Events this weekend: Olentangy River Festival, Delaware Pride and more

DELAWARE — It is officially summer, and with the season change comes festivals, farmers markets and county-wide fun.

This weekend is jam-packed with activities. Below is a list of some of the biggest events, but it is not exhaustive, so be sure to check out the Delaware Source Events Calendar for more excitement.

First Friday in Delaware

• When: Friday, 6-9 p.m.
• Where: Downtown Delaware, along Sandusky, William and Winter streets

This monthly event shuts down Sandusky Street to allow for local organizations and businesses to set up information booths, activity stations and food vendors.

Local businesses also stay open later.

The June theme is “Wild About Downtown” which means Ohio wildlife and other animals will be out on display, including box turtles, miniature ponies, alpacas, goats and more.

Bandit’s Bar will also have a mechanical bull available to ride.

BONUS: If you want to step away from First Friday festivities and catch some live jazz music, head to 151 W Lincoln Ave. for a performance from Korey and Friends from 7-8:15 p.m.

Powell’s first Concert Night on the Green

• When: Friday, 6-9:30 p.m.
• Where: Village Green Amphitheater, 47 Hall St.

As part of the summer concert and movies series, Visit Powell is hosting its first free concert on the green on Friday.

Friday’s lineup includes two artists: the Rick Reed Band will kick off the evening and the Samantha Vicha Band will follow.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs, and grab a DORA drink from one of the participating downtown businesses.

13th annual Olentangy River Festival

• When: Saturday, 12-3 p.m.
• Where: Mingo Park, 500 E Lincoln Ave., Delaware

The City of Delaware Public Utilities Department is hosting the 13th annual Olentangy River Festival, which brings together local nonprofits and other organizations related to the river.

ORF will feature information booths from environmental organizations, live music, raffle prizes, rain barrel raffles, fly-fishing demonstrations, live aquatic life displays, food trucks and more.

The Ohio Army Corps of Engineers will host water safety courses, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources will take people creek stomping if river levels permit, and Mad Scientist Associates will bring aquariums.

Rain or shine, the festival will go on, with the Mingo Park Recreation Center as the rain contingency plan.

The Conservation Awardees will receive their awards at 1:15 p.m. and at 2:15 the raffle will finish before drawing winners. Items featured in the raffle include hand-painted rain barrels, a kayak, Olentangy Caverns tickets and more.

Delaware Pride Festival

• When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Where: Boardman Arts Park, 154 W William St., Delaware

The Delaware Ohio Pride Festival 2026 is free and open to all ages to celebrate love and identity.

Delaware Pride offers 80+ vendors, live entertainment, drag performances, kids’ activities, community resources and food trucks.

“More than just an event, Delaware Pride is a space where people are encouraged to show up as their authentic selves and feel seen, supported, and celebrated,” according to the event website.

“Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning year after year, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere filled with color, creativity and care.”

Musical entertainment will play all day, and drag performances begin at 12 p.m.

After the festival concludes, Oak and Brazen, located at 38 E Winter St., will host an afterparty at 8 p.m.

Central Ohio Community Band Festival 2026

• When: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Where: Alum Creek Park North Amphitheater, 221 W Main St., Westerville

This annual all-day festival features nine of central Ohio’s best Community Concert Bands, so bring a lawn chair and money to grab a DORA drink.

Presented by Westerville Community Bands and the city of Westerville, bands perform every hour on the hour.

This year’s lineup includes performances from the Powell Community Band at 3 p.m. and the Delaware Community Concert Band at 6 p.m.

There will also be food trucks on site.

GoYoga and Delaware Music Series

• When: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. for yoga and 6-8:30 p.m. for music
• Where: Boardman Arts Park, 154 W William St., Delaware

Boardman Arts Park is booked and busy for the weekend.

Starting at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, local yoga studio GoYoga will host a free outdoor yoga session. Register here, bring a mat or towel and get ready to flow.

Later that evening, from 6-8:30 p.m., the first Delaware Music Series Concert will feature performances from two bands.

Moberod takes the stage at 6 p.m. to play alternative rock original songs and crowd-favorite covers.

The band tOd and the Bad Ideas plays at 7:30 p.m. covering the classics from Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and other fellow travelers.

The event is pay-what-you can, but Boardman Arts Park recommends a $10 donation per family, which will help fund additional park operations and events.

Find other events at Delaware Source

If these events are not up to your speed, be sure to check out our other summer guides, linked below, and scroll through our events calendar.

If your organization has an event you want featured on the calendar, upload it for free.