evenings during Music, Flowers and a Sunset, Vermilion’s third Thursday concert series. More than 10 artists perform throughout the season, spanning rock, jazz, country and ethnic genres, and the lakeside town’s shops and restaurants open their doors. May–September, vermilionchamber.net

June 17
Even seasoned beer lovers are bound to find a new brew at Jungle Jim’s International Beer Festival. The two-night affair features 100 breweries and more than 400 beers, plus pub grub to snack on between swigs. June 17–18, junglejims.com

June 18
The mountain dulcimer, ukulele and penny whistle aren’t your typical band instruments, but you’ll find them at the Coshocton Dulcimer Days Festival. Concerts and jam sessions add to the celebration of Appalachian heritage. June 17–19, coshoctondulcimerdays.com

June 19
Nathan Stanley made his debut with his grandpa and music icon, Dr. Ralph Stanley, at age 2. He takes the stage at Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre as part of The Clinch Mountain Boys. The Grammy-nominated group Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver will join them. tecumsehdrama.com
 
June 20
Enjoy the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and other greats during Monday Night Jazz. The 21-piece Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra picks up the tempo each week at the Clintonville Woman’s Club. famousjazzorchestra.com
 
June 21
Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the Marblehead Lighthouse, which has guided sailors past the peninsula since 1822. After your tour, don’t miss the museum located next door to learn more about the Great Lakes’ oldest continuously operating lighthouse. parks.ohiodnr.gov/marbleheadlighthouse
 
June 22
Ringo Starr gets by with a little help from his friends — his All-Starr Band, that is. The former Beatle stops at Cincinnati’s PNC Pavilion during his new North American Tour. riverbend.org

June 23
Get in on the drama at Columbus’ Schiller Park. The Actors’ Theatre presents four outdoor performances throughout the summer, including “The Countess of Monte Cristo,” a swashbuckling tale of one woman’s vengeance. June 23–July 17, theactorstheatre.org
 
June 24
Mingle with more than 200 artists on the manicured grounds of the Toledo Botanical Garden during the annual Crosby Festival of the Arts. This art show includes a Friday Preview Party, offering an early glimpse of the weekend’s treasures. July 24–26, toledogarden.org

June 25
Party into the night at Solstice, the Cleveland Museum of Art’s signature summer event. This year, the music and dancing falls during the museum’s Centennial Festival Weekend, which features additional activities, tours and a Cleveland Orchestra concert. clevelandart.org
 
June 26
The Cincinnati Reds have a whole weekend of activities on deck in tribute to Pete Rose (story above).
 
June 27
Fine-tune your warbler call. Magee Marsh is a premier location for birding in Ohio, especially on the boardwalk, a nearly mile-long pathway bordering the forest edge. mageemarsh.org

June 28
It’s been more than five decades since Bob Dylan released his debut album, but the legendary singer-songwriter hasn’t stopped touring. Dylan hits a couple Ohio venues this summer, including Kettering’s Fraze Pavilion. fraze.com
 
June 29
The 80-foot-long porch of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes’ home sets the scene for the Verandah Concerts. Arrive early for an ice cream social. Then pick your spot on the Spiegel Grove lawn. Biweekly June 15­­­–Aug. 24, rbhayes.org

June 30
Inspiration takes many forms at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. The Butterfly Garden attracts winged friends, the Art Garden features contemporary works and the Kitchen Garden is home to seasonal produce you just might want to plant in your own yard. cbgarden.org 

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Call of the Wild
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is roaring into summer with a few new additions.
 
On the Savanna: Adult lions lounge around 20 hours a day, but last August welcomed six babies to the pride. And Adam Felts, curator of Heart of Africa, says the cubs are much more active. “It’s fun to watch the different social dynamics that are happening as they grow up,” Felts says. As summer continues, the zoo will also introduce this spring’s babies to the public, including Nora the polar bear and three tiger cubs.
 
Life Aquatic: Get another dimension to your moviegoing experience with the new 4-D Theater in the Shores region. For the May grand opening, films such as “Happy Feet” and “Ice Age” will be reimagined and presented as 8- to 12-minute features. “4-D is the fourth dimension, which could be any type of Earth element,” says director of operations Andrew Cloyd. “Something that would be happening on the screen that you would feel on your body.” So when the penguin slides and lands in a pool of water, you’ll feel a splash, too.
 
