TOP 20 Ohio Music Festivals To Experience Before You Die (2024) (2024)

Looking for a list of the best upcoming music festivals in Ohio in 2024? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

Cleveland. Columbus. Cincinnati.Let’s face it, Ohio doesn’t get the recognition it deserves for its range of awesome cities. Or it’s plethora of smaller, welcoming towns! You know what this Midwest state probably should get some of the most recognition for? Its vibrant festival scene!

For real. Ohio Music festivals are so underrated. Not only are there seemingly a million of them, but I can guarantee you no matter where you find yourself in this fine state, you’ll have a destination for top tunes close by.

Ohio’s state slogan is “So Much to Discover” – and they ain’t wrong.

Also, be sure to read my guides onFestival Hydration Backpacks,Festival Camping Packing List,Festival Shoes, andFestival Gadgetsto help you make the most of your time!

Now, let’s dive in and discover the coolest Ohio festivals that’ll keep your dance card packed all year long!

1) Lost Lands Festival 2024

When: September 20-22, 2024

Where: Thornville, Ohio

Genre: EDM, Bass, Dubstep

http://www.lostlandsfestival.com

“ESCAPE THE CONFINES OF THE WORLD OUTSIDE AND FIND YOURSELF IN AN IMMERSIVE ENVIRONMENT SURROUNDED BY DINOSAURS, BEATS AND BASS. LOST LANDS MANIFESTS A FORWARD-THINKING VISION TO DELIVER AN UNFORGETTABLE FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE AND UNITE HEADBANGERS TOGETHER AS ONE TRIBE.”

“Experience Lost Lands, presented by Excision, and see the land before time in all its glory — dinosaurs included. The insane Lost Lands lineup is curated by Excision himself, & it’s sure to rattle the fields right down to their core. Grab your tickets and catch the top artists from the past 65 million years and join us for the filthiest 3 days of bass you have ever experienced!”

2) Alive Music Festival 2024

When:July 18-20, 2024

Where: Mineral City, Ohio

https://www.alive.org/

https://www.facebook.com/alivefest

“Join us for the best 3 days of summer at the Alive Music Festival! Alive is a three-day music festival with 4 stages, 60+ artists, speakers & seminars, concerts all weekend, thousands of campers, tons of food trucks, a beautiful 1,500 lake, state-of-the-art RV sites, and so much more”

3) Sonic Temple Festival

When: May 16-19, 2024

Where: Columbus, Ohio

Various: Rock

https://sonictemplefestival.com

https://www.facebook.com/sonictemplefestival

“America’s largest rock festival tears up the Midwest every May in the most metal of cities – Columbus, Ohio. The three-day festival is one of the anchors of The World’s Loudest Month, an annual festival ode to all that is loud music. 60 bands across three-stage over three days makes this a must-stop festival for fans of rock and metal.”

4) Breakaway Music Festival

When: September, 2024

Where: Columbus, Ohio

Genre: Various

https://www.breakawayfestival.com/ohio

“Organized by Prime Social Group, Breakaway Music Festival is a genre-spanning concert event that takes place in Major League Soccer stadiums throughout the United States. With previous festivals in Columbus and Dallas, and with plans to expand in coming years, Breakaway is becoming one of the foremost music festivals in the country. Past headliners include Bassnectar, Empire of the Sun and Kendrick Lamar.”

5) Bunbury Music Festival

When: TBC,2024

Where: Cincinnati, Ohio

Genre: Various

https://bunburyfestival.com

https://www.facebook.com/bunburyfestival

“Finding its stride at Yeatman’s Cove and Sawyer Point in Cincinatti, Ohio, Bunbury Music Festival highlights a lineup geared toward the millennial crowd. Sitting on the banks of the Ohio River, the festival showcases anything from pop-punk to rap. Taking a stake in advancing into the future, Bunbury also incorporates eco-friendly and technology initiatives.”

