Here are the best events happening during August in the Buckeye State.

I hate to say it, but summer is coming to a close. The stores are full of school supplies, and I’ve even seen a few fall decorations. Noooo. We may all be thinking of school and routines, but there is still plenty of time to enjoy a road trip or two, and I hope to inspire you to get out and explore before the first bell rings! (Or in the case of this homeschooler, mom yells that it is time to start)! Here’s my list of 10 things to do in Ohio in August! Hurry!

Things to do in Ohio during August 2026

1. Visit Amish Country

If you need a little slow-down before the kids return to school, how about a leisurely drive on the Amish Country Byway through some of the quieter parts of Holmes County? Check out my favorite things to do with kids in Amish Country HERE and HERE.

While visiting Amish Country with kids, we recommend a stay at The Wurthmann House in downtown Berlin. (Check rates).

2. Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’ at the Shawshank Hustle

It’s hard to believe that the movie so many of us have come to love – The Shawshank Redemption– is 32 years old. Most of the movie was filmed at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio, and neighboring towns along the Shawshank Trail.

This is the 12th year of the Shawshank Hustle, a 7k race dedicated to the movie and filming sites. The race takes place on August 15th in Mansfield. Entry to the race includes a free tour of the Ohio State Reformatory.

3. Chase a waterfall

Ohio has plenty of natural beauty to enjoy before summer ends! Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills is one well-known and much-photographed option. Want to be able to actually play in a waterfall? How about a visit to Honey Run Falls in Knox County. Looking for an entire waterfall road trip – check out this list of my favorite Ohio waterfalls.

4. Take your crew to the ballpark

America’s pastime is popular in the Buckeye State! While you may be familiar with the Cleveland Guardians or Cincinnati Reds, how about trying out a minor league game with the Columbus Clippers, Toledo Mud Hens, or Akron RubberDucks? Want to watch a battle of Ohio? Head to Huntington Park on Saturday, August 1st, when the Toledo Mudhens take on the Columbus Clippers. There will be fireworks after the game!

If you want to wow the kids with fireworks, the Cleveland Guardians are having Rock N Blast on Friday, August 14th, with Dollar Dog Night and fireworks after the game.

5. Have a brew or a canoe at Marietta’s River Trails & Ales Festival

The local citizens of Marietta worked together to design a festival that incorporated the outdoor adventures of the area with the downtown businesses- what started from this movement was the River Trails & Ales Festival! In 2026, the Festival runs from August 6- 9 and includes self-guided adventures.

There are plenty of events for the entire family, and RTA is offering a family-friendly gnome hike on Friday & Sunday mornings. Check out their website HERE. The Lafayette Hotel is downtown and right in the midst of the action.

Find out why I think you MUST visit Marietta.

Another reason to visit Marietta in August is to see the American Melody ship as it passes through on its voyage down the Ohio River. We saw the American Duchess back in 2021. Waking up in Marietta to see the ship docked was such a neat experience and serves as a happy memory for our family.

The American Melody will be in Marietta on August 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, and 25. Dates are subject to change or cancellation. Check with Visit Marietta for more info.

6. Visit a splash pad

August in Ohio is known for being brutally hot and muggy! Why not cool off with the family at a new splash pad! Check out this awesome splash pad in Mansfield. Looking for more? Here’s a list of splash pads near Columbus.

7. Watch history come to life at the Conneaut D-Day re-enactment

Hopefully, this is the year I will attend this event! (Fingers crossed). For lovers of history and homeschoolers, a D-Day reenactment is August 13-15 on the shores of Lake Erie in Conneaut, Ohio. You must reserve your pass in advance. Here’s the info: D-Day Reenactment.

8. Take a day trip to an island without leaving Ohio

Put-in-Bay is the perfect late summer getaway for families, with plenty to do and see while driving around in a golf cart!

For more Put-in-Bay trip ideas and activities, check out my guide of Family-friendly Things to do at Put-in-Bay and Inexpensive things to do at Put-in-Bay.

9. Spend a weekend in Cincinnati and see the world’s best tennis stars

Cincinnati is a perfect summer getaway, but it’s also home to the Cincinnati Open, which is the nation’s oldest professional tennis tournament played in its city of origin! We’ve visited this event twice, and it’s a great time for families. You’ll be surprised how close you can get to top-ranking players while they warm up on the practice courts.

The tournament is from August 11-23, 2026. More info is HERE.

10. Explore the free parks and art of Toledo

We recently visited Toledo, Ohio, on an overnight trip and had the best time exploring Northwest Ohio’s largest city. The recently opened Glass City Metropark is a blast for young kids – with multiple play areas, climbing structures, and slides that can be enjoyed from the toddler to teen years. Tip: Visit in the morning for cooler temps, as the park offers little shade.

If the MudHens are in town, check out a baseball game at Fifth Third Field, stay in a river-view room at the Homewood Suites, and then spend the next morning browsing the Toledo Museum of Art. USA Today recently named it the Best Art Museum in America.

After the art museum, get the wiggles out at the Swan Creek Preserve Metropark. This Metropark offers two large playgrounds and plenty of hiking opportunities (One trail leads to a swinging bridge).

Are you ready to explore Ohio even more in August 2026? I hope you’ve enjoyed my ideas for visiting some of the state’s greatest attractions and festivals! Where are you headed before school starts?

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