2026 DAILY SCHEDULE
Wednesday July 15
CHALK THE BLOCK
9 am–6 pm
Location: Around Fountain Square
Cost: $6 - Small Squares
$12 - Large Squares (each comes with chalk!)
When: Register Beginning July 6 at 10:00am
See the creative process in action as artists of all ages fill the sidewalks around Fountain Square with colorful images. Artwork on the square begins on July 15 and must be completed by July 17 at 6:00pm. Fountain Square, Downtown Lancaster.
Click ‘Get Tickets’ below to register or visit the Lancaster Festival Office at 117 West Wheeling Street, Lancaster, OH.
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FRIDAY • JULY 17
Chalk the Block
9 am–6 pm
Location: Around Fountain Square
When: Register Beginning July 6 at 10:00am
See the creative process in action as artists of all ages fill the sidewalks around Fountain Square with colorful images. Artwork on the square begins on July 15 and must be completed by July 17 at 6:00pm. Fountain Square, Downtown Lancaster
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ArtWalk
6:00–9:00 pm - FREE Event
Location: ALL OVER DOWNTOWN!
Art, music, and community on full display during Lancaster’s favorite night of the year! Visit Downtown businesses to see exhibits by many regional artists and enjoy entertainment by Doyle Sargent and the Teeb. This Amazing night is FREE!!
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SATURDAY • JULY 18
Festival Fair Day
9:30am-2:30pm
Cost: Kids FREE; Adults $5.00
Location: Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Ave.
GET TICKETS: Festival Fair Day
The Fairfield County Fairgrounds are filled with activities, entertainment, and experiences for children and families. Free for children, Adults $5.00
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DOUBLE TRIBUTE NIGHT!: Elton Rohn & Dancing Dream!
Saturday July 18 8:00 pm
Location: Wendel Concert Stage, OHIO Lancaster
Join the fun at the Wendel Concert Stage for the first ever Saturday Night tribute concert! We are bringing back 2 fan favorites: Dancing Dream, the premiere ABBA tribute band and Elton Rohn, the ultimate Elton John Experience.
Adult lawn $45/$55 at gate; Child/Student (3-17) $10; $500 Table of 10
Fireworks follow the performance, FREE parking, bring your own picnic or purchase on-site. Beverages can be pre-ordered or purchased on the concert site. Limited bring-in beverages are allowed. No glass containers or weapons of any type are allowed at Lancaster Festival events. Click for beverage policy.
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SUNDAY • JULY 19
Gary Sheldon Community Orchestra
2:00 pm - Free Event
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
This beloved Lancaster Festival Tradition continues! Talented community members and student musicians perform this concert side by side with professional musicians from the Lancaster Festival Orchestra.
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Chamber Music Classics: Stars, Stripes & Strings
8:00 pm - Adult $25; Child/Student $10
Location: First United Methodist Church, 163 E Wheeling St, Lancaster, OH 43130 Lancaster, OH
First United Methodist Church hosts this classical concert: Stars, Stripes, and Strings — a celebration of music from across the Americas and beyond, featuring works by Haydn, John Williams, Gershwin, and Schumann, with Dmitri Pogorelov, Philip Evan, Judith Lynn Stillman, and the 2026 Orchestral Fellows.
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MONDAY • JULY 20
Major Arts for Minors: Ceramic Fortune Cookies
10:00 am - Free Event but reservations are required.
Location: Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St.
Master art instructor Lisa Schorr helps create fabulous fortune cookies from clay! Wendel Art Garage at DACO. 145 E. Main St. Major Arts for Minors are free workshops for ages 9-12. Registration is required or call 740-687-4808.
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Children’s Corner: MASD Dancy Party!
10:00 am - Free Event
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
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Noon at the Square: Identity Crisis
12:00pm - Free Event
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
No crisis here- just lunch with good friends and great music!
