What's Happening in Medina This Week, August 17-23

August is rolling along, and this week brings the highlight of the summer arts calendar in Medina: the South Town Arts & Music Festival on Saturday. It is the fifth annual edition of this vibrant, free community celebration that takes over the South Town District with live music across multiple venues, local artists, food, and family fun. Add in a stellar week of concerts at Blossom Music Center, the Akron Pride Festival, a sunflower festival in Hartville, and our beloved weekly farmers markets, and there is no shortage of things to do. Here is your day-by-day guide.

Monday, August 17

Medina County Park District Programs

Start the week outdoors with the Medina County Park District's regular Monday programs. The park district typically runs afternoon nature programs, story trails, and self-guided activities at locations like Buckeye Woods, The Lodge, and Letha House Park. Check the park district's reservations page for the most current Monday schedule. August is a wonderful time to explore the county's trails before the fall crowds arrive.

Tuesday, August 18

Lindsey Stirling at Blossom Music Center

The internationally celebrated electric violinist, dancer, and performer Lindsey Stirling brings her Duality Untamed Tour to Blossom Music Center on Tuesday at 8:00 PM. Known for her genre-blending original compositions, cinematic music videos, and high-energy choreographed performances, Stirling puts on a show that is equal parts classical virtuosity and pop concert spectacle. Her unique style has earned her over 14 million YouTube subscribers and multiple Billboard Music Awards. This is a family-friendly concert that appeals to music lovers of all ages. About a 30-minute drive from Medina into the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Wednesday, August 19

Camp Creative: Back to School Celebration at Akron Art Museum

The Akron Art Museum hosts Camp Creative: Back to School Celebration from 1:00 to 3:00 PM on Wednesday. This hands-on children's art program is designed to get kids excited about heading back to school with creative projects inspired by the museum's collection. It is a free program, and all materials are provided. About a 25-minute drive from Medina to downtown Akron. A perfect midweek activity for school-aged children.

Lock 4 Blues & Jazz: Romeo Maxwell & Hard Copy

Wednesday evening brings free live music to downtown Akron. Lock 4 Blues & Jazz at Lock 3 Park features Romeo Maxwell & Hard Copy starting at 7:00 PM. This weekly summer concert series showcases regional blues and jazz talent in the heart of downtown Akron's entertainment district. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of soulful music along the Ohio & Erie Canal. Free and open to all ages.

Thursday, August 20

Jon Batiste with The Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom

Five-time Grammy winner and Oscar-winning composer Jon Batiste joins The Cleveland Orchestra for what promises to be one of the most unforgettable concerts of the Blossom season. Batiste, the bandleader and musical director of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, brings his joyful, genre-defying blend of jazz, R&B, soul, and New Orleans funk to the Blossom stage. The orchestra performs alongside Batiste for a program that bridges classical and contemporary American music. Show starts at 7:00 PM. This is likely to be one of the most sought-after tickets of the summer.

Dance Cardio on the Plaza

Cascade Plaza in downtown Akron hosts Dance Cardio on the Plaza from 5:30 to 6:30 PM on Thursday. This free outdoor fitness class combines dance moves with cardio exercise in a fun, social setting. All fitness levels are welcome, and no registration is required. Just show up in your workout clothes and get ready to move. A great way to shake off the workday before heading into the weekend.

Friday, August 21

Empire of the Sun at Blossom Music Center

Australian electronic music duo Empire of the Sun brings their Ask That God: Afterlife North American Tour to Blossom Music Center on Friday at 7:30 PM. Known for their elaborate costumes, theatrical stage production, and hit songs like "Walking on a Dream" and "We Are the People," Empire of the Sun delivers a visually stunning concert experience. This is one of the most anticipated electronic shows of the summer at Blossom. The outdoor amphitheater setting is the perfect backdrop for their cosmic, dreamy sound.

Akron Pride 5k and Kristine W. Concert

Friday evening kicks off the Akron Pride Festival weekend at Lock 3 Park. The Akron Pride 5k starts at 5:00 PM, followed by a headlining concert from dance music icon Kristine W. at 8:30 PM. The 5k run/walk winds through downtown Akron and is open to participants of all ages and fitness levels. Kristine W., known for her chart-topping dance hits like "Stronger" and "Lovin' You," brings high-energy pop to the Lock 3 stage. All Pride events at Lock 3 are free and open to the public.

Live Music Around Medina County

Friday evening is always a great night for live music closer to home. Check out these local spots for dinner and entertainment:

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

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

Saturday, August 22

Medina Square Farmers Market

Saturday morning means the award-winning Medina Square Farmers Market on the historic Public Square, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Mid-August is absolute peak season for local produce: sweet corn is at its sweetest, tomatoes are bursting with flavor, and the stone fruit selection (peaches, plums, nectarines) is spectacular. With 70-plus vendors, you will also find artisan cheeses, pasture-raised meats, fresh-baked bread, local honey, cut flowers, and prepared foods. Live music often accompanies the market, making it a true community gathering. The market runs weekly through October.