If you’re planning a trip to Cincinnati, check out my article on the Best Airbnb Cincinnati Rentals to find the perfect accommodation for your festival trip!

6) Nelsonville Music Festival

When: July 26-28, 2024

Where: Nelsonville, Ohio

Genre: Various

http://nelsonvillefest.org

“The laidback Nelsonville Music Festival mixes small regional bands, under the radar acts, and national headliners for a weekend of music in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio. One of the best-kept secrets in Southeast Ohio, the four-stage fest brings back fans year after year with its intimate vibe.

“Billboard has called Nelsonville Music Festival “one of the best-kept secrets of the U.S. music festival circuit,” and in our 16th year, NMF continues to gain fans who want a music festival with a more personal experience. Set in the beautiful rolling hills of Southeast Ohio, this intimate festival offers live music from a variety of genres on multiple stages from national, regional, and local acts. Catch live music on multiple stages! NMF features a main stage, a picturesque Porch Stage, the small No-Fi Cabin featuring artists performing with no electricity, and our FREE Boxcar Stage with music from an old train car turned into a stage backdrop and mural.”

7) Inkcarceration Festival

When: July 19-21, 2024

Where: Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield, Ohio

Genre: Rock & Tattoo

https://www.inkcarceration.com

https://www.facebook.com/Inkcarcerationfestival

Ohio’s Rock & Tattoo event of the summer is back!

“The festival brought massive entertainment to over 18,000 fans in its first year, and this year, the festival aims even higher. Taking place once again in Mansfield, OH at the historic Ohio State Reformatory – one of the most haunted buildings in the country and the setting of the 1994 cinematic classic, The Shawshank Redemption!

Featuring over 30 of today’s most electrifying rock bands. Additionally, the festival will once again feature over 70 tattoo artists from across the country, a large variety of food trucks and beverages, and even a terrifying haunted house attraction – Escape from Blood Prison.”

Your sentence begins July 19-21, 2024, within the fortified walls of the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield.

8) The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival

When:2023 (TBC)

Where: Thornville, Ohio

Genre: Rock

http://www.thewerkoutfestival.com/site/

https://www.facebook.com/thewerkout

The festival brings awareness to musical styles that are the backbone of the vibrant music scene in Ohio!

“The Werk Out started as a collaboration between Dayton rock band The Werks and Trickle Productions. The Werks will perform four unique sets during the festival, and are joined by bands like Umphrey’s McGee, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Papadosio, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and more.”

9) Black Diamond Music and Arts Festival

When: June, 2024 (TBC)

Where: Nelsonville, Ohio

https://www.blackdiamondmusicfestival.com/

https://www.facebook.com/blackdiamondmusicfest/

“The Nelsonville Black Diamond Music & Arts Festival was the creation of Hocking College President Dr. Betty Young. A native of the region, Dr. Young felt it was important to recognize the musical influences of Southeast Ohio while simultaneously utilizing many of the internal student programs at the College to create and build a recognized music event. From the musical production department, to the culinary arts, policing and medical services, to construction services building the festival grounds, the College is vested to make your experience the absolute best.The campus has hosted previous music events and its infrastructure is unmatched in the festival world. Incredible green space for mingling between acts to the finest camping facilities, to dorm rooms and a newly built lodge for artists and attendees.”

10) Larchmere PorchFest

When: June, 2024

Where: Shaker Heights, Ohio

Genre: Americana, Hip Hop

http://www.larchmereporchfest.org

Have you ever had really awesome neighbors and just thrown an epic block party? Well, that’s basically what this event is all about! Just taking a stroll down the street is the same as “stage-hopping” at any of these other epic music festivals in Ohio. Such an unique event, and defintiely worth checking out if you’re in theneighborhood!

“The Larchmere PorchFest features 30 different local bands on 30 porches around Larchmere Blvd. in Shaker Heights. The community-driven festival features Americana, hip-hop, rock, world music and more.”

