5 Spring Festivals in Ohio’s Appalachian Region

Though Ohio’s geography often garners a reputation for just being flat land and farm fields, much of our state is actually composed of the foothills that ripple out from the Appalachian Mountains. Out of our state’s 88 counties, 32 of them are in Appalachia. Several host fun spring festivals, including the showcase of German traditions at Zoar Maifest or the bloom of the Dogwood at the Pike County Dogwood Festival.

Pike County Dogwood festival | April 25-27
The dogwood tree starts to flower in April and continues blooming well into June. Celebrate these beautiful blooms at the Pike County Dogwood Festival in Piketon. Activities are plentiful through the three-day festival and include a petting zoo, cornhole tournament, grand parade and more. A dogwood bicycle tour starts the day bright and early on Saturday, and the beloved baby contest is back with a Western theme. As evening arrives, karaoke and live music fill the air, and Sunday brings more festivities including a church service, queens luncheon and more.

Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival | May 1-4
The crowning of a queen, a quilt show, festival rides and live entertainment await at the Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival, which celebrates the successful reintroduction of the wild turkey in Ohio. A treat auction is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth, and a lip-sync contest brings entertainment for participants and audience members alike. Sunday is Kids Day, complete with a petting zoo, rides and a Little Miss Queen crowning.

Zoar Maifest | May 9-10
A German celebration marks spring in Tuscarawas County’s Historic Zoar Village. Zoar Maifest features German food and drinks, including brats and German potato salad, music from live bands as well as games and arts projects for children. A German car show is a festival highlight, and guided tours of Zoar Village allow guests to explore this historic area.

Appalachian Festival | May 10-11
Southern Ohio heritage shines at the Appalachian Festival, a tradition since 1971. This year, the festival takes place in its new location in the village of New Richmond. Connect with culture through music and food along the Ohio River. Browse the work of artisan and culinary vendors, and see what life was once like in Appalachia through demonstrations by costumed reenactors. Performances include Native American dances and music, clogging, step dancing and more. 

Dennison Railroad Festival | May 29-31
The Dennison Railroad Depot and Museum hosts this celebration of this town’s railroad heritage. Grab some food from local vendors and volunteers like the Dennison Fire Department before catching the grand parade. In addition to the special festivities, guests are invited to explore the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum to learn more about the depot’s history serving soldiers heading off to World War II. 

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