May 27
Take a walk on the wild side at 4th Friday: Back to Nature in Westerville, with hands-on activities for children, special displays on wildlife and information about how to make the most of the time you spend outdoors. 614/794-0401, visitwesterville.org

May 28
Asian culture and customs come alive at the unique Columbus Asian Festival. This vibrant event showcases food, performances, games, martial arts demonstrations and more. 614/451-3550, asian-festival.org

May 29
Enjoy a Sunday stroll while sifting through the collections of more than 40 visiting dealers during the Old Main Street Antique Show in Waynesville. 513/897-8855, waynesvilleohio.com

May 30
Take part in southwest Ohio’s culinary arts festival and chow down on delicious dishes from more than 40 local restaurants at the Taste of Cincinnati. This don’t-miss event spans three days and boasts more than 500,000 attendees, along with continuous live music. This year, Cincinnati’s own comedian Josh Sneed will take the stage to serve up a side of funny to accompany your main dish. 513/579-3197, tasteofcincinnati.com

May 31
For more than a decade, Dr. Frank W. Porter has been harvesting seeds from native plants and growing them organically in his greenhouse. For nine days, Porterbrook Native Plants: Open House and Plant Sale in Racine offers the opportunity to ask questions, collect info and buy some plants. 740/247-4565, porterbrooknative plants.com

June 1
Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House in Springfield and take a free tour of one of the famed architect’s Prairie-style houses. 937/327-9291, westcotthouse.org

June 2
Though a far cry from the actual frontier, Milford’s Frontier Days, with lawnmower races, a petting zoo and a parade, pays homage to a simpler way of life. 513/831-2411, frontierdaysmilford.com

June 3
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to move, because Findlay’s Boogie on Main lasts all day. Non-stop local music, food and fun will shift your summer into full gear. 419/422-3412, artspartnership.com

June 4
Join in the Hot Tamale Bicycle Tour beginning in Waldo and explore the beautiful Olentangy River basin with separate routes for expert, novice and leisure cyclists. 740/382-9952, hot-tamale.org

June 5
High-end artworks are on display this weekend at the 21st Annual Art in the Village at Legacy Village in Lyndhurst. Browse the best in fine art from across the country, including jewelry, photography and everything in between. 954/472-3755, artfestival.com

June 6
Hop on your hog and ride along the shores of Lake Erie with other motorcycle enthusiasts at this year’s Ohio Bike Week, beginning in Sandusky. 419/502-0022, ohiobikeweek.com

June 7
Spend a day at the Toledo Museum of Art. Wander through 37 galleries, check out the sculpture garden or sit in on a glass-blowing demonstration in the Glass Pavilion. 419/255-8000, toledomuseum.org

June 8
Satisfy your need for speed at the seventh annual Prelude to the Dream in New Weston, which features more than two dozen NASCAR stars. 937/338-3815, eldoraspeedway.com

June 9
Enjoy singing and a generous Southern dinner at the Whistnant’s Gospel Dinner Concert in Wilmot. 888/264-7436, amishdoormarketplace.com

June 10
Pack up the kids, sleeping bags and flashlights for the Dinosaur Family Overnight at COSI in Columbus. Stick around to discover Dino Science the following day, where you can get up-close and personal with fossils and visit with experts to learn more about our prehistoric past. 614/228-2674, cosi.org

June 11
The classic vocal styling of the East Village Opera Company is paired with modern dance to create a tragic love story in this one-time-only show in Cleveland. 216/241-6000, dancecleveland.org

June 12
Bonsai artists, enthusiasts and experts alike will delight in the Bonsai Show at the Dawes Arboretum visitor center in Newark. Learn about this ancient Japanese art form, buy your own or just delight in these miraculous miniatures. 800/443-2937, dawesarb.org

June 13
Adults and teens are invited to the Crochet Group at the Williamsburg branch of the Clermont County Public Library for a workshop on simple stitches and pleasing patterns. 513/724-1070, clermontlibrary.org

June 14
No matter what your age, the Bryan Jubilee is a great place to meet people, have fun and peruse local vendors’ products. 419/636-2247, bryanchamber.org

June 15
Channel your inner party animal and tantalize your taste buds with an adults-only night of fun at Brew at the Zoo in Akron. Light appetizers and beer sampling from local breweries are included in the ticket price. 330/375-2550, akronzoo.org

June 16
Celebrate the rich history of clay products at this year’s Tri-State Pottery Festival in East Liverpool. Enjoy a multitude of events, from an art show to a doorknob-tossing competition. 330/385-0845, tristatepotteryfestival.org

