ATHENS, OHIO — The Athens Farmers Market invites the public to attend the 2026 Midsummer Community Celebration from 1–9 p.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the future home of the Athens Farmers Market pavilion behind the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State Street.
Suggested admission is $10; children 12 and under are free. All proceeds will help advance construction of the future community pavilion.
The event will bring together live music, local food and beverages, family activities, arts experiences, and community connection while raising funds for the Athens Farmers Market Community Pavilion Project—a transformational effort to create a permanent, year-round home for one of Southeast Ohio’s most beloved community assets.
Headlining the celebration will be legendary guitarist and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Jorma Kaukonen, performing alongside John Hurlbut. They join an outstanding lineup of local and regional musicians who have generously donated their time and talent to support the project. Additional performers include Steve Zarate and Friends, Pete Shew and the Athens Blues Ramblers, Drawknife, Larry Elefante, Rylee Bapst, and Caitlin Kraus and Friends.
For more than 50 years, the Athens Farmers Market has served as a cornerstone of the region, supporting local farms, food producers, entrepreneurs, and families while connecting thousands of residents and visitors each year. During peak season, the market attracts more than 2,500 weekly shoppers and supports more than 70 local vendors.
The planned pavilion will provide covered vendor space, year-round operating capacity, community gathering areas, and flexible event space that can serve the region throughout the year. The facility will create a permanent home for the market while also expanding opportunities for public events, educational programming, arts activities, and community celebrations.
“This project is about much more than a building,” said Athens Farmers Market leadership. “It’s about investing in a place where neighbors meet, local businesses grow, families gather, and community connections are strengthened for generations to come.”
In addition to live music, attendees will enjoy:
• Local food vendors and regional beverages
• Family-friendly activities and games
• Youth programming and children’s activities
• Community screen-printing station
• Henna body art and creative arts experiences
• Disc golf, volleyball, pickleball, cornhole, and more
The celebration is made possible through the support of numerous community partners and volunteers, including the Athens Community Center, Bedrock Rentals, Dewey Decibel Systems, Rural Action, UpCycle Ohio Community Makerspace, Community Food Initiatives, Southeast Ohio Youth Mentoring, Passion Works Studio, ACEnet, Athens County Foundation, the City of Athens, all the bands playing the event, and many others.
Community members from throughout Southeast Ohio and beyond are encouraged to attend, bring friends and family, and help build a lasting community asset that will benefit the region for decades to come.
EVENT DETAILS
2026 Midsummer Community Celebration
Sunday, June 21, 2026
1–9 p.m.
Athens Community Center Grounds
701 E. State Street
Athens, Ohio 45701
Suggested Donation: $10+
For more information, follow the Athens Farmers Market on social media.
