Kick off the Ashville 4th of July Celebration with live acoustic cover music from Gunner Harrison performing on The Savings Bank Stage at Ashville Community Park in Ashville, Ohio. Part of a five-day community celebration featuring rides, parades, food, contests, and fireworks on the 4th. Free entertainment presented by the Ashville Community Men’s Club.
Ashville Idol returns to the Ashville 4th of July Celebration stage at Ashville Community Park in Ashville, Ohio. Sign-ups begin at 4:00pm, prelims at 5:00pm, and finals at 8:00pm. Solo performers compete for a $200 first place prize and $50 for finalists. Performances take place on The Savings Bank Stage. A fun community event for the whole family presented by the Ashville Community Men’s Club.
Classic cars, motorcycles, trucks, and family fun roll into downtown Ashville during The Ashville Car and Motorcycle Show hosted by the Ashville Business Association on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The community event features a showcase of cars and motorcycles along with trophies, raffles, family activities, and local community spirit in the heart of Ashville. Visitors can enjoy browsing classic and custom vehicles while taking part in activities including face painting, bounce houses, and a 50/50 raffle.
Awards will be presented in several categories including Best Truck, Best Motorcycle, Celebrity Choice, Business Association Best, Best Authentic Car, Best Modified, Top 10, and additional placements.
Vehicle registration ($15) takes place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the show running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event is family-friendly and open to the public. Rain date is scheduled for Sunday, June 7. More info call 614-940-7038.
Summer offers plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors in Pickaway County, and Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve near Ashville continues to be one of the area’s most peaceful places to experience nature close to home.
Known for its scenic boardwalk, wetlands, and wooded trails, the preserve provides a quiet setting for birdwatching, hiking, and seasonal exploration. This summer, the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves is hosting several public programs designed to help visitors experience the landscape in new ways through guided hikes and family-friendly activities.
June 2 at 10 a.m.
Celebrate 50 years of the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves with a guided two-mile hike through Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve. Visitors will explore the preserve’s boardwalk and white oak forest while learning more about Ohio’s protected natural areas and the role preserves play in conservation efforts across the state.
Families are welcome to attend.
June 6 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Birding Bingo offers an interactive introduction to birdwatching for children, families, and beginner birders. Participants can learn about common Ohio birds while exploring the preserve and completing bingo activities with the help of local naturalists.
The program is designed to make birdwatching approachable for all ages while encouraging visitors to slow down and observe the wildlife found throughout the preserve.
July 17 at 9 a.m.
Summer wildflowers take center stage during this guided morning hike through Stage’s Pond. Guests will enjoy an easy 1.5-mile walk while learning about seasonal blooms and the preserve’s natural habitat.
Visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate footwear, bring water, and prepare for outdoor conditions. There are no restrooms located on site.
Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve is located at 4792 Hagerty Road near Ashville. Additional information about programs and preserves can be found through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
For additional information about these programs, contact Naturalist Kayla Bowyer at Kayla.Bowyer@dnr.ohio.gov or call (740) 380-8918.
Discover more outdoor experiences, parks, and events happening throughout Pickaway County at Pickaway.com.
There’s something a little unexpected waiting in Ashville each spring.
For one weekend, the Ashville Viking Festival transforms a quiet stretch of town into something that feels completely different. You are not just attending an event. You are stepping into it.
You might hear the sound of metal clashing before you see anything. There is usually a campfire going somewhere. People are dressed in ways that make you look twice, and then you realize they are not just in costume. They are part of the experience.
The reenactor camps are where it really comes to life. You can walk right through them, talk with the people there, and learn what they are doing. Some are demonstrating tools, some are cooking, and others are sharing what daily life looked like in the time period they represent. It feels more like a conversation than an exhibit, and it is one of the things visitors tend to remember most.
As you move through the festival, you will also find a mix of handmade vendors offering everything from crafted goods to unique pieces you would not normally come across. It is easy to spend time browsing, asking questions, and finding something that feels a little more meaningful than a typical souvenir.
Food is part of the experience too, with options that range from festival favorites to items that lean into the theme. It is the kind of place where you can grab something to eat and then keep wandering, taking it all in at your own pace.
What makes this event stand out is how easy it is to slow down. You are not rushing from one scheduled activity to the next. You can stay where you want, explore what catches your attention, and let the day unfold naturally.
There is also a strong sense of purpose behind it. The festival is organized by volunteers and supports a local food pantry, and visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations if they are able. It is a small gesture that adds to the community feel of the weekend.
It is easy to turn the Ashville Viking Festival into a full day in Pickaway County. Start with coffee at one of the local stops, spend time at the festival, and then explore a few nearby shops or attractions before heading home. Nothing feels rushed, and everything is close enough to enjoy without overplanning.
