Summer is heating up and we have rounded up some of the most sizzling July happenings taking place in Mansfield and Richland County! July offers a rock legend art exhibit, a chance to break a line dance record, live motorsports, a music and tattoo festival, and favorite 4th of July celebrations all over the area.
Hot events you won’t want to miss include John Mellencamp Paintings and Assemblages at the Mansfield Art Center, The Boot Life® Block Party (July 1) with live music from The Swon Brothers and Mac Powell, and a chance to help set a new line dance record. How fun is that?
Races at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are in full swing with the Honda Indy 200 (July 1-3). Next up, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (July 8,9) and a Thursday night ARCA fan event and hauler parade from the Ontario Menards to the track. And later in the month, two-wheel fun rolls into town at the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 22, 24). The annual Inkcarceration 2022 Music & Tattoo Festival (July 15-17) returns as ticket holders eat, drink and get new ink (limited walk-up spots available). Fans listen to more than 50 artists including Korn, Daughtry, and Evanescence on the grounds of the historic Ohio State Reformatory
4th of July Festivals & Events
Independence Day Weekend at Pleasant Hill Lake Park (July1-5) kicks off with live music with the Callunaw Rednecks Country Rock Band. Then enjoy twilight kayaking and an outdoor movie. If you’re looking for fireworks, you won’t want to miss the special Christmas in July event (July 15-17).
Ontario 4th of July Celebration at Marshall Park (July 1 & 2) features live music, a car show, Patriotic Pooch Parade, food trucks, and the Ontario Youth Sports Milliron Auto Parts Land Regatta and synchronized fireworks and much more. If you want to add something special to your fireworks, check out Pour One Nine. In other communities, you won’t want to miss watching the fireworks over the water at Charles Mill Lake (July 2). Light Up the Valley in Bellville (July 3) features live music, food trucks, and fireworks.
More Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Shelby Bicycle Days (July 8 & 9) , hosted in downtown Shelby for over 25 years, pay homage to the Shelby Cycle Company that was part of the community. Experience music, food trucks, and fireworks at this annual event.
Monster Truck Throwdown offers two exciting performances on July 23rd at the Richland County Fairgrounds. Attend the FREE track party to meet the drivers and collect autographs, get a close-up look at the trucks and buy Monster Truck merchandise.
The Shiloh Fireman’s Ox Roast (July 29, 30) is a not-to-miss event! This year they’ll prepare over 10,000 pounds of beef but don’t wait until the last minute to check out this fun festival as the meat sells out every year.
The Mansfield Family Festival happens on July 30 in downtown Mansfield. This free event features games, prizes, food, and entertainment for all ages from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
POP! Pictures on the Plaza features one outdoor movie a month at the new green space next to the Renaissance Theatre. July’s feature is Wreck it Ralph (July 13). Plan to arrive at 7:30 for activities, with the move kicking off at 8:30.
Shop Local
Grab your significant other or a few friends and head to the Carrousel District for the First Friday Shop Hop (July 1). The North End Farmers Market will be open every Thursday (July 7, 14, 21, 28) from 4-7:00 p.m. at the NECIC Urban Farm. See free cooking demonstrations and the opportunity to taste dishes prepared by a local chef. Shop for your fresh produce at the Summer Market in the Historic Carrousel District at 3rd Cup Tea each Saturday in July from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Art, Theatre, Family Fun
Fans of John Mellencamp won’t want to miss the newest exhibit at the Mansfield Art Center. This Grammy Award Winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member documents the heart and soul of America in the multi-media exhibition of Paintings & Assemblages. See all the exhibits here, including the Wilhelmina Marks: Through My Eyes exhibit and Manifestations in Paper & Clay.
On stage, The Music Man hits the stage at the Renaissance Theatre on July 30. Make a date with this family-friendly classic.
Register for the Treehouse Feathered Encounter at the new Treehouse Classroom at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary each Saturday (July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) at 11 a.m. to meet several resident birds for an educational encounter. Registration and a $3 fee are required.
Visitors to Kingwood Center Gardens can view the new Art of Kingwood Exhibit that is curated by the Mansfield Art Center. Take a walk along the Storybook Trail. Visitors can also sign up for a Kingwood Hall Tour (July 12, 26) to learn more about the mansion and to view the newly opened 3rd floor.
Join a naturalist at Malabar Farm State Park for Farm Fridays (July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) and learn about the animals in the Main Barn. Plus, stop by July 16th at 10:30 for a Guided Hike along the Butternut Trail. Don’t miss the Barn Dance July 2nd.
Participate in Wacky Wednesday at the Carrousel (July 6, 13, 20, 27) for story time, games, food, and free rides.
Live Music
Inkcarceration 2022 Music & Tattoo Festival (July 15-17) is back where ticket holders can eat, drink and get some new ink (limited walk-up spots available) and listen to more than 50 artists including Korn, Daughtry, and Evanescence on the grounds of the historic Ohio State Reformatory.
Live on the Lawn is a free family-friendly concert series held at Kingwood Center each Thursday at 7 p.m. in July featuring food trucks, lawn games, and a variety of music (July 7, 14, 21, 28).
Combine your love of art and music when you enjoy the Summer Concert Series at the Mansfield Art Center every Friday (July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29) at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Mark your calendar now for Final Friday and Live Music at The Brickyard on July 29th. Grab your lawn chairs and friends and head downtown to the Brickyard for fun, food, and music.
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.