Events & Festivals
The Hocking Hills of Ohio abounds with monthly events and festivals. Festivals, art shows, music fairs, events for the entire family. Visit the Hocking Hills Tourism Association a full list. But some of our favorites are:
January
Hocking Hills Winter Hike at Hocking Hills State Park January 21, 2012
A 6 mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave. Featuring frozen waterfalls and ice formations. Refreshments available for a donation. Shuttle bus returns hikers to Old Man’s Cave. Continuous starts from 9-11am. 740-385-6841.
Drive & Discover January 21, 2012
Enjoy a scenic drive through the hills while shopping for gifts & treasures at unique shops. Artist demos; special discounts. This month, start at Scenic Way Gifts, 63775 St. Rt. 56, Creola. 740-596-1913.
Final Fridays~Fire & Ice January 27, 2012
Icy glass art, fiery hot chili – together! Historic Square Arts District in Nelsonville. Athens Co. 740-753-1011.
Starbrick Gallery 10th Annual Bowl-A-Rama January 27, 2012
Starbrick provides fire at Bowl-A-Rama Chili Night. Starbrick Gallery, 21 W. Columbus St. on the Square, Nelsonville. Athens Co. 740-753-1011.
The Old Bear’s Den~Arrival of Winter Photography Workshop January 28, 2012
All day hands-on workshop providing practical & usable knowledge in nature photography. 4-hour workshops by appt. The Old Bear’s Den Center. Reservations: 740-380-2039.
February
Sweetheart Hike at Ash Cave February 11, 2012
Hocking Hills State Park. A romantic stroll at dusk to Ash Cave, with a bonfire and refreshments afterwards. 5-7pm 740-385-6841.
The Old Bear’s Den~Frozen Waterfalls Photography Workshop February 18,2012
All day hands-on workshop providing practical & usable knowledge in nature photography. 4-hour workshops by appt. The Old Bear’s Den Center. Reservations: 740-380-2039.
Drive & Discover February 18, 2012
Enjoy a scenic drive through the hills while shopping for gifts & treasures at unique shops. Artist demos; special discounts. This month, start at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls, 21190 St. Rt. 374, Logan. 740-385-7489
Starbrick Gallery~ Knitted Together February 24-March 27, 2012
Knitted art combined with ceramics, glass & more. Art show runs through March 27. Starbrick Gallery, 21 W. Columbus St. on the Square, Nelsonville. Athens Co. 740-753-1011
Final Fridays~ Focus on Fiber February 24, 2012
Fabulous fiber art, demos & hands-on experiences! Historic Square Arts District in Nelsonville. Athens Co. 740-753-1011
March
Maple Sugaring in the Hills March 10 & 11, 2012
Naturalist Cabin behind the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. Savor the taste of the season as we boil down our local maple sap. Free samples. 12-4pm. 740-385-6841
Drive & Discover March 17, 2012
Enjoy a scenic drive through the hills while shopping for gifts & treasures at unique shops. Artist demos; special discounts. This month, start at the Wind Chime Shop, 29205 Ilesboro Rd., Logan. 740-385-9537
The Old Bear’s Den~Cabin Fever, Spring Nature Photography Workshop March 24, 2012
All day hands-on workshop providing practical & usable knowledge in nature photography. 4-hour workshops by appt. The Old Bear’s Den Center. Reservations: 740-380-2039
Final Fridays~March to the Music in Nelsonville March 30, 2012
Lively music cures the winter doldrums. Historic Square Arts District in Nelsonville. Athens Co. 740-753-1011
Starbrick Gallery~Whiskey & Karaoke March 30, 2012
Whimsical art punctuated with karaoke offerings! Art show runs through April 24. Starbrick Gallery, 21 W. Columbus St. on the Square, Nelsonville. Athens Co. 740-753-1011
April
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway~Easter Bunny Train April 7, 2012
Ride and egg hunt with candy, prizes and the Easter Bunny. Reservations are suggested. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Contact on weekends: 800-967-7834 or 740-753-9531
Lake Hope Easter Egg Hunt April 7, 2012
Lake Hope State Park. 9th Annual, with prize-filled eggs! Nature Center. 1pm. Vinton Co. 740-596-3030
The Old Bear’s Den~Waterfalls & Wildflowers Photography Workshop April 14, 2012
All day hands-on workshop providing practical & usable knowledge in nature photography. 4-hour workshops by appt. The Old Bear’s Den Center. Reservations: 740-380-2039
Drive & Discover April 21, 2012
Enjoy a scenic drive through the hills while shopping for gifts & treasures at unique shops. Artist demos; special discounts. This month, start at Honey Fork Fabrics, 19151 Goat Run-Honey Fork Rd., Logan. 740-385-6072
Shoot the Hills April 20-22, 2012
10th annual photography weekend and competition throughout four counties. 740-774-6243
Shoppe the Hills April 20-22, 2012
Craft show featuring handcrafted items from artists & craftsmen. Held at Hocking Hills Dining Lodge. 740-385-6842
Wildflowers & Waterfalls Hike April 21, 2012
Wildflowers and Waterfalls Hike. Hocking Hills State Park. Observe nature’s carpet of wildflowers and sparkling waterfalls. Meet at the parking lot at Ash Cave. 10am. 740-385-6841
Annual Wildflower Walk at Lake Hope April 21, 2012
Lake Hope State Park. 1.5 mile walk along Raccoon Creek. Hope Furnace parking lot. 1-3pm. 740-596-3030
Hocking River Earth Day Clean Up April 22, 2012
Help Mother Earth while having fun on the water – everything provided. 10am-1pm. Hocking Hills Canoe Livery, 12789 St. Rt. 664 S, Logan. 740-385-0523
Starbrick Gallery~Hidden Worlds Revealed April 27 – May 22, 2012
Macro-lens photography reveals hidden worlds! Art show runs through May 22. Starbrick Gallery, 21 W. Columbus St. on the Square, Nelsonville. Athens Co. 740-753-1011
Final Fridays~Fabulous Photos April 27, 2012
Visually arresting photo exhibits & hands-on demos. Historic Square Arts District in Nelsonville. Athens Co. 740-753-1011
May
Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival May 3-6, 2012
Live music, rides and delicious food. Downtown McArthur. Call 1-800-596-4459 for more information.
