It’s summer in Mansfield and Richland County and time to celebrate with July events and happenings. Area highlights include the biggest motorcycle swap meet in North America, the INKcarceration Tattoo & Music Festival, and Honda Indy 200. And don’t forget the fireworks! See the full calendar.
July kicks off with Independence Day celebrations across the county. Start the holiday with The Freedom 50 and Freedom Fest (July 1) at Mansfield Motor Speedway. Come for the race and stay for the fireworks. Fly in or drive in to the Annual Mansfield Airport Day and Car Show (July 7) for planes, classic cars, food and more. If cars don’t get your heart racing, there are Fourth of July Fireworks displays scheduled all throughout the week.
Cycle down to Shelby Bicycle Days (July 12-14) and take a bike tour. Stick around downtown Shelby for food, rides, fireworks and a parade. Looking for something off the beaten path? Experience the rock music festival of the summer at the INKcarceration Tattoo & Musical Festival (July 13-15) hosted at The Historic Ohio State Reformatory. Meet over 70 tattoo artists and listen to more than 30 bands on 2 stages. Spend the weekend immersed in Native American culture at 34th Annual Great Mohican Pow-Wow (July 13-15). Sample the foods, hear the stories and see demonstrations of dance, survival and skill from over 40 top native craftsmen and artisans.
Need to get the kids out of the house? Put on your bathing suit and bring the kids for Mermaid Fantasy Day (July 14) at Pleasant Hill Lake Park. Come back the following weekend and see Santa arrive via Jet Ski for the Christmas in July & Fireworks Celebration (July 21). The Invasion of the Big Bugs continues this month at Kingwood Center Gardens. Stop by any day this month to catch this gargantuan exhibit. Your kids will love hunting down these 10 awe-inspiring sculptures on the grounds of this historic estate! There’ll be fun for the whole family at the Mansfield Children’s Festival (July 28). Kids of all ages can enjoy carrousel rides, games, food and more in Mansfield’s Carrousel District. Discover the plants and animals of Richland County this summer. Bring the kids back to Pleasant Hill Lake Park on Saturdays (July 7-August 4) for the Explorers of Nature Series. Kids will learn about different topics each week with outdoor exploration, games, and a craft.
Mansfield is the place to be for car and racing enthusiasts this month. Enjoy over 500 cars from all decades at the 18th Annual Loudonville Car Show, Antique Show & Fireworks (July 7). The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course hosts the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 6-8) with classic bikes, Motorcycle Hall of Famers, auctions, industry legends and the largest motorcycle swap meet in North America. The Verizon IndyCar Series follows with The Honda Indy 200 (July 27-29).
Remember to keep coming back for these events going on all summer.
- Ghost Hunt Challenge at The Ohio State Reformatory (July 7, 28)
- Music & Movement at Little Buckeye Children’s Museum (Fridays)
- Crestline Farmers Market (Tuesdays)
- Ontario Concerts in the Park Series at the Marshall Park Band Shell (July 10, 24)
- Mansfield First Friday Shop Hop (July 6)
- “Flea in the Field” Saturday Market at the Brickyard (July 14)
- Final Friday Concert Series at the Brickyard (July 27)
July in Richland County has something for everyone. For a list of area events, visit www.DestinationMansfield.com