Pack a lunch or stop in one of the local restaurants or food trucks and enjoy a wonderful lunch in our beautiful Downtown Parks while listening to great family friendly music.
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Café Concert #1: TANGO!
3:00 pm - $30
Location: Cheers Chalet, 1211 Coonpath Rd.
The First Cafe’ concert of 2026 brings you to your feet with a TANGO themed program!
Get the cafe’ Concert Series and SAVE!
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TUESDAY • JULY 21
Major Arts for Minors: An Actor’s Toolbox
with the Lancaster Playhouse
10:00 am - Free Event but reservations are required.
Location: Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St.
Registration is required or call 740-687-4808.
Young performers will explore voice, movement and imagination to discover their place in the spotlight! Major Arts for Minors are free workshops for ages 9-12. is Registration is required or call 740-687-4808.
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Children’s Corner: Mad Cap Puppets
Monkey See, Monkey Do!
10:00 am - Free Event
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
There's no business like monkey business! Max and Vinnie are expert zookeepers, but keeping the rascally monkeys from getting into trouble is easier said than done. When Mr. Cleaver, the zoo manager, decides to send one of the monkeys to another zoo, it's time for their great escape! Go with the monkeys as they explore new exhibits at the zoo. Each one is a backdrop for exciting stories from around the world.
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Noon at the Square: SECOND GEAR
12:00 pm - Free Event
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
Feel good classic rock and pop tunes from Lancaster’s own Second Gear! Bring your lunch to Zane Square or buy lunch at one of the food trucks OR skip lunch and dance your lunchtime away!
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Happy Hour Music Series
5:30–7:30 pm • Free Event
Location: Ale House 1890, 149 West Main St.
The beautiful patio at Ale House 1890 is the perfect setting for music, cocktails, and summer weather
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A Night on Broadway:
From Silver Screen to Center Stage - Love Stories
with the Lancaster Festival Orchestra
TUESDAY JULY 21ST 8:00 pm:
LOCATION: Fairfield Christian Church 1965 N. Columbus St Lancaster, OH 43130
Broadway stars Morgan James and Michael Maliakel join the Lancaster Festival Orchestra in a night devoted to love songs from popular Broadway hits! From Silver Screen to Center Stage: Love Stories. Iconic songs, from the Broadway stage to the silver screen
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WEDNESDAY • JULY 22
Noon at the Square: LHS Percussion Ensemble
10:30-1:00 pm - Free Event (LHS Percussion Ensemble performs at noon)
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
Under the direction of Mr. Bruce Gerken since 1978. Performing pop, jazz, classical, rock, and everything in between. Decade after decade, the Award-winning LHS Percussion Ensemble pushes the envelope of what a high school band can sound like.
The LHS Ensemble leads the entertainment to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday. A country-wide program of communities gathering to celebrate together comes to Zane Square. Special programs and goodies for all!
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Café Concert: Woodwind Quintet
3:00 pm - $30
Location: Cheers Chalet, 1211 Coonpath Rd.
The Lancaster Festival Orchestra Woodwind Quintet plays this lively concert for your afternoon enjoyment. Cheers Chalet will be providing a light snack and a cash bar.
or Purchase all 3 concerts and save!
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The Covered Bridge Music Series is Back
July 22, 2026 8:00 pm
Location: Wendel Concert Stage, 1570 Granville Pike Lancaster, OH 43130
The popular music series featuring singer / songwriters, Americana and up and coming stars returns after a break since 2020. Join us for a night under the stars as this amazing series returns.
Opening act: Barefoot & Foster
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THURSDAY • JULY 23
Major Arts for Minors: Comic Book Camp Day 1
10:00 am - Free Event but reservations are required.
Location: Decorative Arts Center of Ohio 145 E. Main St Lancaster, OH 43130
Artist and Illustrator Josh Gruelich leads this workshop on character design and development. Join Day 2 of Comic Book Camp to give your character its story!
