JUNE
June 12-14
The Country Fest Three full days of national country performers, vendors, swimming lake, miniature golf, camping and more. For tickets, call 330-930-0398 or visit thecountryfest.com. Clay’s Park Resort, 13190 Patterson St. N.W., North Lawrence, 330-854-6691, clayspark.com
June 12-15
The 54th Annual Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival
Featuring strawberry shortcakes, sundaes, fresh strawberries, rides, games, flea market, crafts, food, fun and entertainment for the whole family. Kirtland High School, 9150 Chillicothe Road (Rt. 306), Kirtland, kiwanisofkirtland.org/Berry-Festival.html
June 13-15
Ox Roast Morgan Hose Co. VFD The Ox Roast is a tradition that has been going on for 50+ years. Roast beef is cooked on an open spit then sliced for dinners and sandwiches. A variety of food is available from area vendors. Family entertainment all weekend long from live bands, fireworks, tractor pull, corn hole tournament, parade and games. E. Water St., Rock Creek, 440-567-2325, rockcreekareachamber.com/coming_events
June 13-15
Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival This year’s Duck Tape Festival is Out Of This World, featuring everything Duck Tape from fashions and sculptures to a crafting tent and a Duck Tape Parade on Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m. starting at Avon High School. Free admission, entertainment and parking. Enjoy rides, games and food too. 3701 Veteran’s Memorial Pkwy., Avon, 866-818-1116, ducktapefestival.com
June 13-15
Festival of the Fish Enjoy fishing, the lighted boat parade, crazy craft race, sand castle-building contests, queens pageant, games, food, crafts, Father’s Day parade and more. Downtown, Corner of Ohio & Main Streets, Vermilion, 440-967-4477, vermilionchamber.net
June 13-15
Cleveland Pizzafest The finest pizzerias will be tossed together to compete for the title of the Best Pizza on the North Coast. The weekend will be filled with great food, live entertainment, special events and judging by famous culinary experts and celebrities. Sample various pizza places and enjoy a zesty weekend of upper-crust fun. Cuyahoga Fairgrounds, 164 Eastland Road, Berea, 216-965-3478, clevelandpizzafest.com
June 14
Port Clinton Arts & Crafts Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Stroll the heart of town and select art from one of 60+ artists on hand. Watch various demonstrations, listen to the musicians and enjoy a great day at the lake with the arts. Free. Lakeview Park, 1100 E. Perry St., Port Clinton, 419-341-0979, portclintonarts.org
June 18-21
Alive Festival The Alive Festival is an annual Christian music festival featuring more than 70 Christian artists and speakers, as well as 25+ seminars, camping, swimming and many recreational options. For tickets, call 330-966-0023 or visit alive.org. Atwood Lake Park, 9500 Lakeview Road NE, Mineral City, 330-343-6780, mwcd.org
June 21
Mayfly Festival Discover the importance of the Mayfly through songs, crafts and lectures at the Perry Memorial. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, 93 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay, 419-285-2184, nps.gov/pevi
June 21-22
Lake Erie Wine Fest Enjoy wines from many local Ashtabula County wineries. Enjoy music, entertainment and more. Event located at The Landing at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Tickets are $25, designated driver tickets, $10, and optional adventure ticket is $5. Geneva on the Lake, 800-518-8650, genevalanding.com/WF_internal.htm
June 26-28
Bellevue Community Days Festival Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of family activities including live entertainment, great food, contests, tournaments, amusement rides, parade, fireworks and more. Robert Peters Athletic Field, 400 Greenwood Heights, Bellevue, 419-483-5555, bellevuerec.com
June 26-29
Summerfest at Fairview Park This multi-day fun-filled festival has grown over the past 20 years to include activities such as a parade, carnival rides, spaghetti dinner, pancake breakfast, dog parade and fireworks display. Bohlken Park (on W. 210th behind Westgate Shopping Plaza), Fairview Park, fairviewsummerfest.com
June 27-29
Ohio Celtic Fest Three days of Celtic and American music, song and dance on five stages. There will be 18 musical groups from the U.S., Ireland and Canada, three bagpipe bands and four Irish dance schools, American and Celtic vendors, American and Celtic food, domestic and import beverages, Lake Co. Historical Society. Lake County Fairgrounds, Painesville Township, ohiocelticfest.com
June 27-29
10th Annunal Garrettsville Summerfest The largest summer celebration in Portage County. This three-day event is packed with live entertainment and music in addition to rides, games, contests and car shows. Garrettsville Summerfest, 330-527-9910, garrettsvillesummerfest.com
June 27-29
Columbia Station Homecoming Fireworks Saturday, parade Sunday. columbiastation.com/homecomingfestival.html
