What's Happening in Medina This Week, August 10-16

The Medina County Fair wrapped up last night, but the fun does not stop in Medina County this week. Saturday brings the biggest event on the calendar: Stars Hollow Fest returns to the Public Square, transforming downtown into the beloved fictional town from Gilmore Girls. Add in a heavy metal concert at Blossom, weekly farmers markets, park district nature programs, and a classical music performance in a historic cemetery, and there is plenty to fill your week. Here is your day-by-day guide.

Monday, August 10

Music at The Lodge: Morning Star Bluegrass Band

Kick off the week with free bluegrass music at The Lodge at Medina County Park District's headquarters. Morning Star Bluegrass Band performs from 2:00 to 3:00 PM in an intimate outdoor setting (weather permitting) or inside the lodge. It is a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon program perfect for all ages. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy some authentic Appalachian string band music right here in Medina County.

Narrating Nature Book Club: Monarchs

Also at The Lodge on Monday afternoon, the Narrating Nature Book Club meets from 2:00 to 4:00 PM to discuss monarch butterflies. This thoughtful program blends nature education with literature and is open to adults and teens. A great indoor option if the August heat is too much, and timely as monarchs begin their migration south later this month.

Life Underwater at Buckeye Woods

From noon to 5:00 PM, the Medina County Park District hosts Life Underwater at Buckeye Woods Park. This drop-in program lets visitors explore the aquatic life in the park's pond through hands-on discovery. A wonderful program for curious kids who love science and nature.

Tuesday, August 11

Five Finger Death Punch at Blossom Music Center

Heavy metal fans, mark your calendars. Five Finger Death Punch performs at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls on Tuesday evening with special guests. Headliner gates open at 6:45 PM at this iconic outdoor amphitheater nestled in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It is about a 30-minute drive from Medina, and the setting under the stars at Blossom is hard to beat for a summer concert. This show also features Marilyn Manson and Ice Cube on the tour lineup, making it one of the biggest rock shows of the summer in Northeast Ohio.

Senior Strides Social Hike

If loud concerts are not your speed, the Medina County Park District offers Senior Strides, a social hike designed for adults 50 and older. This program combines gentle exercise with good conversation on some of the county's most scenic trails. Check the park district website for the exact meeting location and time.

Wednesday, August 12

Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom

The world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra performs at Blossom Music Center on Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM. Each summer, the orchestra takes up residency at Blossom, performing a mix of classical masterworks and pops programs under the pavilion. Check the Blossom schedule for the specific program. Pack a picnic and arrive early to enjoy the lawn before the music starts.

Thursday, August 13

Slo Roll: Lester Rail Trail to Dairy Queen

One of the most beloved Medina County Park District programs returns this Thursday. The Slo Roll is a slow-paced, family-friendly bike ride along the Lester Rail Trail, ending at Dairy Queen for a treat. The pace is easy, and the ride is suitable for all ages and abilities. Bring your own bike and helmet, and meet at the trailhead. This is a wonderful way to enjoy a summer evening on one of Medina County's best rail-trails.

Walk and Roll: Park District Program

Also on Thursday, the park district hosts Walk and Roll, a program for walkers, strollers, and those with mobility devices. Registration is required, so sign up in advance through the park district's website. This inclusive program makes the trails accessible to everyone regardless of mobility level.

Friday, August 14

Frog Frolic at Medina County Park District

Friday brings a frog-themed family program at the park district. The Frog Frolic is a hands-on educational program where kids can learn about the amphibians that live in Medina County's ponds and wetlands, including the chance to see and touch (with guidance) some local frog species. It is a wonderful program for young nature enthusiasts. Check the park district site for the exact time and meeting location.

Live Music Around Medina County

Friday evenings are always good for live music around Medina. Check out these local spots for weekend entertainment:

• Medina Brewing Company — craft beer and live acts on the patio
• Das Weinhaus — German fare and live entertainment
• McGinty's Pub — traditional Irish pub atmosphere with weekend music
• Thirsty Cowboy — live country music in Medina's entertainment district

For the full weekly music lineup, visit Dine Medina County's music page.

Saturday, August 15

Medina Square Farmers Market

The award-winning Medina Square Farmers Market runs Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on the historic Public Square. At 70-plus vendors, August is peak season for local produce: sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, melons, peaches, and green beans are at their absolute best. Plus locally raised meats, artisan cheeses, fresh-baked breads, honey, cut flowers, and prepared foods. It is the heart of Medina on a Saturday morning. The market runs weekly through October.

