Ohio Pawpaw Festival 2025: Dates, Tickets, and Travel Tips

Each September, the small town of Albany, Ohio, celebrates one of America’s most unique native fruits: the pawpaw. The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is more than just a food event. It is a weekend of live music, family fun, local culture, and community pride centered around this tropical-tasting fruit that grows in the Appalachian hills. Visitors from across the state and beyond come to enjoy a mix of food, music, contests, and educational activities, all in a welcoming and festive atmosphere.

What is the Ohio Pawpaw Festival?

The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is an annual event that highlights the pawpaw, a fruit often called America’s forgotten treasure. The festival began in the late 1990s and has since grown into a signature Ohio celebration that blends agriculture, sustainability, and entertainment. Along with tasting pawpaw-inspired dishes, visitors can explore exhibits, artisan vendors, workshops, and cultural showcases.

This festival is especially loved because it combines small-town hospitality with a quirky and distinctive theme that travelers won’t find anywhere else.

Ohio Pawpaw Festival: Event Details

Dates: September 12–14, 2025
Venue: Lake Snowden, Albany, Ohio
Tickets: Buy Tickets Online

What to Expect

At the Ohio Pawpaw Festival, visitors can expect a lively mix of food, music, and culture:

• Pawpaw Food & Drinks: Sample everything from pawpaw ice cream and smoothies to drinks crafted by locals. Restaurants and food vendors showcase their creativity with dishes inspired by the fruit.
• Live Music & Entertainment: Multiple stages host regional bands and performers throughout the weekend, offering folk, bluegrass, rock, and more.
• Contests & Competitions: Join fun events such as pawpaw-eating contests, cooking competitions, and even pawpaw-themed art contests.
• Educational Workshops: Learn about pawpaw cultivation, local farming, herbal remedies, and sustainable living through interactive workshops.
• Kid-Friendly Activities: Families will find plenty of activities, including games, crafts, and nature-focused programs for children.
• Local Vendors: Dozens of artisan and craft vendors sell handmade goods, art, and eco-friendly products.

Things to Do near Ohio

• Taste Pawpaw Dishes: Try everything from pawpaw baked goods to gourmet meals created by local chefs.
• Explore Lake Snowden: Enjoy the scenic park setting with walking trails, picnicking, and lake views.
• Join a Workshop: Participate in talks about sustainable farming, herbal medicine, or pawpaw cultivation.
• Shop Local: Support Ohio artisans and take home crafts, organic goods, and pawpaw-themed souvenirs.
• Enjoy Family Fun: Bring kids for outdoor games, hands-on activities, and storytelling sessions.

Travel Tips to Visit the Ohio Pawpaw Festival

• Arrive Early: Parking can fill up quickly, especially on Saturday. Arriving early ensures better access and more time to enjoy the events.
• Bring Cash: While many vendors accept cards, some smaller booths and food stands are cash-only.
• Pack for the Outdoors: Lake Snowden is a park setting, so wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.
• Stay Nearby: Consider booking accommodations in Athens, Ohio, located just a short drive away.
• Try Local Favorites: In addition to festival food, Athens offers excellent farm-to-table dining and craft breweries worth visiting

Conclusion

The Ohio Pawpaw Festival 2025 is a one-of-a-kind celebration that blends food, culture, music, and community in the heart of Ohio. Whether you’re tasting pawpaw ice cream for the first time, enjoying live music by the lake, or joining a sustainability workshop, this event offers something for everyone. If you’re planning a September trip to Ohio, make sure to add this quirky and joyful festival to your travel list.

Frequently Asked Questions