As summer vacation draws to a close, August provides plenty of opportunities for your last month before school is back in session. Enjoy live concerts and music festivals, the Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Yard Sale, NASCAR, and the 25th Anniversary of “The Shawshank Redemption.”
It may be your last chance to enjoy the outdoors before autumn weather sets in, but luckily, August is the month of outdoor festivals, including two annual music festivals. EST Fest (August 3-4) at Ohio Dreams Park is a two-day event where overnight camping is encouraged. This year, it features headliners Machine Gun Kelly and 21 Savage, alongside dozens of other local and nationally known rap and hip hop artists. Mansfield Jam Fest (August 20-24) is a bluegrass and country music festival at the Richland County Fairgrounds with headliners The Grascals and Flatt Lonesome. In addition to “24-hour jamming,” the festival boasts nightly family-friendly activities like Bingo Night and a euchre tournament.
There is also a wealth of options for festivals that are less music-centered, including Mansfield Pride Festival (August. 3), Slip N Fly Fest (August 16-18), and the Lexington Blueberry Festival (August 15-18). The Pride Festival, which is celebrating its fifth year, will take place in downtown Mansfield’s Central Park. The parade has a new route this year; it will begin at Marion Avenue and head east on Park Avenue, ending at the park. Vendors, a Kid’s Zone, a Beer Garden, and more will be available to festivalgoers. Slip N Fly Fest at Ohio Dreams Park is described as a “3-day epic camping experience,” with a fun activity to please every attendee. The Lexington Blueberry Festival, held at Lexington Community Park, is a four-day event centered around all things blueberry: foods, games, crafts, rides, pageants, and even a fireworks show on Saturday.
The Richland County Fair (August 4-10) will include competitions like livestock judging, the Jr. Fair King and Queen pageant, the Bake-a-Rama, and more. Visitors can enjoy all of the typical fair activities, such as games, exciting rides, and their annual helping of delicious fair food.
This August marks the 25th Anniversary of “The Shawshank Redemption,” (August 16-18) the internationally known hit movie that was filmed at various area locations, most notable is the Ohio State Reformatory. The anniversary weekend will feature activities at the filming sites, celebrity actor appearances, tours, and the Shawshank Hustle 7k (August 17).
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the historic Barn Raising (August 31-Sep. 2) at Malabar Farm State Park. Celebrate the traditions of Louis Bromfield, Pulitzer Prize-winning author, and his family on the grounds of the home he enjoyed for 17 years.
If you’re looking for a fun day for kids before the back-to-school rush, Kingwood Kids Day (August 3) at Kingwood Center Gardens and Kid’s Farm Fun Day & Fishing Day (August 3) at Malabar Farm State Park are both free events to help children enjoy nature with fun outdoor activities. Kingwood Kids Day has a focus on the arts, with projects, demonstrations, and souvenirs. The Malabar Farm Kid’s Farm Fun Day & Fishing Derby has a focus on agriculture, with games, activities, and the famous fishing derby. Food concessions are available at both events.
In August, the weather may be a little too hot to enjoy the outdoors every day. The Renaissance Theatre will offer entertaining shows to help you seek shelter from the heat. Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical (August 3 & 4) will thrill audiences of all ages with the familiar story of a very extraordinary girl. The 33rd Annual Third Saturday in August Comedy Club Show (August 17) gives you a chance to see future famous comics.
If you’ve been hunting down a certain perfect piece of furniture or antique board game, or if you just enjoy browsing, the Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Yard Salefeatures thousands of yard sales along the historic Lincoln Highway. Follow the path and learn the history of the roadway as you visit yard sales throughout the area.
For lovers of all things automotive, there are plenty of races, car shows, and events to get on your calendar this month. The NASCAR Xfinity Series (August 9-10) at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course includes two full days of racing action. The Dirt Million (August 22-24) at Mansfield Motor Speedway is set to be one of the biggest races in dirt late model racing history. Enjoy more casual car viewing at the Heart of the City Cruise In (August 24) in Downtown Mansfield and the Shelby Cruise In (August 18).
For a full list of events this month, be sure to continuously check the Destination Mansfield – Richland County Calendar of Events— new events appear constantly! You can also check out the hashtag #RichlandLIVE on social media to keep an eye on all your favorite local musicians.
By Destination Mansfield – Richland County Communications Intern, Amanda Ehrmantraut
Photo: Malabar Farm, 1812Blockhouse File Photo
