Summer is here, and with it comes a season full of events in Belmont County!

Whether you’re a fan of food festivals, historic traditions, or live entertainment, there’s something happening nearly every weekend across our communities. It’s officially festival season–and there’s no better place to enjoy it than friendly, beautiful Belmont County.

Memorial Day weekend kicked off a jam-packed summer, and we’ve already hit the ground running. Just this weekend, we welcomed visitors to events like the Barnesville Airport Day, and the first Ohio Valley Farmers Market of the season in Bellaire. Next Friday is booked with the Dutton Ranch Night BBQ & Concert and next Saturday is Martins Ferry Strawberry Festival. These events bring people together to celebrate what makes our county so special–heritage, food, and community spirit.

Looking for a sweet way to cool off this summer? Grab a scoop at Kirke’s Homemade Ice Cream in St. Clairsville, a featured stop on Ohio’s Ice Cream Trail. This statewide trail includes 50 hand-picked creameries and sweet spots–Kirke’s being the only one included from our county! It’s a delicious way to beat the heat, support local businesses, and enjoy a road trip-worthy treat.

A few other standout events I’m especially looking forward to this summer:

Barton Polka Festival (August): One of the largest and longest-running polka festivals in the region, drawing thousands from across the state and beyond. Don’t miss the homemade cabbage rolls, pierogies, and lively music and dancing that fill the crowd with energy.

Belmont County Fair (Labor Day Weekend): Celebrating 176 years in 2025! This beloved event showcases the best of rural life, from 4-H projects to grandstand entertainment and everyone’s favorite fair food.

Barnesville Pumpkin Festival (Sept. 25-28): The 61st year of this fall favorite promises another jam-packed weekend of pumpkin-flavored everything, family fun, and small-town charm.

Belmont County’s events not only provide fun for the whole family–they help preserve our history, fuel the local economy, and build community pride. They remind us that our shared traditions matter.

To see a full lineup of festivals, events and happenings this summer, go to visitbelmontcounty.com/events.

Are you hosting an event in 2025? Let us help you spread the word! Submit your info through our online calendar form at visitbelmontcounty.com and we’ll help promote it! So, here’s to a summer full of sunshine, celebration, and all the small-town charm Belmont County has to offer.

Each month this space will be devoted to a column written by Jackee Pugh, executive director of the Belmont County Tourism Council. She will provide information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She will share information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.