Farmers Market of Medina County

If you want a second market option, the Farmers Market of Medina County runs Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM to noon at Cornerstone Chapel on Granger Road, just off Weymouth Road. About 20 vendors offer local produce, meats, baked goods, and handcrafted items in a smaller, more intimate setting. This market runs through mid-November.

Battle of the Bikers Blood Drive

Stinger Harley-Davidson in Medina hosts the Battle of the Bikers Blood Drive from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday. This community blood donation event pits bikers against each other (in friendly competition) to see who can rally the most donors. Even if you are not riding a motorcycle, you can still stop by and donate. Every donation helps save lives, and it is a great way to give back to the community while enjoying the atmosphere at one of Medina's most iconic local businesses.

Stars Hollow Fest

The biggest event of the week: Stars Hollow Fest returns to Medina Public Square on Saturday from 4:00 to 9:00 PM, presented by Black Cat Books & Oddities. This free, family-friendly festival transforms downtown Medina into the fictional town of Stars Hollow from the beloved television series Gilmore Girls. Now in its second year, the festival draws hundreds of attendees and features over 100 vendors selling artisan goods and Gilmore Girls-themed merchandise.

Highlights include a literary costume contest with a $100 prize, a dance-a-thon, Kirk's Easter Egg Hunt (a nod to the show's quirky character Kirk), live music, and dancing. Local businesses throughout Medina change their names to Stars Hollow-themed versions for the event, adding to the immersive experience.

The festival is open-air and runs rain or shine. It is free to attend, and the vendors will meet all your Gilmore Girls merch needs. Bring the family, dress up as your favorite character, and experience a little bit of Stars Hollow right here in Medina.

Jurassic in the Park

The Medina County Park District hosts Jurassic in the Park on Saturday, a prehistoric-themed family program where kids can learn about the dinosaurs and ancient creatures that once roamed what is now Ohio. Expect hands-on activities, fossil exploration, and plenty of roaring fun. Check the park district site for the specific time and location.

Wings over Wetlands

Also Saturday, the park district offers Wings over Wetlands, a bird-watching and nature observation program focused on the wetland birds of Medina County. Bring binoculars if you have them. This is a wonderful, serene alternative to the hustle and bustle of Stars Hollow Fest downtown and a great way to spend a Saturday morning.

Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom

The Cleveland Orchestra performs again at Blossom Music Center on Saturday evening at 7:00 PM. Saturday concerts are often the most popular of the week, with lawn seating selling out early. This is a quintessential Northeast Ohio summer experience: spread a blanket on the lawn, open a bottle of wine, and listen to one of the world's greatest orchestras perform under the stars. Check the Blossom schedule for the exact program.

24th Annual Cops 'n Rodders Car Show

Car enthusiasts will not want to miss the 24th Annual Cops 'n Rodders Car Show on Saturday at 735 Lafayette Road in Medina. The show starts at 11:00 AM and features classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles. This annual event draws hundreds of participants and spectators and is a wonderful family-friendly way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Dog Days of Summer Festival in Kent

Across the county line in Kent (Summit County), the Dog Days of Summer Festival takes place Saturday in downtown Kent. This pet-friendly festival celebrates all things canine with vendors, demonstrations, adoptions, and dog-friendly activities. It is about a 45-minute drive from Medina but well worth the trip for dog lovers.

Sunday, August 16

America 250 Urban Troubadour Classical Concert at Spring Grove Cemetery

Wind down the weekend with a free classical music performance as part of the America 250 celebrations. The Urban Troubadour presents a classical concert from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at Spring Grove Cemetery in Medina. Yes, a cemetery might seem like a unusual venue, but Spring Grove is one of Medina's most beautiful and historic landscapes, and this concert promises to be a serene and contemplative way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Part of the America 250 initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, the concert is free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Around Town This Week

Fair cleanup week. The Medina County Fair wrapped up Sunday night, so expect some light traffic and activity around the fairgrounds on West Smith Road as exhibits are taken down and equipment is moved out through early this week.

Stars Hollow Fest parking. The Public Square will be closed to traffic for the festival on Saturday from mid-afternoon through the evening. Plan to park in one of the surrounding municipal lots or on side streets and walk to the Square. The weather forecast looks promising for a beautiful summer evening on the Square.

Peak produce alert. August is the absolute peak for local fruits and vegetables. The farmers markets this Saturday will have the best selection of sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, melons, and peppers of the entire season. Stock up while the picking is good.

Next week preview. Next week brings the 24th Annual Cops 'n Rodders Car Show on Saturday, continued farmers markets, and the final stretch of summer before school starts. Plus the South Town Arts & Music Festival is just around the corner on August 22. Stay tuned for next week's guide.