The Great Picnic presented by America 250-Ohio

Commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with a family-friendly community picnic and festival, in partnership with Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic Month. Grab your favorite picnic basket and celebrate a once-in-a-generation national milestone with family, friends and neighbors. Lay out your blanket and enjoy live music from Blessid Union of Souls, local food and beverages, boating, fishing, contests, crafts and more as Great Parks honors Ohio's contrubution to American history.

Portable grills are not permitted.

Event Schedule

*Online registration required. See details below.

The Great Picnic

calendar_today July 18, 2026

watch 4-9 p.m.

pin_drop Miami Whitewater Forest | Harbor

approval_delegationAll Ages

paid Free*

* Paid, online registration is required for the cornhole tournament. Motor Vehicle Permit requirements are waived at Miami Whitewater Forest during event hours.

B-25 Bomber Flyover - Part of the Tri-State Warbird Museum’s vintage aviation collection, the TB-25N Mitchell “Yankee Doodle” will perform a flyover.
Blessid Union of Souls - Since their 1995 debut release, ‘Home’, Blessid Union of Souls have sold millions of records worldwide and never stopped living their dream: creating and performing music that touches the hearts of countless people across the globe.
Cornhole tournament
Bike decorating contest and parade
Picnic decorating contest
Boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, pedalboats, rowboats,SUPs and mini-pontoon boats)
Cincinnati METRO vintage 1960s bus
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum’s 1869 Red Stockings–What did professional baseball look like in Cincinnati in 1869? See for yourself with a vintage exhibition game, where the history of America’s pastime comes to life.
Crafts
Face painting
Fishing
Mascot appearances from Gary the Lion (FC Cincinnati), Mr. Redlegs (Cincinnati Reds), Rosie Red (Cincinnati Reds) and the Share Bear (Furniture Fair)

Aberson’s Kitchen + Desserts - cheesecakes, cookies, cake pops, pies, bread pudding and other desserts
Benchmark Outfitters - outdoor apparel, footwear and gear for camping, climbing, skiing and other activities
Great Parks Shop - branded apparel, novelties, toys and more
Hearth Brewing - draft beer
HighGrain Brewing Co. - canned beer
Miami Whitewater Forest Snack Bar - nachos, pretzels, hot dogs, brats, popcorn, fries, soft serve ice cream and assorted non-alcoholic beverages 
Rhinegeist Brewery - draft beer

Great Parks welcomes inquiries to participate in or sponsor our programs and events.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact LeAnne Anklan, Director of Donor Engagement, at [email protected] or call 513-728-4517.

Businesses interested in selling products must complete the Vendor Application Form.

For organizations interested in hosting an information or activity booth, complete the Exhibitor Application Form.

Restaurants and food trucks interested in selling food, complete the Food Vendor Application Form.

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Cornhole Tournament Details & Rules

Bike Decorating Contest Details & Rules

Picnic Decorating Contest Details & Rules

Pie Eating Contest Details & Rules

Sponsored by Aberson’s Kitchen + Desserts

5:45 p.m. | Free entry | Age groups: 6-12, 13-17, 18+ (max of three participants per group)

Waiver must be completed before participation. Children under age 18 must have a permission form signed by a parent/guardian.

Prizes for first place in each age group:

Ages 6-12: $50 Aberson’s giftcard + Great Parks swag
Ages 13-17: $50 Aberson’s gift card + Great Parks swag
Ages 18+: Private, catered four-course dinner for two from Chef James Trent (with wine pairings for 21+)

Rules & Guidelines