Festivals that either have food as a main theme or incorporate plenty of eating.
The St. Joseph’s Ox Roast Fair is a parish festival with rides, tons of food booths and precious ox meat that is roasted in served as a dinner, a sandwich and a “sundae” over potatoes. 2026 DATE: July 17-19, 2026Location: St. Joseph Catholic Church11045 St. Joseph BlvdMantua, OH 44255Website: https://www.stjosephmantua.com/ox-roast-fair**** … Read more
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Over this weekend, powerful thunderstorms passed through the area and caused problems with many of the festivals that I attended either through delays, destruction or the cancellation of events. Please keep this in mind when reading these reviews, as my experience may not be the most typical. 2018 … Read more
This post documents my experience on June 8, 2013. In the winter of 1907, Ernest R. Hazard, owner of Hazard’s Restaurant, needed a way to lure in the students from nearby Wilmington College. In order to do this, he held a contest with his employees, bringing out various ingredients for … Read more
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I have returned to the Testicle Festival in 2017. To read that experience, please go to https://ohiofestivals.net/testicle-festival-tiro/ This post documents my experience on May 11, 2013. ******************** In the quiet town of Tiro, Ohio… …there’s a curious bar with an even more curious tradition that began 25 years … Read more
The Barnesville Pumpkin Festival embraces pumpkins with various pumpkin displays, pumpkin treats, and pumpkin vendor items. There are rides, games, live entertainment and so much more to enjoy. 2026 DATE: September 24-26, 2026Location: Downtown BarnesvilleWebsite: http://www.barnesvillepumpkinfestival.com/ **** This post documents my experience on September 30, 2012. You should never assume … Read more
The Chocolate Festival is put on by Fair and Friends Radio and consists of church, organization and vendor booths who offer chocolate sales or free chocolate samples. Entertainment, food and kids activities are also present. 2025 DATE: October 4, 2025Location: Montgomery County Fairgrounds645 Infirmary RdDayton, OH 45417Website: https://www.facebook.com/faithandfriends**** This post … Read more
AUTHOR’S NOTE: For photos of my 2017 visit, please go to https://ohiofestivals.net/hamburger-festival-update This post documents my experience on August 19, 2012. ******************** In 1884, Ohio’s own Menches Brothers were selling sausage patty sandwiches at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, NY when they suddenly ran out of pork. They asked their supplier to butcher … Read more
The Swanton Corn Festival is large festival filled with activities and plenty of local food and gift vendors. One of their big draws is definitely the car show. 2026 DATE: August 8, 2026Location: Swanton Memorial Park S. Main St (Between W. Garfield Ave and Parkview Dr)Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064773728458 **** This post … Read more
This post documents my experience on August 18, 2012. In 1870, John Deshler made the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad an offer that they couldn’t refuse… …donated land for them to lay their tracks. Although the B&O was leaning toward the town of Belmore for its higher ground, they eventually agreed… …thereby … Read more