By Estelle Rodis-Brown
Summertime, summertime! There’s no time like it. The hot weather unleashes our pent-up appetites for open-air fun here in Northeast Ohio.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, that means festivals, fairs, outdoor concerts, car shows and other big events. Below is your month-by-month sampling of upcoming summer fun.
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
- Put-in-Bay Memorial Day Weekend – South Bass Island
Fri., May 27 – Mon., May 30
Time to enjoy our Great Lake on one of Northeast Ohio’s most popular island retreats. At Put-in-Bay, this three-day celebration marks one of the busiest weekends of the year. Enjoy historic War of 1812 demonstrations at the Perry Victory & International Peace Memorial Park throughout the day. Memorial Day Services will start at 11 a.m. on May 30 in the lower plaza of the Peace Memorial. Both Sunday and Monday feature an antique and classic car parade starting around 2:30 p.m. The Blue Marlin will be the daily hotspot, serving up music, fun, food and drinks.
VisitPutInBay.org, 888-742-7829
- Tremont Greek Fest – Cleveland
Fri., May 27, 7 a.m. – Mon., May 30, 7 p.m.
We’re all family at this annual ethnic festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2187 W. 14th St. Tremont Greek Fest serves up homemade Greek cuisine prepared by members of the 100-year-old congregation. Enjoy the delicious food, live music, dancing, beer, wine, ouzo and vendors selling imported gifts. OPA!
Facebook.com/TremontGreekFest, 216-575-0920
- City of Green Memorial Day, Parade, Ceremony & Car Show – Green
Mon., May 30, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
A tradition as American as apple pie. The parade steps off at 10 a.m. from Green High School, 1474 Boettler Rd. The Memorial Day ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m. at the Green Veterans Memorial Park, 1900 Steese Rd. The car show and picnic will begin immediately following the ceremony, ending at 3 p.m.
CityofGreen.org, 330-896-5500 - Memorial Day Weekend Flea Market – Hartville
Mon., May 30
Shop ’til you drop. Join more than 1,000 outdoor vendors and around 30,000 visitors for one of the biggest flea market weekends of the year at Hartville MarketPlace and Flea Market, 1289 Edison St. NW. Of course, while you’re in town, there are so many restaurants, distinctive stores, parks and even World Chocolate, Inc. to enjoy, as well.
DiscoverHartville.com, 330-877-5500
JUNE
- LakewoodAlive’s 2022 Front Porch Concert Series – Lakewood
June 3 – July 29, starting at 7 p.m. each Friday
You don’t need to travel to New Orleans to enjoy free music in the streets. This summer tradition offers nine opportunities to enjoy free, live music in welcoming Downtown Lakewood. Talented performers draw crowds each Friday evening around the front steps of Lakewood Public Library (15425 Detroit Avenue). From reggae to rock, soul and pop, each weekly concert delves into diverse musical genres while remaining family-friendly.
LakewoodAlive.org/FrontPorchConcerts, 216-521-0655
JULY
- Fairview Park Summerfest 30th Anniversary – Fairview Park
July 28-31, 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Thursday & Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Want a good ‘ol fashioned summertime festival? Head over to Fairview Park for a parade, live music, rides and just about any kind of fair food you could want. They’ve got a cornhole tournament, Bingo, a pancake breakfast, a beer tent and…fireworks! The fun takes place at Bohlken Park, 3885 W. 210th St. Fairviewsummerfest.com.
AUGUST
- Vintage Ohio Wine Festival – Kirtland
Fri., Aug. 5 – Sat., Aug. 6, 12-9 p.m. each day
Immerse your senses in the indulgence of summer at its peak. This annual celebration of Ohio wines takes place every August in beautiful Lake Metroparks Farmpark, a half-hour from Cleveland. Gather to sample from 150 regional vintages, visit local artisans and crafters offering their work, indulge in gourmet foods from local restaurants and food trucks — all while enjoying live music, cooking demonstrations and workshops.
VisitVintageOhio.com, 440-466-4417
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
- The Great Geauga County Fair & Country Fest Cleveland 2022 – Burton
Aug. 31-Sept. 5
A treasured tradition in rural Burton, there’s no better way to cap off your summer than to wander through the Great Geauga County Fair over Labor Day weekend. You’ll find over 13,000 exhibits, more than 2,000 animals, rides, live music, games, contests and fair food. And this summer, the fair features Country Fest Cleveland on Saturday, Aug. 6, 12-10 p.m., featuring five headliner country bands, food trucks, craft beer, wine and more. The fairgrounds are located at 14373 N. Cheshire St. in Burton.
Facebook.com/GeaugaFair, (440) 834-1846
Don’t let your summer fun slip away. It’s right around the corner, in terms of both time and distance. Mark your calendar now to make the most of it. See you out there!
