As summer winds down and a new school year approaches, the events in Richland County are still heating up. Some much-anticipated events happening this month include the Mansfield Lahm Airport Day, MotoAmerica Superbikes at Mid-Ohio, the Shawshank Hustle 7k and ALL the Shawshank 30th Anniversary events that are taking place around town! But the fun doesn’t stop there. In addition to this post, refer to our August calendar of events for more ideas.
The Mansfield Lahm Airport Day is set for August 3rd. Highlights include a much anticipated lighted drone show, free plane rides for 8-17-year-olds, paid plane and helicopter rides for adults, a food truck rally, vendors, a Car, Truck & Cycle Show, and a kids area. Make a point to stop in at the Frank P. Lahm Museum to learn about aviation history sometime during the month for a deeper appreciation of airport days.
The Richland County Fair kicks off on August 4th. 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.
Escape Shawshank Prison during the 10th Annual Shawshank Hustle 7k (Aug. 10). This 4.6-mile run starts and ends at the Ohio State Reformatory. During the run, you’ll pass notable filming sites like The Bissman Building (The Portland Daily Bugle and Brewer Hotel), Mansfield Antiques Gallery (the Pawn Shop window Red looked through), and Brooks’ Bench in Central Park. The course finishes with an optional tour of The Historic Ohio State Reformatory, featuring the cell blocks, the Warden’s office, the Parole Board room, Brooks’ hotel room with “Brooks was here. So was Red ” carved on the ceiling, and Andy Dufresne’s escape tunnel used in filming. Don’t forget about the after party at The Phoenix Brewing Company. Take a minute to pose with the Shawshank mural behind the Destination Mansfield office (124 N. Main Street in downtown Mansfield). Pre-registration for the event is required so don’t delay! Participants receive a unique finishers medal.
Visit the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for MotoAmerica Superbikes at Mid-Ohio Aug. 16-18th. This is a high energy race that bike fans won’t want to miss!
The Event of the Year – All Things Shawshank
Mansfield is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of The Shawshank Redemption in a BIG way! Celebrate the Shawshank Redemption’s anniversary with a variety of events:
- Catch the 1994 premiere at the Renaissance Theatre, both on the lawn and inside (check the schedule for details).
- Attend special events at various trail locations, including autograph sessions with Scott Mann (Glenn Quentin) and Renee Blaine (Linda Dufresne) at Pugh Cabin, and Claire Slemmer (bank teller) at Crosby Advisory Group in Ashland.
- Get your photo taken with a Red look-alike at KV Market (Food-Way), Mansfield Antiques Gallery (Pawn Shop Window), and on the Road to Buxton.
- Watch the movie at Prohibition at the Caverns (Reservations required, call 419-513-5151 before July 25, 2024)
- Purchase tickets for special events like The Shawshank Redemption Cast Panel Discussion on Friday from 4:00-5:30pm at the Renaissance Theatre. This is a lively session with returning cast, the director, and several supporting characters. Don’t forget about the live stream of Return to Shawshank: An Evening with the Stars.
Make sure you look at the event calendar and plan out what you’d like to do during the anniversary celebration. While special events are planned for the movie’s 30th anniversary, you can visit the Historic Ohio State Reformatory and the Shawshank Trail year-round.
Festivals for Everyone
The Lexington Blueberry Festival is held August 15-18 featuring live entertainment, blueberry-themed games, food, Miss Blueberry pageants and more.
Other festivals you may want to attend include St. Peter’s Augustfest (Aug. 3), the Third Street Family Health Services 4th Annual Block Party (Aug. 10), Back to School Bash at Playtime Dental and Braces (Aug. 10), the 8th Annual Shiloh Car Show (Aug. 17), Tiki Weekend featuring live music at Charles Mill Marina (Aug. 17), the Pickers Market (Aug. 24), one of the largest car shows in Ohio, the Heart of the City Cruise-in (Aug.24) in downtown Mansfield, and the 2nd Annual Welcome Home Festival (Aug. 31).
Art, Theater & Comedy
Experience the magic of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Aug. 3rd – 4th, a beloved Broadway classic featuring songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice. Follow the enchanting tale of Belle and the Beast as they discover that love can break any curse.
Las Vegas comedy headliner Pete George, appears live at the Mansfield Playhouse on Aug. 3rd. The show, also featuring Michael Gershe and Rob Coleman, is for adults 21 and over. Pete George will also participate in the Shawshank 30th Anniversary panel discussion from Aug. 9th-11th.
The Mansfield Art Center presents, Triennial ‘Proximity of Fate,’ featuring a diverse group of national, local, and regional artists through August in an exhibit that explores how chance reveals complex intentions and provokes new narratives, inviting us to contemplate the roles of artist and art while experiencing our own complexities.
Family Fun
Kingwood Center Gardens celebrates Kingwood Family Day on Aug. 4 with free admission, fun activities, lawn games and more opportunities to stroll the grounds, find the peacocks and make memories as a family. Don’t forget about Free First Mondays at Kingwood on Aug. 5th.
Pop into Gorman Nature Center every Tuesday between 3:30-5:00 to help feed the animals, clean cages, change water bowls, and more. This is a great opportunity for hands-on experience with snakes, turtles, and frogs!
Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to attend the Oaks and Acorns program at Gorman Nature Center held every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. to enjoy the outdoors, make crafts, take hikes, and play games.
There’s still time to see one of the popular Pictures on the Plaza: Shrek, the final outdoor movie, will show on August 7th. The movie will be shown in the green space next to the Renaissance Theatre. Plan to arrive by 7:30 for fun family friendly activities before the movie begins.
Don’t miss the Barn Dance at Malabar Farm State Park on Aug. 31st. Learn to square dance to live music with a caller at this free event.
Shop & Support Local
The North End Farmers Market is open every Thursday from 4-7:00 p.m. at the NECIC Urban Farm. Shop for your fresh produce at the Bellville Farmer’s Market and Shelby Farmer’s Market held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon as well. Stop in at the Ontario Center every Friday from 3-7pm for the Ontario Farmers Market.
Plus, did you know the Lincoln Highway Buy Way Yard Sale takes place August 8-10th? Grab some friends and explore this annual sale along the historic Lincoln Highway, which spans 3,389 miles across the country, including a stretch through Mansfield. You never know what treasures you might find!
Live Music
You’ll find live music throughout the month in the area. Some venues include the Vault Wine Bar every Thursday, Live@Lunch 2024 Summer Courtyard Series at Mechanics Bank Courtyard (Aug. 2, 16), The Phoenix, the Wishmaker House and more. Check out our live entertainment options for the most up-to-date listings.
Mark your calendar for Final Friday and Live Music at the Brickyard on August 30th with Steve & Sam, Ohio Express Yesterday & Today and Emily Raff. 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.