Hoping to check out some more live music this year?
Ohio has some amazing music festivals coming up in 2019. 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.
Lake Erie Folk Fest | February 22-23 | Euclid, OH
About the fest: Looking to get a little folky? The Lake Erie Folk Fest will feature traditional folk artists and bands, as well as workshops, jam sessions, and live performances by artists like Richie & Rosie, Jim Volk, Journeywork, and many more. Admission to the festival is free during the day, but tickets are required for the evening concert, which starts at 7:30 at the Shore Cultural Centre located at 291 E. 222nd Street Euclid, Ohio 44123. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day of show. Kids 12 and under are free!
Brite Winter | February 23 | Cleveland, OH
About the fest: An outdoor festival in the middle of winter in Cleveland? What could go wrong? But seriously, Brite Winter is all about embracing the cold. The festival takes place from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. on February 23 and is completely free to attend. Enjoy a massive lineup of musical performances, art exhibitions and workshops, and tons of delicious food.
Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival | March 29 & 30 | Wilmington, OH
About the fest: The Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival gathers nationally recognized acoustic groups, including pioneers of bluegrass and up and coming bands to celebrate bluegrass, old-time, and gospel music. The event is geared toward the whole family and is smoke and alcohol-free. Tickets are $35-$75 and children 16 and under are free with an accompanying adult.
Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival | May 17-19 | Columbus, OH
About the fest: This music and art fest is premiering this year in Columbus. The festival will bring together an impressive lineup of musicians like System of a Down, Foo Fighters, and Disturbed, as well as comedians and spoken word performers and local food joints from around Columbus. Tickets are already on sale and prices vary.
Dark Star Jubilee | May 24-27
About the fest: Jam out with the Dark Star Orchestra at their annual festival in Thornville, Oh, Dark Star Jubilee. The Grateful Dead tribute band will share the stage with a massive line-up. Tickets are on sale now and start at $149.
Bunbury Music Festival | May 31-June 2 | Cincinnati, OH
About the fest: Bunbury Festival is a three-day fest in Cincinnati put on by PromoWest Live. Although the 2019 lineup hasn’t been announced quite yet, you can bet that they’ll have some amazing headliners. Tickets start at $179 and are already on sale.
Camp Anarchy | May 31-June 2 | Thornville, OH
About the fest: The Offspring, Rancid, and NOFX will be headlining Camp Anarchy this year. The fest will also include craft beer tastings, dodgeball, games, s’mores, and more. Camp Anarchy is being held at Legend Valley and camping will be available.
Nelsonville Music Festival | June 6-9 | Nelsonville, OH
About the fest: The Nelsonville Music Festival is celebrating 15 years of existence, and that’s 15 years we’re all grateful for! Headlining this year is Death Cab for Cutie, and they’ll be joined by tons of awesome artists yet to be announced. Ticket prices vary, but for $140, you can snag a weekend pass.
LaureLive | June 8-9 | Cleveland, OH
About the fest: LaureLive is a two-day music, culinary, and educational event featuring top music acts from around the world. This year, the epic line-up includes Sheryl Crow, Hozier, Dirty Heads, Trombone Shorty, and many more. The festival takes place at Laurel School’s Butler Campus in Cleveland. Tickets start at $75.
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.
Country Jam & Campout | August | Thornville, OH
About the fest: The details of this year’s Country Jam are still TBD, but that doesn’t mean we can’t get excited about it. The festival is one of the largest country festivals in the state of Ohio and last year’s headliners included Sam Hunt, Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, and Dan + Shay. Camping is available. Line-up and ticket information coming soon.
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 hasn’t been released yet, but past performers have included ODESZA, Diplo, GRiZ, Migos, Wiz Khalifa, and more.