Wild Ride: The Pirate Island attraction you already love is getting an upgrade. The 6- to 7-minute boat ride features 80 life-size, animatronic characters. It also weaves through exhibits of orangutans, Komodo dragons and river otters. “If [kids] complete their Pirate Island adventure, they’ll get a prize,” explains Cloyd. “We’re changing the experience … but it’s still tied to a conservation message.” 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell 43065, 614/645-3400, columbuszoo.org  — Hallie Rybka

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JULY

July 1
Kick off Independence Day weekend at Red, White and Boom in Columbus, the largest fireworks display in the state. Whether you watch from Bicentennial Park, Columbia Gas Children’s Park or the Taste of Boom! in the city’s Arena District, you can’t miss the glowing spectacle overhead. redwhiteandboom.org

July 2
Go for a double scoop, we won’t tell. The Adena Mansion & Gardens in Chillicothe hosts a Red, White and Blue Ice Cream Social, where homemade fruit cobblers and root beer floats are the perfect accompaniment to a variety of musical performances. adenamansion.com

July 3
Relax to the soaring notes of Tchaikovsky’s “1812” Overture at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls. The Cleveland Orchestra gears up for the Fourth of July holiday with a weekend under the stars — plus fireworks to cap the program. July 2–3, clevelandorchestra.com

July 4
The spherical Peony, the weeping Horsetail and the dense burst of the Kamuro — you might not know the names of all the glowing shapes, but we bet you’ll recognize your favorites at Thunder in the Valley. The annual fireworks spectacular lights up the sky above Nelsonville. athensohio.com

July 5
Immerse yourself in the quiet sounds of nature at The Dawes Arboretum in Newark. The nearly 2,000 acres of horticultural beauty include the red barn area with meadows and a pond, the wildflower-filled woodlands and the serenity of the Japanese garden. dawesarb.org

July 6
Shake off your midweek stresses at Cleveland’s University Circle, as Wade Oval Wednesdays return with a fresh lineup of weekly entertainment ranging from rock and reggae to Motown and jazz. June 15–Aug. 31, universitycircle.org

July 7
Take a walk on the wild side at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and check out the Animal Encounter Shows, such as the cheetah run. The furry predator typically found on the African savanna can sprint up to 70 miles per hour over short distances, making it the fastest animal on land. cincinnatizoo.org

July 8
A wave of professional powerboat racers arrives in Marietta for the Riverfront Roar. Take your seat along the Ohio River levee to cheer on the competitors during this three-day event. July 8–10, mariettaohio.org

July 9
On your mark: Dublin Arts Council’s second annual D’art Dash 5K Run/Walk takes off today. An accompanying costume contest invites children, adults and groups to flaunt fashions inspired by a favorite artist or artwork. dublinarts.org

July 10
Experience a full range of creativity, from original fine arts and crafts to live music and dance, at Youngstown’s Summer Festival of the Arts. More than 70 regional and national artists converge, including some from local cultural institutions. July 9–10, web.ysu.edu/sfa

July 11
It’s all about the kids during Powell’s Lolli-Pops! Summer Children’s Concert Series. The energetic monthly shows take place at the Village Green Amphitheater, and a lap around the nearby playground and splash pad is half the fun. cityofpowell.us

July 12
One’s a folk rock singer-songwriter and the other is a roots string band. Brandi Carlile and Old Crow Medicine Show bring their co-headlining summer tour to Cleveland’s Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica. livenation.com

July 13
Community spirit runs deep at the Pickerington Violet Festival. Jump on the carnival rides, feast on midway fare, check out the classic vehicles at the Car & Bike Show, and rock out to musical entertainment, including Saturday’s headliner, Little River Band. July 13–16, violetfestival.org

July 14
Paddle your way to bliss during Twilight Canoe & Dinner for Two. The monthly event provides a 3-mile guided float on the Little Miami River, followed by a steak and salmon cookout and live music at Valley Vineyards in Morrow. valleyvineyards.com

July 15
Pass the butter, please. The Marietta Sweet Corn Festival pays homage to Ohio’s agricultural history (and one of our favorite summer treats) with a weekend of activities and good eats, so grab an ear and get chomping. July 15–16, mariettasweetcorn.com

July 16
As the Republican National Convention readies to gear up 60 miles to the north, visit Canton to soak in some presidential history at the McKinley National Memorial. Climb 108 steps to visit the final resting place of our 25th president. mckinleymuseum.org

