May 2026

Travel

Experience a season of festivals, concerts and events with our guide that runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.

This festival celebrates the Darke County village’s deep-rooted poultry heritage as thousands gather to dig into the event’s famous secret-recipe chicken dinners.

Honor an American hero during this five-day festival where small-town pride, space history and quirky traditions combine to commemorate astronaut Neil Armstrong’s giant leap.

From one local farmer’s relentless experimentation to a citywide summer tradition, this central Ohio festival celebrates Alexander Livingston’s legacy of food innovation.

Each August, Twinsburg hosts the world’s largest annual gathering of twins, a multiday celebration rooted in the city’s origins and filled with look-alike contests and camaraderie.

From Columbus’ Asian Festival to catching a performance of “The Wiz” at Toledo’s Stranahan Theater, the end of May offers a full week of finds. 

Grab a ticket to see Paul Simon at Cuyahoga Falls’ Blossom Music Center, shop handmade treasures during Hocking House Annual Garden Happening, check out the Carillon Park Rail Festival and more. 

Celebrate the spirit of the Emerald Isle during the Dublin Irish Festival, catch the Foo Fighters at Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field and view the Perseid meteor shower from John Glenn Astronomy Park in Logan.

Take in the tradition of the Ohio State Fair, see “Tecumseh!” at Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre, celebrate the largest fireworks display in the Midwest during Red, White & Boom! and more. 

Say farewell to summer by catching a performance from Ludacris as part of the Cincinnati Reds’ post-game show series, celebrate the Columbus Greek Festival and taking part in Canal Winchester’s Labor Day Festival.

Summer offers the perfect time to take the back roads and storied routes, including these drives that reflect the history of our state and nation.