11) Painesville Party in the Park

When: July, 2024

Where: Painesville, Ohio

Genre: Various

http://www.painesvilleimprovement.com/party-in-the-park

“This free music festival features approximately 30 different music acts of various genres from both local and regional musicians. Back from last year, a jumbo TV screen will be featured to the right of the stage so everyone can see musical acts up close, with a large screen behind the performers as well. Stick around long enough and you may even get to watch yourself, friends and family on the big screen!”

12) Cincinnati Music Festival

When: July 25-27, 2024

Where: Cincinnati, Ohio

Genre: Jazz, R&B, Soul, Hip Hop

https://www.cincymusicfestival.com

https://www.facebook.com/CincinnatiMusicFestival

“Originally called the Ohio Valley Jazz Festival when it was first held in 1962, the Macy’s Music Festival has grown and evolved into a spectacular two-day event on Cincinnati’s riverfront. Starting out as an all-jazz concert, it has evolved and grown into a two-day festival featuring great music from the hottest stars in R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop, as well as up and coming artists. Past performers include Aretha Franklin, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Luther Vandross, Gerald Levert, Patti Labelle, New Edition, Earth Wind and Fire, Lakeside, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and many others. By the year 2000, the festival was the largest of its kind in the United States, drawing more than 50,000 people annually from all across the country.”

13) EST Fest

When: TBC, 2024

Where: Butler, Ohio

Genre: Various

http://est-fest.com

“EST FEST is an annual two-day overnight live music festival featuring Machine Gun Kelly and friends in Ohio. Taking place in August, the wild three-day party goes down in Butler, Ohio and has managed to bring some top-level names out for festival-goers so far. Gucci Mane, Madeintyo, Justine Skye and others have been on-hand to perform some of their tracks, while Karen Civil has taken up the mantle of co-host alongside MGK.”

14) Everwild Music Festival

When: August 1-4, 2024

Where: Legend Valley, Thornville, Ohio

Genre: Various

https://everwildfestival.com/

https://www.facebook.com/everwildmusicfestival

Everwild is returning to Legend Valley Aug 1 – 4, 2024. We’re planning our biggest lineup yet, you won’t want to miss this one!

“An unforgettable weekend of music and memories. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this event. The inaugural EVERWILD will feature two evenings of music headlined by Tropidelic in addition to our amazing lineup of bands, performers, and live painters!”

15) Bellwether Music Festival

When: TBC, 2024

Where: Waynesville, Ohio

Genre: Alternative

https://bellwetherfest.com

“Bellwether is a two-day, two-stage alternative music festival with camping. Get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some peace and quiet… Until the music starts. Bellwether Festival is returning to Waynesville, Ohio, with some awesome new updates and perks. Bellwether Fest made its debut last year, featuring a lineup of alternative and indie rock giants including The Flaming Lips, Dr. Dog, Local Natives and MGMT. The crowd was made up primarily of music festival champions, and the vibes were nothing but positive.”

16) WonderStruck Music & Arts Festival

When: July, 2024

Where: Cleveland, Ohio

Genre:Various

https://www.wonderstruckfest.com/

WonderStruck in Cleveland returns as Northeast Ohio’s only internationally recognized contemporary music festival.

“Entering its 7th year, is one of the largest annual events in the Cleveland area. In previous years the festival has featured Brandi Carlile, The Lumineers, Vampire Weekend, Foster The People, Lewis Capaldi, Sheryl Crow, 24kGoldn, Stephan Marley, Young The Giant, Trombone Shorty and more. The festival takes place at Lakeland Community College in Kirtland, OH, which offers 400 acres of open-air, outdoor space to allow festival goers the ability comfortably spread out.”

