Whether you're just visiting for a short time or you're looking to move here this summer, there are a few things you should come equipped with before you enter "the heart of it all." Consider the following a condensed version of the Ohio survival guide:
1) Something scarlet and gray, even if it's not official Ohio State Buckeyes attire. (It will serve you well here, my friend, and you will experience an effortless acceptance as one of our own.)
5) A change of clothes, a light sweater, an umbrella, a change of shoes and basically your entire closet because our weather has never made up its mind as to what season we're actually in at any given time.
7) A sense of adventure because our state parks will make you feel as if you've stepped foot into a Lord of the Rings film, so you consequently better be ready for orcs and all that stuff. (I mean, just in case.)
If you plan on visiting the state of Ohio in August, then you should know we are still in summer mode! Summer festivals in Ohio just keep rolling right through August, including one of the most fun for sports fans around the country – the Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. But, even if you're not a fan of the NFL, there are seemingly endless events to attend in August.
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Cons of Visiting Ohio In August
Humidity and back-to-school vibes can make attending some of these events difficult, but Ohioans make it work! We have a long winter ahead of us, so we try to make it work.
Ohio Weather in August
In 2024, we’re seeing record highs, and that goes for Ohio, too. Humidity is high in August, and expect temperatures in the high 70s and 80s. Tornado season should be on its way out, but it’s not uncommon to have severe thunderstorms in August.
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At Not Your Average Bucket List travel podcast by OnlyInYourState, we aim to find the best things for readers to discover in the United States. In addition to that, now we are going to help you find the best things to do in your state each month.
We are going to explore the top 10 best things to do in August in OH, but if we missed something good...let us know! You can call or text 805-298-1420 and tell us what we need to know (or reach out to us via email at [email protected]).
Are you ready to dive into a month full of exciting things in Ohio? If you want to listen to the episode, make sure to check it out on Spotify:
Or, you can watch your hosts Sara and Marisa break everything down on YouTube in the video below:
Attending a baseball game in the middle of summer is one of the best things to do in Ohio, no matter if you're in Cleveland or Cincinnati! There's nothing like getting some snacks and drinks and sitting in the sunshine while cheering on your favorite team. Who needs to think about winter?
No matter what vibe you're going for - relaxed or adventurous - you should consider visiting the Lake Erie Islands, such as Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island, for a perfect summer getaway.
Top Ohio Events In August
3. Ohio River Paddlefest (Cincinnati) - August 3rd
When it comes to summer events in Ohio, this one is a great choice! You'll want to experience the thrill of Ohio River Paddlefest in August of 2024! It's recognized as possibly the nation's largest paddling celebration with over 2,000 participants. We love easy watersports, so if you're feeling up to a paddling adventure in the Ohio River, you should take part!
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4. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival (Canton) - July 26th to August 4th
Love the NFL? Well, if you visit Canton, Ohio, you'll be able to celebrate the sport with fans and athletes alike at the Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. You'll be able to see and interact with more than 100 Hall of Famers to kick off the National Football League’s season. The entire family can enjoy a hot air balloon classic, 5k races, signature and photo ops, a grand parade, and even the NFL Hall of Fame game featuring the NY Jets versus Cleveland Browns.
5. Dublin Irish Festival (Dublin) - August 2nd to August 4th
We think you'll love the Dublin Irish Festival in August 2024! At the festival in Dublin, Ohio, you can experience the magic of Ireland right here in Ohio. Enjoy captivating live music and mesmerizing Irish dances, all while you indulge in delectable cuisine and immerse yourself in rich traditions. A cultural extravaganza that promises joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Sláinte!
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6. Vintage Ohio Wine Festival (Kirtland) - August 2nd and August 3rd
Taking place in the Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland, the Vintage Ohio Wine Festival is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys food, drinks, live music, and shopping! One of our favorite parts of this festival is that you can sample from a wide variety of Ohio vintners. You might just find your new favorite local wine!
7. Whiskey Island 5K (Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront Reservation) - August 25th
You can run a 5K through Whiskey Island Trail and Wendy Park and help raise money for the Cleveland Metroparks K-9 unit. If you're the athletic type and looking for a fun event you can do with family or friends, this event is for you!
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8. Great Lakes Medieval Faire & Marketplace (Rock Creek) - every weekend from July 6th to August 11th
Travel back in time to the 13th century when you visit the Great Lakes Medieval Faire & Marketplace this August. The family-friendly Renaissance Faire is full of adventure, romance, celebrations, and so much more! We never knew how much we loved these kinds of events until we attended the GLMF. It's a lovely festival in Ohio that you will remember for a long time to come!
9. Rivers, Trails, and Ales Festival (Marietta) - August 8th to August 11th
The name really says it all! At the Rivers, Trails, and Ales Festival, you’ll be able to hike, bike, and kayak through the various trails near Marietta. But not only that, you'll be enjoying opportunities to “try something new” (their theme this year). You can enjoy yoga, guided hikes, scavenger hunts, bike rides, kayak tours, and a sampling of local brews.
10. Fiery Foods Festival (Columbus) - August 26th and August 27th
This hot new festival looks like a ton of fun (even for those with milder taste preferences)!
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" target="_blank">Columbus Fiery Foods Festival will take place on Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27 at Genoa Park along the Scioto Mile in Downtown Columbus. Explore salsa and hot sauce vendors, delicious food trucks, live entertainment, and so much more. The park is known as one of the prettiest places in Columbus.
There are so many fun things to do this August in Ohio, and we hope you have a blast with whatever trip itinerary you build! Have you had the opportunity to go to any of these fun festivals? Please let us know what your favorite parts were in the comments section. We're always happy to hear your recommendations. If you'll be going to more than one exciting event this August, take a fun road trip and make sure you're well-prepared for every leg of the trip with The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by OnlyInYourState.
Here in the Buckeye State, there are some things you have to do before you can really call yourself an Ohioan. That's why you know better than anyone that until you've done the following 13 things, you can't REALLY call yourself an Ohioan.
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See how many of these you've done:
1. You've officially stopped believing in the "four seasons" sham.
