Exceptional events in the Buckeye State

Staff report

If you are looking for a reason for a weekend getaway this summer that does not involve live music, there are plenty of options in the Buckeye State.

From hot-air balloons to a duct-tape fashion show to a full-scale re-enactment of one of the greatest battles in history, there are plenty of events in Ohio that are close by but far from average.

Here’s a sampling, by region. To learn more, go to ohio.org.

NORTHEAST

Parade the Circle, June 10, Cleveland: For 28 years, the Cleveland Museum of Art has thrown a lively, free summer celebration on Wade Oval in University Circle. Watch as the circle lights up with color, music and eclectic art. Artists from all over the world come to display their bright costumes, handmade masks, giant puppets, stilt dancers, floats and more.

Avon Heritage Duct Tape Festival, June 16-18, Avon: Celebrate Father’s Day weekend with Dad’s favorite fix-all: duct tape. Visitors can enter one of the many duct-tape competitions. Highlights include a Saturday morning duct-tape parade with floats and characters made of colorful duct tape, a duck-tape fashion show and duck-tape sculptures.

Headlands BeachFest, July 22, Mentor: The beaches of Headlands Beach State Park become a family-friendly party that includes a Master Sand Sculpting Competition, kayaking and paddle boarding. Families can stroll along the beach, fly kites and participate in the games and music.

Potterfest, July 29, Kent: The college town will be overrun with thousands of children (and plenty of adults) dressed as Harry Potter and his spell-casting friends and foes. Parking can be a challenge, so unless you have magic powers, get there early.

Twins Days, Aug. 4-6, Twinsburg: Billed as the largest annual gathering of twins (and other multiple birth siblings) in the world, this year’s Twins Days will have an extra reason to celebrate. To honor the founding of Twinsburg in 1817 by identical twins Aaron and Moses Wilcox, this year’s event also will celebrate the city’s bicentennial.

D-Day Conneaut, Aug. 17-19, Conneaut: Conneaut Township Park on the shore of Lake Erie bears a striking resemblance to the bluffs of Omaha Beach in northern France, where the Allies launched a daring invasion during World War II. Visitors can watch more than 1,200 re-enactors relive that day in an impressive piece of living history.

SOUTHWEST

Banana Split Festival, June 9-10, Wilmington: Get your sweet tooth fix at the nation’s only Banana Split Festival, which includes free concerts, a classic-car cruise-in, baseball tournament, Lickety-Split 5K, crafts, rides, eating contest and more at this 1950s- and 1960s-themed festival.

Crazy Cardboard Boat Regatta, July 15, West Chester: After countless hours of crafting their boats from cardboard, tape and glue, teams will try their creations on the lake at Voice of America Metro Park.

SOUTHEAST

Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival, June 8-10, Coshocton: The festival features an array of flying hot-air balloons, tethered balloon rides, balloon night glow, carnival rides, food vendors, crafts and games at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds. Concerts will take place on Friday and Saturday nights along with a fireworks show.

Lilyfest, July 14-16, Rockbridge: Held annually at the Bishop Educational Gardens in picturesque Hocking Hills, the festival features works by more than 70 artists in a juried art show. Multiple stages for live music ranging from Celtic and guitar to New Age and Indian flute will serenade visitors each day as they stroll the artistically designed gardens.

Sunflower Festival, July 28-30, Frankfort: Visit downtown Frankfort for a weekend of family fun. If you have a green thumb, bring your homegrown sunflowers to compete for best arrangement, tallest sunflower, most blooms, most unusual, prettiest and more.

CENTRAL

Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival, June 16-18, Gahanna: This family festival features the best blues and jazz music in Ohio with five stages and more than 90 hours of live music.

Lancaster Festival, July 19-29, Lancaster: This 10-day event focuses on music, art and community by bringing together people to enjoy orchestra performances and more.

NORTHWEST

Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure, June 17-24, Findlay: Cyclists from across the country will ride 50 miles each day through some of the state’s most scenic areas and small towns. This year’s event starts at the Hancock County Fairgrounds in Findlay then loops through Tiffin, Upper Sandusky, Bellefontaine and Kenton. Registration is required.

Crosby Festival of the Arts, June 24-25, Toledo: Enjoy artwork by 230 artists in Toledo Botanical Garden. To be among the first to see and purchase art, attend the preview party Friday evening.

Island Fest, July 14-16, Kelleys Island: Packed with summer family fun, Island Fest features a waterfront craft fair, live entertainment, street dances, a parade and fireworks.