June 27-29
Lorain International Festival The 48th Annual Lorain International Festival celebrates the diverse ethnic, religious and cultural heritage of the “International City.” Enjoy ethnic foods, pastries, crafts, non-stop entertainment and a fun-filled kid’s area. The International Parade takes place June 29 at 11:30 a.m. This year’s spotlight nationality is the Polish community. Downtown Lorain behind the Palace Civic Center, loraininternational.com
June 28-29
Ashtabula Harbor Beach Glass Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Come and see what beach glass artisans have created with the treasurers they have found on Lake Erie beaches. Search for your own beach glass at Walnut Beach. The Ashtabula Harbor-Bridge St., Ashtabula, 440-964-8453, beachesinc.com/festival.html
June 28-29
Old European Days & Bierfest We have bands, dancers, ethnic foods and pastries and on Sunday we have a Kirchweihfest with church service and games and rides for children all day. Entrance is $5 (12 and older), under 12 free. Parking is free. German Family Society, 3871 Ranfield Road, Kent Brimfield, 330-678-8229
JULY
July 1-6
Brunswick Summer Celebration – Live musical acts, entertainment, rides, food and more. Admission is $3 per person; children under 2 free. Brunswick High School Campus, 3553 Center Road, Brunswick
July 2-5
Rib, White and Blue! Akron’s National Rib Festival. On stage will be tribute bands Bruce in the USA, Hotel California and 1964. Come July 4 for the Akron Symphony Orchestra pops concert and fireworks finale. Opens each day at 11 a.m. akronribfestival.org. Lock 3, Main Street, Downtown Akron, 330-375-2877, lock3live.com
Bay Days in Bay Village, noon-10:30 p.m. – Entertainment, a magic show, adult and children’s games, live music, fireworks, a vintage baseball game and a “Bike, Trike and Wagon” parade. Fireworks at dusk (9:45 p.m.) on July 4. Cahoon Memorial Park, Bay Village, cityofbayvillage.com/events/ 2014/07/bay-days.aspx
July 4
Lorain Port Fest, 5-11 p.m. Celebrate Lorain’s waterfront with live music, children’s activities, craft vendors and festival foods. Fireworks display at 10 p.m. Black River Landing, 421 Black River Lane, lorainportauthority.com
July 5
The Larchmere Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrate your independent spirit with dozens of local merchants and indie vendors of kitsch and collectibles. larchmere.com/LarchFest2014.html
July 10-12
Olde Canal Days Festival – This family-friendly street festival includes the Miss Olde Canal Days pageant, live entertainment, Bates Amusements, food vendors, arts & crafts vendors, parade and fireworks. Heritage Park, 123 Tuscarawas St., Canal Fulton, 330-854-9095, visitcantonstark.com
July 10-13
Home Days on the Green – This action-packed weekend includes rides, food, fireworks, games, challenging contests and live entertainment. Broadview Center, 9543 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights, 440-526-4357, broadview-heights.org
July 11-13
67th Annual Italian-American Festival – Free admission, gates open at 11 a.m., it-am.org, Lock 3, Main Street, Downtown Akron, 330-375-2877, lock3live.com
2014 Cain Park Arts Festival – Meet 150 artists who will show you their jewelry, paintings, prints, drawing, fiber, sculptures, clay and glass works; gourmet food and entertainment. Cost is $5, free admission for ages 12 and younger. Cain Park, 14591 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com
Brook Park Home Days – Plenty of family fun with food, a car show, a bike show, a parade, fireworks show, food trucks, sports competitions, contests and more. Brook Park Municipal Complex, 6161 Engle Road, Brook Park, cityofbrookpark.com
St. John Medical Center Festival of the Arts – This free fine art and craft show will feature more than 200 of America’s finest artists and craftspersons. St. John Medical Center, 29000 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, 440-808-9201, sjws.net
July 12
July Honey Fest, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn all about honey bees and honey at the What’s the Buzz Booth. Bee beard demonstration at 1 p.m. 8062 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, gpjmerchants.com/blank.html
The 8th Annual Multi-Music Fest, 8 p.m. Hosted by actress Kym Whitley, the fest features Cameo and an all-star tribute to celebrate the lives of Gerald and Sean Levert. Tickets are $38-$68. Cleveland Play House, 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-326-0823, multimusicfest.com
July 12-13
River Days Summer Concert Series & Antique Car Show – Concerts are free and open to the public, 7-8:30 p.m. Bring a chair and enjoy the show. Antique Car Show (July 13), noon-3 p.m., free, with trophies and door prizes awarded to participating vehicles. Food and beverages are available. Rocky River City Hall Park Gazebo, 21012 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River
Weekends, July 12- August 17
