WILLIAMSPORT, OH — Festival season is officially back in Pickaway County. The highly anticipated Deercreek Dam Days festival is set to return to Williamsport from Wednesday, May 27 through Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Located just a short distance from Deer Creek State Park, the long-standing Memorial Day week tradition blends a classic, small-town atmosphere with four jam-packed days of live music, carnival rides, community contests, and family entertainment. Admission to the festival grounds is free.
Kickoff Events & Opening Night
The 2026 festival officially opens on Wednesday, May 27. Midway activities and rides will spin into action starting at 4:00 PM. The evening highlights include:
- 5:00 PM: Parade lineup begins
- 6:00 PM: The opening parade moves through town
- 7:00 PM: The annual Queen Contest takes the main stage
- 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Bingo kicks off inside the Big Tent
Live Music, Fireworks, and the Beer Garden
Entertainment takes center stage every night under the main tent, accompanied by the opening of the festival beer garden on Thursday. The live music and evening entertainment lineup includes:
- Thursday, May 28: Live performance by Rob Adams from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
- Friday, May 29: The popular Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place in the evening, followed by musical guest Seventy 80 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
- Friday Night Highlights: The festival’s massive fireworks display will light up the sky at 10:00 PM (with a rain date scheduled for Saturday).
- Saturday, May 30: A double-header of live music featuring 10 Talents from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM, followed by Direct Energy closing out the festival from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Super Saturday: A Full Day of Traditions
Saturday, May 30, stands as the festival’s busiest day, packed with athletic events, youth contests, and the heavily attended Kids Fest. The daytime schedule features:
- 9:00 AM: The Deercreek Dam Days 5K run/walk
- 10:00 AM: The Patriotic Baby Contest
- 11:30 AM: The Kids Buckeye Tractor Pull
- 3:00 PM: The afternoon parade, followed by the presentation of visiting festival queens at 4:00 PM.
From 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, Kids Fest will take over the grounds, offering bounce houses, a balloon twister, a dunk tank, face painting, and a farm animal petting zoo. Local first responders will have EMS and fire vehicles on display alongside interactive booths from the Pickaway County Dog Shelter, the Pickaway County Park District, and the Pickaway Soil and Water Conservation District.
Explore Pickaway County
The Pickaway County Visitors Bureau is encouraging regional travelers to make a weekend out of the trip by exploring the broader Deer Creek area. Visitors can take advantage of camping, boating, and hiking at nearby Deer Creek State Park and Lodge, or explore local dining and outdoor recreation across the county.
For more information, weather updates, and a complete, detailed schedule of events, visit the official festival website at www.DeercreekDamDays.com.