17) Gathering of the Juggalos

When: July 10-13, 2024

Where: Legend Valley, Thornville, Ohio

Genre: Rock, Horrorcore, Nu Metal

https://www.juggalogathering.com/home

“The Gathering of the Juggalos (The Gathering or GOTJ) is an annual festival put on by Psychopathic Records, featuring performances by the entire label roster as well as numerous well-known musical groups and underground artists. It was founded by Jumpsteady, Insane Clown Posse (Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler), and their label in 2000. Gathering of the Juggalos spans five days and includes concerts, wrestling, games, contests, autograph sessions, karaoke, and seminars with artists.”

18) Dark Star Jubilee

When: May 24-26, 2024

Where: Legend Valley, Thornville, Ohio

Genre: Rock

http://darkstarjubilee.com

“The Dark Star Jubilee features an intimate setting within hallowed and historic grounds, offering up nearly 36 hours of music, all with non-overlapping sets. The stages are set up side by side allowing fans to see and hear the entirety of each and every artist listed on the lineup without having to hike between stages or choose between bands. Attendees can camp within the concert bowl, a few hundred feet from the stage, making the experience that much more up close and personal.”

19) Jazz & Rib Festival

When: July 19-21, 2024

Where: Columbus, Ohio

Genre: Jazz

http://www.hotribscooljazz.org

“If you’re a fan of jazz music and tasty barbeque, the Jazz & Rib festival in Columbus might be a good summer activity to check out. The fest features some of the biggest names in jazz and rock, bringing in Tower Of Power, Trombone Shorty and Tito Puente as headliners in past years. This year’s performers haven’t been announced yet.”

20) Buckeye Country Superfest

When:June 22-23, 2024

Where:Columbus, Ohio

https://www.buckeyecountrysuperfest.com

“Buckeye Country Superfest 2024 featuring Zach Bryan, Billy Strings, Turnpike Troubadours & more on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23, 2024 in Columbus”

21) Hookahville

When:May and August, 2024

Where:Legend Valley, Thornville, Ohio

https://hookahville.com

“The first Hookahville was held in 1994 on a friend’s farm. It was so much fun we’ve done it again and again, twice a year, every year, since then.”

22) Cincinnati May Festival

When:May, 2024

Where:Cincinnati, Ohio

https://mayfestival.com

“The Cincinnati May Festival is a two-week annual choral festival, held in May in Cincinnati, Ohio, US.”

23) ComFest

When:June, 2024

Where:Columbus, Ohio

https://www.comfest.com

“ComFest is a large, free, non-corporate, volunteer-driven, music and arts annual festival that features performances by Columbus’ best bands and artists.”

24) Dublin Irish Festival Ohio

When:August 2-4, 2024

Where:Dublin, Ohio

https://dublinirishfestival.org

” We hope you’ll come to share in the spirit of the unforgettable annual Dublin, Ohio Irish Festival, the largest three-day Irish festival on the planet! Mark your calendar for August 2– 4, 2024for an Irish experience like no other.Set on 38 rolling acres, the event features 65 musical acts with over 535 performers from the U.S. and Ireland on seven stages with a range of genres from Celtic rock to traditional ballads.Watch Irish dancers compete in the Columbus Feis — a competition that attracts 1,500 of the nation’s best Ceili dancers or tap your toe while enjoying the sounds of pipe and drum groups from around the state.”

25)Ohiolina Music Festival

When:TBC, 2024

Where:Granville, Ohio

https://www.ohiolina.com

“Ohiolina may be the best undiscovered music festival in the state, merging the Southern soul and Midwest sensibility of folk, country, bluegrass, and every married and muddled genre in-between that defies the traditional labels under the larger mantle of Americana.” – 614 Magazine

Am I missing any epic Ohio festivals 2024?

There really is no shortage of Ohio Festivals to choose from in 2024, that it was quite difficult to keep the list to only the very best! If you think there is one epic festival missing, please let me know so I can get this article updated :-)

Thanks for reading about the best music festivals in Ohio!

Check out more of my other festival articles in the U.S.A and around the world! There are so many epic festivals to choose from, which one do you think you’ll be going to next…?

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