5 Spring and Summer Festivals in the Hocking Hills

Jack Pine Glass Garden Art Festival | May 2–4

Each spring, the Jack Pine Glass Garden Art Festival delights visitors to Laurelville with thousands of hand-blown glass art pieces. Now in its third year, the free event (May 2 through 4) is the culmination of years of dedication by glassblower Jack Pine.

Pine and his artists work throughout the year to create sculptures for the festival, including over 1,000 of his studio’s signature glass pumpkins. The festival features over 20 artists and vendors showcasing art in a variety of mediums — glass, metal, wood, painting, fiber arts and ceramics — but the real highlight is the captivating glass-blowing demonstrations.

“You’re watching these skilled artisans take this blob of 2,000-degree, molten lava glass and transform it right before your eyes into something really beautiful,” Pine says. “It’s just amazing to watch.”

This year’s showcase includes unique sculptures, outdoor decor and the exclusive release of Pine’s annual Mother’s Day glass pumpkin. Foodies can also indulge in the Taste of Morels event on Friday, during which vendors prepare sample dishes featuring prized morel mushrooms. 

“They only grow for a very short time in the spring,” Pine says of the mushroom that is a forager favorite. “It’s not something you can find at the grocery store.” 21397 St. Rte. 180, Laurelville 43135; glassgardenfestival.com

Logan Washboard Arts and Music Festival | June 5–7

The Logan Washboard Arts and Music Festival (June 5 through 7) celebrates music, art and small-town living all through the city’s claim to fame as the home of the last remaining operational washboard factory in the United States.  

“When the original organizers put the festival together, they wanted to focus on something unique about the city of Logan,” says Andy Good, festival board president. 

What began as a small downtown event has become a festival that attracts over 10,000 people annually. While washboard music remains a highlight, the festival expanded in 2022 to include artists such as stone and wood carvers and painters. Visitors can also tour the factory and even buy a washboard to take home.

Thursday night features gospel music, followed by a weekend of live folk and Americana music on two stages. There’s also a parade, craft vendors and great food and drinks — all within a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, so attendees can sip and stroll.

“We’re a big tourist area with the Hocking Hills,” Good says of the city of Logan. “But the Washboard Festival is the No. 1 event supported by locals. We want people to come and experience what locals love about this community.” Main Street, Logan 43138, loganwashboardfestival.com

Garden Art Happening at Hocking House | June 28–29

Since the 1990s, artist Jean Magdich has invited visitors to her annual Garden Art Happening at Hocking House. This casual weekend festival (June 28 and 29) showcases Magdich’s sculptures in the tranquil surroundings of her 2-acre garden. What began as a private creative space has blossomed into a beloved tradition where visitors can explore a serene botanical atmosphere. The event has a laid-back vibe, allowing visitors to stroll through the gardens, unwind on patios and enjoy refreshments. 

“It’s a really easygoing, no stress kind of situation,” Magdich says. 

Over the years, Magdich has expanded the garden with new sculptures, pottery and plants. She also collaborates with local artists to offer a variety of handmade crafts. Hocking House is home to Magdich’s fine art craft gallery, which features her signature pieces, including handmade terra-cotta stepping stones, garden art sculptures and porcelain plates. Highlights include her popular terra-cotta green men and unique porcelain watering cans.

“The garden has grown through the years, and it’s helped me keep making new and different things,” Magdich says. “I find the pieces I make for myself for the garden are also the things that people want.” 29580 Big Pine Rd., Logan 43138, hockinghouse.com

Hocking Hills Medieval Festival | Aug. 23–24

Heed the call to embrace adventure at the Hocking Hills Medieval Fest (Aug. 23 and 24). What started as a small gathering at Brewery 33 in Logan has grown into a thriving festival — now hosted at the Hocking County Fairgrounds — that is expected to host between 15,000 and 20,000 attendees this year.

Founded in 2023 by passionate Renaissance fairgoers Kevin and Juanita Knight, the event was born of their love for medieval culture, and attendees will feel as though they’ve stepped into another time. One of the festival’s highlights is the armored combat duels. 

“We have armored combat fighters come from all over Ohio and bash each other for your enjoyment,” says Kevin, who also participates as a fighter.

The festival features entertainment for all ages, including the Singing Sirens comedy group, a medieval-style circus and a family-friendly sword challenge where kids can battle with realistic-looking foam weapons. Visitors can also browse the wares of medieval-themed vendors that sell chain mail, jewelry, swords, leather goods and other period-inspired items. 

“It’s great seeing all the families dress up to come to escape their crazy, realistic lives and get to be medieval for a day,” Kevin says. 100 N. Homer Ave., Logan 43138, explorehockinghills.com

Lilyfest | July 11–13

Originally a small gathering of five artists, Lilyfest has blossomed over the years to feature more than 60 vendors. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Bishop Educational Gardens, the event (July 11 through 13) attracts around 5,000 attendees each year.

Founded in 1992 by retired art teachers Bobbi and Bruce Bishop, Lilyfest was born from an artistic vision for their 40-acre property. The couple transformed the land into stunning flower and water gardens that are now owned by the Hocking Soil and Water Conservation District. 

“I still try to maintain the gardens with local high school kids,” Bobbi says. “I hire them for the summer and they keep me young.”

According to Bobbi, some attendees are initially apprehensive as they drive the winding country roads to find the festival in Rockbridge. But once they arrive, the serenity of the gardens, trees and flowers puts them at ease. 

“They get here, open their car doors and step out, and you can actually see them relax,” she says. 

The event features live artisan demonstrations, juried art, folk music, drum circles, plant sales and a gnome and fairy trail for kids. One of the highlights is the Lost Viking Hoard Encampment, which showcases Viking cooking, tents and blacksmithing. 13200 Little Cola Rd., Rockbridge 43149, lilyfest.com 

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