15 BEST Ohio Spring Festivals & Events

Ohio winters are long, so it comes as no surprise that once the weather improves, Ohioans are ready to get outside. There are spring festivals around the state for every interest and mood — from book fairs to family events to adults-only craft beer shows.

No matter your interest or when you’ll be in the area, you’ll have an amazing time at one of these top spring festivals in Ohio.

Ohio Spring Events in March

Ice Wine Festival

Madison Ohio

The annual Ice Wine Festival takes place in Ohio’s wine country throughout the month of March, so you have plenty of opportunities to stop in.

Ice wine is a type of sweet wine made from grapes that have frozen over the winter. During the festival, vineyards and wineries throughout the region offer tastings of their specialty ice wines along with other menu items, such as small tasting plates.

Hinckley Buzzard Day

Hinckley Ohio

A day all about buzzards may seem a bit strange, but in the town of Hinckley Ohio, it is a time-honored tradition.

This festival has been an annual event since the 1950s and draws tens of thousands of people to watch the buzzards return after leaving for the winter. People can view the buzzards in their native habitat and participate in a pancake breakfast, crafts, and a live animal show.

Northwest Ohio Maple Syrup Festival

Montpelier Ohio

Springtime is maple syrup season, and it is celebrated all through the state of Ohio. In the town of Montpelier, you will find the annual Northwest Ohio Maple Syrup Festival celebrated every March.

During the event, you will get to participate in maple syrup-themed activities of all kinds, from pancake breakfasts to learning how maple syrup is tapped and produced. Visitors can even take a horse-drawn wagon ride throughout the festival.

Old Town Trade Fair

Xenia Ohio

Have you ever wondered what it might have been like to go to a fair hundreds of years ago? Every March in Xenia, you can experience the Old Town Trade Fair, a historical reenactment that puts you in the 18th and 19th centuries.

You will get to visit with people in historically accurate costumes and learn about the way of life back then, as well as see live demonstrations of blacksmithing, woodworking, and more.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Dublin Ohio

It’s appropriate that the city of Dublin is the site of one of the biggest and best St. Patrick’s Day parades in Ohio. This is nothing like your average St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

The festival earned the town a nod in Reader’s Digest as one of the best places in America to celebrate the holiday. Events are held for two days with a pancake breakfast, parade, music, pub crawl, and much more.

Ohio Spring Festivals in April

Baconfest

College Corner Ohio

Baconfest is held in the village of College Corner, or more specifically, on the campgrounds of Hannon’s Camp America. Every year, guests flock to the campground to enjoy bacon products of all kinds — both sweet and savory.

Of course, eating isn’t the only attraction. You’ll also get to enjoy live music, pie-eating contests, and plenty of family-friendly activities. The campground is open for people interested in staying overnight for the event too.

Dyngus Day

Cleveland Ohio

Yes, it has a funny name, and the name is perfectly suited — this Cleveland festival is all about being silly and over-the-top. Of course, it is also about celebrating Polish culture, food, and music — from paczkis to kielbasa.

People of all heritages are welcome to enjoy polka music, authentic beer, and delicious food. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself breaking into dance on the street in a crowd of festivalgoers.

RELATED: Spring Things to Do in Northeast Ohio

Earth Day Extravaganza

Huron Ohio

Earth Day is celebrated every year in April, but Huron takes things to the next level. This family-friendly event is all about celebrating our beautiful planet.

In doing this, the Erie Metroparks system invites attendees to enjoy local food trucks, live music, kid-friendly arts and crafts, games, and even a live animal show. Along the way, you will get to learn about our planet and the importance of protecting it every day.

Beer Fest

Medina Ohio

Beer lovers flock to Medina every April to celebrate Ohio’s biggest and best beer festival. The main street transforms into a place where attendees can sample more than 70 types of craft beer from 25 local breweries.

Of course, there is also plenty of food to be had, and you can enjoy live music and other activities while sampling the best craft beer that the region has to offer.

Ohioana Book Festival

Columbus Ohio

If you’re a book lover, you won’t want to miss the annual Ohioana Book Festival held each April in Columbus. It will give you the chance to hear many authors read from and talk about their books, as well as browse countless books on your own.

The festival’s other offerings change from year to year, but you can bank on fun activities and the chance to indulge your inner bookworm in many ways.

Ohio Spring Events in May

Dandelion Fest

Dover Ohio

Every May, Dover holds a celebration in honor of the humble dandelion. Often looked on as a weed, this edible native wildflower can be made into wine, salads, preserves, and even cakes and pies.

Dandelion Fest is the chance to not only learn about this one-of-a-kind flower but also taste some of the most delicious local offerings made from dandelion flowers and leaves.

Ohio Celebration of Native & Veteran Heritage Powwow

Akron Ohio

If you plan on being in Akron in May, you won’t want to miss the annual Ohio Celebration of Native & Veteran Heritage Powwow. This event is open to people of every heritage, offering the chance to experience the culture of native peoples in Appalachia and the Great Lakes region.

It takes place over two days at the Springfield Baptist Church’s ball field, which is behind its youth center. During the festival, you will get the chance to observe native music and dance, as well as participate in other family activities.

Appalachian Festival

Cincinnati Ohio

Did you know that the Appalachian Mountains are older than the rings of Saturn? These stunning mountains have been a vital part of countless cultures — even now.

For more than 50 years, people have come together in late May to celebrate Appalachian culture through music and dance, food, crafts, handwork, and learning. There is something for everyone here, even if you’re not from the region.

Maifest

Zoar Ohio

The Historic Zoar Village is one of the most fascinating towns in the state, featuring historic buildings and a community that has lived there for centuries. Every May, the town transforms into a place for Maifest, an authentic German celebration of spring.

Visitors are welcome to experience German music, dancing, food, and much more in honor of the warming weather. Also, there are arts and crafts for kids and authentic craft beer for adults.

Lilac Festival & Street Fair

Defiance Ohio

Lilacs are one of the most beautiful hallmarks of spring, and nowhere celebrates this fragrant flower like the city of Defiance. In May, the town center transforms into a stunning display of lilacs, featuring artwork, crafts, flower displays, and much more.

Of course, you will also have the chance to listen to live music and enjoy local food and beverages. Flower lovers will definitely not want to miss this fun festival.

Discover Ohio Beyond the Spring Festivals

The spring events held throughout Ohio are only the beginning of all that you can explore during the season in the Buckeye State. There are tons more spring things to do in Ohio for couples, families, and groups of friends. You can even plan spring day trips for multiple adventures.