The Great Lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace – The Faire is a shaded, 13th century family fun theme park filled with continuous entertainment, juried crafts and artisans, rides and interactive games, and foods fit for a king. 3033 State Route 534, Rock Creek, medievalfaire.com
July 16-19
Strongsville Homecoming Festival – This huge event, held on the Strongsville Commons, promises to be bigger and better than ever, with fireworks, rides, games, food and more. Strongsville, strongsvillechamber.com
July 18-19
The 7th Annual Hudson Wine Festival is a benefit for animal welfare groups in the Summit County area. The event will showcase over 150 wines as well as select craft beers and spirits. Guests will enjoy musical entertainment, food, educational seminars, artists and exhibitors. Tickets are $22 in advance, $27 at the door and include 10 tastings and a souvenir wine glass. 101 Village Way, hudsonwinefestival.com
The 6th Annual Kent Blues Festival brings live blues music to 17 venues around Kent. Featuring artists John Hammond with Rory Block and Juke Hounds, Blue Lunch, Wallace Coleman Band, the Wanda Hunt Band, Colin John, the Numbers Band, Memphis Cradle and many more. Downtown Kent, kentbluesfest.com
July 18-20
Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival – More than 50 Irish vendors offering authentic Irish goods, foods and crafts, 24 performers, pipe bands and entertainers. Berea Fairgrounds, 164 Eastland Road, Berea, clevelandirish.org
July 19
Willoughby Artsfest, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring over 125 artists, entertainment and food. Downtown Willoughby, Erie & River St., Willoughby, 440-942-1632, wwlcchamber.com
July 20
Taste of Tremont, noon-8 p.m. Professor Street between Starkweather and Fairfield, tasteoftremont.com
34th annual Akron African American Festival, gates open at 11 a.m. with continuous music performances, including the Dazz Band, from the Lock 3 stage beginning at noon. This is a family-friendly festival, and admission is free until 5 p.m. After 5 p.m., admission is $7. akronafricanculture.org. Lock 3, Main Street, Downtown Akron, 330-375-2877, lock3live.com
July 25
Final Fridays at Civic Center, 3-7 p.m. Farm-fresh produce, plants, flowers and herbs, cheese, oils and baked goods, plus dozens of artisans, live music, food and activities for the kids. Free admission and parking. Mentor Civic Center Park, 8600 Munson Road, Mentor, 440-255-1100, cityofmentor.com
July 25-26
Burning River Festival, 6-11 p.m. This annual fest features educational exhibits from area environmental groups, fresh food from local farms and eateries, live music and a special appearance by Great Lakes Brewing Company’s Christmas Ale. Over 25 bands and musicians on three stages bringing funk, blues, rock and more to the shore. A Corporate Boat Float featuring boats made from post-consumer recyclable materials. 2800 Whiskey Island Drive, Cleveland, burningriverfoundation.org
The Summer Market – A unique outdoor festival and benefit held right on the shore of Lake Erie. Shop for furniture, jewelry, art, vintage items, fresh produce, home decor and other goods from more than 65 vendors. Dine from three featured restaurants and listen to live music while watching the sunset or playing at the beach. Veterans Memorial Park, Rte. 83 & Lake Road, Avon Lake, thesummermarket.com
July 26
Headlands BeachFest, noon-8 p.m. Come learn to fly a kite, paddle a kayak, make a sandcastle, search for buried treasure, play a game or make a sand art project. Watch three World Champion sand sculptors create amazing works of art at Ohio’s First Master Sand Sculpture Competition. Live music, dozens of arts & craft vendors and a variety of food. The event will be held rain or shine. Free admission and parking. Headlands Beach State Park, located at the northern terminus of OH 44-N at Headlands Road, 440-974-5794, headlandsbeachfest.com
July 31-August 3
Ribs on the River – National and local rib vendors will be on hand to tempt you with the unbeatable flavors of BBQ. Craft vendors and other vendors will be available along with children’s games and bounce houses. Live entertainment throughout the event. Black River Landing, 421 Black River Lane, Lorain, lorainportauthority.com
August 1-3
Twins Day Festival in Twinsburg – The largest annual gathering of twins (and other multiples) in the world. This event has entertainment, speakers, contests and activities including a golf outing, cornhole tournament, DJs, dancing, karaoke, a 5K and more. Twinsburg, twinsdays.org
August 9-10
National Hamburger Festival – Family fun, entertainment and one of the largest assortments of hamburgers ever assembled. Tickets cost $5. Saturday, noon-11 p.m. and Sunday, noon-7 p.m. Lock 3, Akron, hamburgerfestival.com
August 22-23
Mentor CityFest, noon-11 p.m. Live music, a zip line, rock wall, inflatables, food, wine, carnival-style games, a BMX bike show, indoor lasertag and more. MentorCityFest.com
