By April Rodgers Content Coordinator
If you’re the kind of person who likes to say “there’s nothing to do in Ohio,” this past week had a little something to prove you wrong. From literary lineups and cultural celebrations to interactive science, Ohio showed up and showed out. Here’s what you might’ve missed:
Ohio Cancer Action Day – April 29, Columbus In a powerful show of advocacy, Ohioans gathered at the Statehouse for Cancer Action Day. Survivors, caregivers, and policy advocates met with lawmakers, pushing for better prevention, care, and research. It wasn’t just about raising awareness—it was about raising voices, and making sure every story, every diagnosis, and every life affected by cancer is part of the conversation at the top.
COSI Science Festival – April 30–May 3, Columbus and Beyond Science took center stage this week with the return of the COSI Science Festival. Events popped up all over central Ohio—interactive, exciting, and hands-on. But the real magic? The Big Science Celebration. Imagine kids launching rockets, families building circuits, and wide eyes watching live experiments that felt more like magic shows. Curiosity was contagious—and the future of science looks bright.
Buckeye Game Fest – May 1–4, Columbus Think board games are just for kids? Think again. The Buckeye Game Fest at the downtown Hyatt brought together seasoned strategists, first-time players, and everyone in between for a four-day tabletop extravaganza. Picture this: hundreds of games, spontaneous tournaments, laughter echoing through the halls, and new friendships forged over dice rolls and witty banter. Yes, it was that fun.
Ohioana Book Festival – May 3, Columbus Readers, writers, and book lovers united at the State Library of Ohio for one of the state’s most cherished traditions—the Ohioana Book Festival. This wasn’t just a room full of authors; it was a celebration of Ohio storytelling in all its forms. There were panel discussions that sparked ideas, book signings that felt like reunions, and the kind of conversations that remind you why stories matter. It was literary electricity.
A World A’Fair International Festival – May 2–4, Dayton Dayton turned into a cultural passport this weekend, thanks to the A World A’Fair International Festival. With traditional dances, colorful costumes, global eats, and community pride on full display, the city offered a whirlwind tour of the world—no plane ticket needed. From folk music to sambas, every performance was a reminder that diversity isn’t just beautiful—it’s essential.
Upcoming Fun for This Week
Spring Wildflower Hikes – May 4–11, Statewide Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to wander. Guided hikes across Ohio’s parks will showcase blooming wildflowers in their full spring glory. Great for families, photographers, or anyone who could use a little fresh air and floral inspiration. Visit https://ohiodnr.gov for more information.
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations – May 5, Statewide From tacos to traditional music, Cinco de Mayo celebrations are popping up all across Ohio. Keep an eye out for local events bringing flavor, flair, and fiesta energy to a town near you.
Hops on High – May 10, rescheduled from May 3 due to severe weather threat, Columbus Craft beer. Live music. The buzz of the Short North in full bloom. Hops on High returns with local brewers serving up samples that are just as creative as the neighborhood itself. Come thirsty and stay curious—you never know what flavors you’ll find.
Ohio doesn’t just wait for summer to start the fun. Whether you found yourself at a book fest, a science showcase, or a dance floor covered in global rhythm, this week was proof that there’s no shortage of inspiration in our own backyard. Where will the next week take you?
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