June 17
Kick back and relax with folk music in southern Ohio. The Poston Lake Bluegrass Festival in Guysville has been one of the Midwest’s most popular concert events for 25 years. 740/667-0437, athensohio.com/events

June 18
Each year, about 100 figure skaters participate in Skate for Hope in Columbus to honor breast cancer survivors and support continued cancer research. Buy tickets now to support this empowering event. Among this year’s skaters is Olympian Emily Hughes. 740/917-9105, skateforhope.org

June 19
This Father’s Day, bring your dad to a celebration of his favorite quick-fix tool at the Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival. With kids’ crafts, a parade and duct tape art, the sticky stuff has never been more fun. 866/818-1116, ducttapefestival.com

June 20
Enhance your green thumb tonight at the Monfort Heights Library with helpful hints and tips from the Year-Round Gardening class. Tonight’s subject: hardy ferns. 513/385-3313, cincinnatiusa.com/calendar

June 21
It’s the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. Join in the Summer Solstice Celebration at the Hopewell mounds in Chillicothe to honor the new season. 740/774-1126, nps.gov/hocu

June 22
Take a summer field trip to Cincinnati’s Krohn Conservatory and see the 1,000 different plant species living in beautiful art-deco inspired aluminum and glass greenhouses. 513/421-4086, cincinnatiparks.com

June 23
Throughout the summer, Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens presents Quilt National. These award-winners combine traditional heritage quilt-making methods with brilliantly unique designs, resulting in contemporary “art quilts.” 740/592-4981, dairybarn.org

June 24
Visit the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum for the American Soldiers Homecoming Festival today. Ceremonies and re-enactments of a soldier’s life in combat set the scene for this all-American tribute to our brave veterans. 877/278-8020, dennisondepot.org

June 25
Help end domestic violence by participating in Marion’s Baguette Run. The 5K walk/run raises awareness and all proceeds are donated to Turning Point, which provides services to victims. 740/382-8988, visitmarionohio.com

June 26
It’s time to “party with purpose” at the 39th annual ComFest at Goodale Park in Columbus. This event, inspired by the late ’60s counterculture, hosts an eclectic mix of people, music and vendors, and seeks to eliminate prejudice. comfest.com

June 27
Head to Put-in-Bay for performance art, music and workshops during Arts on Erie. pibarts.com

June 28
To celebrate Kent State University Museum’s 25th anniversary, get a glimpse into the wardrobe of a legendary actress. “Katharine Hepburn: Dressed for Stage and Screen” features hundreds of pieces of the fashion icon’s clothing and costumes. 330/672-3450, kent.edu/museum

June 29
Madcap Puppet Productions returns to Cambridge with “Giants!,” a new take on the tale “Jack and the Beanstalk.” With old friends and new faces, this delightful comedy is sure to tickle your funny bone. 740/439-2761, visitguernseycounty.com

June 30
Gear up for Independence Day with the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra as it presents “Patriotic Pops! Saluting America’s Veterans.” The evening features classic American songs. 419/522-2627, mansfieldtickets.com

July 1
Travel to the banks of the Ohio River to celebrate the annual Red, White & Blues Festival in Marietta. The sky will light up with fireworks while you enjoy a night of brews, blues and barbecue. 800/288-2577, mariettaohio.org

July 2
Take a trip to Meigs County in southeastern Ohio, home of Buffington Island State Memorial Park, the site of the only significant battle fought in Ohio during the Civil War. 800/686-1535, ohsweb.ohiohistory.org

July 3
Dayton’s City Folk Festival has everything from traditional music and dance to cultural workshops, instrument makers and arts and crafts projects for children. 937/223-3655, cityfolk.org

July 4
There’s no place like Ohio Village in Columbus to celebrate the Fourth of July. This re-created 19th-century town offers an old-fashioned salute to the country with its Glorious Fourth Independence Day Celebration. The party focuses on the red, white and blue, with patriotic speeches, a grand procession and an all-American pie-eating contest. 614/297-2300, ohsweb.ohiohistory.org

July 5
Disney’s “The Lion King” takes the stage at Dayton’s Schuster Center tonight. This must-see production features the music you know and love with a larger-than-life set and incredible costumes. lionkingtour.net

July 6
Don’t miss your chance to gather fine and fragrant English lavender at the Ohio Lavender Festival in Streetsboro. Choose a pre-cut bouquet or wander through the lush fields to picnic and pluck your own. 330/626-3235, ohiolavenderfestival.com

July 7
It’s a true nod to the original. Farm Power of the Past in Greenville celebrates the innovations of the agricultural revolution, showcasing genuine machinery and the beasts of burden that helped till the soil for modern-day America. 937/548-3709, greenvillefarmpower.org

