Summer is here and Richland County is buzzing with excitement! As the temperature rises, we’re thrilled to unveil a lineup of the most anticipated events and happenings for this month. From the adrenaline-pumping races to community 4th of July festivities to the thrilling Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, there’s no shortage of action-packed activities in July. Get ready to soak up the summer vibes and make the most of your time around Mansfield, Ohio!
Hot Events You Don’t Want to Miss
The month starts off with a bang! Enjoy the Honda Indy 200 (July 1,2), the O’Reilly Auto Parts 150 (NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Event, July 7, 8), and Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 21-23) at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Settle into the grandstands or stake out a space on the lawn for a day filled with high-octane racing.
Holiday celebrations kick off with the Ontario 4th of July Festival (June 30, July 1). Festivities include anything from car shows to band performances, and even the Team Fastrax- a Professional Skydiving Team (July 1). Recently featured on “The Voice”, sister trio Sorelle will sing the National Anthem to kick off the largest firework show in North Central Ohio Saturday night.
Charles Mill Lake Park offers the opportunity to view their fireworks display on land or on a boat at Fireworks at Charles Mill Lake.
The festivities continue at Light Up the Valley (July 2) in Bellville for food trucks, live music, and fireworks, with the Libertyfest Parade kicking off July 4th.
Pleasant Hill Lake Park shoots off fireworks on July 15th. Arrive early for a great spot on land or the lake and watch the show begin at dusk.
Limited tickets are still available for the annual 3-Day Inkcarceration Music and Tattoo Festival 2023 (July 14-16). This event draws crowds from around the country and beyond. Ticket holders can eat, drink and get some new ink (limited walk-up spots available) while listening to nearly 70 artists including Slipknot, Pantera, Limp Bizkit, and P.O.D. on the grounds of the historic Ohio State Reformatory, filming site of The Shawshank Redemption.
Shelby Bicycle Days (July 7 & 8) have been held in downtown Shelby for over 25 years to pay homage to the Shelby Cycle Company that was once manufactured in the community. Experience music, food trucks, and fireworks at this annual event.
Support and Shop Local
You’ll find fresh produce and local vendors every Saturday at the Bellville Farmers Market, Shelby Farmer’s Market, and the Summer Market at 3rd Cup Tea in the Historic Carrousel District.
The North End Farmers Market offers fresh, healthy food options every Thursday.
Don’t forget to browse the independent shops and boutiques you find throughout the communities to continue to support local business owners.
The Little Shops of Shelby are offering a Ladies’ Night on July 13th with live music, henna tattoos, massages, permanent jewelry, food, wine and prizes.
The 6th Annual Summer Market Days at Alpaca Meadows (July 29, 30) features local vendors to sell fresh fruit, plants, handcrafted items, baked goods, garden art, and a ton more! Lunch is available to support the 4-H Club that provides the food. The Farm Store will be open for shopping, and you can also visit the farm animals.
Explore Our Local Theater & Art Offerings
Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects® continues into July and showcases sculptures made with LEGO® bricks. You’ll find fifteen sculptures on the grounds of Kingwood Center Gardens that creatively explore the relationships between humankind and the natural world while showing how it’s all interconnected. Visitors can also sign up for various classes or a tour that’s offered throughout the month. Including a Meadow Garden Walk & Talk (July 11), Children’s Fairy Garden Workshop (July 15), and Kingwood Hall Tour (July 11).
The Ohio Watercolor Society’s Annual Juried Competion at Mansfield Art Center is a traveling exhibit that opens on July 9th. The exhibition showcases the talent, diversity, and energy of artists working in water-soluble mediums.
Open at Mansfield Art Center also kicks off on July 9th. 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 a Stained Glass Flamingo Planter class.
Find inspiration to begin a new project or complete your unfinished projects during Studio Saturdays at Element of Art. Light beverages and some art supplies will be provided.
A Fabric Art Felting Class will be held at Alpaca Meadows. Choose from a design or create your own.
Grease takes the stage of the Renaissance Theatre on July 29 & 30. Known as one of the world’s most well-known and beloved musicals, Grease is a lively musical 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.”
Show Off Your Car (or Truck or Motorcycle)
Enjoy this summer Cruise-In (July 11) for hot cars, trucks and motorcycles at Der Dutchman in Bellville. There will be door prizes and live music from JR the DJ.
The 2023 Shriner Bike Show (July 22) will be held at The Local at 97 for a day filled with fun and entertainment. You’ll find live music, vendors, contests, food trucks, a beer garden, a taco eating contest, a statewide cornhole tournament and more.
Summer Fun for Families!
