6 Ohio Art Festivals to Visit this Summer

Boston Mills Artfest | June 28-30; July 5-8 
Celebrating 50 years in 2024, the Boston Mills Artfest is back with art showcases unique to each weekend. Found within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park designation, Boston Mills is the perfect backdrop for this rain-or-shine event that hosts 300 artists across all six days. Visit on June 28 and July 5 for a Friday evening preview party, and on festival days, browse works by artists from across the nation while enjoying beer, wine and food.

Art on the Beach | June 29 
Walk along the shore of Indian Lake at Old Field Beach during this one-day showcase of local arts and crafts. Pieces featured range include pottery, portraits, paintings, jewelry and more. Chat with artisans, learn more about their process and keep an eye out for potters at the wheel, spinning new creations. Live music completes the festival feel of this local favorite put on by the Logan County Art League.

Plein Air Arts Festival | July 12-14 
Visit Lakeside for a three-day weekend beginning July 12, and you will find over 50 artists scattered across town, all capturing the gorgeous lakefront scenery before them. Walk around to watch artists in action, painting outdoors in the French, Plein Air style. Attendees can purchase works they like at the gallery sale on Sunday, and for a small donation, the kids can grab some paint and practice their Plein Air skills too.

Chalk It Up! | July 27 
Visit Vermilion’s Victory Park for a showcase of art’s most temporary medium: chalk. On July 27, kids and their families can grab some chalk and bring their creations to life on the sidewalk during the Chalk-A-Square activity. More seasoned artists can preregister to create elaborate works of art such as this bulldog on an innertube, created by Susan Parsley. Attendees can watch these artists at work, and vote for their favorites in the gallery tent. 

Lakewood Arts Festival | Aug. 3
Stroll along Detroit Avenue in Lakewood during this daylong festival that has been a city tradition for 47 years. Artist tents line the street, inviting attendees to browse art prints, posters, fine art and jewelry, which they can purchase and take home with them. Food vendors ensure lunch is taken care of, and live music from acts throughout the day complete the art festival feel.

Salt Fork Arts and Crafts Festival | Aug. 9-11
Head to Cambridge City Park for a free weekend of arts and crafts fun. Explore local works of art, including jewelry, woodwork, paintings, paper crafts and more. Be sure to also check out the next generation of artists at the student art tent, where local kids have their art on display. The whole family can enjoy live music and puppet shows, and little ones can get their face painted, participate in a chalk art contest and make a craft to take home.