Eco-Weekend May 4-6, 2012
Audubon Society’s refreshing, educational, habit-forming, nature, ecology encounter. Held at Camp Oty’Okwa. Reservations: 740-653-8574.
Youth Fishing Tournament May 5, 2012
Youth Fishing Tournament at Lake Hope State Park Dam. 9-11am. For kids aged 1-16. Trophies and cookout! Vinton Co. 740-596-3030.
Spirits of the Hills Open House May 5-6, 2012
Spirits of the Hills Fine Arts & Crafts Gallery Presents an Open House with Refreshments. 10am- 6pm. 23500 St. Rt. 180, Rockbridge. 6.6 miles from St. Rt. 33 and 10 miles from Laurelville. 740-385-8245.
Migration Birdwalk May 12, 2012
Migration Birdwalk at Lake Hope State Park. Hope Furnace. 9am-noon. Vinton Co. 740-596-3030.
Drive & Discover May 19, 2012
Enjoy a scenic drive through the hills while shopping for gifts & treasures at unique shops. Artist demos; special discounts. This month, start at Ruby’s Country Cupboard, 16734 St. Rt. 374, Laurelville. 740-385-9696.
5th Annual Hocking Hills Poker Run May 19, 2012
Approx. 100-mile ride on motorcycles through the Hocking Hills. Prizes for best poker hand. Ending with a BBQ dinner. 740-385-1687.
Final Fridays~Celebrating the Student Artist May 25, 2012
Focus on student artists of all ages. Historic Square Arts District in Nelsonville. Athens Co. 740-753-1011.
Starbrick Gallery~Teaching Artists & Their Students May 25-June 26, 2012
Student artists of all ages & their mentors. Art show runs through June 26. Starbrick Gallery, 21 W. Columbus St. on the Square, Nelsonville. Athens Co. 740-753-1011.
Vinton County Shop Hop May 26, 2012
More than 20 quaint shops, studios, covered bridges and quilt barns. Contact us for driving tour. 800-596-4459.
Flaming Torchlight Canoe Trip May 27, 2012
Flickering torches light your way; wild eyes watch riverside; frogs and crickets serenade. Refreshments. Music. Hocking Valley Canoe Livery. 740-385-8685.
Hocking Valley Scenic Railway~Memorial Day Train May 28, 2012
Train ride with historic village (Robbins Crossing) visit. 1pm. Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. Contact on weekends: 800-967-7834 or 740-753-9531.
Nelsonville Music Festival
Set in the beautiful rolling hills of Southeastern Ohio, the 7th Annual Nelsonville Music Festival is a 3-day festival that celebrates music and local artistry of our region.
Washboard Music Festival June 14-16, 2012
A 2 day event, the celebration of American music from Dixieland Jazz, Jug Music and Cajun Zydeco played by bands from all around the country, and the role of the washboard. Entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy crafts, food, parades, rides and games. Tour the last remaining manufacturer of washboards in the country and see the world’s largest washboard.
Hand-Feeding Hummingbirds at Lake Hope State Park
Featured in Bird and Bloom magazine, park naturalist at Lake Hope assist visitors in the art of hand-feeding Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds.
Lilyfest July 13-15, 2012
A three day event , located at the home of Bobbi and Bruce Bishop on 3 acres of gardens, ponds and sculpture. Musical entertainment and over 70 local artist.
Lancaster Music Festival July 19-28, 2012
A celebration of music and art with events held in all corners of Lancaster. A music and arts festival with family fun and excitement all over town. 75 events – many free. Fairfield Co. 740-687-4808
Little Cities of Black Diamonds Days
a celebration of the history, culture, natural environment and modern civic activity of the Hocking Valley Coal Fields southeastern Ohio.
(740) 394-3011
Final Fridays On the Square in Nelsonville
On the final Friday of every month except December, enjoy musical shows, visit retail shops and galleries in Nelsonville’s Historic Square.
Stuart’s Opera House
From theatre to music, Stuart’s Opera House is southeast Ohio’s showcase for the performing arts. Founded in 1879 by George Stuart. Restored and renovated after a devastating fire, Stuart’s Opera House remains a viable cultural arts center.
(740) 592-1924



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