This year marks the 30th Lancaster Festival, a major event for the entire state of Ohio, and it begins in just a few days.
The arts and music festival features the Lancaster Festival Orchestra conducted by Gary Sheldon, who is the Festival's Artistic Director. The orchestra, which won the American Prize for Conducting and Orchestral Performance under Sheldon, is appearing for the 27th time this year. Among the highlights are concerts by the Pops Orchestra, and appearances from guest artists such as Amy Grant, Queen Nation, and Christopher Cross. There are fireworks each night.
The festival takes place over a number of venues (both outside and indoors) at which 70 artists will appear over the festival's 10 days. Many of the appearances and events are free, and take place in churches, fairgrounds, parks, historic buildings, the local mall, and college campuses.
The festival received the Ohio Governor's Award for the Arts in 2011, in Community Development and Participation. Lancaster, which lies about 30 miles from Columbus, has been recognized as a link between the city and the slower pace of life in southern Ohio. Due to its successful festival and its thriving arts community, Lancaster has won recognition as one of the best “small arts towns” in the country.
The festival runs from July 17 – 26 this year, with the Pops Orchestra concerns slated for Saturday, July 19 and Saturday, July 26. General admission and parking are free, and admission for each special event is separate. Information can be found on the festival's web page.
Location
135 N. Columbus St.
Lancaster, OH 43130
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Phone
Hours
Mon: 9:00 - 4:00
Tue: 9:00 - 4:00
Wed: 9:00 - 4:00
Thu: 9:00 - 4:00
Fri: 9:00 - 4:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed