1. Picnic with the Pops: The O’Jays (July 12, 8 p.m.)
Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St.
“Love Train,” “Darlin’ Darlin’ Baby” and “Have You Had Your Love Today” are among the hits of the half-century-tenured R&B group that will perform with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra as part of Picnic with the Pops. http://www.columbussymphony.com
2. Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Music & Arts Festival (July 11-12)
Heritage Park, 60 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville
More than 140 juried fine arts and crafts exhibitors at the annual Music & Arts Festival, which also features a Heritage section, with artists making colonial-era crafts in period costumes; the Westerville Walkway, filled with local and emerging artists; a silent auction; live music; food; children’s entertainment; and trolleys to and from Uptown Westerville. http://www.westervillechamber.com
3. Celebration of the Sun (July 12-26)
Perkins Observatory, 3199 Columbus Pike, Delaware
The observatory’s Saturday celebrations, each of which begins at 4 p.m., allow visitors to observe the sun with special equipment to prevent eye damage. They also feature rocket launches, discussions, sundial demonstrations, observatory tours and ghost stories. http://perkins.owu.edu
4. Counting Crows (July 15, 6 p.m.)
LC Pavilion, 405 Neil Ave.
The alternative band known for such songs as “Mr. Jones,” “Long December” and “Einstein on the Beach” performs at the LC. Toad the Wet Sprocket opens. http://www.promowestlive.com
5. Lancaster Festival (July 17-26)
Throughout Lancaster
This 10-day celebration of music and the arts in Lancaster features performances by Amy Grant, Christopher Cross, Red Wanting Blue and the Lancaster Festival Orchestra, among many others. An art walk, a 5K and more are also on the schedule. http://www.lancasterfestival.org
