Festivals that either have food as a main theme or incorporate plenty of eating.
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
The Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival takes place at Historic Roscoe Village where visitors can walk through 1800’s homes and businesses, shop among craft vendors, enjoy live entertainment and get a taste (and purchase) of some tasty apple butter. 2026 DATE: October 16-18, 2026Location: Historic Roscoe Village600 N Whitewoman StCoshocton, OH … Read more
This post documents my experience on October 16, 2010. The Ohio Smoked Meat & BBQ Festival is one of nearly 300 competitions sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, a nonprofit organization for the promotion and enjoyment of bbq. With 43 teams and $10k in prize money, it sounded like a decent event. … Read more
The Ohio Swiss Festival is the perfect way to get more acquainted with both Swiss cheese and the town of Sugarcreek. Enjoy Polka music, rides, live entertainment, vendors, delicious grub and a great parade. 2026 DATE: October 1-3, 2026Location: Downtown SugarcreekWebsite: https://ohioswissfestival.com/ ****This post documents my experience on October 2, … Read more
New Bremen Pumpkinfest is a fall festival with music, art, pumpkin foods and plenty of giant pumpkins. 2024 DATE: September 27-28, 2024Location: Crown Pavilion2 W Plum StNew Bremen, OH 45869Website: https://newbremen.com/events-listing/pumpkinfest-2024/ **** This post documents my experience on September 25, 2010. By the time I hit my 50th festival this … Read more
Author’s Note: in 2015, the festival moved to the Warren County Fairgrounds in Lebanon to allow for expansion. I returned to the festival in 2022. You can read about that experience at https://ohiofestivals.net/country-applefest-lebanon/ This post documents my experience on September 25, 2010. **** Lebanon is another town that I need … Read more
The Germantown Pretzel Festival takes place in Veterans Memorial Park, offering carnival rides, tons of craft vendors, entertainment and various food options – including different kinds of pretzels. 2026 DATE: September 26-27, 2026Location: Veterans Memorial Park190 W Warren StGermantown, OH 45327Website: https://germantownpretzelfestival.com/ **** This post documents my experience on September … Read more