This is going to be one hot summer in Richland County and we’re not only talking about the weather! Our July calendar line-up offers some booming activities right here in Richland County! From 4th of July fireworks displays to heart-pounding races at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, to the much anticipated Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, we have something for you to get excited about!
Hot Events You Don’t Want to Miss
The 4th of July events start early this year with the Ontario 4th of July Festival held June 27th and 28th and fireworks wrapping it all up! Other events in July include live music, a movie, and hot dog eating contest at Pleasant Hill Lake Park (July 4-6) and viewing the fireworks display on land or on a boat at Fireworks at Charles Mill Lake (July 5).
The Shelby Bicycle Days (July 11,12) has brought the community together with food, kids’ activities, a parade, bike-decorating contest, fireworks, and more for more than 25 years! This year, they will be celebrating 100 years of the Shelby Bicycling Company. You won’t want to miss it.
Kick off the month with an adrenaline-pumping experience at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course during the Honda Indy 200 (July 4-6) and Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 25-27). Grab a seat in the grandstands or find a spot on the lawn for thrilling action-packed days.
Limited tickets remain for the annual 3-Day Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival 2025 (July 18-20) at the historic Ohio State Reformatory. Join crowds from across the country and beyond to enjoy food, drinks, new ink (limited walk-up spots), and music from nearly 70 artists like Slipknot who will be performing their only show in the U.S. for the year, Knocked Loose, Falling in Reverse, and Bear Tooth.
The Shiloh Ox Roast (July 25 & 26) is a tasty event you won’t want to miss! But plan to arrive early, those beef sandwiches sell out quickly!
Support and Shop Local
Treat yourself to some fresh produce and support local farmers and vendors every Thursday at the North End Farmers Market and on Saturday at the Bellville Farmers Market and Shelby Farmer’s Market.
Don’t forget to browse the independent shops and boutiques you find throughout the communities to continue to support local business owners.
Theater & Art Offerings
The Collective at the Mansfield Art Center runs through August 10th while the Color Our World Art Exhibit, featuring local artists, continues at the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library through September 5th. This month, you can try glass blowing to make a Garden Globe and create clay pocket trinkets during the Mansfield Art Center art classes.
The Wizard of Oz takes the stage at the Renaissance Theatre (July 26-27). This classic musical will enchant the audience with iconic songs like, “Over the Rainbow,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” and “If I Only Had a Brain.” You won’t want to miss the dazzling costumes, stunning sets, and all your favorite characters from L. Frank Baum’s classic tale.
Summer Fun for Families!
Gorman Nature Center offers free, preschool classes, Oaks and Acorns, each Wednesday, to introduce little ones to the world around us. You can also participate in Animal Feedings on Tuesdays and special events like Questing (July 12) throughout the summer. There are also plenty of events for adults too.
Free First Mondays (July 7) continue throughout the summer at Kingwood Center Gardens. Pack up the kids and a picnic and spend the day strolling the grounds in search of the resident peacocks on the sprawling estate. Kingwood Center also offers a weekly Storytime Series and workshops like the Children’s Fairy Garden workshop (July 12th) but don’t wait to sign up for classes, they fill up quickly.
FREE Pictures on the Plaza (July 9) features one outdoor movie a month at the green space next to the Renaissance Theatre. July’s feature is The Sandlot. The movie starts at 8:30 but plan to arrive early for seats and to participate in the family-friendly activities that kick off at 7:30.
Spend an evening with the family at Malabar Farm for the monthly Barn Dance (July 12). Beginners are welcome.
Live Music
Get ready to tap your feet and sway to the beat as Mansfield and its neighboring communities come alive with a series of music events this summer. You’ll find a complete and up-to-date listing of our Live Entertainment offerings here.
Relax on your lunch break with the Live@Lunch 2025 Summer Courtyard Series at Mechanics Bank Courtyard features Tom’s Kitchen Table performing with Panchos Tacos offering food options on July 11 and Luke Watson performing on July 25 with the Grunt Grub food truck.
Bellville Concerts in the Park (July 10th, 24th) at the Bellville Bandstand. Arrive early and dine at one of the locally owned restaurants in Bellville. Check out Yellow No. 5 during the Last Tuesday Concerts at Shelby’s Black Fork Commons (July 29).
Live on the Lawn is a free family-friendly concert series held at Kingwood Center Gardens each Thursday at 7 p.m. in July. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and enjoy food and beverages on the Allee and listen to a variety of music throughout the season. July welcomes Sweet Umbra, Townline 26, Milo’s Music, Emily Raff and Willie Phoenix.
Be sure to visit other Wine & Ale Trail locations like The Phoenix Brewing Company, 1285 Winery, Cypress Hill Winery, Hickory Vines Winery and the Wishmaker House for other live music performances.
Mark your calendar now for Final Friday Concert Series and Live Music at the Brickyard on July 25th to hear Taylor Schlupp, Emily Raff and Red Ball Jets. Grab your lawn chairs and a few friends, and head downtown to the Brickyard for fun, food, and music. Free parking is available at the municipal lot on the corner of 4th Street and Main Street.
If you’re looking for overnight accommodations, our website makes it easy for you to find the perfect place to stay by breaking lodging down by Hotels & Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Campgrounds, and Private Rentals (think Airbnb or VRBO).
For the most up-to-date event listings, visit our ever-changing Calendar of Events at DestinationMansfield.com which includes more details for the Live Music events at many of our communities, parks, and Wine & Ale Trail locations.
Tag @DestinationMansfield on Instagram when you’re out exploring all the fun things to do in our communities this month.