★ ★ ★ Official America 250-Ohio Homecoming & Picnic ★ ★ ★
America's Basket
Festival 2026
Join us in Dresden, Ohio, for a full day of tradition, creativity, and community at America’s Basket Festival 2026, proudly part of the official America 250-Ohio Homecoming & Picnic program.
As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Dresden invites you to experience a meaningful, small-town celebration rooted in craftsmanship, connection, and shared history.
- ★ Saturday, July 11, 2026
- ★ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- ★ Main Street, Dresden, Ohio
Dresden proudly welcomes visitors to celebrate heritage, craftsmanship, and connection in a meaningful and memorable way.
THANK YOU TO OUR DCA ELITE & CORPORATE MEMBERS
July 11, 2026 ★ Dresden, Ohio ★ Basketmaking Capital of the World ★ America 250-Ohio Official Event ★ Free Entry ★ July 11, 2026 ★ Dresden
About the Festival
About America’s Basket Festival
Dresden is widely recognized as the Basketmaking Capital of the World, with a heritage deeply rooted in craftsmanship and tradition. America’s Basket Festival celebrates this legacy, bringing together artisans, families, and visitors for a full day of culture and community.
In 2026, this beloved event takes on even greater significance as an officially designated America 250-Ohio Homecoming & Picnic celebration, joining communities across the state in honoring the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Festival Experiences Include
- ★ Longaberger Build A Basket
- ★ Longaberger Paint A Basket workshop
- ★ Vendor’s Row shopping
- ★ Lunch in a Basket | America 250 Picnic Experience
- ★ Family Basket Signing
- ★ Food, Shops & Local Attractions
Dresden, Ohio
- Proudly welcomes visitors to celebrate heritage, craftsmanship, and connection in a meaningful and memorable way.
About America 250-Ohio Homecoming & Picnic
The America 250-Ohio Commission was established to commemorate the United States’ Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the nation’s founding. As part of this statewide initiative, the Homecoming & Picnic program invites communities across Ohio to host gatherings that reflect:
Local History
Celebrating Dresden’s basketmaking heritage and traditions
Civic Pride
Honoring the identity and craftsmanship that define the community
Togetherness
Bringing families, visitors, and neighbors together in one shared experience
These celebrations are happening across the state throughout 2026, and Dresden is honored to be one of Ohio’s official Homecoming Picnic destinations. By participating in this program, America’s Basket Festival becomes part of a larger story — one that connects communities through shared experiences and meaningful moments.
Festival Experiences & Activities
plan your day
Throughout the day, visitors can explore a variety of engaging experiences across downtown Dresden.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
picnic Lunch in a Basket | America 250 Picnic Experience
- Enjoy a relaxed, community-style picnic experience as part of the official America 250-Ohio Homecoming & Picnic celebration. Each guest receives a thoughtfully prepared lunch served in a commemorative basket, creating a meaningful way to gather, connect, and celebrate.
- Picnic blankets will be set up for guests to enjoy near The Big Basket.
- Pickup: Corner of 601 Main Street *Gathering Tent
$89
per person
pre-reg
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
2026 Longaberger Event Basket
- Celebrate a once-in-a-generation moment with a handcrafted keepsake from the 2026 America’s Basket Festival. Official Event Basket comes with the Longaberger Commemorative Tag and the Official Longaberger Dresden, OH, USA burn mark on the bottom.
- Pickup will be available at the Festival Information Center.
- 517 Main Street, Dresden, OH 43821
$69
per person
pre-reg
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Friday Longaberger Build A Basket (Friday, July 10, 2026)
- Due to overwhelming demand, additional Friday weaving sessions are being opened for the festival weekend.
- Guests will create their own hand-woven basket during scheduled Friday weaving sessions. Limited spots available.
$69
per person
pre-reg
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Longaberger Build A Basket
- Work side by side with a skilled basket maker to create your own handwoven basket. Learn traditional techniques such as over-and-under weaving, shaping and finishing, and final detailing and personalization. Official Build A Basket comes with the Official Longaberger Dresden, OH, USA burn mark on the bottom.
- Location: 305 Main Street *D&Co Workshop
$69
per person
pre-reg
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Longaberger Paint a Basket
- Customize your own Longaberger Beverage Tote Basket with guidance from a skilled artist. This experience offers a fun and creative way to design a functional keepsake.
