June kicks off a sizzling season of summer fun with the return of live music, races at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, bustling farmer’s markets, a luau at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary, and some of our favorite annual events making a comeback across the county.
Events You Don’t Want to Miss
The races are back at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the 2025 season with the O’Reilly Auto Parts Four Hours of Mid-Ohio (IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge) (June 6-8). 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.
The Permco Grand Prix (June 20-22) returns as the longest continuously-running spectator event at the track. The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association’s SpeedTour weekend will provide fans a wide array of classic and modern race cars to enjoy, including the ground-pounding Trans Am Series. 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.
The annual Miss Ohio Competition will kick off with the Miss Ohio Parade on June 15 with events running through the rest of the week before crowning the new Miss Ohio.
The North Central Ohio Soap Box Derby (June 21st) is a family-friendly event near Downtown Mansfield where kids ages 7–18 race hand-built, gravity-powered cars in a fun and competitive day of youth racing. The event kicks off at the top of the hill at the Trimble Rd./4th Street intersection.
Be Focal, Shop Local
The North End Farmers Market is held each Thursday during the summer while Bellville and Shelby hold their markets on Saturdays.
After purchasing your fresh fruit and vegetables from local growers, be sure to peruse the shops in the downtown areas and continue to support local businesses. Make a pit stop to Black Fork Brewing in Shelby, Wishmaker House Winery in Bellville, or the Mansfield Antiques Gallery in Mansfield.
Art, Theater, and More!
Aladdin’s Lamp at Theatre 166 (June 1) is the final Teddy Bear Concert of the season. This engaging performance, designed for young audiences and their families, features audience participation, interactive storytelling with local authors and lively music from the Mansfield Symphony.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr (June 6, 7, 13, 14, 15) comes alive on the stage of the Mansfield Playhouse Youth Theatre. This classic tale follows Ariel, a spirited young mermaid, who dreams of life on land and must defy her father, outwit the sea witch Ursula, and win the heart of Prince Eric to make her wish come true.
The Collective at the Mansfield Art Center (starting June 8 through August 10) allows you to step into a new era of portraiture where classic realism meets a modern twist to offer a fresh take on the world we live in today. This exhibit features an incredible mix of styles and media from talented artists in The Ohio Representational Art Collective.
The Renaissance Youth Opera Theatre presents 1001 Arabian Nights (June 28).
Summer Learning- Education for All Ages
Celebrate National Cheese Day with this fun and tasty charcuterie class (June 4) offered by Hickory Vines Winery. Sip a glass of wine and learn a new skill during the Pressed Flower Art Workshop (June 9) offered at The Wishmaker House Winery.
Learn to make Loofah soaps (June 9) and pamper yourself later. This workshop will be held at Burton Park for ages 18+.
Enjoy a hands-on evening of cocktail crafting with Watershed Distillery at the Cocktail Class at the Spirit Room (June 11), featuring expert tips, two drinks, light snacks, and recipes to take home. Join friends for a fun painting event on board the Charles Mill Cruise Boat during the Paint & Sip Class (June 13).
These purse wet felting (June 14) and flower wet felting classes (June 28) at Alpaca Meadows are sure to be a hit.
Fun Festivals & Events
Skate Ohio Art Fair (June 6) will be held on Fourth Street between Mulberry St. and Walnut St. in downtown Mansfield featuring food trucks, vendors, bands and of course, skateboarding!
Gem lovers and collectors won’t want to miss the Mid-Ohio Mineral & Fossil Show at the Richland County Fairgrounds (June 7–8). Explore a selection of gems, minerals, fossils, beads, jewelry, and more.
The Midwest’s newest vintage motorcycle show revs up at the historic Ohio State Reformatory with bikes, live music, tattoos, a swap meet, food, and more during Party at the Pen (June 7, 8).
Travel back in time to the 1860s to the Civil War during the 2nd American Civil War Heritage Days at South Park (June 14,15). Learn from historical reenactors, feel the thunder of artillery, witness Civil War medicine, see what life was like for civilians in the 1860s, and take a stroll through the military camps.
Kids Day at Charles Mill Marina (June 14) offers kids boating demonstrations, free pontoon boat rides for kids (guardian required), face painting, alpacas and llamas from Shady Lane Alpaca Farm, animals from Gorman Nature Center, giveaways, food trucks, cotton candy and more.
The family-friendly Luau at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary (June 14), features after-hours access, a hula and fire show, interactive activities, and tropical treats. Proceeds support the conservation of the ʻAlalā, the Hawaiian Crow, now extinct in the wild.
The Juneteenth Parade and Festival (June 14) will be held in downtown Mansfield at Central Park. You’ll find live bands, entertainment, line dancing, wine tasting, food trucks, vendors, a kid’s zone and more.
Free Family Events
The First Free Monday (June 2) is back at Kingwood Center Gardens. Don’t miss the chance to stroll the manicured paths and take in the beauty of summer in full bloom.
Join the animal ambassadors at Gorman Nature Center every Tuesday throughout the summer at 3:30 for Animal Feeding Day. You may even get some hands-on time with the snakes and turtles! Kids of all ages are welcome. Don’t forget the Oaks & Acorns Preschool Program continues each Wednesday with a class at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m.
The Ontario Kids Festival (June 7th), sponsored by Sluss Realty, features rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, carnival games, prizes, vendors, train rides, food trucks, entertainment and more!
The Summer Library Program launches in June with exciting themed events! Visit any Mansfield/Richland County Library branch to sign up, join the fun, and enter to win great prizes.
Pictures on the Plaza returns with a FREE outdoor screening of The Princess Bride will be held June 11th behind the Renaissance Theatre. There’s even free popcorn!
Live Music
Pack your blanket or lawn chairs and spread out for Summer Concerts at Marshall Park will be held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays starting on June 10 at the BandShell.
You can follow-up with more music the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at the Bellville Bandstand for Bellville Concerts in the Park.
The Mansfield Art Center will welcome the AFM Local 159 groups each Thursday during the summer, for free outdoor concerts beginning June 12th.
Wrap up the month with the Emily Raff Trio during the Last Tuesday Concerts at Black Fork Commons in Shelby (June 24) 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 27. Grab your lawn chairs and a few friends, and head downtown to the Brickyard for fun, food, and music.
We have a ton of music events during the summer months at the 3rd Cup Tea, the Vault Wine Bar, The Phoenix, The Spirit Room, Hudson & Essex, The Wishmaker House, and our Wine & Ale Trail locations that showcase our incredible local talent. 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.
Don’t forget to tag @DestinationMansfield on Instagram when you’re out exploring all the fun things to do in our family of communities this month.