Festivals that either have food as a main theme or incorporate plenty of eating.
AUTHOR’S NOTES: I was given a press pass admission so that I could document the event. I returned to Donut Fest in 2022, which you can read at ohiofestivals.net/cleveland-donut-fest/ This post documents my experience on February 12, 2017. ******************** Within Cleveland’s Hotcards building… …the first annual Donut Fest was taking … Read more
The Ohio Pawpaw Festival celebrates the largest edible native fruit of the United States (and Ohio’s State Fruit) through education presentations, various pawpaw competitions, the use of pawpaw in each of the festival’s food vendors, and a selection of pawpaw beer. There are also a nice assortment of vendors, educational … Read more
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church’s Greek Festival offers a variety of food, gift vendors, a large rummage sale, church tours and musical entertainment 2026 DATE: September 17-19, 2026Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church129 S Union StAkron, OH 44304Website: https://www.akrongreekfest.com/ **** This post documents my experience on September 16, 2016. As soon … Read more
Along with all the contests and competitions, rides, games, arts and crafts, and live entertainment, the West Jefferson Ox Roast Festival has 5,000 pounds of ox roasted in a 120 foot long pit. Ox sandwiches are served on Labor Day. 2026 DATE: September 5-7, 2026Location: Garrette ParkFellows AveWest Jefferson, OH … Read more
I have a more recent experience of this festival, when I returned in 2026. You can read that experience at https://ohiofestivals.net/millersport-sweet-corn-festivalThis post documents my first experience on September 3, 2016. **** When I first walked up to the Sweet Corn Festival’s giant corn… …I thought it might be a smaller … Read more
The Greek Festival takes place at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral and offers plenty of delicious food, merchandise and entertainment. 2026 DATE: September 4-7, 2026Location: The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral555 N High StColumbus, OH 43215Website: https://columbusgreekfestival.com/ **** This post documents my experience on September 3, 2016. I headed to the … Read more
The Lorain International Festival celebrates the diversity of Lorain’s cultural heritage through vendors, live entertainment and a great selection of food booths serving plenty of delicious ethnic dishes. 2026 DATE: June 26-28, 2026Location: Black River Landing421 Black River LnLorain, OH 44052Website: https://www.loraininternational.com/ ****I first documented the Lorain International Festival in … Read more
The Festival of the Fish takes place in downtown Vermilion with a Lighted Boat Parade, a sandcastle building contest, a crazy craft race and all your usual festival offerings (live entertainment, vendors, food). Be sure to get some fried perch. 2026 DATE: June 19-21, 2026Location: Downtown VermilionWebsite: https://www.vermilionohio.com/festival-of-the-fish/ ****I first … Read more
This post documents my experience on June 12, 2016. On a cool and sunny Sunday morn, we headed to Mapleside Farms… …to check out their Strawberry Fest. 50’s music sounded through the air (thanks to a DJ)… …as we walked through an impressive car show… …that ran all around the … Read more