LANCASTER − Lancaster Festival Executive Director Deb Connell said the annual event will return to Ohio University Lancaster this summer following devastating flooding last year that wiped most of it out.
The Fairfield County Agricultural Society, in November, agreed to waive its prohibition on alcohol should the festival board decide to have it at the county fairgrounds instead. But that backup plan will apparently not be needed.
“The festival is not moving to the fairgrounds,” Connell said. “The Ag board graciously considered making some changes for us in case the Wendel concert site wasn’t able to be repaired before the 2026 season. We were being proactive in trying to find other venues if we weren’t able to use our normal concert site in 2026.”
She said all crucial repairs at the concert site will be completed before the festival’s July 17 to July 25 run.
The week-long celebration of music, art and community will begin with the Artwalk in partnership with Destination Downtown Lancaster on July 17. July 18 will include Festival Fair Day and a double-tribute night concert at the Wendel Concert Stage at Ohio University Lancaster. The evening will feature two Festival “fan favorites” – Dancing Dream (ABBA tribute) and Elton Rohn (Elton John tribute), according to a community announcement.
The Lancaster Festival Orchestra will perform multiple concerts under Music Director John Devlin, including the Saturday night Grand Finale concert on July 25.
Connell said the full 2026 entertainment lineup has not yet been determined.
“We’re working on creating a fantastic comeback festival,” she said. “It’s going to take us a year to recover. But we’ll do the best that we can and it’s still going to be an exciting year.”
“We are incredibly proud of the hard work done by Executive Director Deb Connell, staff, volunteers, donors and friends of the Festival to make this year’s Festival happen!” said Aunie Cordle, Chair, Board of Directors in a rews release. “It is an enormous accomplishment to be able to come back from the devastation of last year’s flooding and be able to offer a full line-up of entertainment, art and activities for the community to support and enjoy.”
While the schedule is still being worked out, the following additional concerts and activities have been confirmed:
Tickets will go on sale May 1. A full schedule of events will be released in the coming months.
Visit www.lancasterfestival.org or the festival Facebook page for more information as it becomes available.
jbarron@gannett.com
740-681-4340
Twitter/X: @jeffrey_ba7142
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Lancaster Festival plans to return to OUL this summer
Reporting by Jeff Barron, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette / Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
