Summer is just around the corner, and June promises to be a month filled with countless opportunities to get out and make some memories! Enjoy returning events like the Ontario 4th of July Festival at Marshall Park, as well as the Final Friday Concert Series at the Brickyard and the kickoff to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course season.
Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Put on some dancing shoes because family-friendly Barn dancing is back at Malabar Farm State Park (June 1). The dance party takes place monthly through the summer and fall.
The annual Miss Ohio Competition will kick off with the Miss Ohio Parade on June 9 with events and competition running through the rest of the week before crowning the new Miss Ohio.
The much anticipated races are back at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the 2024 season with the O’Reilly Auto Parts Four Hours of Mid-Ohio (IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge) (June 7-9). The races are great for adults, but did you know kids under 12 can join you free of charge? Grab a spot on the lawn with your picnic and folding chairs and watch the cars zoom by on the track. And if watching from the stands doesn’t thrill you, sign up for the Mid-Ohio School and learn what it’s like to be behind the wheel.
Don your best 50s attire and stroll the gardens, enjoy the live music and food trucks during the Kingwood Center Wine Walk: Fifties Flashback (June 21).
Support & Shop local
The North End Farmers Market is held each Thursday during the summer while Bellville and Shelby hold their markets on Saturdays. After you purchase your fresh fruits and vegetables from local growers make sure to peruse the shops in the downtown areas and continue to support local businesses.
Art, Theater, Cars, Caverns and More!
Theatre 166 presents Caroline, or Change (June 1, 2), the story of the Gellman family who employ an African-American maid and single mother of four in 1963 in Lake Charles, Louisiana during a period of significant social changes throughout the country.
Join Peter Pan and his spirited sidekick, Tinkerbell, at the Mansfield Playhouse, as the duo visit the nursery of the Darling children late one night and begin a magical journey across the stars that none of them will ever forget. Peter Pan, Jr. is held June 14, 15, 21, 22 and 23.
Car enthusiasts may want to show off their cars or simply stop by to appreciate the horsepower under the hood at the Block Party Car Show at the Richland County Fairgrounds (June 15).
Enjoy a unique date night experience during Movie and a Dinner Night at Prohibition at the Caverns. June movie selections include Jaws (June 6) or The Goonies (June 20, 27). This is a great way to sample the amazing underground space.
Keep On Learnin’- Education for All Ages
This frog needle felting workshop (June 22) at Alpaca Meadows is sure to be a ribbiting time.
The Johnny Appleseed Traveling Exhibit can be seen at the Buckeye Imagination Museum through June 18th. The exhibit showcases Johnny Appleseed’s love of nature and apples, his contributions to the development of the region, and his enduring influence on American culture and folklore.
Join friends for a fun painting event on board the Charles Mill Cruise Boat during the Paint & Sip Class (June 7).
Annual Festivals & Events
The Ontario 4th of July at Marshall Park (June 28, 29, 30) promises to be fun for the entire family with tons of activities; including food-eating contests, kid’s area, corn hole tournament, live music, pooch parade, frog jumping contest, skydiving, and fireworks to wrap things up on Saturday.
Travel back in time to the 1860s to the Civil War during this Living History program at South Park. Learn from historical reenactors at the 2nd Annual Colonial Days (June 8,9) at the Richland Early American Center for History. Feel the thunder of artillery, witness Civil War medicine, see what life was like for civilians in 1860’s and take a stroll through the military camps.
Kids Day at Charles Mill Marina (June 8) offers fishing demonstrations, a fishing pole giveaway, free pontoon boat rides for kids (guardian required), a visit from a pirate crew, pirate-themed games, and more.
The Juneteenth Parade and Festival (June 15) will be held in downtown Mansfield at Central Park. Experience live bands, entertainment, wine tasting, food trucks, vendors, a kids zone and more.
Family Fun on the Farm at Malabar Farm State Park (June 29) promises to be a fun day for all ages with hands-on activities that focus on natural resources and where food comes from. Archery, fishing, wagon rides, farm animals, food trucks and more are a highlight during this hands-on event. Make sure to check out the newly renovated Visitor Center exhibits, take a hike on one of the trails, or drive up to Mt. Jeez to take in the view.
Head to Bellville for food trucks, live music and fireworks during Light Up the Valley (June 30).
Live Music
Looking for more family friendly activities? Pack a blanket or lawn chairs and spread out for Summer Concerts at Marshall Park. It is held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays starting on June 11 at the BandShell. Pour-One-Nine returns to the festival with beer, food, and special seating for the fireworks.
Follow-up with more live music the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at the Bellville Bandstand for Bellville Concerts in the Park. Wrap up the month with Last Tuesday Concerts at Black Fork Commons in Shelby (June 25) presented by CIC of Shelby in partnership with The Shelby Foundation and the Renaissance Theatre.
Mark your calendar now for the Final Friday Concert Series at The Brickyard on June 28. Grab a lawn chair and a few friends, then head downtown to the Brickyard for fun, food, and music by Jevan Cole, Getaway Band and Zack Attack.
Enjoy music events and local talent during the summer months at various attractions and Wine and Ale trail locations like the Vault Wine Bar, The Phoenix, The Spirit Room, Hudson & Essex, The Local @97. Check out our live entertainment page for current listings.
Make sure you visit our events page at DestinationMansfield.com for the most up-to-date listings as well as more events taking place during the month of June.
If you’re looking for overnight accommodations, DestinationMansfield.com makes it easy to find the perfect place to stay by breaking lodging down by Hotels & Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Campgrounds and Private Rentals (think Airbnb or VRBO).
Don’t forget to tag @DestinationMansfield on Instagram when you’re out exploring all the fun things to do in our communities this month.