An artist must be talented to display work at the Columbus Arts Festival. But visitors don’t even have to be art-oriented to enjoy this free event, which will celebrate the fest’s 50th anniversary this year.
More than 1,100 artists applied to display their work, but only 240 were chosen by the festival’s jury, said spokeswoman Jamie Goldstein. The art encompasses nearly every medium and style, so visitors will probably find something they like.
Still, the festival is not just about art. Festivalgoers can check out a new adult “hands-on activity area,” art carnival games and other special events. Kids will find plenty of special events, too.
Music, poetry readings and community performances will also be featured on various stages.
Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a big-shot arts patron, but don’t quite have the cash to buy a Van Gogh for your local museum? Try the festival’s new VIP package, with an exclusive VIP lounge, special concert seating and other perks. And it’ll set you back significantly less than “Portrait of Dr. Gachet.”
The details: June 3-5, Discover District on the East Side of Downtown Columbus (Franklin County); free; (614) 224-2606, www.columbusartsfestival.org
Lancaster Festival
Music lovers can’t help but be impressed by the community involvement on display at the Lancaster Festival.
From 600 to 800 volunteers participate in the music fest, which will celebrate its 27th anniversary this summer.
Community members even open their homes as temporary lodging for the musicians of the Lancaster Festival Orchestra, who come from around the United States, and even other countries, to play in southeastern Ohio for two weeks each year.
“We’re really proud of those volunteers,” said Lou Ross, executive director of the festival.
“It’s a miracle that a community of our size can have something this special in terms of quality and excellence,” he said.
For visitors, the result is a delightful and top-notch musical experience, which will boast several world debuts including a new “Pinocchio” ballet and a choral piece by Patrick Hawes, one of the leading symphonic and choral composers in England.
The festival, which will take place at many venues throughout Lancaster, also includes a popular and diverse selection of other performers including Celtic Fire and the Beach Boys.
Visitors will also find arts displays, street vendors and performers, kids’ activities and special deals at area shops and galleries.
The details: July 21–30, downtown Lancaster (Fairfield County); fee charged for some specialty concerts; (740) 687-4808, (800) LAN-FEST, www.lanfest.org
Lithopolis Honeyfest
Could there be a sweeter way to say goodbye to summer than with a visit to the Honeyfest in this little village southeast of Columbus?
There will be arts, crafts, beekeeping exhibitions and honey-centric (and other) festival foods?
There will be!
Will there be bee beards?
There will be!
Will there be mead?
There will be!
Will there be a festival song?
There will be. Actually, there already is. Visit the Honeyfest website and click on the “Lithopolis Honeyfest Song” — you’ll be glad you did. (Will the songwriter be rhyming “metropolis” with “Lithopolis”? He sure will be.)
So be there or be square.
The details: Sept. 10, downtown Lithopolis (Fairfield County); free; (614) 837-2031, www. lithopolishoneyfest.com
Other notable festivals
Granville Art Affair & Wine Festival: June 11-12, more than 100 artists, food, wine tasting and live entertainment; Bryn Du Mansion, Granville (Licking County); free, wine festival $50; (614) 579-5743; www.granvilleartaffair.com
London Strawberry Festival: June 23-25, strawberry shortcake, parades, entertainment and rides; Downtown London (Madison County); (740) 852-1582; www.londonstrawberryfestival.com
Jazz and Ribs Fest: July 22-24, rib burners from the United States and Canada and a host of jazz performers; the Arena District and several nearby sites in Downtown Columbus (Franklin County); free; (614) 645-7995; www.hotribscooljazz.org
Dublin Irish Festival: Aug. 5-7, music, dance and cultural activities; Coffman Park, Dublin (Franklin County); admission: $10, or $8 for senior citizens, free for children 12 and younger; (614) 410-4400; www.dublinirishfestival.org
Festival Latino: Aug. 13-14, Latin-American musicians, dancing and food; Genoa Park, along the riverfront, Downtown Columbus (Franklin County); free; (614) 469-1045; www.festivallatino.net
Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival: Aug. 19-20, celebrating the birthplace of the tomato; Huber Park, Reynoldsburg; $1, or free for children 12 and younger; (614) 866-4888; www.reynoldsburgtomato festival.org
Obetz ZucchiniFest: Aug. 25-28, featuring all things zucchini; Memorial Park, Obetz; free; (614) 491-1080; www.obetz zucchinifest.com
Balloons and Tunes: Aug. 26-27, hot-air balloon festival, featuring tethered rides and balloon flights and entertainment; Beulah Park, Grove City (Franklin County); free; (614) 277-3040; www.grovecityohio.gov/events/balloons
West Jefferson Ox Roast: Sept. 3-5, featuring round-roast sandwiches, crafts and entertainment; Garrette Park, downtown West Jefferson (Madison County); free; (614) 879-8818; www.westjeffoxroast.com
Covered Bridges Festival: Sept. 10, a tour of Union County’s eight covered bridges; call for pricing; (937) 642-6279; www.unioncountycvb.com
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