Music festivals are memorable experiences that bring people together to enjoy good music and good company. Ohio is home to some of the best music festivals in the country, and we’ve compiled a list of the top ten for you to check out.
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1. Nelsonville Music Festival
Nelsonville, Ohio
When: May-June (four days)
The Nelsonville Music Festival spans four days, showcasing diverse music genres like folk, rock, bluegrass, and country. Enjoy a variety of food and drink vendors and explore artisan stalls offering handmade goods.
Produced by Stuart’s Opera House, the festival showcases local and regional talent, providing a platform for new artists and supporting eco-friendly initiatives. Families and friends will enjoy this annual event together.
2. Dark Star Jubilee
Thornville. Ohio
When: May (three days)
Enjoying classic rock music has never been this fun. The Dark Star Jubilee is a three-day music festival featuring top local and regional talent. The music lineup spans genres like blues, country, R&B, and electronic tunes.
Enjoy stunning nature while camping at the festival. Both RVs and tents are welcome. You’ll find plenty of food and drink vendors to keep you refreshed.
3. The Country Fest
North Lawrence, Ohio
When: June (four days)
Country music lovers rejoice! The Country Fest is a four-day music festival in North Lawrence, Ohio. Enjoy performances from country music’s biggest stars and emerging talents.
The festival offers camping, food, and drink vendors. You can also get an all-access pass to Clay’s Adventure Water Park for swimming, sliding, and more!
Whether you love country music or not, this festival promises a great time. The relaxed vibe and friendly crowd make it perfect for kicking back and enjoying the summer weather.
4. Bunbury Music Festival
Cincinnati, Ohio
When: June (three days)
Bunbury Music Festival is a three-day event in Cincinnati, Ohio, featuring diverse musical acts from various genres. Past performers include The 1975, Post Malone, Incubus, and Snoop Dogg.
Genres span rock, pop, hip-hop, and more. The crowd, eager for good music and fun, creates a high-energy atmosphere enjoyed by all ages. This event always sells out!
5. WonderStruck
Cleveland, Ohio
When: July (two days)
For teenagers and the young at heart, WonderStruck is a two-day music festival in Cleveland, Ohio featuring today’s biggest pop, hip-hop, rock, and EDM artists. Held outdoors, it also offers a marketplace, food trucks, and other fun activities.
This event stands out as one of the few all-ages festivals in the state. If you want a music festival for your kids or younger siblings, this is the ideal choice!
6. Inkcarceration
Mansfield, Ohio
When: July (three days)
Inkcarceration, a three-day festival in Mansfield, Ohio, celebrates the art of music and tattoos. Featuring tattoo artists nationwide and live music, it’s perfect for body art enthusiasts and music lovers.
7. ComFest
Columbus, Ohio
When: June (three days)
Columbus’ Community Fest is a free, volunteer-driven, three-day music festival that celebrates music and arts. This non-corporate event showcases a variety of local and regional talent and features philanthropic and community organizations.
This event at Goodale Park is well-known for its family-friendly, relaxed vibe. If you want to enjoy great music and support a good cause, ComFest is a must-attend.
8. Cincinnati Music Festival
Cincinnati, Ohio
When: July (three days)
The Cincinnati Music Festival is a three-day event celebrating urban music and culture. It features performances from various genres, including R&B, soul, gospel, and jazz.
Big names like Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson, and Earth Wind & Fire have headlined this festival, attracting top music talent.
9. Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival
Columbus, Ohio
When: May (three to four days)
Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival, which took over from Rock on the Range, is a three or four-day event featuring rock, metal, and alternative music.
Mosh pits, headbanging, and camping are all part of this festival’s culture. With over 120,000 people attending, this event is among the largest rock festivals in North America.
10. Buckeye Country Superfest
Columbus, Ohio
When: July (one day)
Country music shines at Buckeye Country Superfest, a one-day event at Ohio Stadium. Enjoy performances by major country music stars and have a great time with friends or meet new people.