July 8
Featuring 18 Ohio wineries and tons of tempting appetizers, the North Market Food and Ohio Wine Festival in Columbus is packed with tasty treats. The festivities continue all weekend, but stop by for tonight’s kick-off party. 614/463-9664, northmarket.com

July 9
For the 12th, year in a row, LilyFest in Rockbridge celebrates the colorful summer blooms. Eventgoers can meander through three acres of meticulously designed gardens, attend lectures and workshops and purchase a variety of art. 740/969-2873, lilyfest.com

July 10
Tying the knot and not sure where to start? Attend the Bridal Fair — A Garden Wedding at Fellows Riverside Gardens  in Youngstown for all things matrimonial, including everything from music to gowns to flowers. 330/740-7116, millcreekmetroparks.org

July 11
The Clinton County Fair in Wilmington is billed as the biggest little fair in southern Ohio. The Junior and Senior Fair Shows flaunt the best cattle, sheep, pigs, horses and chickens the county has to offer. 937/382-4443, clintoncountyohio.com

July 12
With more than 100 craft beers from breweries statewide, Ohio Brew Week in Athens celebrates all things ale. No matter your beer preference, be it stout, lager or a special microbrew, the homebrew competition showcases them all. 740/591-8707, ohiobrewweek.com

July 13
The Ashland Chautauqua brings history to life with this year’s theme, “Adventurers and Explorers.” Performers portray historical figures, including Christopher Columbus, Amelia Earhart and Theodore Roosevelt, in compelling first-person form. 877/581-2345, ashlandchautauqua.org

July 14
Today kicks off the annual Jamboree in the Hills in Morristown. This year, the festival features an all-star lineup, including Toby Keith, Tim McGraw and Loretta Lynn. 800/594-8499, jamboreeinthehills.com

July 15
Island fever heats up as the sun goes down at the Massillon Island Party. Enjoy a Caribbean-themed supper, complete with a pig roast, live reggae music and limbo contests. Sit back, relax and just jam, island style. 330/833-4061, massillonmuseum.org

July 16
This weekend, rejoice in the essential crop we all know and love: corn. The Morrow County Chamber Sweet Corn Festival in Mt. Gilead has everything from maize-based foods to corn-shucking contests and a pageant competition. 419/946-2821, morrowcountyliving.com

July 17
Raise a glass to toast our four-legged friends at the Hudson Wine Festival, a charity event that raises funds for Pawsibilities, an animal welfare organization in Summit County. With 250 featured wines, plus raffles, workshops and more, it’s fun to party for a good cause. 886/241-7881, hudsonwinefestival.com

July 18
For a one-of-a-kind show, check out the “Tecumseh!” Outdoor Drama production in Chillicothe. Using the natural world as their stage, the actors tell the epic tale of this Shawnee leader as he struggles to preserve the native lands of his people. 866/775-0700, tecumsehdrama.com

July 19
Spanning 57 acres, the Warren County Fair in Lebanon is one of the summer’s best opportunities for traditional fun. Among the attractions are ATV drag racing, tractor pulls and a demolition derby. 513/932-2636, warrencountyfair.org

July 20
Bring a blanket and enjoy outdoor music with City of Painesville Summer Gazebo Concert Series #5. 440/392-5912, painesville.com

July 21
There is no lovelier backdrop for an evening of smooth jazz than the Toledo Botanical Gardens. Make the scene this and every Thursday evening through July and August for the summer concert series, Jazz in the Garden. 419/536-5566

July 22
Join the more than 20,000 attendees at the Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival. The event features Celtic music, Irish coffee and beer, plus a multitude of exhibits that all promote the preservation of Irish customs. clevelandirish.org

July 23
Observe re-enactments during the traveling show, Ohio Chautauqua 2011 Civil War in Coshocton. Watch history come to life as historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Harriet Tubman tell their personal stories. 740/622-4877, visitcoshocton.com

July 24
The Vectren Dayton Air Show offers sky-high excitement with everything from authentic U.S. Air Force planes to skydivers and wing-walkers. 937/898-5901, daytonairshow.com

July 25
The dog days of summer are made a little cooler at the Seneca County Fair in Tiffin. With grandstand events, a demolition derby and a pig scramble, plus fair food, midway rides and games, your family will be entertained all day long. 419/447-7888, senecacountyfair.org

July 26
Perfect your swing today with a round at the Oakhaven Golf Club in Delaware. The public course includes 18 holes of fun for a moderate price. 888/504-6281, oakhaven.com

