Festivals that either have food as a main theme or incorporate plenty of eating.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I returned to the Ohio Pawpaw Festival in 2016. You can read that experience at https://ohiofestivals.net/ohio-pawpaw-festival-albany You can also read about my first experience in 2009 at https://ohiofestivals.net/20-pawpaw-festival-lake-snowden-ohio-91909/ This post documents my experience on September 17, 2011. **** With flavors compared to mangoes, bananas, avocados and pears, the … Read more
AUTHOR’S NOTE: There is an updated 2015 Review here – https://ohiofestivals.net/columbus-food-truck-fest-revisited/ This post documents my experience on August 26, 2011. ******************** Even with food trucks still popping up all around Ohio, Columbus excels in the quantity of restaurants on wheels. They park all over the city, selling food that includes … Read more
The Obetz Zucchinifest takes place at Fortress Obetz where it offers both national and local entertainment on two stages, plenty of rides and games, a car show, vendors and food, including zucchini breads and zucchini craft beer. 2026 DATE: September 4-7, 2026Location: Fortress Obetz2015 Recreation TrailObetz, OH 43207Website: https://obetzzucchinifest.com/ ****This … Read more
The Canal Winchester Blues and Ribfest takes place in historic downtown Canal Winchester with an assortment of ribs and non-rib foods, children’s activities, music entertainment, beer and wine garden and more. 2026 DATE: July 24-25, 2026Location: Downtown Canal WinchesterWebsite: https://www.bluesandribfest.com/ **** This post documents my experience on August 6, 2011. … Read more
The Bolivar Strawberry Festival is a small town festival with plenty of sweet strawberry options, especially deep fried strawberries. There are also carnival rides, live music, vendors and so much more. 2026 DATE: June 5-6, 2026Location: Downtown BolivarWebsite: https://www.bolivarmainstreet.com/strawberry-festival/ **** This post documents my experience on June 18, 2011. After … Read more
The Bedford Strawberry Festival takes place in Bedford’s Public Square. There are craft vendors, live entertainment, and food vendors, some of which have strawberry treats. The star, though, are the strawberry shortcakes and sundaes sold by the Bedford Historical Society. 2026 DATE: June 12-14, 2026Location: Bedford Public Square730 Broadway AveBedford, … Read more
The Pork Rind Heritage Festival takes place in the village of Harrod, where Rudolph Foods has its headquarters. Along with freshly fried pork rinds and cracklins, there are food vendors, a beer garden, rides and games, live entertainment, contests and more. 2026 DATE: June 12-13, 2026Location: Downtown HarrodWebsite: http://www.porkrindfest.com **** … Read more
The Cherry Fest takes place in the village of Whitehouse (near Toledo) with vendors, rides, a car show, BBQ chicken and cherry pie. 2026 DATE: June 11-13, 2026Location: Downtown WhitehouseWebsite: https://www.awchamber.com/cherry-fest **** This post documents my experience on June 11, 2011. Years ago, I went with my family to the … Read more
This post documents my experience on October 23, 2010. For my 2025 visit, you can read an updated post at https://ohiofestivals.net/circleville-pumpkin-show-ohio **** Over a hundred years ago, when farmers came to Circleville, it was usually to pay taxes…not a happy time at all. So, in 1903, to put Circleville in … Read more