Ohio Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Dayton - The Glass City's Culinary Charm

Minster Oktoberfest: October

The largest and most authentic German festival in Western Ohio draws thousands of visitors each fall to the Sycamore Grove in downtown Minster. Known as Minster Oktoberfest, this 3 day celebration features over 100 food and craft vendors, including local favorites like Wagner's IGA serving their famous bratwurst and Greve's Deli offering authentic German potato salad. More than 80,000 attendees enjoy traditional German beer from Moeller Brew Barn, along with imported selections from Munich-based breweries. The festival grounds come alive with multiple stages featuring live entertainment from bands like Klaberheads, Cincinnati Schnapps, and The Wooster Oompah Band.

A highlight of the gathering includes the popular beer tray relay races, where servers compete while balancing full steins of beer through an obstacle course. The family-friendly atmosphere includes a dedicated children's area with games, face painting, and a traditional German dress costume contest.

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The Fleurs de Fête Wine & Gourmet Food Festival: May

This must attend wine festival in Ohio brings thousands of wine enthusiasts together each spring to sample vintages from around the world. The Fleurs de Fête Wine & Gourmet Food Festival, hosted at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, features over 400 wines from 75 different international and domestic wineries, including notable producers like Robert Mondavi, Caymus Vineyards, and Louis Jadot. Local restaurants and caterers, such as Amber Rose Restaurant, El Meson, and Jay's Seafood, serve gourmet food pairings alongside artisanal cheeses and fresh-baked breads.

Live jazz performances by the Chris Bowman Quartet and Latin fusion band Montunos keep the atmosphere lively throughout the day-long event, which typically draws more than 2,000 attendees. Professional sommeliers offer guided tastings and educational sessions on wine appreciation, while guests explore the historic park's beautiful outdoor pavilions and gardens. A special VIP area provides access to premium reserve wines and champagnes, along with exclusive food offerings and private seating areas.

Columbus - The Capital of Flavor

Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest: July

The tantalizing aroma of slow-cooked ribs drifts through downtown Columbus as one of Ohio's largest food festivals takes over the Arena District and McFerson Commons. The Columbus Jazz & Rib Fest draws over 200,000 visitors annually, featuring 23 award-winning rib vendors from across North America, including Texas Pit BBQ, Desperados, and Carolina Rib King. Local craft breweries serve up cold drinks while attendees enjoy live performances across three stages, with past headliners including contemporary jazz artists like David Sanborn, Brian Culbertson, and Norman Brown. Famous for its People's Choice Award where festival-goers vote for their favorite ribs, the event showcases diverse BBQ styles from Memphis dry rub to Kansas City sweet and tangy sauces.

Beyond ribs, vendors offer classic sides like cornbread, coleslaw, and mac and cheese, while the Jazz Café area provides a shaded retreat where visitors can relax with specialty cocktails and gourmet desserts. A dedicated kids' zone features face painting, balloon artists, and interactive music workshops, making this summer tradition a family-friendly destination.

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North Market Wine Festival: August

During Ohio's premier wine tasting event, guests can sample from over 25 different wineries, including favorites like Buckeye Lake Winery, Debonne Vineyards, and Plum Run Winery. The North Market Wine Festival, hosted at the historic North Market in downtown Columbus, typically draws over 2,000 attendees throughout the weekend for this intimate indoor-outdoor celebration. Local jazz ensemble The Dave DeWitt Quartet provides smooth background music while patrons explore both domestic and international wine varieties, with a special focus on Ohio-produced vintages.

The market's diverse food vendors offer perfectly paired small bites, including artisanal cheeses from Black Radish Creamery, fresh baked breads from Omega Artisan Baking, and specialty chocolates from Pure Imagination Chocolatier. Special features include educational wine seminars by certified sommeliers, a VIP early access hour, and commemorative wine glasses for all attendees. Each ticket includes 10 tasting vouchers, allowing guests to sample wines from multiple vendors while strolling through both levels of the historic market building.​

Whether you're in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo or Columbus, there's a festival waiting for you to explore. You won't be disappointed by the delicious discoveries that await you in the Buckeye State.