Summer = festival time! The Hocking Hills region has some of the best summer festivals in Ohio, and some of the most unique ones in the country. Here are 5 Hocking Hills summer festivals you won’t want to miss.
Washboard Music Festival
Held every year on Father’s Day Weekend, the Washboard Music Festival features the kind of entertainment you can only find in Ohio, which is why it’s known as Ohio’s Most Unique Music Festival! Come enjoy tons of music (yes, they really play washboards), a quilt show, antique tractors, free tours of the Columbus Washboard Company, a parade, kids’ rides, a puppeteer—and the list goes on. It really doesn’t get better than this.
LilyFest
Lilies, lilies everywhere! LilyFest has been a Hocking Hills staple for more than 30 years and now features not only flowers, but also local artists and musicians. Come explore three acres of gardens, ponds, and sculptures, with Master Gardeners and volunteer naturalists on hand to answer your questions. LilyFest is free, but consider donating. In addition to putting on the event, they also award yearly scholarships to local high school students, so this is a great way to support your community.
Lancaster Festival
This week-long festival held in mid-July is one of the largest events around. Lancaster Festival features some of the hottest tickets in the area, with a great lineup of national headliners and unique performances. The festival hosts more than 75 art and music events, many of which are free, as well as activities including a 5K run. There are also plenty of activities for kids, so whether you live in Hocking Hills or are visiting the area this summer, be sure to put this festival on your list.
The Parade of the Hills
Nelsonville’s Parade of the Hills has grown into one of the top local festivals, and it is one of the best places to see classic cars. Three parades, a 5K race, a fiddling contest, a pie-eating contest, and field sports round out the long August weekend. And don’t forget the food—there are always plenty of home-cooked delicacies to tickle your taste buds.
Wellston Coal Festival
Labor Day Weekend may mark the official end of summer everywhere else, but in Ohio, it just means a transition into the fall festival season! Sitting right at the border is the Wellston Coal Festival, held every year the week after Labor Day. This festival celebrates the coal mining heritage that put this area on the map. Events include parades, a car and motorcycle show, contests of all kinds, live entertainment, rides, games, and more.
Hopefully you are planning to take in at least one of these excellent festivals this year. If so, why not enjoy the full Hocking Hills experience and rent a cabin for the weekend, or even the whole week. We still have some excellent deals available for summer cabin rentals, but they are filling up fast. Contact us today to plan your visit and see for yourself why Hocking Hills is known as Ohio’s Scenic Wonderland.
