6 Labor Day Weekend Festivals in Ohio

Start your Labor Day weekend at the Perch, Peach, Pierogi & Polka Festival, a raucous tradition in its 21st year jam-packed with Polish eats and song. It’s the perfect beginning to a weekend filled with Ohio’s unique festival traditions, from the more than 70-year-old West Jefferson Ox Roast to the medieval fun of the Ohio Renaissance Festival.

Perch, Peach, Pierogi & Polka Festival | Sept. 4-5
Since 2005, Port Clinton has been entertaining travelers and locals alike with this end-of-summer-festival at Denny Bergeman Hall that promises great grub and tunes. Fill up on perch dinners, pierogi, Polish sausage (plus peach pie with ice cream from local Toft’s Dairy) before dancing the night away. Both nights of the festival bring live polka music until 9 p.m. No worries if you're new to the style — there’s lessons both days at 4 p.m. shoresandislands.com

Columbus Greek Festival | Sept. 4-7
Discover the beauty and history of Greek culture at the 53rd annual iteration of this celebration, which takes place in and around downtown’s Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Tour the building’s ornate mosaics, see dances to traditional folk songs and sample delicacies and liquor from the event’s Taverna. Top off the festivities with an interactive timeline of Greek history at the Cultural Center, or shop customary ceramics, clothing, jewelry and books from vendors. columbusgreekfestival.com

Cleveland Oktoberfest | Sept. 4-7, Sept. 11-12
All things German come to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds for two convivial weekends. Watch Schuhplattler dancers perform skits and choreography at the 55-foot-long Cleveland Glockenspiel, cast your vote in the Best Oktoberfest Microbrew Competition and sample a huge variety of European cuisine, including dishes from Columbus staple Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. For kids, there’s costumed wiener dog races, fireworks and intricate puppet productions from the Friesch Marionette Company. clevelandoktoberfest.com

Ohio Renaissance Festival | Sept. 5-7
Help kick off the first weekend of this Waynesville gathering at its 30-acre rendition of a 16th-century English village. Each one has a different theme, so no two visits are the same. Visitors can expect to see hundreds of costumed musicians, dancers, knights and performers re-create the best of Renaissance entertainment across 22 stages and are encouraged to come in costume to play period-themed games, explore the Tower of London Dungeon of Doom and wash down giant turkey legs with a glass of hearty ale. renfestival.com

West Jefferson Ox Roast | Sept. 5-7
Since 1951, 5,000 pounds of round roast have been seasoned with a secret recipe and slow cooked for around 12 hours overnight in preparation for being served up on the sandwiches offered during this annual event. This year marks 75 for the festival and boasts a parade, eating contests, pageants, a cruise-in and a charity pie auction benefiting local senior citizens. wjca.org

Harboritaville: A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Festival | Sept. 6
This tropical get-together honors the legacy of legendary musician Jimmy Buffett with a one-day celebration at Veterans Memorial Park in Fairport Harbor. Sing along to classic Buffet hits like the iconic “Margaritaville” from three cover bands while sipping tropical drinks, enjoying fresh eats from area food truck favorites or perusing wares from local vendors on site. fhaca.org

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