Hoping to check out some more live music this year?
Ohio has some amazing music festivals coming up. From hardcore rock to bluegrass and folk, when I say there are festivals for everyone, I mean it. Some of them involve a little road trip and maybe some camping, and other festivals are right around the corner. So pick your poison and buy your tickets. It’s almost festival time.
Country Fest | June 20-22 | North Lawrence, OH
About the fest: The Country Fest is celebrating 10 years this summer. Over the last decade, The Country Fest has grown, adding tons of national recording artists to their list of performers. The festival is held at Clay’s Park, a campground complete with an adventure waterpark, miniature golf, basketball and volleyball courts, and more. This year’s headliners include Thomas Rhett, Brantley Gilbert, and Chris Young. Tickets start at $69.
Smoky Run Music Festival | June 28-30 | Butler, OH
About the fest: For its inaugural year, Smoky Run Music Festival has put together quite a line-up, including two of my favorite bands, Trampled by Turtles and Deer Tick. There are all sorts of festival packages available at Smoky Run, including tent and rv camping packages, as well as general admission and VIP passes.
Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival | July 12-14 | Mansfield, OH
About the fest: What happens when you combine a bunch of rock bands, tattoo artists, and one of the creepiest buildings in Ohio? You get Inkcarceration Fest, of course! Musical acts at this year’s festival include Five Shinedown, Godsmack, Finger Death Punch, Taking Back Sunday, and more. Dozens of tattoo artists will be on hand showing off their skills, Blood Prison, the annual haunted house, will be open for visitors. Ticket prices vary by package and camping is available.
Jazz & Rib Fest | July 19-21 | Columbus, OH
About the fest: Although the lineup for this annual event has yet to be released, you can count on top jazz performers making an appearance. The festival has free admission and tickets aren’t required, so save all that $$ for the delicious ribs you’re going to eat.
Cincinnati Music Festival | July 25-27 | Cincinnati, OH
About the fest: Cincinnati Music Festival got its start back in 1962 as the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival. Over the years, it’s evolved from an all-jazz show to a two-day fest featuring artists from R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop. Previous performers include many of the greats like Aretha Franklin, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Pattie Labelle, and more. This year, the big names continue with headliners like Earth, Wind, and Fire and Mary J. Blige.
Bellwether Music Festival | August 9-10 | Waynesville, OH
About the fest: Bellwether is a two-day, two-stage alternative music festival, complete with camping. This year’s lineup includes Beach House, Cake, Cold War Kids, Guided by Voices, and more. Tickets are already on sale, including GA, VIP, and Camping spots.
Country Jam & Campout | August 16 & 17 | Thornville, OH
About the fest: Country Jam & Campout is one of the largest country festivals in the state of Ohio and this year’s headliners include Jason Aldean, Old Dominion, Randy Houser, and Tracy Byrd. The festival is held at Legend Valley and there’s plenty of room for camping, dancing, and of course, a little honky tonk.
WonderBus Music & Arts Festival | August 17-18 | Columbus, OH
About the fest: WonderBus makes it’s inaugural debut in Columbus this summer. The first-time festival will include performances from Walk The Moon, Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, The Revivalists, X Ambassadors, Bishop Briggs, and more.
Breakaway Music Festival | August 23-24 | Columbus, OH
About the fest: Breakaway is a multi-city festival brand that brings together the best of EDM, Hip Hop, and Pop music, and it’s returning to Columbus yet again. The fest is two days and features a main stage as well as a silent disco. The line-up features Future, Young Thug, Bassnectar, Louis The Child, and more.
