Enjoy a free evening of live music as the Pickaway Community Band performs at Ashville Community Park.
The concert will feature a selection of marches, patriotic medleys, and classic American music in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of community music in one of Pickaway County’s favorite parks.
This family-friendly concert is free and open to the public.
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Ashville with live country music from Bob Browning & Double Barrel at Off The Rails. After a day at the Ashville 4th of July Celebration, stop in to cool off, grab a bite from Perry’s Pizza, and enjoy an evening of live music, drinks, and community.
The band takes the stage at 6 p.m. and keeps the music going into the evening as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.
For nearly a century, the Ashville 4th of July Celebration has brought families together to celebrate Independence Day in Pickaway County. Since 1929, this longtime tradition has welcomed generations of visitors with carnival rides, live entertainment, community contests, fireworks, and the hometown atmosphere that makes small-town celebrations memorable.
Held annually from June 30 through July 4 at Ashville Community Park, the celebration returns in 2026 with a special theme recognizing America’s 250th anniversary. For five days, visitors can enjoy a mix of family fun, patriotic traditions, local entertainment, and community spirit that has made the festival one of Pickaway County’s favorite summer traditions.
What began in 1929 has grown into one of Central Ohio’s longest-running Independence Day celebrations. Generations of families have made the festival part of their summer plans, returning year after year to enjoy the traditions that make Ashville’s celebration unique.
The festival is organized by the Ashville Community Men’s Club, a volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting community improvement projects, scholarships, youth programs, local organizations, and other initiatives throughout the year. Festival proceeds help fund projects and programs that benefit the Ashville community long after the fireworks have ended.
Ask longtime attendees about their favorite festival tradition, and many will point you toward the fish stand.
The Ashville 4th of July Celebration is known throughout the region for its famous fish fry. Each year, volunteers serve thousands of pounds of ocean perch, making a fish sandwich an essential part of the festival experience. For many families, grabbing dinner from the fish stand before heading to the midway or finding a spot for entertainment has become a tradition all its own.
One of the things that makes the Ashville 4th of July Celebration special is that there is always something happening.
Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy live entertainment on The Savings Bank Stage, community contests, pageants, and activities that bring together residents and visitors alike.
The 2026 entertainment lineup includes:
Community favorites also return throughout the week, including the Little Miss & Mr. Contest, Miss Ashville 4th of July Queen Contest, Baby Contest, and Ashville Idol. These events have become annual traditions that showcase local talent and bring generations of families together.
The entertainment schedule culminates on July 4 with performances throughout the afternoon and evening, leading up to a headline performance by McGuffey Lane. Known for their country rock sound and decades of Ohio music history, the band provides the perfect soundtrack for Independence Day before the fireworks finale.
The midway is another longtime festival favorite, offering rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Ride specials are available throughout the week, making it easy for families to spend an evening enjoying classic carnival fun. Whether it’s a child’s first ride or a favorite tradition shared across generations, the midway remains one of the most popular parts of the celebration.
While there is plenty to enjoy throughout the week, Independence Day itself is the highlight of the celebration.
The day begins with the Grand Parade at 11 a.m., filling the streets of Ashville with community organizations, local businesses, decorated entries, and patriotic pride. After the parade, visitors can spend the afternoon enjoying rides, festival food, live entertainment, and time with family and friends at the park.
As evening arrives, the celebration continues with live music before concluding with a fireworks display at 10 p.m. that lights up the sky over Ashville Community Park.
This year’s celebration carries additional significance as communities across the nation recognize America’s 250th anniversary. The festival opens on June 30 with a dedication of the Ashville Veterans Memorial, honoring those who have served while celebrating the freedoms that Independence Day represents.
From the opening ceremony to the final fireworks, the Ashville 4th of July Celebration continues to blend patriotic traditions, family entertainment, and community pride in a way that has kept visitors coming back for generations.
Whether you’re visiting for the famous fish sandwiches, the midway, live entertainment, the Grand Parade, or the fireworks, the Ashville 4th of July Celebration offers five days of family-friendly fun in the heart of Pickaway County.
