The Five Most Unique Ohio Food Festivals for May 2025.

May in Ohio isn’t just about warm breezes and bright blooms. For food lovers, it’s a month packed with fantastic festivals celebrating everything from dandelions to chicken wings. Get your stretchy pants ready! Here are five of the most mouthwatering Ohio food festivals happening in May 2025, complete with all the details you’ll need to plan your delicious adventure.

Dandelion May Festival

Dates: May 2-3, 2025

Description: The Dandelion May Festival in Dover, Ohio, is a celebration of the humble dandelion, featuring dandelion-inspired foods, drinks, and crafts. Guests can sample dandelion wine, pierogi, pizza, and teas, while enjoying cooking demonstrations, vendor markets, and live entertainment. The festival also includes educational talks on the health benefits of dandelions and their culinary uses.

What Makes It Unique:

• Dedicated entirely to dandelions—a rare theme for a food festival
• Creative dandelion-based dishes
• Educational workshops on foraging and cooking with dandelions

What People Like About It:

• Unique food offerings featuring dandelions
• Fun and quirky atmosphere
• Great for nature lovers and food enthusiasts

Address: Downtown Dover, OH

County: Tuscarawas County

Phone: Not listed—check the official website for updates.

Email Address: Not listed—check the official website for updates.

Website: Dandelion May Festival

Downtown Newark Food Truck Festival

Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Description: A lively annual event celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025. This festival showcases the best of Newark's food truck scene while raising funds for the Licking County Coalition for Housing. Attendees can enjoy a variety of cuisines, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere.

What to Do There:

• Explore a diverse lineup of food trucks offering everything from gourmet burgers to international cuisine.
• Enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the day.
• Participate in family-friendly activities and games.
• Support a meaningful cause while indulging in delicious food.

What People Like About It:

• The wide variety of food options from local vendors.
• The vibrant and welcoming community atmosphere.
• Supporting a good cause while enjoying a fun-filled day.

Address: Canal Market District, 36 E. Canal Street, Newark, OH 43055

County: Licking County

Phone Number:

Email Address: mcatlin@lcchousing.org

Website URL: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057237116773

Downtown Willoughby Rib Burn Off in Willoughby

• Dates: May 17–18, 2025. Event hours are Saturday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Description: A beloved annual event that brings together BBQ enthusiasts, live music lovers, and families. This free two-day festival features ribs from local restaurants and national vendors, craft cocktails, beer, and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Downtown Willoughby.
• What to Do There:
• Savor delicious ribs and BBQ from a variety of vendors.
• Enjoy live music performances on multiple stages.
• Explore the Meijer Kids Zone with fun activities for children.
• Browse local vendor booths offering unique items and crafts.
• What People Like About It:
• The mouthwatering BBQ options from top-notch vendors.
• The lively and welcoming community atmosphere.
• Free admission and family-friendly activities.
• The combination of great food, music, and entertainment in one event.
• Address: Erie Street, Glenn Avenue, and 2nd Street, Willoughby, OH 44094.
• County: Lake County.
• Phone Number: (440) 918-1596.
• Email Address:
• Website URL: Downtown Willoughby Rib Burn Off.

Columbus Taco Fest

Dates: May 24-25, 2025

Description: The Columbus Taco Fest is a two-day celebration of tacos, featuring local taco trucks, restaurants, and chefs serving up their best creations. Guests can enjoy live music, margaritas, and a taco-eating contest, making this one of the most exciting food festivals in Ohio. The event takes place at Genoa Park, offering scenic views of downtown Columbus.

What Makes It Unique:

• Dedicated entirely to tacos
• Taco-eating contest for competitive food lovers
• Margarita bar and tequila tastings

What People Like About It:

• Wide variety of tacos from traditional to fusion styles
• Lively atmosphere with music and entertainment
• Great drinks and margaritas

Address: Genoa Park, Columbus, OH

County: Franklin County

Phone: Not listed—check the official website for updates.

Email Address: Not listed—check the official website for updates.

Website: Columbus Taco Fest

Taste of Cincinnati

Dates: May 24-26, 2025

Description: Taste of Cincinnati is America’s longest-running culinary arts festival, drawing over 550,000 visitors each Memorial Day weekend. Spanning five blocks along Fifth Street, the festival features more than 50 local restaurants and food trucks, serving their signature dishes. Guests can enjoy live music on multiple stages, craft beer selections, and a vibrant atmosphere celebrating Cincinnati’s diverse food scene.

What Makes It Unique:

• Oldest running food festival in the U.S.
• Massive variety of food vendors from fine dining to street eats
• Live entertainment on multiple stages featuring local and national acts

What People Like About It:

• Huge selection of food from Cincinnati’s best restaurants
• Energetic festival atmosphere with music and entertainment
• Great craft beer and drink options

Address: Fifth Street, Downtown Cincinnati, OH

County: Hamilton County

Phone: Not listed—check the official website for updates.

Email Address: Not listed—check the official website for updates.

Website: Taste of Cincinnati

Spring in Ohio is all about new flavors and fun times. Whether you're in it for the food, the drinks, or the desserts these May fests promise something for every appetite. Tag your foodie friends and start planning your tasting tour!