Posts with tag 'Local Events'

Itching to spend some time outdoors now that the weather is warming up again? So are we!

Thankfully, tons of springtime events and festivals are happening all over Ohio in the next few weeks. Whether you're in the Northeast Ohio, Columbus, or Cincinnati areas, you'll have no shortage of options. Why not fill in your calendar with a few of the best ones from our list below?

Geauga County Maple Festival

Chardon, OH 44024

Geauga County Maple Festival is back in Chardon Square April 21 – 24 this year. This beloved local event offers fun for the whole family, including rides, games, and live entertainment from local musicians. Make sure you visit on an empty stomach—you'll love taking part in their pancake breakfasts and pancake eating competitions (with plenty of maple syrup, of course). When you're done, you can enjoy festivities like maple candy carving, the crowning of the Maple Queen, and a syrup-making competition for local aficionados. All syrups in the competition are raffled off as part of the festivities, and a selection of other delicious maple-flavored treats will be available for purchase as well. 

The Great Steubenville Eggsibition

980 Lincoln Ave., Steubenville, OH 43952 

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2022's Great Steubenville Eggsibition begins April 15. This event is a local tradition begun by the artisans at Nelson's Fine Art and Gifts, who have crafted over 20 giant eggs for display around the neighborhood. Each egg features beautiful artwork that has been hand-painted by local artists. The eggs are hidden around the Steubenville business district to simulate a traditional Easter egg hunt. See how many you can find while strolling around Steubenville this spring! 

Mohican Wildlife Weekend

3116 OH-3, Loudonville, OH 44842

The Mohican State Park's Mohican Wildlife Weekend April 22-24 is one of the most popular outdoor gatherings in Northeast Ohio. Some of the activities offered during this weekend include archery shooting, survival classes, gold panning, and a scavenger hunt. There are also several educational programs available at specific times, such as the Wings of Wonder Bird Presentation and a planetarium program where you can observe the movement of the stars. You'll need to reserve a spot for some activities in advance, so be sure to check out what's available and register before the event.

Taste of Granville

537 Jones Rd. NE, Granville, OH 43023

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The second annual Taste of Granville event, 5–8 pm April 30, will be hosted by the Granville Rotary at the Bryn Du Mansion. This fast-paced dining experience offers you the chance to sample beer, wine, liquor, and cider from local brewers and distilleries and food from local eateries, including Wild Things Sandwich Café. Dashing Diner, and Ray Ray's Hog Pit. General tickets are available for $35. VIP tables can be booked for $250 to $500, depending on the size of your party.

Sertoma Ice Cream Festival

11339 Mt. Vernon Rd., Utica, OH 43080

The Sertoma Ice Cream Festival has taken place on the grounds of the Energy Cooperative and Velvet Ice Cream Company nearly every year since 1975. Guests will enjoy everything from pony rides and lawn games to a motorcycle and car show. If you're hungry, you can enjoy delicious local dishes like bratwurst, ham and beans, and gallons of premium ice cream. You can also browse a selection of crafts from dozens of local vendors. At just $5 admission per car, this is the perfect place to spend a pleasant spring afternoon with your family May 28-30.

Cincinnati Zoo Blooms

3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220

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The Cincinnati Zoo is always a great place for a fun weekend outing, but it's extra special during the spring Zoo Blooms event April 1-30. During the entire month of April, the zoo's abundant plant life blossoms into a full botanical garden. This period is also known as "Tulip Mania" for the incredible number of tulips on display, but you'll also find plenty of hyacinths and daffodils as well as a multitude of flowering trees and shrubs. There's no additional fee to visit the zoo during this time, so there's no better time for a visit.

Ohioana Book Festival

96 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

Can't get enough of books and literature? The upcoming Ohioana Book Festival April 30 is the place for you. Held by the Ohioana Library in Columbus, this event offers readings and in-depth panel discussions and a book fair, fun educational activities for kids, and delicious snacks. This year's theme is "Celebrating Ohio's Authors," and over 100 of the state's best-known writers will be attending.