July 27
The summer wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Sandusky’s Cedar Point, America’s roller coast. Boasting some of the biggest, fastest roller coasters in the world, this amusement park is a scream of a good time. 419/627-2350, cedarpoint.com

July 28
Celebrate the induction of the new enshrinees with a concert and fireworks display tonight at the opening ceremonies of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival in Canton. 330/458-2056, profootballhoffestival.com

July 29
Quaint downtown Nelsonville plays host to Final Fridays on the Square, where local artisans are out in full force. Stores stay open late, sidewalk performers entertain and vendors sell their goods outdoors. 740/753-1011, athensohio.com

July 30
Attend the Sauder Village Vintage Base Ball Invitational in Archbold today for authentic 19th-century-style games. Players adapt everything from their speech to their uniforms, ensuring retro amusement for modern-day fans. 800/590-9755, saudervillage.org

July 31
You’ve seen the rest, now it’s time for the biggest and best. With innumerable events, games, competitions, music, food, entertainment, rides, vendors and more, the Ohio State Fair in Columbus is the place to be for 12 days this summer. 614/644-3247, ohiostatefair.com

August 1
Dog lovers and breeders alike will delight in the AKC Dog Show in Marion, one of the best of the season. Show off your prized pup or just watch the first-place pooches strut their stuff around the arena. 740/387-2394, marioncountyfairgrounds.com

August 2
Dust off your bike, grab your helmet and spend the day riding the Great Miami Recreational Trail. From Miami County all the way through Butler County, this bike path offers miles upon miles of picturesque landscape wherever you start. miamivalleytrails.org

August 3
Travel down the wide waters of the Muskingum River while enjoying a mouthwatering meal tonight on the Lorena Dinner Cruise in Zanesville. This historic sternwheeler has become one of Muskingum County’s most treasured attractions. 800/743-2303, visitzanesville.com

August 4
Come to the 28th Annual Roy Rogers Festival in Portsmouth to celebrate the famed cowboy’s 100th birthday. With memorabilia and surprise guests, this event shows how the west was fun. 740/353-0900, royrogersfestival.org

August 5
The Toledo Zoo hosts three bands, one DJ and lots of party animals at the annual Rock ’n’ Roar fundraiser. 419/385-4040, toledozoo.org

August 6
One of the summer’s premier grill-off events takes place today at the 5th Annual Van Wert Rib Cook-Off. Featuring four award-winning rib vendors, Wiffle Ball and corn-hole tournaments, a huge yard sale and more, this event goes beyond your average barbecue. 419/238-9378, visitvanwert.org

August 7
The U.S. Highway 127 Yard Sale runs through Greenville as part of the “World’s Longest Yard Sale.” More than just a place to haggle prices, it’s a chance to explore the community and people watch, so bring your wallet and your camera. 127sale.com

August 8
This event is a HOOT. Heart of Ohio Tole (HOOT)’s 31st Annual Painting Convention in Columbus shows all mediums and styles, and gives painters the chance to take part in classes taught by top instructors. 614/863-1785, heartofohiotole.org

August 9
Head over to the Erie County Fair for heritage crafts and Junior Miss pageants, plus Fair Camp, an agricultural education overnight for children. 419/625-1000, eriecountyohiofair.com

August 10
The magical Hershey Children’s Garden in Cleveland is full of child-sized wonders. Drop in to hear the Nature Tales Story Time, followed by a hands-on activity. 216/721-1600, cbgarden.org

August 11
Thrill seekers descend on Kings Island in Mason for world-class rides and nonstop excitement. Season passes and group discounts are available. 513/754-5700, visitkingsisland.com

August 12
Dive-in Movies at Zoombezi Bay in Powell lets you float and watch in the wave pool or sit on the “beach” in front of an outdoor silver screen. Tonight’s feature: “Back to the Future.” 800/6665397, zoombezibay.com

August 13
Beyond all things dairy at Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs — which includes their famous ice cream — there is a whole day of fun featuring a petting zoo, driving range, putt-putt golf and batting cages. 937/325-0629, youngsdairy.com

August 14
Flag City Balloon Fest in Findlay invites you for some high-flying entertainment. The sky will be filled with the bright colors and bold designs of hot-air balloons, and tethered balloon rides will be available all day. 800/424-3315, flagcityballoonfest.com

August 15
Discover the treasures of Hocking Hills State Park on a day trip this summer. Hike the beautiful trails at the edge of the Appalachian Mountains and witness the natural waterfalls, sandstone cliffs and recess caves this pristine region has to offer. 800/462-5464, 1800hocking.com

August 16
The Western & Southern Financial Group Masters & Women’s Open in Cincinnati serves up great tennis and a guaranteed good time. 513/651-0303, cincytennis.com

