So it is finally summer vacation! Can I get an "amen"? I don't know about the rest of you, but I have been waiting for warm weather and no homework for what seems like forever. One of the things I like most about coming home for the summer is the activities planned for the city of Columbus. Just like most major cities, Columbus has many great things up its sleeve for the summer season. I've compiled a list of festivals and fairs for those near and far who may be interested in spending an evening (or a week) in my great city!

1. Ohio State Fair — July 27-August7

The Ohio State Fair is easily one of the most enjoyable experiences of a summer in Columbus. People come from all over the state to enjoy the food, shows, games, and more! Charlie Puth, DNCE, Maddie & Tae, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton...the list of performers for this summer goes on and on! So while you wait around for your concert to begin, you can stop by the many fair food trucks that line the street. Your fair experience won't be the same without a deep fried Oreo or corn-in-a-cup. Of course, you can't forget to stop in Dairy Products Building for a cone of ice cream and a picture with the butter cow (yeah, you read that right. A life-sized cow made 100 percent out of butter!). Then, take a stroll to the barns and see some real-life cows! 4-H students and their families take the time to prepare and show their animals at the fair, and you can even sit in the stadiums and watch the animal shows. I could write so much more about the fair, but it would take up hundreds of pages! Just visit the Ohio State Fair website, and grab discounted tickets at your nearest Kroger.

2. Franklin County Fair — July 16-23

All right, so the Franklin County Fair is basically a smaller version of the Ohio State Fair. Held in Hilliard, Ohio, at the Franklin County fairgrounds, this fair has rides, animal shows and food! So if you're a little freaked out by the massive Ohio State Fair, maybe ease yourself into the Ohio fair life by visiting the Franklin County Fair.

3. Jazz & Rib Festival — July 22, 23 & 24

If you're a lover of jazz music, ribs or both, you belong at the center of Columbus for the Jazz & Rib fest. Also, admission is free! Hello! Who doesn't like free festival admission? During this fest, you can sample over 20 Columbus rib joints, then open your lawn chair to listen to your favorite jazz performers. Wondering about past artists who have graced the festival stage? David Sanborn, Willie Bradley and Mojoflo are just a few of the many performers who have once performed at the festival. Visit the festival website to see who will be performing and what other activities are on the agenda.

4. Asian Festival — May 28 & 29

At the end of May, you can celebrate Asian culture at the beautiful Franklin Park Conservatory. At this festival, you can experience authentic Asian food, sports, market goods, martial art demonstrations, dancing and even witness a dragon boat race! You definitely don't want to miss this festival.

5. ComFest — May 22, June 2, June 15, June 21

Short for "Community Festival," this Columbus festival is sure to impress! As one of the largest volunteer-run festivals, their website describes it best: "Beyond being the nation's largest independent volunteer-run festival, ComFest is an engine of change. It consciously and unabashedly provides a voice for progressive politics as well as a showcase for independent businesspeople. It offers a smorgasbord of local music. It creates a space where you can be yourself regardless of what others think. It presents a landscape of possibility—of What Can Be. Here you'll find a classroom for political alternatives, a laboratory for social experimentation, a midway for cultural ideas, a meadow for your mind, an amusement park for your eyes, ears and taste buds." Head over to the ComFest website to learn more.

6. Dublin Irish Festival — August 5, 6 & 7

With performers like Gaelic Storm, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Scythian on the lineup for this summer, the Dublin Irish Festival is one you don't want to miss! Get a taste of authentic Irish food or schedule a Fairy Tea or Pirate Party for the kids (or yourself—I mean, hey, there's no age restriction!). Enjoy an Irish brew while viewing Irish step-dancers or watching a craftsman form chainmail at the cultural workshop tent. Held in Dublin, Ohio, a town just north of Columbus, this festival is one you do not want to miss.

7. Good Guys 19th PPG Hot Rod & Custom Car Nationals — July 8-10

While not necessarily a festival or a fair, this is one of the biggest automobile shows of the year! Head to the Ohio Expo Center for this event. The Center's website describes the event as a place to "explore over 6,000 of the country’s finest 1972 and older hot rods, customs, muscle cars, trucks and classics on display and see the crowning of the Goodguys 2016 Street Machine and Street Rod of the Year! This jam-packed weekend of fun also features over 400 vendor exhibits showcasing the latest and greatest products and trends, the earth-shaking Goodguys Friday Night Vintage Drags at National Trail Raceway, a Swap Meet & Cars 4 Sale Corral, the Goodguys AutoCross timed racing competition featuring the ultra-intense 'Sponsor Shootout,' Nitro Thunderfest Dragster Exhibition, Live Music Stage Shows, how-to seminars, a model car show, a FREE Kids Zone, Builder’s Choice awards and so much more! And, late model American made or powered muscle cars, customs and trucks are welcome on July 10th for K & N Filters All American Sunday!" For complete details and to register your vehicle or purchase tickets, visit their website. "Goodguys… Cool Cars, Cool People, Good Times!" If someone you love has a passion for cars, you don't want to miss this event.

8. Oktoberfest — September 23, 24 & 25

Come dressed in traditional German garb for Columbus' Oktoberfest—no one will judge you! Admission is free, rain or shine, so this festival is one you need to add to your list. Enjoy signature events, such as the Breaking of the Pretzel or the 7th Annual Brot Trot. Don't forget to grab a beer and chow down on Schmidt's jumbo cream puffs! I know where I'll be this September.

9. Italian Festival — October 7, 8 & 9

Okay—so October isn't technically a summer month, but I love Italian food and culture too much to not include this festival on the list. The Italian Festival is held during the first few days of October. Even though the celebration lasts only three days, it is 72 hours full of fun! The festival includes a Taste of Italy day, which allows visitors to "enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Italian Village from many Columbus area Italian Eateries. Sample as you like and also enjoy a wide variety of Italian wine, beer, and spirits." A bocce ball tournament, carnival rides, 50/50 raffles, a cultural tent (which includes an Italian language mini-lessons and cooking lessons such as pizza dough demonstrations), a parade and performers are just some of many forms of entertainment you can find at the Italian Festival! Visit the festival's website to learn more about the awesome experience.

Well, I don't know about you, but I've got a lot on my summer agenda now. I'll see you in Columbus!