The Fair at New Boston

The Fair at New Boston is an annual historical festival dedicated to bringing 1780-1810 Ohio history to life, specifically focusing on the country's Federal Period. Presented by the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association, the event is scheduled for Labor Day weekend, taking place on Saturday, September 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, September 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is held at George Rogers Clark Park, located at 926 S. Tecumseh Road in Springfield. The fair is noted as the only historical event of its kind representing the Federal Period and is among the third-oldest ongoing festivals of its type in the U.S.

Visitors can expect an immersive experience with a blend of beloved traditions and new attractions. Highlights include live battle reenactments, a Native American village, and a wide array of period vendors and exhibitors who showcase the changing styles of the era. Culinary offerings feature traditional favorites like sausage on a stick and chicken and noodles, alongside new bison options, three taverns, and a coffee bar.

For 2026, new educational presentations are planned, including a coppersmith and a surgeon discussing late 18th and early 19th-century medicine. The fair aims to both entertain and inform the public about the people who diligently shaped the country, with organizers continuously researching period history for enhanced authenticity. Opening ceremonies will subtly acknowledge America's 250th anniversary. The event operates rain or shine, offering various ticket options, including day and two-day passes, with free admission for children aged 5 and under.