Art and Earth Day

1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013

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Every year, the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum celebrates Art and Earth Day, a special day that combines aspects of Arbor Day, Earth Day, and International Sculpture Day. Some of the activities available this year include bird and tree walks, a student art walk featuring works from the students at the University of Cincinnati, and a lively Happy Hour at the Grand Pavilion. Come take in some of the most impressive natural and manmade sights that Cincinnati has to offer from 9 am to 5 pm April 23.   

Cincy on Tap Festival

100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The 2022 Cincy on Tap Festival will take place at the Great American Ball Park 1–4 pm April 9. This event gathers over 60 local breweries for an unforgettable afternoon of beer tasting and fun. Many of the area's best food trucks will also be serving food on-site, and local cover bands will be playing live during the entire event. Tickets start at $50 and include up to 30 4-ounce samples of premium beers made by local breweries, as well as a complimentary ticket to the Reds vs. Cardinals baseball game happening on April 24 at the ballpark. This is a 21+ event, so be sure to bring your ID on the big day! 

Ring in the Spring Season 

Which of these Ohio spring events will you be attending in the coming weeks? 

While many people out there may think that most live performances are limited to entertainment hubs like Los Angeles and New York, the truth is that Columbus has become of the greatest cities for all types of artists. If you're thinking about moving to the area or are already living here, rest assured that there are plenty of wonderful venues to choose from—and to get you started, we've put together a list of some of our favorites.

Shadowbox Live

503 S. Front St. #260, Columbus OH 43215

If you've never been to Shadowbox Live because you're new to the area or just haven't taken the time, then it's time to give it a try. This amazing performance arts venue and cafe consists of the United States' largest full-time resident theatre ensemble. This award-winning, non-profit performance troupe features everything from rock operas and cabaret to sketch comedy and dance. Over the past 25 years, thousands upon thousands of people have also enjoyed the food, but it's the people and their performances that truly make this a special place.

Actors' Theatre

1000 City Park Ave., Columbus OH 43206

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Another mainstay of art performance in Columbus has been the Actors' Theatre located in Schiller Park. In recent years, they've brought to life the works of William Shakespeare, Mary Shelley, T.S. Eliot, and many more all year round, but they're best known for their summer performances. These outdoor events bring people from all over and create a relaxing atmosphere where you can pull up a blanket and have a picnic while enjoying delightful entertainment. Outside of the summer months, residents are especially fond of their monthly Shakespeare Underground and Drunken Underground events.

Columbus Children's Theatre

177 E. Naghten St., Columbus OH 43215

As the name suggests, Columbus Children's Theatre concentrates on providing family-friendly entertainment. Founded in 1963, they've spent nearly 60 years honing and perfecting their crafts. They've done everything from The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe and Annie to the upcoming Crawls, Flies, and Squirms, and their newest addition, Think Spring. Some of their most notable features include programs tailored for kids under the age of 6 called the Theatre for the Very Young, the hosting of plays put on by local schools, educational programs, and sensory-friendly performances for families with special needs.

Ohio Theatre

39 E. State St., Columbus OH 43215

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Although demolished in 1969 after 40 years of providing entertainment to the community, the Ohio Theatre was restored by the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA). The successfully loyal restoration to the original Spanish-Baroque design, along with the velvet seats, velvet curtains, gilded ceilings, and giant chandelier, is an incredible sight to behold. With performances that range from classical music to modern dance, not to mention popular Broadway shows like Wicked and The Lion King, there's a little something for everyone to be found here.

Short North Stage

1187 N. High St., Columbus OH 43201

Spanning an incredible 90 years of entertainment, the Short North Stage has been everything from a vaudeville venue and movie emporium to a strip club and adult film theater. Taken over years ago by the Greater Columbus Arts Council, they've shed the notorious past and now specialize in reproducing Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Each year, you can find audience favorites such as Hair, Dreamgirls, Little Shop of Horrors, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Altar Boyz, in addition to everything from puppet shows to concerts. You can also enjoy small productions at their Green Room Stage and food and drink at a speakeasy-style cocktail bar called Ethel's Lounge.