Registration is required or call 740-687-4808. Ages 9-12 only
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Children’s Corner: Toadstool Shadow
10:00 am - Free Event
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
Back by popular demand, Toadstool Shadows returns with Music and stories for all ages.
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Noon at the Square: The Nostalgics
12:00 pm - Free Event
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
Big Band takes over Downtown!
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Happy Hour Music Series
5:30–7:30 pm • Free Event
Location: Ale House 1890, 149 West Main St.
The beautiful patio at Ale House 1890 is the perfect setting for music, cocktails, and summer weather.
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The Lancaster Festival Orchestra Masterworks Concert
July 23, 2026 8:00 pm
Location: The Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption in Lancaster, OH
With music as grand as the beautiful, historic sanctuary, the Lancaster Festival Orchestra shines in the classical music concert. This season features pianist Maxim Lando.
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FRIDAY • JULY 24
Major Arts for Minors: Comic Book Camp Day 2
10:00 am - Free Event but reservations are required.
Location: Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, 145 E. Main St.
Day 2 of this project, Lead by Josh Gruelich, gives your comic characters developed in day 1, the story they deserve!
Registration is required or call 740-687-4808. Ages 9-12 only
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Children’s Corner: Magical Mr. J
10:00 am - Free Event
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
Prepare to be AMAZED! Mr. J bring his brand of fun and magic to the square.
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Noon at the Square: Uprising
12:00 pm - Free Event
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
This young band from Marion is ready to rock your socks off. Get ready for some lunchtime Rock & Roll
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Café Concert #3: Christmas In July
3:00 pm - $30
Location: Cheers Chalet, 1211 Coonpath Rd.
GET TICKETS: Cafe Concert
or Purchase all 3 concerts and save!
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Bike Races
5:30 pm - Free Event (ages 10 & under)
Location: Job & Family Services, Wheeling & Memorial Dr.
Presented by Job and Family Services
Decorate your wheels, grab your helmet and head for the races! Closed toe shoes and helmets are required to participate. Prizes for best bike decorations and prizes for race winners presented by Fairfield Medical Center.
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Downtown Friday Night: BRYON STRIPLING AND FRIENDS
6:30–9:00 pm - Free Event
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
Master of jazz, Byron Stripling comes to the square as a special thank you to the community that kept the music going. Last year’s flooding was devastating, but Bryon and his friends are here to brings smiles to all.
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SATURDAY • JULY 25
SATURDAY MORNING SERENADE:
Lancaster Community Youth Band
10:00 am - Free Event
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
The Lancaster Youth Band and the Lancaster Community Band start off the final day of the Lancaster Festival in style. Bring your friends downtown and enjoy a relaxing morning of talented musicians from our community, led by Judy Rehrer.
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Lancaster Community Band
11:00 am - Free Event
Location: Zane Square Concert Stage, Main & Broad
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FINALE: LADY A
with the Lancaster Festival Orchestra
Adult lawn $45/$55 at gate; Child/Student (3-17) $10; $700-$850 Table of 10
Location: Wendel Concert Stage, Ohio University, Lancaster Campus
Lady A is built around rich vocal harmony, vivid emotional writing and a smooth fusion of country, rock and pop, Lady A has long been a model of mainstream success. The group has become one of the 21st century’s premier vocal groups, blending deeply felt emotions with classic Country sounds. As a Country-radio staple, the trio has amassed 11 No. One hits and over 9 billion digital streams. Known for their 12X PLATINUM hit “Need You Now” which is the highest certified song by a Country group, they have earned ACM and CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” trophies three years in a row and countless other honors including seven GRAMMY awards, Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Teen Choice Awards and a Tony Award nod.
Fireworks follow the performance, FREE parking, bring your own picnic or purchase on-site. Beverages can be pre-ordered or purchased on the concert site. No bring-in beverages are allowed. No glass containers or weapons of any type are allowed at Lancaster Festival events. Click for beverage policy.