Here in central Ohio, it would be rude to say so long to summer without a proper Midwest goodbye. What better way to send the season off than with three days of food, fun and fests?
This Labor Dayweekend, communities across greater Columbus will be celebrating the holiday in their own distinct ways. Whether you’re in the mood for unique cuisine, eye-catching art or are simply seeking some small-town community charm, there’s a festival for everyone over the holiday weekend.
Millersport Sweet Corn Festival
This fall favorite features midway rides and games, more than 70 food and game vendors, tractor pulls, parades and live music. But the main attraction, of course, is the hot buttered sweet corn Millersport Sweet Corn Festival patrons can’t get enough of.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Sept.
2-5; 2905 Chautauqua Blvd., Millersport; free admission
CBUS Soul Fest
This two-day celebration of all things soul will feature live music from a full lineup of iconic neo-soul, R&B and jazz artists and DJs, including Stokley, Lalah Hathaway and many more. In between sets, grab a cold beverage and a bite from one of 11 local food trucks.
Details: 4-10 p.m. on Sept. 4-5; Bicentennial Park, 233 S. Civic Center Drive; free admission
Columbus Greek Festival
The 52nd annual Columbus Greek Festival offers Greek street food, dancing and a marketplace featuring authentic Greek goods – including a festival bookstore. Catch a dance performance, tour the cathedral or even attend a Greek cooking demonstration.
Details: 4-11 p.m. Sept. 4, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 5, noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 6 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 7; The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 N. High St.; weekend passes cost $10. Admission is free for children 12 and under and active military members with ID.
Obetz Zucchinifest
Pumpkins get all the glory in the fall months, but once a year, zucchini takes the stage as everyone's favorite squashduring Obetz Zucchinifest. The four-day event features live music, rides and all the zucchini-centered dishes you can eat.
Details: 5-11 p.m. Sept. 4, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 5-6, noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 7; Fortress Obetz, 2015 Recreation Trail, Obetz; free admission
Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival
Canal Winchester may have a small-town feel, but there's nothing small about its Labor Day celebration. The Canal Winchester Labor Day Festival spans three days and includes a parade, car show, beer pavilion, rides, vendors, live music and more.
Details: Noon to 11 p.m. Sept. 5-6 and noon to 6 p.m. Sept 7; South High Street and East Waterloo Street, Canal Winchester; free admission
West Jefferson Ox Roast
Right on the tail of America's 250th birthday, the West Jefferson Ox Roast will celebrate its 75th. Scheduled festivities include a parade, vendors, crafts, games, the Running of the Ox 5K and 1-Mile Walk, plus plenty of time to feast on ox roast sandwiches.
Details: Festivities begin at noon Sept. 5, 9 a.m. on Sept. 6 and 8 a.m. Sept. 7. View the complete schedule of events at wjca.org/schedule; 3 Fellows Avenue, West Jefferson; free admission.
Soberfest
Soberfest was created 15 years ago to show those in recovery that people who give up drugs or alcohol don't have to sacrifice parties, concerts and all things fun. Attendees can enjoy a drug- and alcohol-free day featuring live music, speakers, food trucks and a kid zone with family-friendly activities.
Details: Sept. 6 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Franklin County Fairgrounds, 5043 Northwest Pkwy., Hilliard; free admission
Bexley Summerfest
Bexley Summerfest is an all-ages event that has something for everyone. The neighborhood festival boasts more than 50 artist booths, food trucks, live music, activities for kids, craft brews for adults and a highly anticipated Egg Drop.
Details: Sept. 6 from 3-8 p.m; East Main Street and Drexel Avenue; free admission
Reporter Kelly Tucker can be reached at ktucker@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Find fun this Labor Day weekend at central Ohio festivals
