The push to soak up the last moments of summer before the kids head back to school has started. Pick from plenty of memory-making events to share throughout Mansfield and the surrounding communities during the month of August. You won’t want to miss these!
Some highlights this month include the Mansfield Lahm Airport Day, Shawshank Hustle 7k, and the much-anticipated opening of the second floor at Buckeye Imagination Museum! But the fun doesn’t stop there. Visit the August calendar of events for more ideas.
The Mansfield Lahm Airport Day will be held on August 5th. Highlights include free plane rides for 8-17-year-olds (paid rides for adults), food trucks, vendors, a car, truck and cycle show, and the area’s first lighted drone show.
Escape Shawshank Prison during the 9th Annual Shawshank Hustle 7k (Aug. 12). This 4.6-mile run starts and ends at the Ohio State Reformatory. You’ll find a few Shawshank filming locations along the route. As you make your way through downtown Mansfield, take a minute to pose with the new Shawshank mural behind the Destination Mansfield office. Pre-registration is required so don’t delay! Participants receive a fabulous finishers medal.
A Festival for All Occasions
The Lexington Blueberry Festival (August 17-20) features live entertainment, blueberry-themed games, food, Miss Blueberry pageants and more. Don’t forget that U-pick and already picked blueberries are available now until mid-August at the Blueberry Patch.
A local favorite activity every year, and one of the largest car shows in Ohio, is the Heart of the City Cruise-in (Aug.26) in downtown Mansfield. It is a family friendly event that has children’s exhibits from Buckeye Imagination Museum, as well as inflatables for the kids to enjoy. Don’t forget about the live music starting at 12:00 in front of the Renaissance Theatre on Park Avenue West.
The Richland County Fair kicks off on August 6th. The rides, fair food, and live entertainment are always a huge draw, but don’t forget to check out the livestock shows & sales to support those who participate in the Junior Fair.
Other festivals you may want to attend include St. Peter’s Augustfest (Aug. 5), the Mansfield Music Fest at Snow Trails (Aug. 18,19), Wild West Fest at Pleasant Hill Lake Park (Aug. 19) the Third Street Family Health Services Block Party (Aug. 12), and the Mansfield Pride Parade and Festival (Aug. 5) and the 7th Annual Shiloh Car Show (Aug. 19).
Art, Comedy & Big Band Era Sounds
“Open” at Mansfield Art Center continues through August 13th. This interactive Poetry experience conveys feelings and ideas by use of distinctive style and rhythm, through words, images, and sounds. Visitors will contribute to a community poem through Traveling Stanzas, and create a public installation of Word Art, displayed in the Spotlight Gallery. MAC also offers a variety of classes throughout the month including this Stained Glass Flamingo Planter class.
Grease the Musical takes the stage of the Renaissance Theatre on August 5 & 6 for final performances. One of the world’s most well-known and beloved musicals, this lively musical is set in 1959 at Rydell High School. This story follows the romantic endeavors of Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski, while the “Burger Palace Boys” and “Pink Ladies” sing and dance to classic songs like “Summer Nights” and “Greased Lightnin.”
The 36th Annual T.S.I.A. (Third Saturday in August) (Aug. 19) is back at the Renaissance Theatre with three top comedians, Meghan Hanley, Brad Lipton, and Dale Jones. Buy your tickets and prepare for belly laughs.
Paul Martin will bring the Big Band Era to the Renaissance Theatre on August 25th for Artistic Jazz Orchestra. The sound of the roaring trumpets, the velvet trombones, the smooth saxophones, driving percussion and bass, the masterful piano, and heartfelt, emotional vocals… it is enough to make the spirit jump for joy!
Summer Family Fun
The Buckeye Imagination Museum celebrates its 12th birthday on August 4th during First Friday. But that’s not the only exciting news to share! The long-awaited second floor officially opens on August 9th with options for older kids too! Get in the game with the Laser Race Maze, 6-person Air Hockey Table, and Paper Airplane Shooter! Now the whole family can come to play.
Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO® Bricks continues at Kingwood Center throughout August. Children and adults alike enjoy these pieces of art that can be found throughout the property. Storytime, T’ai Chi, tours, and classes are also offered at Kingwood Center.
Pirate Day at Pleasant Hill Lake Park (Aug. 4) promises to be swashbuckling fun for the family with twisting sword balloons, pirate crew appearances, games, and more.
There’s still time to see one of the popular POP! Pictures on the Plaza! Toy Story, the final outdoor movie, will show on August 16th. The movie will be shown in the new green space next to the Renaissance Theatre. Plan to arrive at 7:30 to stake out your seats.
Join a naturalist at Malabar Farm State Park for Farm Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and learn about the animals in the Main Barn. Don’t miss the Barn Dance on Aug. 26th. Learn to square dance to live music with a caller at this free event.
Shop Local
Did you know the Lincoln Highway Buy Way Yard Sale takes place August 10 -12? This annual sale stretches along the historic Lincoln Highway that traverses 3,389 miles across the country and some of that stretch comes through Mansfield and surrounding areas.
The North End Farmers Market will be open every Thursday (August 3, 10, 17, 24) from 4-7:00 p.m. at the NECIC Urban Farm. Shop for your fresh produce at the Summer Market at 3RD CUP OF TEA on the 1st and 2nd Saturdays of August from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Bellville Farmer’s Market and Shelby Farmer’s Market are held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon as well.
Live Music
You’ll find live music throughout the week in the area. Some venues include the Free Summer Concerts at Mansfield Art Center (Aug. 4), Live@Lunch 2023 Summer Courtyard Series at Mechanics Bank Courtyard (Aug. 11, 25), Summer Concerts and Marshall Park (Aug. 8, 22), and more. Check out our live entertainment options for the most up-to-date listings.
Mark your calendar for Final Friday Concert Series at the Brickyard on August 25th with Mike Risner, Michael Weber, and Terry Lee Ridley. Grab your lawn chairs and a few friends, and head downtown to the Brickyard for fun, food, and music.
Calendar of Events
For the most up-to-date event listings, visit our ever-changing Calendar of Events at DestinationMansfield.com, which includes more Live Music events at many of our communities, parks, and Wine & Ale Trail locations.