Southern Ohio Spring 2026 Events Bring Music Gardens and Festivals to Chillicothe Portsmouth Gallipolis and Piketon

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Southern Ohio is celebrating spring with a full calendar of arts and community events.

A Gardener’s Secret at Adena Mansion and Gardens (Chillicothe)

This hands-on gardening workshop features time with Adena’s experienced horticulturist, sharing tips for starting your garden. Participants prepare their own pots and learn about essential nutrients, moisture, and light needs for healthy plants.

• Date and Time: It was held on March 14, 2026 (1–3 p.m. or similar slots in some listings; one source notes 11 a.m.–1 p.m.).

• Location: Adena Mansion & Gardens, 847 Adena Road, Chillicothe, OH.

• Admission: Adult $12, Youth (6–18) $6, free for Ohio History Connection members. Reservations required due to limited space (materials and spots capped, e.g., around 30 people).

• More Info: Organized by the Ohio History Connection; pay at the Adena Museum/Visitors Center. It’s a great kickoff to spring planting season. For future similar programs, check ohiohistory.org or Adena’s site.

First Ladies of Song starring Helen Welch at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts (Portsmouth)

This tribute concert features international vocalist and entertainer Helen Welch channeling iconic female singers like Barbra Streisand, Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, Joni Mitchell, Whitney Houston, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, and more. It’s a musical journey through their hits, stories, and legacies—perfect for music lovers and Women’s History Month vibes.

• Date and Time: March 19, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.

• Location: Eloise Covert Smith Theater, Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, Portsmouth, OH (at Shawnee State University complex).

• Tickets: Available through the venue (vrcfa.com), StubHub, Vivid Seats, or similar; prices vary (e.g., starting around $70 in some listings).

• More Info: Helen performs with her trio; it’s described as a spectacular, soul-stirring show. Visit vrcfa.com/events or helenwelch.com for tickets and updates.

Ohio Valley Symphony performs Celtic Dreams (Gallipolis)

The Ohio Valley Symphony, led by Maestro Peter Stafford Wilson, presents an evening of Celtic-inspired music from Ireland, Scotland, and England. The program includes:

• Doreen Carwithen’s Suffolk Suite (pastoral opener)

• Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending (featuring Concertmaster Manami White)

• Malcolm Arnold’s Scottish Dances

• Leroy Anderson’s Irish Suite

• George Butterworth’s Shropshire Lad (evocative closer)

• Date and Time: March 21, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.

• Location: Ariel Theatre (Ann Carson Dater Performing Arts Centre), 426 Second Avenue, Gallipolis, OH.

• Tickets: Available via etix.com (search for the event at arieltheatre.org) or the venue; options for online purchase/print or mobile check-in.

• More Info: A thematic concert transporting audiences to the British Isles. Check arieltheatre.org for full season details or tickets.

Pike County Dogwood Festival (Piketon)

This beloved annual festival celebrates the blooming dogwood trees and local history, with a focus on family fun during the last full weekend in April. Activities typically include parades, fairground rides, petting zoo, live music on multiple stages, cooking contests, arm-wrestling, cornhole tournaments, baby contests, karaoke, chain saw contests, quilt shows, car shows, bicycle tours, and more. It promotes community fellowship in a small-town setting.

• Dates: April 24–26, 2026 (Friday–Sunday; exact hours often start midday Friday and run through evening, with Saturday/Sunday full days).

• Location: Pike County Fairgrounds and downtown Piketon, OH (e.g., 715 Main Street area).

• Admission: Generally free entry, with costs for rides/food/vendors.

• More Info: Hosted by local groups; look for updates on their Facebook page (Pike County Dogwood Festival) or visitpike.com. It’s a staple southern Ohio event with parades and family activities.

Hocking Hills Maple Sugaring Experiences and Outdoor Programs

Hocking Hills State Park hosts Maple Sugaring in the Hills, a free educational event with live demonstrations of turning sap into syrup, historic/modern methods, and info on Ohio’s maple sugaring history. A local producer sells syrup and products. Other spring outdoor programs (hikes, nature talks) are often available around the park.

• Date and Time: March 14–15, 2026, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (at the naturalist cabin behind Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center).

• Location: Hocking Hills State Park (e.g., Old Man’s Cave area), Logan, OH.

• Admission: Free; some related park events may have small fees.

• More Info: Part of Ohio’s statewide maple syrup celebrations (ohiodnr.gov). Self-guided or guided options; great for families. Additional outdoor programs continue through spring—check explorehockinghills.com or the park site.

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