Spend an evening with the family at Malabar Farm for the monthly Barn Dance (July 1). Beginners are welcome.
Visit the Buckeye Imagination Museum on the First Friday when they stay open late (5-8 p.m.) to host exciting programs, special crafts, and plenty of fun! Staff from the Mansfield-Richland County Public Library (MRCPL) provide Storytime to the visitors of the museum on July 5.
The Storytime Series at Kingwood Center Gardens is offered each Wednesday and highlights a different book that supports a monthly theme. Appropriate for those under six, advance registration is appreciated.
Participate in Wacky Wednesday at the Carrousel for storytime, games, food, and fun rides.
Slip on some play clothes and prepare to get wet and muddy when you participate in a Critter Hike at Malabar Farm State Park (July 8). Keep your eyes open as you may find salamanders, crayfish, frogs, and more. Nets are provided.
After the Critter Hike, take a short drive to Pleasant Hill Lake Park for the Live Animal Adventures (July 8, 22). The Ohio Bird Sanctuary will be on hand on July 8th to talk about Owls during the Birds of Prey presentation. Dr. Insecta will educate and entertain during the Big & Magic Show on July 22nd.
Pictures on the Plaza (July 19) features one outdoor movie a month at the green space next to the Renaissance Theatre. July’s animated feature is Luca. The movie starts at 8:30 but plan to arrive early for seats.
Sign your 6-12 year olds up for one of the three nature camps offered at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary. The Summer STEM Camp (July 12-14), Nature Detectives Camp (July 19-21) and All About Birds Camp (July 26-28) will immerse your child in the natural world through games, hikes, crafts, animal encounters, and more.
The Mansfield Family Festival (July 29) is organized by the MRCPL and held at Richland Carrousel Park. This fun event celebrates all ages and unites the community of downtown Mansfield through Activities, games, prizes, and more.
Get Moving
The parkrun Mansfield weekly 5k continues every Saturday. This is a great way to start a new hobby and make new friends. Meet at 625 Hope Road at 8 a.m. to join the non-competitive run.
Participate in the ancient tradition of T’ai Chi at Kingwood Center (July 4, 11, 18, 25). This ancient Chinese art of gentle, flowing movement is known for its health benefits known to prevent pain and stiffness, lower blood pressure, improve balance and increase energy. Advanced registration is required.
Join a naturalist at Pleasant Hill Dam (July 16) for a three-mile hike to the Mohicans picturesque covered bridge. This moderate to easy will take you through the park’s most popular sites.
Stretch and strengthen your body and relax your mind during this Yoga Class at Pleasant Hill Lake Park (July 26).
Adults Only
Learn the Basics of Bourbon (July 19) in the newly opened Spirit Room at The Phoenix. Learn the difference between Whisky, Whiskey, and Bourbon, bourbon history and terminology while enjoying small cheese plates, and guided tastings. Pre-registration is required. Taproom Trivia (July 18) is another fun event hosted by the Phoenix and an excuse to hang out with friends.
Grab a friend or two and join a Sip and Paint at Cypress Hill Winery (July 27). The cost is $60 and includes a glass of wine. Follow the link to register.
Live Music
Get ready to tap your feet and sway to the rhythm as Mansfield and its neighboring communities come alive with a series of music events this summer.
Relax on your lunch break with the Live@Lunch 2023 Summer Courtyard Series at Mechanics Bank Courtyard. July 14 features Emily Raff and Truckin Trav food truck and on July 28 you’ll listen to EKG while checking out the Cell Block Cafe.
Pack a picnic or bring your lawn chairs to Ontario for Music in Marshall Park on Tuesday, July 11 and 25 at the BandShell. Or head north to Shelby’s Black Fork Commons features Music in the Parks every Wednesday.
Live on the Lawn is a free family-friendly concert series held at Kingwood Center each Thursday at 7 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket and enjoy tasty food truck morsels and listen to a variety of music throughout the season.
The Summer Concert Series at Pleasant Hill Lake Park will be held July 1 and 15 on the beach stage. $10 a carload grants you all-day access to the beach so swim by day and enjoy the sounds of local bands by night.
The Mansfield Art Center hosts the Summer Concert Series every Friday of the month. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair for this free event.
The Phoenix, The Vault Wine Bar, Hudson & Essex, Wishmaker House, and DLX all provide live music throughout the year.
Mark your calendar now for Final Friday and Live Music at the Brickyard on July 28th. Grab your lawn chairs and a few friends, and head downtown to the Brickyard for fun, food, and music from Kim & Dougie, Sweet Umbra, and Red Ball Jets.
If you’re looking for overnight accommodations to make it an overnight adventure, 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.