- Location: 701 Main Street
$25
per person
pre-reg
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Rachel Longaberger Basket Signing
- Rachel Longaberger will be at the Longaberger General Store for a special basket signing. Bring your own basket for signing. Limit 2 baskets per person. Event sponsored by Longaberger.
Location: Longaberger General Store, 606 Main Street, Dresden, OH 43821
FREE
INcluded
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Longaberger Family Basket Signing
- Location: 601 Main Street *Gathering Tent
FREE
included
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Live Basket Auction
- Join us for a fun-filled Live Basket Auction featuring Longaberger baskets and collectibles from years past. ID is required for all buyers.
- Auctioneers: Lance & Heather Miller of Ed & Ben Schaffer Auctioneers.
- Registeration for bidders begins at 9:30 AM
Location: 601 Main Street * Gathering Tent
FREE
ID Required to Bid
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Vendor’s Row
- Browse a curated selection of local vendors offering handmade goods, crafts, and specialty items. Discover unique finds while supporting local businesses and artisans.
Location: 601 Main Street
Interested in becoming a vendor?
Vendor information is available through the festival registration page:
destinationdresden.com/americas-basket-festival/
FREE
with entry
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
2026 America’s Basket Festival Event T-Shirt
- Featuring this year’s festival logo, this limited-edition shirt is a simple way to remember your experience and show your connection to Dresden’s basketmaking tradition. Adult sizes: Small – 3XL
- Pickup will be available at the Festival Information Center.
- 517 Main Street, Dresden, OH 43821
$20
per person
pre-reg
Signature America 250 Experience
picnic Lunch in a Basket | America 250 Picnic Experience
- As part of the official America 250-Ohio Homecoming & Picnic program, this signature experience brings a classic American tradition to life.
- Pickup: Corner of 6th & Main
- Each guest will receive:
- ★ An insulated picnic tote (yours to keep)
- ★ Sub sandwich
- ★ Pasta salad
- ★ Chips
- ★ Dessert
- ★ Water
- Designed with timeless Americana style, this experience encourages visitors to slow down, gather, and enjoy the moment. Find a picnic table, sit along Main Street, and take part in a shared community experience that reflects the spirit of the 250th celebration.
$89 per person
- Limited availability. Early reservation strongly recommended
Additional Festival Offerings
Take a Piece of Dresden Home
Enhance your visit with official festival items. All require advance registration.
Official Event T-Shirts
Pre-order your T-shirt now during registration
(Available in Adult Sizes S-3XL)
Pick up at the event
Official Event Basket
- A commemorative basket marking this historic year is available for preorder. Each basket includes the Longaberger Commemorative Tag and the official Longaberger Dresden, OH, USA burn mark on the bottom.
live basket auction
Join us during America’s Basket Festival for a fun-filled Live Basket Auction featuring approximately 125 Longaberger baskets and collectibles from years past.
Whether you’re a collector, searching for a favorite basket, or simply enjoy the excitement of a live auction, there will be something for everyone!
Registration for bidders begins at 9:30 AM. ID is required to be an auction bidder. The auction runs from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and will be led by Lance & Heather Miller of Ed & Ben Schaffer Auctioneers.
Join Us ON July 11, 2026
- Experience Tradition. Create Memories. Celebrate with Family and Community.
- Spend a full day experiencing hands-on activities, shopping, and community events in Dresden, filled with fun and creativity.
- ✔ Secure access to ticketed experiences
- ✔ Reserve limited-capacity activities in advance
- ✔ Plan your full festival day with ease
- Dresden, Ohio · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- 517 Main Street, Dresden, OH 43821
Hotel Options for Festival Guests
Where to Stay for
America’s Basket Festival 2026
Stay near Dresden and make the most of America’s Basket Festival weekend.
Discounted room options are available for festival guests, and early booking is recommended.
Stay just minutes from Dresden at Quality Inn & Suites Zanesville City Center, a festival partner hotel.
A discounted room block is available for festival guests. When booking, please mention “America’s Basket Festival” to receive the discounted rate.
A discounted room block is available for festival guests at DoubleTree by Hilton Newark, Ohio. Use group code 93U when booking through Hilton.com or the Hilton Honors App.
Or you can also book directly here:
Official America 250-Ohio Partnership
America’s Basket Festival 2026 is proud to be recognized as an Official America 250-Ohio Homecoming & Picnic Community Event
★ America 250-Ohio Commission acknowledged as an official event partner ★
★ Official logos displayed in accordance with brand guidelines ★
★ Event promoted as part of the statewide America 250 celebration ★