Palace Theatre

34 W. Broad St., Columbus OH 43215

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Aside from its delightful design, the first thing you'll notice about this original vaudeville house very well could be the excellent acoustics. The Palace Theatre was designed at a time when performers needed to be heard by everyone without the use of electronic amplifiers—and it certainly shows. Coupled with the fancy style that includes a grand staircase, fountains, chandeliers, and elegant ceilings, their performances of Broadway shows and symphony orchestras will bring you back time and time again.

MadLab

227 N. 3rd St., Columbus OH 43215

If you've been on the lookout for live improv, sketch comedy, or original plays, this venue is definitely worth checking out. Over the years, MadLab has helped breathe artistic life into the city of Columbus by providing performance artists a place at which to experiment with their craft. Perhaps the greatest thing about this particular venue is that they're constantly producing short plays, often having close to two dozen cast at once. And if you're a performer by chance or would like to dip your toe in the water, you could always stop by during one of their open stage nights.

Southern Theatre

21 E. Main St., Columbus OH 43215

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Okay—hang on to your hats! The Southern Theatre has been around since 1896! This makes it the oldest surviving theater in all of Central Ohio. Somewhat early in its history, it spent some time as an opera house, followed by a full-time movie house, but was restored by (you probably guessed it!) the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts and transformed into a live performance entertainment hub. This venue has a very heavy focus on music including performances ranging from Henry Rollins to the Brentano String Quartet.

Wexner Center for the Arts

1871 N. High St., Columbus OH 43210

The Wexner Center for the Arts has hosted everything from visual art exhibitions and film screenings to live theatre and dance performances. This amazing hotspot features two stages that allow for both small, intimate performances and much larger productions. You'll find a wide variety of live performances that include everyone from singular artists to full production companies from around the world. There's always something going on, so feel free to stop by anytime and see for yourself.

Incredible Performances

Which Columbus theater will you visit next?

Do you love classic cars and fun community events that the whole family can enjoy? September is the perfect time to start rolling into fall and is one of the biggest months of the year for classic car shows in Northeast Ohio and beyond. There are also tons of great car shows to enjoy in Columbus and Cincinnati, where you can show off your own ride or spend the day exploring classic cars restored by members of the community. Find the wheels of your dreams at any of these 9 classic car shows taking place throughout Ohio this September.

Northeast Ohio

Beanhead Brothers Cars & Coffee

2495 Romig Rd., Akron, OH 44320

Stop by Beanhead Brothers Coffee every Saturday in September from 9 AM to 2 PM for a car show featuring classic cars, exotic cars, and custom builds. Weekly car shows are a great option because they allow you to get to know the community and see new cars every week. During the event, you can enjoy some fantastic coffee, sandwiches, and tasty desserts from the coffee shop while you check out some of Akron's most impressive classic cars.

Oakwood Square Plaza Cruise-In

2610 Easton St. NE, Canton, OH 44721

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Bring some fun to your Monday with a stop at the Oakwood Square Plaza Cruise-in, which takes place every Monday evening in September from 5 PM to 8 PM. Check out the beautiful Oakwood Square Plaza and explore a new collection of classic cars every week. There will be a live DJ playing hits from yesterday and today, along with the usual activities at the park for family members of all ages to enjoy. You will also find many great local businesses around Oakwood Square Plaza to explore before and after the show.

11th Annual Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce Car & Bike Show

111 E. Park St., Chardon, OH 44024

This year marks the 11th Annual Chardon Area Chamber of Commerce Car & Bike Show, with the 2021 edition taking place on September 19 from 10 AM to 2 PM at Chardon's Heritage House. Local vendors will be serving excellent food throughout the day, and you can enjoy some live music while you check out some of the most impressive classic and custom cars in Northeast Ohio. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and an auction with some very special items that you can bid to take home.

