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 2023

1. Visit Amish Country

If you need a little slow-down before the kids go back 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.

Downtown Millersburg is hosting “Vintage in the Village” on Saturday, August 5. Historic downtown Millersburg will be full of crafters, yard art, antique furniture, and more. Check out their Facebook Event Page.

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

2. Take a dive in some pudding! 😳

Yes, you read that right. The St. Mary’s Summerfest is a free event happening August 10- 13 and the plan is to have a “pudding dive” in the morning on Sunday, August 13. If you like to play with food, this may be the place for you! Call ahead for info – 419.300.4611 – but at a minimum, take some extra clothes! Lol.

If this is your first time visiting the area, you’ll want to make sure that you leave extra time to visit the Neil Armstrong Museum in Wapakoneta, explore the American Bicycle Museum in New Bremen, or watch a sunset at Grand Lake St. Mary’s.

Where to stay? The Best Western Celina

3. Chase a waterfall

Ohio has plenty of natural beauty to enjoy before summer ends! Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills is also well-known and photographed. 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 like the Columbus Clippers, Toledo Mudhens, or Akron RubberDucks?

If you want to wow the kids with fireworks, the Cleveland Guardians are having Rock N Blast on Friday, Aug 4th 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 2023, the Festival runs from August 11-13 and includes self-guided adventures.

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

Find out why I think you MUST visit Marietta.

Another reason to visit Marietta in August would be to see the American Heritage or American Queen Steernwheelers as they visit Marietta on their 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 Countess will be visiting Marietta on August 13 & 17 and the American Heritage will be visiting on August 11, 27, and 31. Dates are subject to change or cancellation. Check with Visit Marietta for more info.

6. Pick a posy at Flower Days in Bucyrus

The Pickwick Place in Bucyrus is hosting “Flower Days” on August 11 & 12 and 18 & 19. Meander through the sunflowers, pick your own seasonal blooms or take a free wagon ride. There will even be face painting for the kids. You must book a free ticket through Eventbrite.

7. 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.

8. 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, the re-enactment of D-Day happens on August 17-19 on the shore of Lake Erie in Conneaut, Ohio. You must reserve your pass in advance. Here’s the info: D-Day Reenactment.

9. 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.

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

Cincinnati is a perfect summer getaway, but it’s also host to the Western & Southern 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 12-20, 2022. More info is HERE.

11. Have a LEGO-obsessed child? You won’t want to miss the Nature Connects exhibit at Kingwood Center Gardens in Mansfield.

Sean Kenney’s massive LEGO creations have overtaken Kingwood Center Gardens until September 17. This exhibit is fun for the really young- and the young at heart! Get your tickets at Kingwood Center’s website.

Are you ready to explore Ohio even more in August 2023? I hope I’ve given you plenty of ideas for visiting some of the state’s greatest attractions and festivals! Where are you headed before school starts?

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