Farmers Market of Medina County

A second Saturday morning market option: the Farmers Market of Medina County runs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Cornerstone Chapel on Granger Road. This smaller market (about 20 vendors) offers a more intimate shopping experience with local produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, and handcrafted items. Open Saturdays through November.

Hudson Farmers Market

Over in Summit County, the Hudson Farmers Market runs from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the historic Clocktower/Gazebo Green on the Village Green. This market features local produce, artisan foods, crafts, and live music in one of Northeast Ohio's most picturesque small-town settings. About a 30-minute drive from Medina through scenic Cuyahoga Valley back roads.

South Town Arts & Music Festival

The anchor event of the week: the fifth annual South Town Arts & Music Festival in Medina's historic South Town District, running from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Saturday. This is a vibrant, free community festival that transforms the South Town neighborhood with live music across multiple indoor and outdoor venues, art vendors, food, and family-friendly activities.

The festival features a diverse lineup of musical genres throughout the day, from acoustic sets and singer-songwriter acts in the afternoon to full-band performances as the evening rolls in. Local artists display and sell their work, food vendors serve up everything from wood-fired pizza to festival classics, and the whole district buzzes with energy. Presented by Main Street Medina, the festival is free to attend with an optional VIP bundle available that includes a wristband, event t-shirt, evening concert pass, souvenir cup, and beer.

The South Town District is centered along South Court Street and the surrounding blocks, home to some of Medina's best local businesses, restaurants, and creative spaces. It is a showcase of what makes Medina's arts community so special. Bring the whole family, plan to spend the day, and explore everything the district has to offer.

Maize Valley Sunflower Festival

Head east to Hartville in Summit County for the Maize Valley Sunflower Festival from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Saturday. This family-friendly festival features acres of sunflowers in full bloom, over 100 local artisans and makers, live music, food trucks, and a u-pick sunflower experience where you can cut your own bouquet to take home. Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery provides the beverages. About a 35-minute drive from Medina, but the sea of yellow sunflowers against the summer sky makes it absolutely worth the trip.

Akron Pride Festival

Downtown Akron hosts the annual Akron Pride Festival on Saturday, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community with live entertainment, vendors, food, and family-friendly activities. The festival takes place at Lock 3 Park and surrounding areas, building on Friday's Pride 5k and Kristine W. concert. This is one of Akron's biggest summer events, drawing attendees from across Northeast Ohio. All are welcome.

The Cleveland Orchestra: Ravel's Piano Concerto in G

The Cleveland Orchestra continues its Blossom residency on Saturday evening at 7:00 PM with Ravel's Piano Concerto in G, a dazzling and sophisticated work that showcases both the orchestra and a guest piano soloist. The program also includes other orchestral works conducted by Franz Welser-Möst, the orchestra's music director. This is the quintessential Blossom experience: a picnic on the lawn before the concert, the summer air cooling as the sun sets, and world-class classical music filling the pavilion.

Sunday, August 23

The Cleveland Orchestra: Let's Misbehave — The Songs of Cole Porter

Close out the weekend with a pops concert at Blossom Music Center on Sunday at 7:00 PM. The Cleveland Orchestra, conducted by Franz Welser-Möst, performs "Let's Misbehave: The Songs of Cole Porter," a celebration of the Great American Songbook featuring some of Porter's most beloved classics including "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Night and Day," "Anything Goes," and "Begin the Beguine." This is the perfect end-of-summer Sunday evening concert: joyful, sophisticated, and thoroughly entertaining. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy one of the last truly warm evenings of August.

Around Town This Week

South Town Festival parking. The South Town Arts & Music Festival will bring crowds to the South Court Street area on Saturday. Plan to park in the municipal lots around the Public Square or on side streets and walk to the festival. Street parking near the festival may be limited. Carpooling with neighbors is always a good idea.

Peak produce alert. We are in the sweet spot of Ohio's growing season. This Saturday's farmers markets will have the year's best sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, melons, and green beans. Stock up for canning, freezing, or just enjoying at the peak of ripeness. The Medina Square market also usually has live music, so make a morning of it before the South Town festivities begin.

Blossom tip. With four concerts at Blossom this week (Tuesday through Sunday), the Cuyahoga Valley National Park will be busy. Plan to arrive early for good lawn seating, and note that coolers, blankets, and low-back chairs are allowed on the lawn. Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages in sealed containers are permitted, but no glass.

Summer winding down. The Akron Public Schools start their 2026-27 school year on Monday, August 24, and Medina City Schools follow shortly after. This is the last full week of summer break for many families in the area, so make the most of it. Next week's events calendar will look a little different as the summer festival season begins to transition into early fall programming.