Columbus

Dublin AM Rotary Classic Car Show

1 N. High St., Dublin, OH 43017

Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in style when you visit the second annual Dublin AM Rotary Classic Car Show on September 5 from 9 AM through 3 PM. In addition to all of the usual prizes, this event has a special award for cars worked on by high school students. Any student with a valid high school student ID can enter a car of any make or model for free, so this is a great opportunity to get young car enthusiasts involved with the show.

Shamrock Club of Columbus Classic Car Show

60 W. Castle Rd., Columbus, OH 43207

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The Shamrock Club of Columbus Classic Car Show is back for another exciting year, with classic cars, great prizes, and live music to enjoy all day. This year's event takes place on September 26 from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Shamrock Club. There will be tons of trophies for the best cars, trucks, and bikes, as well as some great door prizes that everyone who shows up is eligible to win. Registration starts in the morning, and prizes will be announced at the end of the show.

32nd Annual Country Cruise-In

131 State Rt. 3, Sunbury, OH 43074

A long-time event returns with the 32nd Annual Country Cruise-In, presented by the Sunbury Ohio Lions Club on September 26 starting at 9 AM. This is always one of the biggest car shows in the Columbus area, with tons of classic cars and trucks to see all day long. Online registration is available for the first time this year, making it easier than ever to register your own car for the show.

Cincinnati

Sunset Cruise-In

671 Old State Rt. 74, Cincinnati, OH 45245

Get ready for some family fun at the Sunset Cruise-In, which you can enjoy every Tuesday evening from 7 PM to 9 PM all September long. This is a family-friendly event and a great place to bring your own classic car project to get input from a friendly, knowledgeable community. Every week also features a different local food truck on-site and a DJ playing music to set the stage for family fun.

Green Township Car Show

6375 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45247

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The annual Green Township Car show is coming up on September 11 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Diamond Oaks Career Campus, with a full day of fun for the whole family. All makes and models are welcome in this show, so there will be something to enjoy for every classic car enthusiast. There will be live music, delicious food, and tons of prizes to win even if you don't enter a car into the show. The fun starts in the morning, and trophies will be awarded later in the afternoon.

Village Green Car Show

301 Wessel Dr., Fairfield, OH 45014

One of Fairfield's favorite family events, the annual Village Green Car Show, returns to Village Green Park on September 11 from 3:30 PM to 10 PM. Check out a diverse collection of classic cars and motorcycles, then set up a chair on the lawn to enjoy some live music on the big stage. There will be more than 50 trophies handed out for the best vehicles in the show, along with 75 kids-choice ribbons that allow younger visitors to get involved in the show.

Get Revved Up for Fall

Which classic car show will you cruise in to enjoy this September?

Road races aren't just for serious, lifelong athletes. Most are welcoming to people at all levels of fitness. Training for a road race is a great way to improve your stamina and maybe even lose a few pounds this summer! Luckily, there are plenty of great road races coming up in Northeast Ohio. Here are a few to consider signing up for.

Hofbrauhaus Cleveland Half Marathon, 5K, and 10K

1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115

Scheduled for Sunday, August 8th, this race begins at Hofbrauhaus Cleveland. The half marathon begins at 7 am, and the 5K and 10K races begin at 8 am. You can pre-register online, and packet pickup takes place beginning at 6 am on race day.

The Hofbrauhaus half marathon course winds through the city of Cleveland, even passing through Rockefeller Park. The 5K and 10K racecourses take runners through the downtown area near Cleveland State University. All runners over the age of 21 get a free beer with registration, and runners of all ages get a free bratwurst and technical t-shirt.

Run for Recovery

3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109

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On August 14th, the Run for Recovery begins at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. There's also a One Mile Wellness Walk and a shorter kids' fun run. Proceeds from the race go to support charities that help those struggling with alcoholism, drug abuse, and other addictions.

This year, the organizers' goal is to raise $65,000 for charity. To help them reach this goal, you can register online for the race of your choice. Register for the 5K, and you'll also get a free pass to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Registrants for all races get a free t-shirt. You can raise even more money for the cause by fundraising with a team, which you can learn more about on the race website.

