Ohio festivals provide endless summer fun

In Ohio summer brings a variety of new and treasured festivals taking place in every corner of the state.

From celebrations of arts, culture and music to Tall Ships, football and twins, there is no better way to experience warm weekends than with one-of-a-kind gatherings.This summer offers plenty of opportunities to explore Ohio's festivals and events.

"Whether you're looking to reconnect with family, catch up with friends or just enjoy time in the outdoors, Ohio summer festivals and events are a great way to experience everything our state has to offer," said Interim State Tourism Director Pat Barker.

Following is a sampling of Ohio's diverse summer festivals and events. For more ideas on places to experience, visit DiscoverOhio.com, follow us on Twitter at @DiscoverOhio or like us on Facebook. For a full list of Ohio festivals this summer, please visit Discover Ohio's Festival page and the Spring/Summer Calendar of Events.

Arts and Culture 

June 8: Parade the Circle, Cleveland
This much-anticipated summer event features a diverse parade brought to life by vibrant floats and colorful costumes, musicians, dancers and even puppets. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at University Circle with live music, delectable food and activities for all.

July 12-14: Bunbury Music Festival, Cincinnati
Bunbury has quickly become one of the top music events in Ohio! Eighty live performances will take place throughout the weekend in Cincinnati. This year's lineup includes Fun, MGMT, Twenty One Pilots and The National.

July 26-27: Macy's Music Festival, Cincinnati
Gather in the Queen City for this time-honored celebration of music that showcases the best artists in R&B, jazz, soul and hip-hop, as well as up-and-coming artists. This year's lineup includes Bootsy Collins, Tyreese, Fantaisia, Jill Scott and more.

August 10-11: Festival Latino, Columbus
Experience traditional and contemporary Latin American culture through lively music and dance performances, educational workshops and authentic cuisine.

Family Fun 

July 4-7: Port of Cleveland 2013 Tall Ships Festival, Cleveland
A fleet of 10 to 12 Tall Ships will dock in Cleveland for a four-day nautical celebration. Visitors can board vessels, meet the crews, learn about maritime heritage and more.

July 19-August 5: Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, Canton
Celebrate the legends of one of America's favorite pastimes during this two-week celebration of 19 events during the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 50th anniversary. Share in the excitement during a community parade, ribs burn off, a Balloon Class Invitational, the NFL/Hall of Fame football game and more.

July 24-August 4: Ohio State Fair, Columbus
There truly is something for everybody at the Ohio State Fair. Learn about agriculture and watch champion 4-H animals and handlers from across the state compete for top honors, enjoy roving performances by the Ohio State Fair Band and Choir or take in a growing fine arts show and competition. Go for a paddle or just relax in the eight-acre natural resources park, get your sports fix from wrestling and boxing to baton twirling and cheerleading, take a ride on the midway and finish off the evening with a concert.

August 2-4: Twins Days Festival, Twinsburg
It's twice the fun when thousands of identical and fraternal pairs, as well as other multiples, descend on Twinsburg for the "Largest Annual Gathering of Twins in the World!" Those in attendance will enjoy games, a 5K Race/Walk, fireworks and other activities during the weekend.

Ohio's Great Outdoors 

June 14-16: Festival of the Fish, Vermilion
Spend Father's Day weekend at this festival dedicated to Lake Erie perch. Chow down on a tasty fish sandwich, browse the outdoor marketplace and enter the fishing contest or a crazy craft boat race. A lighted boat parade will bring the affair full circle. 

June 22-23: Vectren Dayton Air Show, Dayton
Watch in amazement as pilots and aerobatic teams conquer the skies during this annual air show including aerobatic teams, World War II planes, helicopter rides, jet demonstrations, amazing stunt pilots, a display of static aircraft and more high-flying activities.

July 6-7: Toledo Lighthouse Waterfront Festival, Toledo
Become part of Toledo's nautical tradition at this waterfront fest, which offers island-themed music, food, arts and crafts, kids' activities, a silent auction, a photo contest and boat rides around the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse.

August 9-11: Flag City Balloon Fest, Findlay
Go for a high-flying ride during this annual festival, where more than 40 air balloons of all colors, patterns, shapes and even characters take to the skies of Findlay. Stay grounded with a classic car show, corn hole tournament, 5K Run/Walk and a coloring contest.

August 10: Tour Du Towpath, Canal Fulton
Embark on a 35-mile, 20-mile or 8-mile bicycling journey along the portion of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail that winds through Summit County. Afterwards, a barbecue lunch will reward tired riders in Canal Fulton.

About the Office of TourismOhio 
The Office of TourismOhio is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio's vibrant tourism experiences, attractions and economy. Tourism marketing programs contributed to an estimated $40 billion in sales from visitor spending in 2011. A part of the Ohio Development Services Agency, the Office's mission is to market and celebrate Ohio's unique travel opportunities and promote the State's outstanding quality of life.