May 2026

Travel

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

From winding trails and towering cliffs to small-town stops and food finds, this southeast Ohio getaway offers options for every kind of explorer.

From bird-watching at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park to exploring the life of Wapakoneta native and astronaut Neil Armstrong, connect with nature and history in northwest Ohio.

Celebrate creativity across Ohio during these five events that offer different ways for art lovers to get hands-on this month.

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 your visit to southwest Ohio an outdoor adventure this season. Whether you want to hike, ride horses or mountain bike, these communities offer much to explore.

Returning for a third year in 2026, this fast-growing central Ohio favorite includes a pirate marketplace with over 100 vendors, live entertainment and plenty of “argh”!

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.

May 1 brings with it a focus on all the new faces that have appeared at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden since the start of 2026.

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton launches 24/7 webcam so fans can keep track of the center’s playful residents.

Fort Laurens was abandoned in 1779. Today, the site is home to a museum that highlights the history of those who served there.

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.

From aeronautics to the arts, take a history road trip along these designated trails created in celebration of our nation’s semiquincentennial that show our state’s influence on the nation.

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.

Food + Drink

Fueled by the creativity of owner Eric Ho and his team of hospitality-industry veterans, this cocktail spot feels more like a neighborhood bar.

This spot serves both Mexican and American breakfast and lunch offerings, with a focus on fresh-made fare that ranges from chilaquiles to pancakes.

The longtime Ross County business has ties to the famous Krispy Kreme chain thanks to a business deal made decades ago.

Arts

Opening Oct. 16, “The Art of Charley Harper: Creatures Wild and Tame” celebrates the artist through 150 works spanning his entire career. 

The Cincinnati resident’s upcoming novel tells the story of four friends and their pact to make a change in their lives, together.

This exhibition at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum runs May 23 through Jan. 3, 2027, and provides an immersive career retrospective of prolific cartoonist Chris Ware.

Home + Garden

The Columbus resident creates warm and vibrant  that grace the surface of stickers, greeting cards, notepads and more, which he sells online and at pop-up markets.

Ohio Life

Rodeo! It’s what keeps the East Sparta Gang thirsty for beer, aching with pain, hungry for glory and happy with life.

The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization member leads groups on several Ohio expeditions throughout the year in search of the elusive creature.

Christopher Ries made this nearly 20-inch work of art.

Troy Parsh is the keeper of countless amusement-park memories. He pieces together the past at his Lorain County home and once a year invites the public to see his collection.