Love a Nurse RuN

6500 Cleveland Memorial Parkway, Cleveland, OH 44102

Nurses put so much love and care into their profession, especially over this past year. Scheduled for September 26th in Edgewater Park, this race is a good opportunity to show nurses how much you appreciate them. There's a 5K race and a 1-mile run/walk. You can pre-register online or register on race day for an extra $5.

After the race, there will be a ceremony to recognize all nurses who are present. Post-race refreshments will also be provided.

Oktoberfest Meiler Vier 4-Mile Run

717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211

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Scheduled for September 10th, this race begins at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. It's a local tradition to honor Oktoberfest, and all participants get free sausage and beer. You can pre-register for the race online and pick your packet up at the local Fleet Feet the Wednesday or Thursday prior to the race. 

All participants get a free t-shirt, and finishers get a medal. The race doesn't start until 6:15 pm, which is good news if you're not a morning person. 

Big Bad Wolfe Run

105 Park Dr., Columbus, OH 43209

If you're looking for a unique race in Columbus, then the Big Bad Wolfe Run is a great choice. There's a fun backstory associated with the race name, which you can read on the signup page. You'll feel like Little Red Riding Hood as you run down the trail.

This race is scheduled for September 26th. There are 5K, 10-mile, and 20-mile options, and all courses begin in Wolfe Park and follow the Alum Creek Trail, which is asphalt paved. Every finisher gets a medal and a swag bag.

Dog Jog

303 W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215

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Scheduled for October 3rd, the 31st annual Dog Jog is a fundraiser for the CHA Animal Shelter. All proceeds go toward caring for and finding homes for animals at the shelter.

The 5K race and 1-mile fun run begin in Genoa Park at 9 am. After the race, multiple vendor booths, games, and activities for participants and fans are available. There's also a virtual race option for anyone who doesn't feel comfortable participating in person. 

Egghead 5K

7669 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

If you'll be in Cincinnati in August and want to run a race while you're there, the Egghead 5K is definitely a top choice. It's scheduled for August 14th, 2021. At 4 pm, willing participants will shave their heads to show support for cancer patients and raise money for the Eggstrong Foundation. Then, at 5 pm, these eggheads will run the 5K race.

50 West Cycling Company is hosting this event. The course is an out and back route on the Little Miami Bike Trail. You can pre-register online, and race day registration is also available for an added fee. If you refer three friends to register, you can save $15 on your own registration. You do not have to shave your head to run the race!

Sophie's Angel Run

5924 Bridgetown Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45248

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The 15th Annual Sophie's Angel Run is scheduled for September 26, 2021. This race starts at St. Jude Parish in Bridgetown, and the 5K course weaves through the local neighborhood. The 1 pm start time is great for late risers. 

Sophie's Angel Run is a charity event to raise funds to support research into pediatric brain tumor diagnosis and treatment. If you pre-register online, you'll receive a free t-shirt. There's also a family plan registration option, which includes two adults and their children, plus shirts and goodie bags for all for $65. 

Ice Cream 5K, 10K

705 E. Pete Rose Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Why not balance out your love for ice cream with some running? The Ice Cream 5K and 10K is scheduled for October 16th, 2021. This race begins at Sawyer Point Park. The 5K and 10K races begin at 8:45 am, and the kids' 1-mile fun run begins at 8 am. There's also a baby/toddler crawl at 10 am or whenever the 10K wraps up.

After the race, there will be a family-friendly party with face painting, dancing, and games. Of course, all participants get a free ice cream cone and t-shirt. Proceeds from the race and associated party go to benefit Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. You can register online. Details for packet pickup will be posted closer to race day.

These Shoes Were Made for Running

Which one of these Northeast Ohio road races do you plan on training for in 2021? 

Village Green Winter Market

Madeira Farmers' Market

Findlay Market

Photo courtesy of Coporation for Findlay Market

Lettuce Eat Well Farmers' Market

West Chester's Farmers' Market

Deerfield Farmers' Market

Northside Farmers' Market

Winter Farmers' Market in Hyde Park

Everyday We're Brusselin'