May 2025

Travel

We have plenty of ideas for making the most of the sunny season in the Buckeye State, from the Friday heading into Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 

To all the moms out there, this one’s for you. Show mom your appreciation by taking her to one of these great events and happenings across our state this weekend. 

Make a visit to these nature centers where kids can interact with wildlife, learn from exhibits and connect with the outdoors.

From frog jumps and fried walleye to tomato wars and chicken dinners, these events embrace the heritage of the communities they call home. 

Take your significant other out for an afternoon of adventure or a night of fun under the stars at these four destinations that are open all summer.

Explore beautifully crafted art and celebrate local culture in this scenic region of Ohio at these five festivals and events happening between now and the end of summer.

This southwest Ohio county promises plenty of summer fun, from an outdoor art destination to thrilling adventures like skydiving and wakeboarding.

This large, manmade lake in Mercer and Auglaize counties draws boaters as summer arrives, but there is plenty to explore on land as well.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived there your entire life, these insightful treks are an entertaining way to learn more about these Ohio cities.

Take the long way this season with these routes that offer glimpses of the Buckeye State’s nature, history and heartland.

Get ready to clock in on island time and plan a visit around one of these South Bass Island happenings. 

Explore one of the largest displays of “Star Wars” fan memorabilia in the world at COSI during “Unofficial Galaxies,” on display May 10 through Sept. 1.

When the clouds roll in and the drops start to fall, make plans to visit one of these kid-friendly museum exhibitions that are all here for a limited summer run.

Celebrate the Fourth of July at Cedar Point, see The Lumineers at Riverbend Music Center, take in the tradition of the Ohio State Fair and more. 

Celebrate the Jeep in the city that produced them for World War II (and still makes them today), see double at Twins Day in Twinsburg and get paddling at the Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival.

Grab a ticket to a summer concert from the Dave Matthews Band, explore southern Ohio heritage at Ohio Valley Frontier Days, check the Ashland BalloonFest and more. 

From the Grateful Dead-themed Dark Star Jubilee to Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament in Dublin, the end of May offers a full week of finds. 

Inspired by his own cherished memories, David Kaman turned his extensive collection of Cedar Point memorabilia into a new destination in downtown Sandusky. 

Food + Drink

The return of warm weather means its prime food-truck season, which includes these three regularly scheduled happenings across the state.  

This popular Asian American-inspired neighborhood spot offers a cocktail and food menu shaped by its owners’ memories and backgrounds. 

Celebrate the newest location of this Ohio-based ice cream chain with an opening night event on May 22.

Chef Jorge Guzmán’s upbringing in the Yucatán shapes his menu of innovative takes on rustic Mexican cuisine. 

Arts

From one of our Founding Fathers to the King of Pop to a heartwarming tale of optimism and growing up, grab tickets now for these Broadway productions appearing on stages across our state. 

Featuring creations ranging from sculptures to soaps, the 34th edition of Legacy Village’s annual Art in the Village is set for May 31 to June 1 in Lyndhurst. 

A vibrant and thought-provoking exhibition of works by acclaimed Japanese artist Takashi Murakami comes to the Cleveland Museum of Art, May 25 through Sept. 7.

Home + Garden

The maker creates fun greeting cards, prints, stickers, apparel and more that are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Ohio Life

Prix Versailles grants this prestigious worldwide architecture and design award, which comes just after museum’s massive transformation that was unveiled at the end of 2025. 

The Fairview Park-based environmental scientist’s enchanting kids books aim to inspire an appreciation for the outdoors.

Naturalist Jim McCormac shares a dozen common species to keep an eye out for and where to find them this spring and summer.

This 19th-century decorative penny bank serves as a reminder of the role Ohio played in clay-pipe production. 

From favorite coffee shops to a presidential plane in Dayton to a Toledo spot known for hot dogs and cold beer, here’s what our staff loves about Ohio this month.