July 17
Lick the heat at Lake Metroparks Farmpark’s Ice Cream Weekends. Discover how the ingredients go from cow to cone in an interactive play area, meet a couple dairy cows and even try your hand at making the sweet snack. July 16–31, lakemetroparks.com

July 18
Bottoms up! Athens’ annual Ohio Brew Week is back with a new slate of beer-centric presentations and demonstrations, Brew BQ cookouts and a home-brew competition, plus inventive twists on local dishes. The Last Call Street Festival on July 23 features more than 40 Ohio craft breweries pouring more than 75 varieties. July 15–23, ohiobrewweek.com

July 19
Pablo Picasso is best known for his abstract forms of the cubist movement. The Columbus Museum’s “Picasso: The Great War, Experimentation and Change” examines and explores fluctuations in the iconic artist’s style during the World War I era. June 10­–Sept. 11, columbusmuseum.org
 
July 20
After more than 40 years of harmonizing together, Daryl Hall & John Oates have earned their place among rock music’s iconic duos, as well as a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They perform at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center. riverbend.org
 
July 21
Small and quick, hummingbirds take a sip of nectar and move on in a flash. See the ruby-throated variety of the tiny birds at Lake Hope State Park’s Hand-feeding Hummingbirds, Thursdays through Sundays at the nature center. July 1–Sept. 5, parks.ohiodnr.gov/lakehope
 
July 22
Artists pair up with businesses to bring an influx of creativity downtown for the Lancaster Festival’s ArtWalk. Chat with juried artists on opening night. July 22–30, destinationdowntownlancaster.com

July 23
Feeling saucy? Twenty-three award-winning barbecue teams compete for your attention and best ribs bragging rights at Columbus’ Jazz & Rib Fest. The grill is hot, but the jazz is cool, so check out the regional and international acts playing on three stages. July 22–24, hotribscooljazz.org
 
July 24
The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra is showing a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin lends her powerhouse vocals to the Pops for a night of symphonic harmony under the stars at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center. cincinnatisymphony.org
 
July 25
He’s making a list and checking it twice, so work on being nice before heading to Christmas in July at West Chester’s Entertrainment Junction. Stroll through a snowy North Pole landscape to visit Santa Claus and explore the world’s largest model train display. June 27–July 31, entertrainmentjunction.com

July 26
Retreat to the cool shade of Hocking Hills State Park. The 2,356-acre gem is filled with towering cliffs, serene waterfalls and deep gorges. Take a short 1-mile trail to wind your way to one of the park’s most beloved attractions: Old Man’s Cave. parks.ohiodnr.gov/hockinghills

July 27
Twist, turn, plunge and spin on more than 60 rides at the Ohio State Fair. Cheer on speedy swine at daily pig races, chow down at the Taste of Ohio Cafe, hear Kenny Rogers live, pay a visit to the beloved butter cow, and make a memory or two to take home with you. July 27–Aug. 7, ohiostatefair.com

July 28
Three actors, 90 books and only 90 minutes: Enjoy Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s comical, compact compilation of “All the Great Books (abridged),” a journey through the world’s most beloved literature, from the Bible to Pride and Prejudice to Green Eggs and Ham. July 22–Aug. 13, cincyshakes.com

July 29
Park yourself at Limaland Motorsports Park on Fridays to catch high-speed action in a range of racing categories, including NRA 360 Sprint Cars. Visit the track today (and be sure to bring your autograph book) for Meet the Drivers Night. limaland.com

July 30
Roll Tribe! Jim Thome, Albert Belle, Frank Robinson and Charlie Jamieson will take their place among the legends in the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame. Induction night features Thome bobbleheads for 15,000 fans, plus a fireworks display after the matchup versus the Oakland A’s at Progressive Field. cleveland.indians.mlb.com

July 31
Brighten up your mood at the Frankfort Sunflower Festival. The golden-hued bloom of honor sets a cheerful tone for this annual event featuring a car show, live music, contests, games, a princess pageant and the grand parade. July 29–31, sunflowerfestival.net

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Cultural Exchange
With the dedication of the Shakespeare Garden in 1916, the Cleveland Cultural Gardens kicked off a century of celebration.

