Dublin residents and visitors alike have been entertained almost from day one when the circus came to town. Four great-grandsons of one of Dublin’s earliest settlers – Ludwick Sells – were the founding members of the Sells Brothers Circus and invested in exotic animals, which performed in nearby Columbus, beginning in 1872.
According to Dublin’s Journey, “The show traveled in horse-drawn wagons until 1878, when it was carried by rail. Two years later, 32 railway cars were needed to cart equipment, performers and more than 100 animals, including seven elephants, a number that almost doubled in later years.”
Perhaps those early beginnings laid the groundwork for what would become a slate of entertainment options that now delight Dublin residents and attract countless visitors to take part in exceptional cultural festivals, outstanding musical performances and favorite cinematic delights.
In Dublin, Independence Day not only means parades, picnics, fireworks and a celebration of patriotism, but also a community-wide event featuring international musicians. Since 1994, the City of Dublin and Dublin City Schools have partnered to feature entertainers like Chubby Checker, Huey Lewis, Peter Frampton, Sheryl Crow and The Wallflowers to the Dublin Coffman High School stadium for an evening celebration.
But it doesn’t end there. Every year during the first weekend in August, tens of thousands of people gravitate to Coffman Park for the Dublin Irish Festival – the largest three-day Irish Festival in the world. The Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027. In addition to cultural exhibits, food and fun, more than 800 performers – including 60 musical acts – are featured on seven stages.
The rhythm continues throughout the fall with Dublin Arts Council’s beloved Sundays at Scioto concert series at Scioto Park. A tradition since 1983, the popular musical performances invite visitors to enjoy a commune with nature while listening to favorite local bands.
Dublin takes great joy in celebrating the various cultures of its people. The Japan-America Society of Central Ohio’s Japan FestOH! brings thousands to Riverside Crossing Park for live performances, hands-on workshops, sake tastings, food and crafts.
Ohio’s Annual Moon Festival & Kung-Fu Tai-Chi Day, presented by the Global Asian Cultural Heritage Foundation, celebrates the importance of cultural diversity in building a vibrant, prosperous and healthy community. Throughout the day, guests are treated to world-class martial arts performances and a time to enjoy the successful harvest of the year, sharing food in honor of the moon.
The Diwali Festival, scheduled for Nov. 7, 2026, at Coffman Park invites guests to enjoy the annual Festival of Lights honoring the triumph of light over darkness. Music, cultural performances, traditional Indian cuisine, colorful decorations and henna art highlight the celebration.
Adding to the cultural calendar this year, is the City of Dublin’s latest event, Christkindlmarkt, a European Christmas market, which will take place Nov. 21-Dec. 24, 2026, at Riverside Crossing Park. The holiday village will feature festive shopping, holiday treats and seasonal activities for all ages. Be sure to take home one of the special ceramic collector’s mugs, which are unique to the event and feature a different design each year.
Rounding out the season as Dublin celebrates America’s Semiquincentennial is the tribute to Ohio’s role in the movies. Don’t forget to catch family favorites like “Coco,” directed by Ohio native Lee Unkrich, and “Wicked: Part Two,” inspired by the stories of Ohio’s own Frank Baum, at Riverside Crossing Park, Oct. 31, beginning at 6 p.m.
Now, that’s entertainment!