While you’re here, take time to explore local shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions throughout Pickaway County and make the most of your holiday weekend.
For more events, attractions, and trip ideas, visit Pickaway.com.
Join the Camp Charlotte Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution for a special grave marking ceremony honoring Thomas Gibson, Ohio’s first Auditor of State and a Revolutionary War patriot. The ceremony will take place at historic Reber Hill Cemetery near Ashville and will include a Color Guard Muster and musket detail participation.
Guests are invited to attend this commemorative event recognizing Thomas Gibson, who served as a Colonel in the Virginia 7th Regiment from 1780–1783 during the Revolutionary War. Wreath presentations and living history participation are planned as part of the ceremony.
Reber Hill Cemetery, 16810 Winchester Rd., Ashville, OH
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m.
Color Guard Muster at 9:00 a.m.
Those wishing to participate in the musket detail or wreath presentation should contact event organizers in advance.
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.
Celebrate Easter in Pickaway County at the South Bloomfield & Ashville Easter Parade on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Join the Punishers LEMC Ohio, along with local supporters, businesses, and community members, as they keep the tradition alive with a festive parade through Ashville and South Bloomfield. Families are encouraged to line the parade route and bring bags for candy and treats along the way.
Before the parade, don’t miss the VFW Post 7941 Auxiliary Easter Egg Hunt from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Marvin Webster Memorial Park in South Bloomfield.
Local businesses are welcome to participate in the parade. Line-up begins at 12:00 PM, with the parade stepping off at 1:00 PM sharp.
Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun-filled day celebrating Easter with the community.
Celebrate community, flavor, and fun in the heart of Ashville! Enjoy two days of live entertainment, a variety of delicious food trucks, unique vendors, and local spirit—all in support of Ohio’s Small Town Museum and the Ashville community. It’s the perfect summer stop for food lovers and festival fans alike!
Join us on Saturday, September 20, 2025, for a day filled with community pride, inspiring stories, and small-town hospitality as Ohio’s Small Town Museum marks its 50th Anniversary!
Museum Open House
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
34 Long Street, Ashville, OH 43103
Step into local history during a special open house showcasing five decades of memories and milestones.
️ Anniversary Dinner & Dessert
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Teays Valley Field House, 3887 St. Rt. 752, Ashville
Enjoy a delicious meal catered by Skool Boyz BBQ, plus a lineup of honored guests who’ve made their mark nationally and internationally, all with roots in Ashville.
️ Tickets: $30 per person
✨ Special Guests Include:
Jim Cook – IndyCar racing & Johnny Lightning
Champ Henson – OSU football, NFL
Dr. Diana Blaney – NASA/JPL
Bob Hoover – coach, local legend
Allan Wallace – Pentagon first responder
Nolan Hines – Cruise ship magician
Tiffany McDaniel – Acclaimed novelist
Emily Legg – “I Voted” logo creator
Jack Legg – Ashville historian
Ross Larue – Inventor and scientist
…and more!
Celebrate the past, present, and future of one of Ohio’s most beloved hometown museums. A meaningful evening for history lovers, neighbors, and anyone who loves a good local story.
Step into spring with Ohio’s Small Town Museum at this unforgettable painting experience on May 15 from 6–8 PM at 34 Long Street, Ashville.
Surrounded by small-town charm, you’ll bring lavender fields to life on your own 16×20 canvas—no experience needed! Whether you’re visiting with friends or exploring the area solo, this is a great way to tap into your creative side while supporting a beloved local gem.
️ All painting supplies provided
Snacks & drinks available for purchase
Located in the heart of historic Ashville
Come early, stay late, and soak up the atmosphere. Eat, drink, and paint your way into a beautiful evening!
Celebrate community, flavor, and fun in the heart of Ashville! Enjoy two days of live entertainment, a variety of delicious food trucks, unique vendors, and local spirit—all in support of Ohio’s Small Town Museum and the Ashville community. It’s the perfect summer stop for food lovers and festival fans alike!
Friday, July 25 | 5–10 PM
Saturday, July 26 | 11 AM–10 PM