by The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is back in 2025, offering a weekend filled with food, music, education, and community fun. Dedicated to the pawpaw fruit, North America’s largest native fruit, the festival draws visitors from across the country to Lake Snowden in Albany, Ohio. Known for its custard-like texture and tropical flavor, the pawpaw is celebrated through tastings, competitions, and creative culinary uses.
This family-friendly event combines local culture, sustainability efforts, and entertainment, making it one of Ohio’s most beloved festivals.
Dates and Timings
The festival runs for three days in September, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to explore.
- Dates: September 12 – 14, 2025
- Timings:
- Friday: 4:00 PM – Midnight
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – Midnight
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue
- Location: Lake Snowden, Albany, Ohio
- The festival grounds include open-air stages, food areas, educational tents, and scenic lake views.
- Visitors can enjoy nature trails, shaded picnic spots, and areas to relax while exploring the event.
Tickets
- General Admission:
- Friday: $20
- Saturday: $25
- Sunday: $15
- Weekend Pass: $40
- Children 12 & under: Free admission
- Tickets are available online in advance or at the entrance gate.
Food and Drinks
Food is the heart of the Ohio Pawpaw Festival. From traditional recipes to modern creations, the pawpaw fruit is featured in many ways.
- Fresh pawpaw tastings from local growers
- Pawpaw-inspired ice creams, pies, and breads
- Specialty pawpaw beer, mead, and wine crafted by local brewers and wineries
- Pawpaw jams, salsas, and chutneys available for purchase
- Food trucks and local vendors offering vegetarian, vegan, and traditional American fare
- Non-alcoholic beverages, craft sodas, and fresh juices
Rides or Activities
While the festival does not feature carnival rides or rodeos, it offers interactive and family-oriented activities.
- Pawpaw eating contests with fun prizes
- Cooking demonstrations showcasing how to use pawpaws in modern recipes
- Nature walks that highlight the ecology and history of the pawpaw tree
- Yoga and wellness sessions by the lake
- Educational workshops on sustainability, permaculture, and local agriculture
- Kids’ Area with crafts, games, puppet shows, and learning activities
Entertainment Lineup
Music and cultural performances keep the atmosphere lively throughout the weekend.
- Live performances by folk, bluegrass, rock, and world music bands
- Dance groups and cultural showcases
- Storytelling sessions and spoken word presentations
- Evening concerts that turn the festival into a community celebration under the stars
Additional Facilities
The festival ensures visitors have access to comfortable and safe amenities.
- Free parking with shuttle services from nearby lots
- Restrooms and handwashing stations throughout the grounds
- Water refill stations to promote eco-friendly practices
- Handicap-accessible walkways and seating areas
- Recycling and composting stations to minimize waste
- On-site security and medical staff for safety
- Vendor booths selling local crafts, art, and eco-friendly products
Why Visit
The Ohio Pawpaw Festival 2025 offers something for everyone—food lovers, music fans, families, and those interested in sustainability. It’s a chance to taste unique pawpaw creations, meet local artisans, enjoy outdoor entertainment, and connect with nature. With its welcoming atmosphere and focus on community, the festival has become an annual tradition that celebrates Ohio’s agricultural heritage and the revival of America’s forgotten fruit.
Visitors leave with more than just full stomachs—they gain knowledge about local farming, sustainability, and cultural traditions that make the Ohio Pawpaw Festival truly special.
