4 Ohio Summer Festivals that Celebrate Local Heritage
From frog jumps and fried walleye to tomato wars and chicken dinners, these events embrace the heritage of the communities they call home.
Port Clinton Walleye Festival | May 22–26
Celebrate late spring in the Walleye Capital of the World during this event that started in 1981. Founded by a group of local volunteers, the festival has grown to a five-day affair that draws around 40,000 people over the course of the weekend. Each day brings headlining entertainment, as well as a Grand Parade and the Kids Fishing Derby. Plus, check out the many food vendors, including those selling fresh perch and walleye in the featured vendor tent.
portclintonchamber.com
Versailles Poultry Days | June 13–15
Once one of the largest poultry producers in the United States, the southwest Ohio community of Versailles has celebrated its heritage with an annual festival since 1952. The festival’s biggest claim to fame is its chicken dinners that are prepared and served by festival volunteers. In 2024, 39,400 chicken dinners were gobbled up by hungry attendees, making the event the largest multiday poultry festival in the nation. versaillespoultrydays.com
Valley City Frog Jump Festival | July 20
During Valley City’s 150th anniversary back in 1962, residents celebrated with a frog jump inspired by a short story from author Mark Twain. Since then, the Valley City Frog Jump Festival has been held each summer. In past years, as many as 800 frogs have faced off, and prizes are awarded for the shortest and longest jumps, with the latter being crowned the Grand Champion. Contestants are welcome to bring their own frogs to compete, or they can rent one for $5. valleycity.org/frog-jump
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Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival | Aug. 7–9
To celebrate its heritage as The Birthplace of the Tomato, Reynoldsburg hosts this festival honoring Alexander Livingston, a local horticulturalist who is credited with developing the first commercial tomato. The festival celebrating his legacy started in 1965, and traditions such as the Tomato Wars remain staples. Enjoy a tomato-growing contest (with categories like heaviest and most oddly shaped), a salsa challenge, a tomato smash for the kids and an experience where attendees can throw tomatoes at a comedian on stage. reytomatofest.com
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