August 17
See the new musical version of an old fairy tale with La Comedia’s enchanting production of “Sleeping Beauty” in Springboro. 800/677-9505, lacomedia.com

August 18
Wren Homecoming Days in Van Wert County offers two days of lively events. Sign up for the famous Whiffle Ball tournament, watch the parade and enjoy live entertainment. 419/238-9378, visitvanwert.org

August 19
Come hungry to the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival. In addition to great eats, you’ll find the Best “Wurst” Bike Ride, amusement rides, parades and more. 419/562-2728, bucyrus.org

August 20
All aboard for Ohio’s Friendliest Train Robbery in Nelsonville. Playful bandits on horseback re-enact railroad burglaries from a different era. 800/967-7834, hvsry.org

August 21
Coshocton celebrates its bicentennial this year at the annual Coshocton Canal Festival. It’s a bash 200 years in the making, so be sure to stop by the restored canal town of Historic Roscoe Village. After seeing demonstrations about life on the canal in the mid-1800s, you’re sure to leave with a newfound respect for modern conveniences. 740/622-7644, roscoevillage.com; 800/338-4724, visitcoshocton.com

August 22
Take a journey back in time to the War of 1812 with a trip to Ft. Meigs in Perrysburg. Discover the history behind the battle while touring the fort, and then visit the museum and education center to learn about artifacts found on site. 800/283-8916, fortmeigs.org

August 23
Spend today (and any day this week) at the Lorain County Fair, where you’ll find fair food, carnival games, a demolition derby and a petting zoo. loraincountyfair.com

August 24
The Valley Gem Sternwheeler Sweet Sunset Dessert Cruise in Marietta combines a relaxing trip on the Muskingum River with treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. 740/373-7862, valleygemsternwheeler.com

August 25
Don’t miss the exhibit “The American Soldier: A Photographic Tribute” at the Ohio Historical Center in Columbus. This presentation spotlights our nation’s heroes, from the Civil War to Iraq, during combat. 800/686-6124, ohsweb.ohiohistory.org

August 26
Bring your canine companion to 4th Friday: Dog Days of Summer in Westerville today to show off your precious pup. Enjoy just-for-fun competitions and a parade. 614/794-0401, visitwesterville.org

August 27
A founder of the San Francisco-based band Jefferson Airplane, Jorma Kaukonen now calls southeast Ohio home and teaches guitar at his 125-acre Fur Peace Ranch in Pomeroy. Tonight, the legendary guitarist performs in the facility’s 200-seat theater. 740/992-6228, furpeaceranch.com

August 28
Set sail for Celina this weekend and get ready to race at the Governor’s Cup Regatta. 419/305-4281, celinaevents.com

August 29
Roberto Clemente’s life was about much more than baseball. Learn more about the All Star right fielder and humanitarian at the “Beyond Baseball: The Life of Roberto Clemente” exhibit in Lebanon. 513/932-1817, wchsmuseum.org

August 30
Rev up your engines for the Genoa Super Cruise-in Car Shows. Enjoy this blast from the past while proud owners display their shiny new or restored vehicles on Main Street. 419/855-7221, genoachamber.com

August 31
A visit to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati is well worth the trip. This poignant collection guides guests through the history of slavery, from the Underground Railroad to abolition to present-day struggles. 877/648-4838, freedomcenter.org

September 1
Head to the Lake Erie Islands one last time to say farewell to summer at the Annual Labor Day Bash at the Bay at Put-in-Bay and cap off your summer with a bang. putinbay.com

September 2
Late summer is the perfect time to attend a county fair, and the 165th Annual Canfield Fair is a classic. Featuring all the favorites, from tractor pulls to 4-H competitions, the fair lasts from Aug. 31 through Labor Day. 330/533-4107, canfieldfair.com

September 3
Go Greek at the Columbus Greek Festival this weekend, complete with favorite food, dancing and a healthy dose of Grecian culture. 614/224-9020, greekcathedral.com

September 4
The Great Serpent Mound in Peebles is shrouded in mystery. Visit this Ohio landmark, the largest effigy mound in the world 937/587-2796, greatserpentmound.com

September 5
Take your family out to the ball game and celebrate Labor Day at the recently renovated Fifth Third Field in Toledo. See the Columbus Clippers vs. the Toledo Mud Hens, complete with fireworks that illuminate the downtown Toledo skyline. Snap a picture with the beloved mascot, Muddy the Mud Hen and his female counterpart, Muddona, grab a hot dog and create memories that will last a lifetime. 419/725-4367, minorleaguebaseball.com