Galion sits at the center of a sun-drenched compass. Pick any direction over the next 30 days and you’ll land at a fairground, festival stage, or runway roar before nightfall. Pack the playlist, set the cruise control, and aim for these six can’t-miss outings.
Ohio State Fair 🎡 — Columbus
July 23 – August 3
Gates greet you at 7:00 AM; midway whirls awake at 11:00 AM; exhibit halls dim the lights at 9:00 PM. Wander livestock barns, snap a selfie with the butter cow, then ride the SkyGlider as sunset paints the skyline. Weekday crowds are lighter, and advance tickets still run $8. Ohio State Fair
Dublin Irish Festival 🍀🎻 — Dublin
August 1 – 3
Coffman Park turns emerald with seven music stages, hurling demos, and the smoky aroma of corned-beef egg rolls. Friday kicks off at 4:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday flow from 11:00 AM till the final jig at 12:00 AM. Score a commemorative glass during Saturday’s 8:00 PM main-stage set. dublinirishfestival.org
Richland County Fair 🐖🎠 — Mansfield
August 3 – 9
Only 30 minutes east, this 175-year tradition opens gates at 9:00 AM, lights the rides at 12:00 PM, and auctioneers pies at 6:00 PM. The flag-raising ceremony at 3:00 PM on opening Sunday is pure hometown pride. richlandcountyfair.com
Shawshank Hustle 🏃♂️🔗 — Mansfield
August 16
Line up at 8:00 AM outside the Ohio State Reformatory for a 4.6-mile dash past movie-set landmarks. Finishers earn a one-of-a-kind medal and free prison tour—no parole required. Shawshank Trail
Indiana State Fair 🎪🍦 — Indianapolis
August 1 – 17 (closed Mondays)
Yes, it’s a 3 hour 30 minute drive, but there’s fried-pickle pizza, a Tilt-A-Whirl the size of a city block, and a Big Top Circus firing the Human Cannonball at 7:00 PM nightly. Park once, play all day. indianastatefair.com
Cleveland National Air Show ✈️🔥 — Lake Erie shoreline
August 30
Labor-Day weekend roars to life when gates swing open at 9:00 AM and F-16 Thunderbirds rip the sky at 9:30 AM. Bring folding chairs, sunscreen, and earplugs; the last Red Bull skydiver touches down around 4:30 PM. Cleveland National Air Show
Quick-Glance Road-Trip Tips 🚦
• Roll out of Galion by 8:00 AM to snag fairground parking.
• Stash a cooler of water—sealed bottles are welcome at most venues.
• Mid-week drives on I-71 mean lighter traffic and cheaper hotel rates if you linger.
• Download each event’s app for real-time weather and schedule tweaks.
Rev the engine, cue your favorite summer anthem, and let Ohio—and just beyond—fill your memory card with July and August magic.
