27th Annual Ohio Pawpaw Festival

The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is a fun-filled, educational community event celebrating North America’s largest native tree fruit, the pawpaw (Asimina triloba). This all-weekend event highlights the rich history and future possibilities of the pawpaw through delectable foods and a full line-up of presentations and activities that cover pawpaw growing, cooking, genetics, medical use and other topics related to sustainability. Special events at the festival include competitions for the best and biggest pawpaw, a pawpaw cook-off, a best pawpaw-related work of art and the ever-popular pawpaw-eating contest. The festival is a family-friendly event, offering an array of activities for children, and a weekend-long lineup of bands. Education, games, vendors, food, music and more! There is something for everyone at the Ohio Pawpaw Festival! 

General Information
The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is a rain or shine event. All schedules are subject to change. All ticket sales, including service charges, are final. NO REFUNDS

Where is the festival? What are the dates and hours?
Lake Snowden, 5900 US-50, Albany, OH  45710

September 12-14, 2025
Fri., 4 p.m. – midnight
Sat., 10 a.m. – midnight
Sun., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

What is the admission cost?
Weekend pass is $60; Friday only pass is $20; Saturday only pass is $30; Sunday only pass is $20.  Kids aged 12 and under are free. 

Discount offered to active duty/retired military, seniors (60+), large groups, and Albany residents with proof of residency. 

Limited early bird weekend passes are available NOW.

All ticket sales, including service charges, are final. NO REFUNDS

What about parking and shuttles?
Please click here for detailed information on free parking and shuttles.

What can/can’t be brought on to festival grounds:
Okay to bring:
· Water bottles, factory sealed water bottles, Camelbaks/personal hydration systems
· Baby strollers
· Wagons
· Towels and blankets
· Folding chairs/lawn chairs/bag chairs
· Purses/handbags no larger than 12” x 12” x 18”
· Bags made of clear plastic, clear vinyl or clear PVC; clear zip-top bags
· Small bags either with or without handle/strap
· Small fanny packs/waist-packs/cross body bags
· Bags/small coolers for medical and baby needs

Prohibited:
· Large purses, backpacks, duffel bags
· Weapons of any kind
· Outside alcohol
· Illegal drugs and paraphernalia
· Large coolers
· Drones
· Glass containers
· Sky lanterns
· Laser pens
· Pepper spray or mace
· Fireworks or explosives

If you have a question about our safety and security measures or have a question about your bag, visit the Pawpaw Fest website for more information.

Are there any ID requirements to enter the festival?
Please bring ID if you are over 21 and plan to purchase from the beer garden.

Is the festival accessible?
Yes.  Most of the event is on grass, so be aware of uneven surfaces.  Accessible parking spots and accessible portable toilets are available.

If I buy a ticket in advance, do I need to print it out?
It is helpful, but you can also check in with your mobile device. We ask that all members of the party be present at check-in so that we can check IDs to verify any individuals 21 and over.  Tickets will not be issued to those individuals who are not present.

Can I leave and re-enter the festival?
Yes, but be prepared to show your ticket/wristband and have your bag checked.

Can I bring my pet?
Pets, emotional support animals and companion animals are not permitted on the festival grounds.

Are service animals allowed?
Only service animals trained to assist someone with a disability are permitted. Service animals must be task trained to assist with a disability and must be under control of the handler at all times. They must remain leashed at all times unless performing a task, and the handler is responsible for cleanup and maintaining control over the animal. Other pets, emotional support animals and companion animals are not permitted on the festival grounds.

Can I camp at the festival?
Limited overflow tent only camping is available for a flat rate per site for the weekend (Friday and Saturday nights only; no single night reservations). Per Lake Snowden: overflow sites are $75 for the weekend and include a primitive grassy area for tent camping only; no campers or RVs. No open fires are permitted in the overflow camping area; this is primitive camping ONLY.  Vehicles are not permitted to drive into the camping area and must remain in adjacent parking. This is on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations only can be made by contacting Lake Snowden.

Is there cell service or WiFi?  Can I charge my device?
Cell service depends on your provider and could be unpredictable. There is no WiFi.  There will be a solar phone charging station on site.

Will there be an ATM on site?
No.  There are several ATMs very close to Lake Snowden, in the village of Albany.

Are there bathrooms?
There are multiple portable toilets and hand washing stations throughout the festival grounds.

What if I have an emergency?
Athens County Emergency Management Services, Hocking College security and local auxiliary officers will be on site all weekend.

Are golf carts allowed?
No, no motorized vehicles of any kind are permitted on the festival grounds.

How do I contact the festival?
Visit the Pawpaw Fest website for contact information.