It's finally June and schools are out for the summer. So, what should one do with all that time off?
From a mock train robbery to blacksmithing classes, here's a list of fun things to do near and around Hocking College this June.
Nelsonville Music Festival
June 6-9
Hocking College (3301 Hocking Parkway — Nelsonville, OH)
The 15th Annual Nelsonville Music Festival includes over 60 musical acts in four days on multiple stages along with onsite camping, artisan vendors, kids activities, food, a beer garden, and more. Ticket cost varies depending on the day, but range from $55 to $350.
Ohio's Friendliest Train Robbery
June 8 • 6PM
Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad (33 West Canal St. — Nelsonville, OH)
The ever-popular Ohio’s Friendliest Train Robbery is family-friendly and features a group of bandits on horseback making an attempt to rob the train of the play money given to everyone before the train departs. The robbers then come through and collect the play money once they’re able to stop the train. Guns are used but only with blanks, and a safe atmosphere is maintained for everyone aboard. Cost is $22 for adults, $18 for children ages 3-12, and $20 for seniors.
Outdoor Movie Night: Space Jam
June 14 • 9PM — 11PM
Robbins Crossing (3301 Hocking Parkway — Nelsonville, OH)
Bring your friends and family to Robbins Crossing to enjoy a free outdoor movie. The movie that'll be playing will be Space Jam. Concessions will be sold during the movie. All are welcome to attend and are free to bring chairs & blankets.
Cooking Class: Making & Baking Pies
June 15 • 9:30AM — 1:30PM
The Lodge (15770 OH-691— Nelsonville, OH)
Join Chef Alfonso for a cooking class suitable for all pie enthusiasts.Chef Alfonso will teach you his tips and tricks to make spectacular pies. All participants will leave with two pies to take home to share with their family & friends. Cost is $55 & includes all supplies. (*NOTE: Class limited to 12 and must have a minimum of 8 to run.)
Blacksmithing Class
June 15 & 22 • 12PM — 2PM
Robbins Crossing (3301 Hocking Parkway — Nelsonville, OH)
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at blacksmithing? Head to Robbins Crossing for a 2-hour beginners class and experience what it takes to work with metal. Classes cost $30 and those interested can RSVP to Jason Szostek at szostekj@hocking.edu. (*NOTE: June 15 class is sold out.)
Cyanotype Workshop
June 29 • 12PM
Robbins Crossing (3301 Hocking Parkway — Nelsonville, OH)
Head to Robbins Crossing to create your very own mini cyanotype, a photographic medium invented in 1842. The process takes about 30-45 minutes. Class costs $10 per participant.
56th Annual Spring Festival Car Show & Swap Meet
June 1 • 8AM — 5PM
Fairfield County Fairgrounds (157 E. Fair Ave. — Lancaster, OH)
Great for classic car and truck aficionados, this annual car show is held at the fairgrounds and features a replica of a gas station from the 1930s. The club itself has been around since 1957, making it one of the state's oldest car clubs.
Pet Fest in Pickerington
June 7 • 6PM — 8:30PM
Victory Park (Pickerington, OH)
Head to this free annual, well-attended family-friendly event where food and pet-related vendors take over the park.
Friday Night Flicks in Pickerington
June 7, 14, 21, & 28 • 8PM
Sycamore Park Amphitheater (500 Hereford Dr. — Pickerington, OH)
Enjoy a free outdoor movie every Friday night in June. Attendees should bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. All movies are rated PG and the June movie list includes the following: Ralph Breaks the Internet (6/7), Small Foot (6/14), The Sandlot (6/21), & The Greatest Showman (6/28).
Lancaster Friday Night Bandstand Summer Concert Series
June 7, 14, 21, & 28 • 7PM — 9PM
Downtown Lancaster (Main St. & Broad St. — Lancaster, OH)
These free outdoor concerts are presented every Friday night from June through August. Attendees should bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. The band lineup includes the following: Silverado Band (6/7) These Guys Live (6/14) Debbie Wright and Friends (6/21), and the Lancaster Community Band (6/28).
Columbus Pride Festival
June 14-16
Bicentennial Park (233 Civic Center Dr., — Columbus, OH)
The annual Columbus Pride Festival will take place on the Scioto Mile. The festival attracts more than 500,000 attendees making it one of the largest pride festivals in the Midwest. The event includes a parade, more than 180 vendors, three music stages, areas for teens, families and trailblazers.
Columbus Food & Wine Festival
June 21 & 22 • 11AM
Battelle Riverfront Park (25 Marconi Blvd. — Columbus, OH)
The Columbus Food & Wine Festival is celebrating the foodies and wine lovers in Central Ohio by featuring the countries top wineries and Columbus' top restaurants.
Romantic Moonlight Tour
June 15 • 7:30PM — 9:30PM
Hocking Hills Adventures (31251 Chieftain Drive — Logan, OH)
Imagine canoeing under the bright full moon with the river current gently pushing you along. Explore the river with your significant other while paddling in and around some of the most scenic sections of the Hocking River. Cost is $45 per canoe and the buses typically depart at 7:30 p.m. in the summer months.
Flaming Light Canoe Tour
June 22 • 7:30PM — 9:30PM
Hocking Hills Adventures (31251 Chieftain Drive — Logan, OH)
Enjoy the pristine Hocking Hills scenery at night with this nighttime canoeing experience. Experience the Hocking River as it quietly settles in for the night. The tiki torch will help lead the way along with your sense of sight. Let your other senses guide you as you'll find something surreal about the water, the trees, and the surrounding wildlife. Cost is $45 per canoe and the trip will begin roughly around 7:30 p.m.
2019 Glenford Fort Hike
June 22 • 11AM — 2PM
Glenford Fort (11995 St Rt 757 — Glenford, OH)
Enjoy a one-mile hike through the woods at the Glenford Stone Fort, an ancient Adena –Hopewell hilltop enclosure, dated to 270 BCE. The fort, which is open to the public on a limited basis, offers pleasure for everyone from the archaeologist to the nature enthusiast. Hiking participants are asked to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that is appropriate for a hike in the woods. Food and water will be available, and this hike will take place rain or shine.
Henderson Hall Dinner Cruise
June 8 • 3PM — 6PM
Valley Gem Sternwheeler (601 Front St. — Marietta, OH)
The Henderson Family has a storied history in the area, but also played a huge role in the history of our nation. This Henderson Hall Dinner Cruise will begin at 3 p.m. with a short trip to the landing where you'll disembark and ride the Henderson trolley to the plantation grounds. Guests will spend around 2-hours touring the hall and the surrounding grounds. At 5:30 p.m. you'll board the boat again and see it transformed for a wonderful dinner as you cruise the Ohio River enjoying a delicious meal. Cost is $48 for adults, $46 for seniors (55+), and $38 for children ages 3-12.