Festivals, fun abound in Ohio

From banana splits and a duct tape fashion show to World War II aircraft and live music, Ohio has plenty of warm-weather fun to entertain the whole family.

Taste local foods, explore art in urban gardens, celebrate American Indian history or tap along to live music.

The following information on Ohio festivals in May and June is taken from a news release from the Office of Tourism, a division of Ohio Development Services Agency.

Visit ohio.org to view the office’s calendar of events.

Biggest Week in American Birding MAY 4 TO 13 | OREGON

The 10-day Biggest Week in American Birding includes workshops, guided birding activities, half-day birding tours, keynote speakers, vendors, evening socials, a bird tattoo contest and songbird banding demonstrations.

The festival headquarters is at Maumee Bay State Park Lodge & Conference Center, with additional vendors and activities at Black Swamp Bird Observatory.

Details: 419-898-4070.

Memphis Belle Exhibit Opening MAY 17 TO 19 | DAYTON

Exactly 75 years after completing its final World War II mission, the restored B-17F Memphis Belle will be unveiled at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. The first U.S. Army Air Forces heavy bomber to complete 25 missions over Europe and return to the U.S. will receive a celebratory opening with three B-17 Flying Fortresses, six P-51 Mustangs and three World War II-era trainer aircraft along with more than 160 WWII military and home front reenactors, a big band concert, 30 vintage military and civilian vehicles, and Memphis Belle films. Details: 937-2558606.

Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden Opening MAY 19 | COLUMBUS

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens celebrates the grand opening of its Children’s Garden with 16 interactive experiences to connect children to the natural world. Highlights include a canopy walk; a largerthan-life cardinal’s nest; pocket gardens for the senses, pollen makers and a place to jam on drums; a 15-foot tall sandstone bluff with moss, ferns, fossils; and plenty more. Details: 614-715-8000.

Feast of the Flowering Moon MAY 24 TO 27 | CHILLICOTHE

The 35th anniversary of this historic festival celebrates the rich American Indian heritage of Chillicothe, Ohio’s first capital city. Yoctangee Park hosts this diverse festival featuring dancers, drummers, a mountain men encampment, working craftsmen, an extensive arts and crafts show, live entertainment, rides, and games. Don’t miss the crowning of the Feast of the Flowering Moon Queen. Details: 800-413-4118.

Polo at Bryn Du MAY 27 THROUGH SEPT. 20 | GRANVILLE

Head to Granville at 3 p.m. on the first and third Sunday afternoon of each month to enjoy the fastpaced play and athleticism in the sport of polo. Matches are played on the Great Lawn of Bryn Du Mansion. Drive in to tailgate, rub elbows with the players, get to know the horses and even stomp the divots at halftime. Details: 740-587-7053.

Nelsonville Music Festival MAY 31 TO JUNE 3 | NELSONVILLE

The hills of Nelsonville will be alive with the sound of music for four days of rock ‘n’ roll from more than 60 musical acts. Join the crowd in Ohio’s Hocking Hills to rock out to this year’s lineup that includes Twain, Earthless, The Decemberists, Ani Difranco, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Multiple stages, onsite camping, kids activities and artisan vendors round out the fun. Details: 740-753-1924.

Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival JUNE 7 TO 9 | COSHOCTON

The Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival has an array of flying hot air balloons, tethered balloon rides, night balloon glow, antique fair, rides, food vendors, crafts and games at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds. Concerts take place on Friday and Saturday nights along with a firework show. Admission and parking are free. Details: 740-5020677.

Banana Split Festival JUNE 8 TO 9 | WILMINGTON

Created to defend Wilmington’s debated claim as birthplace of the banana split, the nation’s only Banana Split Festival provides a weekend of family fun with 1950s and ‘60s flair. Enjoy free concerts, a classic car cruise-in, baseball tournament, LicketySplit 5K, crafts, rides, and a banana split eating contest. Details: 937-382-1965.

Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival JUNE 15 TO 17 | GAHANNA

Celebrate 20 years of blues and jazz music in Ohio with five stages and more than 90 hours of live music. More than 35,000 people from across the country travel to Creekside to hear the hottest bands, paddle boat down the creek, interact with regional artisans, enjoy the Herbal Cocktail Trail, make crafts with their kids and experience creative cuisine at several local restaurants. Details: 866-424-2662.

More info: DiscoverOhio.com.

Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure JUNE 16 TO 23 | DELAWARE

For 30 years, GOBA has enticed visitors from across the country and beyond to experience a bicycle-camping tour through some of Ohio’s most scenic areas and small towns. Riding 50 miles each day, participants have opportunities to stop and enjoy the sights and camaraderie of new and old friends. This year, the statewide bicycle adventure takes place in Central Ohio starting in Delaware and weaving through Newark, Lancaster, Circleville and London. Details: 614-273-0811.

Crosby Festival of the Arts JUNE 23 TO 24 | TOLEDO

Artwork by more than 200 artists will be showcased in the Toledo Botanical Garden. Taste cuisine from local chefs and listen to live musical entertainment throughout the weekend. Four full bars along with adult ice cream and shakes will tempt attendees. Details: 419-9362986.