Events like this are part of what makes Pickaway County worth exploring. They are creative, a little unexpected, and rooted in the people who make this community what it is. In a county where tourism contributes more than $209.7 million in economic impact each year, these experiences help support local businesses and bring visitors back again and again.
If you’re planning to go, the Ashville Viking Festival takes place each year on the last weekend in April in Ashville, near the corner of Station and Walnut Streets. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support the local food pantry. It’s a simple way to be part of the event and give back while you’re there. Parking is typically available nearby, and you can come for a quick visit or stay for the afternoon, depending on how much you want to explore. For the most up-to-date details, vendor information, and schedules, visit the official festival page or follow along on social media before you go.
The Ashville 4th of July Celebration returns June 30 through July 4, 2026, bringing five days of family-friendly fun to Ashville Community Park. A Pickaway County tradition since 1929, the festival features carnival rides, live entertainment, contests, food vendors, the famous fish fry, a grand parade, and fireworks on Independence Day.
This year’s celebration includes performances by Gunner Harrison, Rob Adams, 7 Mile Bluegrass, Hollyview, The Raineys, and McGuffey Lane, along with community favorites such as Ashville Idol, the Miss Ashville 4th of July Queen Contest, Little Miss & Mr. Contest, and Baby Contest.
Visitors can enjoy midway rides, daily ride specials, festival food, and the community spirit that has made this event one of Central Ohio’s favorite Independence Day celebrations for nearly 100 years.
Highlights include the Grand Parade at 11 a.m. on July 4 and a fireworks display at 10 p.m. to conclude the festivities.
Hosted by the Ashville Community Men’s Club, festival proceeds support scholarships, youth programs, community projects, and local organizations throughout the year.
For a complete schedule and additional information, visit Ashville4thofJuly.com.
The Ashville Community Market returns for the 2026 season, bringing together local vendors, fresh produce, handmade goods, live music, and family-friendly fun in the heart of Ashville, Ohio.
Held one Friday each month from April through September, the Ashville Community Market is a welcoming outdoor market where visitors can shop local, support small businesses, and enjoy a relaxed community atmosphere. Each market features a rotating lineup of local musicians, along with vendors offering produce, arts and crafts, baked goods, specialty items, and more.
Families are encouraged to attend, with activities designed to keep all ages engaged. Food trucks and special attractions add to the experience, making each market date a little different while keeping the same small-town charm Ashville is known for.
April 18 – Jeff Weaver
May 23 – Kyan Conn
June 20 – Jacob Brown
July 18 – Campfire & Whiskey
August 22 – Open / To Be Announced
September 19 – Roundtown Radio
Time: 9:00 a.m. – Noon
Location: Ashville Park, Ashville, Ohio
Whether you’re a local or visiting Pickaway County, the Ashville Community Market is a great way to experience local flavor, live music, and community connection all in one place.
Vendor applications are open for the 2026 season. For details, updates, and vendor information, visit ashvillecommunitymarket.org.
Join local professionals, business owners, and community leaders for this monthly Business After Hours networking event hosted by the Pickaway County Chamber of Commerce. This relaxed gathering is a great opportunity to make new connections, catch up with familiar faces, and learn more about one of the Chamber’s local programs.
This event is designed primarily for Chamber members; however, non-members are welcome to attend when space allows. Advance registration is required for all attendees.
Registration is required. For full event details and to register, visit pickawaychamber.com.
Kick off the holiday season with hometown cheer at Ashville’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting! The celebration begins at 6:00 PM at the Ohio’s Small Town Museum, part of the Charles W. Morrison Museum Complex.
Event Highlights:
• Tree lighting at approximately 6:15 PM
• Santa appearance for festive fun and photos
• Hot chocolate and cookies provided by the Women’s Civic Club
Bring your family and friends to enjoy the twinkling lights, sweet treats, and the warmth of community as Ashville welcomes the holiday season together.
Rev up your summer at the Ashville Car and Motorcycle Show, presented by the Ashville Business Association! This family-friendly event features a wide variety of cars, trucks, and motorcycles—classic, authentic, and creatively modified.
Trophies will be awarded for:
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place
Business Association Best
Best Truck, Best Motorcycle
Celebrity Choice & Top 10
Best Authentic & Best Modified
Enjoy a day packed with entertainment including a 50/50 raffle, face painting, bounce houses, and more! It’s a great way to celebrate community and horsepower in the heart of Ashville.
$15 Entry | Registration: 9:00–11:00 AM
Rain Date: Sunday, June 8 (same time frame)
Questions? Contact Randy Loveless at 614-507-7488.