explore Pickaway County

May 19 2026

Summer Traditions Return with Deercreek Dam Days

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The start of summer in Pickaway County comes with the familiar sounds of festival rides, live music drifting through the evening air, fireworks over the park, and families gathering for one of the region’s longtime traditions.

Deercreek Dam Days returns to Williamsport May 27 through May 30, bringing four days of entertainment, community celebrations, and summer fun near Deer Creek State Park.

For many families, the festival marks the unofficial start of the season. Days are spent exploring festival grounds, grabbing fair food favorites, catching up with friends, and enjoying live entertainment under the lights. Nearby Deer Creek State Park and Deer Creek Lodge add to the experience with opportunities for camping, boating, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and lakeside relaxation throughout the weekend.

This year’s festival lineup includes live music throughout the event with Rob Adams performing Thursday evening, Seventy 80 taking the stage Friday night, and Saturday performances from 10 Talents and Direct Energy.

Friday night’s fireworks show is set for 10 p.m., lighting up the sky over the festival grounds and continuing one of the weekend’s favorite traditions.

Saturday features a full day of activities including the festival 5K, patriotic baby contest, parade, Kids Fest, and the Kids Buckeye Tractor Pull. Kids Fest includes bounce houses, face painting, farm animals, local EMS and fire vehicles, and family activities presented by area organizations and community partners.

Throughout the festival, visitors can also enjoy midway rides, food vendors, contests, bingo, and the beer garden near the main stage.

Beyond the festival itself, the Deer Creek region offers visitors a chance to turn the weekend into a getaway. Deer Creek State Park remains one of Pickaway County’s outdoor destinations, known for its scenic lake views, golf course, marina, cabins, campground, and trails. Local restaurants, small businesses, and nearby communities add to the experience throughout Memorial Day week.

Festival season continues across Pickaway County throughout the summer with live music series, outdoor events, farmers markets, community celebrations, and seasonal attractions happening countywide.

Deercreek Dam Days takes place May 27-30, 2026 in Williamsport, Ohio. Admission is free.

For additional festival information and a complete schedule, visit www.DeercreekDamDays.com.

Discover more summer events and experiences throughout Pickaway County at www.Pickaway.com.

Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves photo of Stages Pond in Ashville Ohio

May 15 2026

Explore Guided Nature Programs at Stage’s Pond This Summer

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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.

DNAP 50th Anniversary Hike at Stage’s Pond

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.

Bird Your Preserves: Birding Bingo at Stage’s Pond

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.

Stage’s Pond Summer Wildflower Hike

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.

June 3 2025

Kayak Excursion

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Enjoy a guided nature paddle on Deer Creek Lake. No experience needed and all equipment is provided. Limited to 5 participants per session. Pre-registration required.
For more information, contact Naturalist Rylee Clift at rylee.clift@dnr.ohio.gov.

Deer Creek State Park Marina

June 3 2025

Evening Hike

Join a naturalist for a 1-mile evening hike with lakeside and woodland views. Enclosed shoes and weather-appropriate gear required. Meet at the campground lot near the bridge.
For more information, contact Naturalist Rylee Clift at rylee.clift@dnr.ohio.gov.

Rolling Hills Trail, Deer Creek Campground

June 3 2025

Critters and Cones

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Meet one of Deer Creek’s animal ambassadors and enjoy a sweet treat from the lodge gift shop. Learn about the animal’s species, habitat, and role in the wild. This is a drop-in style event perfect for families. Ice cream available for purchase but not required to participate.
For more information, contact Naturalist Rylee Clift at rylee.clift@dnr.ohio.gov.

June 3 2025

Kayak Excursion

Explore the lake on a guided kayaking trip. No experience necessary; all equipment is provided. Participants must be 13+ and under the kayak weight limit of 275 lbs. Limited to 5 people.
For more information, contact Naturalist Rylee Clift at rylee.clift@dnr.ohio.gov.

A.W. Marion State Park Marina

June 3 2025

Into the Outdoors

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Explore how to get outside and connect with nature through weekly rotating topics. This is a relaxed and interactive session with displays and tips for outdoor beginners and enthusiasts alike.
For more information, contact Naturalist Rylee Clift at rylee.clift@dnr.ohio.gov.

March 6 2025

Boogie on the Blacktop – Gypsy Kyngs

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Close out the Boogie on the Blacktop concert series with a bang! Gypsy Kyngs will take the stage, delivering an electrifying mix of rock and blues with high-energy performances that keep the crowd moving. Enjoy great food, good vibes, and one last unforgettable night of music in Circleville!

Presented by Circleville Eagles with promotional support from Pickaway County Visitors Bureau, Coughlin Automotive, The Savings Bank, and other community sponsors.

Boogie on the Blacktop Pickaway Circleville

March 6 2025

Boogie on the Blacktop – Creek Don’t Rise

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Join us for a night of soulful southern rock and blues with Creek Don’t Rise! Their powerful sound and heartfelt lyrics make them a must-see act this summer. Bring your lawn chair, enjoy food from local vendors, and get ready for a fantastic evening of live music under the stars.

Presented by Circleville Eagles with promotional support from Pickaway County Visitors Bureau, Coughlin Automotive, The Savings Bank, and other community sponsors.

March 6 2025

Boogie on the Blacktop – Radio City

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Radio City is bringing the hits to Boogie on the Blacktop! With an electrifying mix of rock, pop, and danceable favorites, this band will have the whole crowd singing along. Don’t miss out on a summer night filled with great music, tasty food trucks, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Presented by Circleville Eagles with promotional support from Pickaway County Visitors Bureau, Coughlin Automotive, The Savings Bank, and other community sponsors.