5 Outdoor Music Festivals in Ohio Before the End of Summer

EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award) winner John Legend got his start right here in the Buckeye State in the southwest Ohio city of Springfield. Each summer, his hometown hosts an annual Jazz & Blues Fest that offers free admission to all thanks to Legend’s support. It’s just one way to enjoy music outside during the last full month of summer. So grab a blank or lawn chair and head out to these outdoor stages between now and the end of August. 

Springfield Jazz & Blues Fest | Aug. 8-9
Enjoy a weekend of jazz and blues sounds in Springfield during this festival that has so much music it needs two stages. Located within walking distance of one another, the stage at Mother Stewart’s Brewing and the Johnny Lytle Stage at National Road Commons hosts several acts over the course of the two-day festival. Other activities include browsing wares from local vendors and face painting for the kids. Thanks to support from Springfield native and acclaimed musician John Legend, admission to the event is free.

South Town Arts & Music Festival | Aug. 9
For the fourth year in a row, Medina residents and visitors can gather in the city’s South Town District to enjoy a full day of music featuring a variety of local artists and bands. The list of performers includes cover acts like Skinny Moo, playing at The Farmer’s Table, and rock cover band BackTrack, which will be performing at Medina Brewing Co. Also included in the festivities is the Mill Street Art Walk, which features works by more than 25 craft and artisan vendors. 

Glass City Jazz Fest | Aug. 9
Featuring local and regional talent as well as performers from across the nation and around the globe, the Glass City Jazz Fest in Toledo takes over the Glass City Metropark’s Pavilion for this one-day celebration of music. Musicians on the bill include Grammy-nominated bass player Brian Bromberg, as well as local performer and vocal instructor Jean Holden. Listen to a variety of jazz against backdrop of the the Maumee River free of charge. 


Brown County Bluegrass Festival | Aug. 21-23
Since 1992, this annual weekend of music has brought the sweet sounds of bluegrass to Brown County, and returns this year to the county fairgrounds in Georgetown. Those who want to camp for the festival can arrive up to three days early and be treated to Dinner on the Grounds, including great eats like a chili cook off and fried fish dinner. Acts such as Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass, Harbourtown Bluegrass and the Malpass Brothers are on the bill, as well as The Edgar Loudermilk Band, the host band for the festival.

SamJam Bluegrass Festival | Aug. 27-31
Over the course of five days, this festival in Piketon showcases the sounds of bluegrass, rock and country. Before the weekend begins, the SamJam Hop on Wednesday Aug. 27 offers attendees the opportunity to explore the local music scene across different venues in the area before the main four days at the fairgrounds. The lineup is stacked with great acts including Pure Prairie League, Appalachian Road Show and others. Camping is available to let visitors stay during the entire festival and several other events round out the festivities, from a cornhole tournament to a youth music camp.

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