There’s something about May. It’s the month of springtime, flowers, rainstorms, and best of all, warm temperatures without the summer mugginess! This month’s calendar will be packed for sure, but the area is opening the month with a bang. Here are the major events happening the first weekend in May. There’s something for everyone, but how will you choose? We sure don’t know how!
Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
For the motorsports fans –IMSA makes its return to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course May 3-5 for the Acura Sports Car Challenge at Mid-Ohio. The event weekend will be headlined by the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, which will compete alongside the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, IMSA Prototype Challenge and Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA by Yokohama. Visit midohio.com/tickets for more information.
First Friday Shop Hop
Shop local – visit historic Downtown Mansfield every first Friday beginning at 5 PM for the First Friday Shop Hop (May 3). To celebrate longtime patrons and welcome new guests, downtown businesses will offer entertainment, hold unique events, and offer specials during the first Friday Shop Hop. Guests are encouraged to meet friends and explore the new face of downtown Mansfield. Over fifty independent businesses now populate the city center including the newly opened Cypress Hill Winery and the Hudson & Essex Deli.
RichHistory Weekend
For the history buffs – discover local history at the Third Annual RichHistory Weekend, May 4 & 5. This event allows locals and visitors to travel around to the many different historical sites in the county to enjoy special programming, living history, historical crafts, live historical demonstrations, activities for the kids and much more! History will come alive! Participating locations will include RichHistory Alliance members Ohio Genealogical Society, Oak Hill Cottage, Malabar Farm State Park, Kingwood Center Gardens, Downtown Mansfield Inc., St. Luke’s Point of Grace, Plymouth Museum, Richland County Museum, and more.
Secret City Tour
For the urban explorers – Downtown Mansfield, Inc. (DMI) will hold the Secret City Tour, May 4 beginning at 10 AM. Peek into some of Mansfield’s most exquisite historic buildings and architectural gems on this self-guided tour. Photography is welcome. This year’s event is held in conjunction with RichHistory Weekend and the RichHistory Alliance. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased online or on event day at the DMI offices at 128 North Main Street. Many of the buildings are currently undeveloped so participants should dress accordingly and be prepared to walk. For additional information please call 419-522-0099 or email at info@downtownmansfield.com.
Ohio Civil War Show
Looking for even more history? The Ohio Civil War Show will be held at the Richland County Fairgrounds Sat, May 4, 9 AM – 5 PM & Sun, May 5, 9 AM – 3 PM. This year’s event will feature seven buildings with 750 tables of military items, relics, and memorabilia from 1785-1945. There will also be food, an artillery show, cannon firing demonstrations, sutler’s row, Civil War field hospital by the Society of Civil War Surgeons, period church service Sunday morning with period string music, Abe Lincoln live presentations, living history campfire by Brigade of American Revolution – 8th Pennsylvania Regiment, period music by Camp Chase Fife & Drum and the 73 OVI Regimental Band, Civil War and WWII Living History Encampments, and more. Admission is $7.00, Children under 12 are free if with an adult.
ParaPsyCon
For explorers of the paranormal – The Ohio State Reformatory will host The ParaPsyCon (a Paranormal & Psychic Convention) May 4 & 5. Admission to the convention is free with your paid admission to the Ohio State Reformatory. This event will feature psychics, paranormal teams, celebrities, authors, reiki healers, stones, crystals, jewelry, tarot, speakers, and much more! There will also be a public ghost hunt at the haunted Ohio State Reformatory, Saturday night, May 4.
Malabar Night Haunt
Looking for more haunted? Malabar Farm State Park will host their first Malabar Night Haunt of the season Saturday, May 4. Dare to experience the “normal to paranormal” while exploring murders, cemeteries and haunted houses. End the night with hot dogs and s’ mores while sharing stories around the campfire. Pre-Registration is required. To register, call (419)892-2784. The cost is $30 per person and is not recommended for ages 17 and under.
These aren’t the only events happening in our area! Be sure to check out DestinationMansfield.com/events for a full calendar of events. Share your adventures with us on social media with the hashtag #DestinationMansfield.