In Bloom: Filled with stone arches and fountains, 29 gardens (with eight more in the works) spring from the landscape along Martin Luther King Jr. and East boulevards on Cleveland’s east side. “There’s nothing like this in the world,” Sheila Crawford, president of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation, says of the 254-acre space. “Nobody has anything this scale, nor the length of time it’s endured.”

The Centennial: Each summer, individual gardens host events, such as opera in the Italian plot. This centennial year will introduce even more activities, including a progressive dinner and a children’s fair. “We’re going to focus on the younger generation ... to get them coming to the gardens and learning things about them.” Updates to the gardens include better signs, improved benches, new lighting and the groundbreaking for the Centennial Plaza — a space to honor those who, for the first 100 years, worked so hard on the gardens and maintained them.

Ethnic Fun: The 71st One World Day returns on Aug. 28, opening the Cleveland Cultural Gardens to visitors who can dine on traditional foods and enjoy entertainment. Kids love the passport program, which supplies a booklet that they can get stamped at each garden for completing a small task. The Naturalization Ceremony is a popular feature, as is the Parade of the Flags. “That’s been a great tradition that people really look forward to,” says Crawford. “It’s so colorful.” 216/220-3075, clevelandculturalgardens.org  — HR

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AUGUST

Aug 1
Inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding, Franklin Park Conservatory displays large-scale installations, including four cast-brass ponies, as well as gallery works at “Origami in the Garden.” May 21–Nov. 13, fpconservatory.org

Aug 2
Venture outside for lunch on Tuesdays for Findlay’s Courtyard Concerts. Local restaurants dish out the midday fuel, while area musicians take care of the entertainment. June 21–Aug. 16, visitfindlay.com

Aug 3
Is your vocabulary up to snuff? Newark’s Weathervane Playhouse presents “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” the uproarious Tony Award-winning musical. July 28–Aug. 6, weathervaneplayhouse.org

Aug 4
Cling to “Downton Abbey” a bit longer. The Taft Museum of Art’s “Dressing Downton: Changing Fashion for Changing Times” presents 36 costumes from the television drama, plus accessories and film stills. July 2–Sept. 25, taftmuseum.org

Aug 5
Tip your hat to the greats. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival in Canton welcomes a new class of inductees, and country music superstar Tim McGraw helps kick off the celebration during the Concert for Legends. profootballhoff

Aug 6
Bluegrass music meets river adventure during Canoegrass. Paddle up to the weekend-long music festival on the Great Miami River in Tipp City. You might find that you’ve floated into the best seat in the house. Aug. 5–6, canoegrass.com

Aug 7
The Dublin Irish Festival returns to central Ohio with music, dance, food, art and culture inspired by the Emerald Isle. Aug. 5–7, dublinirishfestival.org

Aug 8
A drive to Muskingum County brings families within reach of endangered species at The Wilds. Spend the night in a luxury cabin or an adults-only private yurt. thewilds.columbuszoo.org

Aug 9
Upper Arlington’s Scioto Country Club serves as the backdrop for the U.S. Senior Open Championship, where 156 professionals and amateurs will take a swing at bringing home the trophy. Aug. 8–14, ussenioropen.com 

Aug 10
Come face to face with seven large outdoor sculptures at the Toledo Museum of Art. “Jaume Plensa: Human Landscape” presents the renowned Spanish artist’s works, as well as drawings and etchings indoors. June 17–Nov. 6, toledomuseum.org

Aug 11
Hit the dirt, make some waves and work up a thirst. The Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival returns to Marietta. Aug. 11–14, rtafest.com

Aug 12
Drive through 365 acres dotted with sculptures at the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, then duck inside to see works by Alfonso Huckleberry at “Behind the Vision: From My Eyes to Yours.” July 15–Aug. 13, pyramidhill.org

Aug 13
History is alive in Summit County. Hale Farm & Village hosts its annual Civil War Re-enactment, complete with the sounds of battle and smoky scent of gunpowder. Aug. 13–14, wrhs.org

Aug 14
Stake out a spot as the Englewood Festival parade rolls down Union Boulevard. Follow the route to Centennial Park, where artisans and entertainers take over the show. Aug. 13–14, englewood.oh.us

Aug 15
Make a splash at Soak City Waterpark at Kings Island. The new Tropical Plunge offers six different slides, including one 449-foot-long enclosed chute with four 360-degree loops and a pair of dueling 337-foot-long slides. visitkingsisland.com

Aug 16
Go behind the scenes on Canton Food Tours’ Corks and Forks. Sip on a curated flight of wines as you stroll through the expansive Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography, dine at Lucca Downtown and tour the repurposed building of the Onesto Hotel. cantonfoodtours.com

Aug 17
Political zeal, scandalous affairs and classical tales populate more than 90 works at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s “Elegance and Intrigue: French Society in 18th-Century Prints and Drawings.” July 16–Nov. 6, clevelandart.org

Aug 18
Latch onto the National Tractor Pulling Championships. Bowling Green has been home to this popular motorsport competition since 1967. Aug. 18–21, pulltown.com

Aug 19
Master of the strings, Jinjoo Cho once again takes the stage at Hoover Auditorium alongside the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra. Cho is quickly establishing herself as a leading violinist of her generation. lakesideohio.com

Aug 20
Whether you believe it’s a veggie or fruit, the tomato is a summertime favorite. Enter your garden’s bounty in the contests at the Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival. Aug. 19–20, reynoldsburgtomatofestival.org

Aug 21
What began as a morning love affair has become a welcome addition to any dish. Kettering’s Bacon Fest invites chefs to showcase their creative takes on the savory staple. fraze.com

Aug 22
Miami Valley has 330 miles of trails to traverse on two wheels. Mount your bicycle and hop on the Little Miami Scenic Trail, a 75-mile route with great stops along the way. miamivalleytrails.org

Aug 23
The arts flourish in our capital city. Explore the Short North Arts District to discover oil paintings, glass mosaics, cutting-edge contemporary pieces and other works at the neighborhood’s galleries and hotels. shortnorth.org

Aug 24
Put your scouting skills to the test. Wayne National Forest welcomes both primitive and dispersed camping, and the park includes more than 300 miles of trails for hiking, biking, ATV riding and more. fs.usda.gov/wayne

Aug 25
Find a new treasure at the Port Clinton Art Walk. Every fourth Thursday from May to October, Ottawa County artists line the streets to showcase their creations. ottawacountyarts.org

Aug 26
With the days of summer waning, Darius Rucker rolls into Blossom Music Center to keep the party going. The former lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish will show off his southern roots at the outdoor venue. livenation.com

Aug 27
The sky’s the limit at Wings & Warbirds Over Port Clinton. The popular event returns to the Erie-Ottawa International Airport with a lineup of aircraft, full-scale World War II warbird demonstrations and a radio-controlled air show. Aug. 27–28

Aug 28
Travel around the globe during One World Day at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens (story above).

Aug 29
Fort Ancient’s SunWatch Indian Village and Archaeological Park brings Native American culture to life through a partially reconstructed village, interpretive center and exhibits. sunwatch.org

Aug 30
Before Dorothy ever set foot in the land of Oz, a fiery girl with emerald green skin was also trying to find her way. Experience the enchanting story of Broadway’s “Wicked” at Columbus’ Ohio Theatre. Aug. 17–Sept. 4, columbus.broadway.com

Aug 31
Take the leap with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours. The original canopy tour includes 10 zip lines, five skybridges and a rappelling finale. Don’t close your eyes! You’ll miss the views of caves, rock cliffs and the Hocking River as you travel through the treetops. hockinghillscanopytours.com

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Sept 1
Washington Park is an 8-acre gem in the heart of Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Visit on a Thursday evening to let loose on the playground and splash in the fountains before listening to bluegrass, roots and Americana music at the park’s bandstand. washingtonpark.org

Sept 2
Feel the rumble of galloping horses and live military cannons. “Tecumseh!” delivers the drama and life story of the Shawnee leader under the stars at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre. June 10–Sept. 3, tecumsehdrama.com

Sept 3
Roll into the Milan Melon Festival, which dishes out its famed melon ice cream. Summer never tasted so good. Sept. 3–5, milanmelonfestival.org

Sept 4
From flavor-infused syrups to aromatic soaps to colorful glass, discover the bounty of treasures created right here in the Buckeye State. Shop and admire the range of wares at the Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival set at the 90-acre historic Hale Farm & Village. Sept. 3–4, madeinohiofestival.org

Sept 5
Spanakopita or a baklava sundae? Try both! Columbus’ Greek Festival is serving up an impressive menu of authentic eats, plus a weekend filled with traditional music and dancing, exhibits, cathedral tours and shopping. Sept. 2–5, columbusgreekfestival.com