This is Fair Week in Medina. The 181st Medina County Fair runs Monday through Sunday at the fairgrounds on Smith Road, bringing seven days of midway rides, livestock shows, grandstand entertainment, and classic fair food to the heart of the county. Add in a Sunday craft fair on the Square, the weekly farmers market, live music in Akron, and a theatrical production downtown, and there is no shortage of things to do this week. Here is your day-by-day guide.
Monday, August 3
Medina County Fair Opens
The 181st Medina County Fair kicks off at 1:00 PM with the theme "Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights." Opening day features the midway opening, 4-H livestock judging, agricultural exhibits, and free entertainment including the Sea Lions Splash shows, Jungle Island Petting Zoo, and Barnyard Olympics. The Bates Bros. Amusement rides are spinning all afternoon and evening. Gates close at 10:30 PM.
Medina County Fairgrounds, 720 W Smith Rd, Medina
Aug 3–9 · Mon 1–10:30 PM, Tue/Thu noon–10:30 PM, Wed 11 AM–10:30 PM, Fri noon–11 PM, Sat 11 AM–11 PM, Sun noon–10 PM
Admission charged · medinaohiofair.com
Motocross at the Grandstand
Opening night's grandstand event is Motocross at 7:00 PM. Watch riders tear around the dirt track in this always-thrilling competition. Grandstand tickets are sold separately from fair admission and tend to sell out for this popular event, so consider buying in advance.
Akron Symphony FREE Summer Parks Concert at Lock 3
The Akron Symphony Orchestra performs a free summer parks concert at Lock 3 in downtown Akron on Monday evening. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy classical music under the stars in one of Summit County's most iconic outdoor venues. This is a wonderful family-friendly option if you are looking for a more relaxed evening.
Tuesday, August 4
Medina County Fair — Day 2
The fair continues with gates opening at noon. Tuesday features more livestock shows, 4-H competitions, and the full midway. The Sea Lions Splash shows continue with 2-3 performances daily. It is a great day to explore the exhibit halls, home arts building, and agricultural displays without the weekend crowds. The fair closes at 10:30 PM.
Medina County Fairgrounds, 720 W Smith Rd, Medina
Noon – 10:30 PM
Admission charged
Wednesday, August 5
Medina County Fair — Youth Day
Wednesday is Youth Day at the fair: kids 11 and under get in free until 5:00 PM. Gates open at 11:00 AM, an hour earlier than usual. The earlier opening gives families extra time to explore the midway, see the animals in the livestock barns, and enjoy the Sea Lions Splash and Barnyard Olympics. It is the perfect day to bring the whole family.
Medina County Fairgrounds, 720 W Smith Rd, Medina
11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Kids 11 & under free until 5 PM · regular admission after
Warren Zeiders Concert at the Grandstand
Country music fans take note: Warner Zeiders performs at the grandstand at 7:00 PM with special guest Julia Neville. Zeiders broke through with his viral hit "Ride the Lightning" and has become one of the hottest young names in country music. This is a big get for the Medina County Fair's entertainment lineup. Grandstand tickets are separate from fair admission.
Medina County Fairgrounds Grandstand
Grandstand ticket required
Thursday, August 6
Medina County Fair — Patriotic Day
Thursday is Patriotic Day at the fair, with gates opening at noon and closing at 10:30 PM. The theme encourages fairgoers to wear red, white, and blue to celebrate community and country. This is also the night of Buckin' Ohio Bull Riding in the grandstand at 7:00 PM, always a crowd favorite. The livestock shows continue, and the midway is in full swing.
Medina County Fairgrounds, 720 W Smith Rd, Medina
Noon – 10:30 PM · Bull riding 7:00 PM
Fair admission + grandstand ticket for bull riding
Sister Act at Akron Civic Theatre
The Millennial Theatre Project's production of Sister Act continues its run at the historic Akron Civic Theatre. This joyful musical based on the beloved film runs through August 16. It is a short drive from Medina and makes for a wonderful evening out, especially paired with dinner at one of downtown Akron's many restaurants.
Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S Main St, Akron
Jul 31 – Aug 16 · check akroncivic.com for showtimes
Tickets required
Friday, August 7
Medina County Fair — Sensory Friendly Day & Demolition Derby
Friday is Sensory Friendly Day at the fair from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, a quieter, more accessible experience designed for individuals with sensory sensitivities. After 2:00 PM, the energy ramps up toward the evening grandstand event: the always-thrilling Demolition Derby at 7:00 PM. Cars smash and crash until one is left running. The fair stays open until 11:00 PM, the latest of the week.
Medina County Fairgrounds, 720 W Smith Rd, Medina
Sensory friendly 10 AM–2 PM · Fair noon–11 PM · Demolition Derby 7:00 PM
Fair admission + grandstand ticket for derby
The Shootouts at Lock 3
Lock 3 in downtown Akron hosts The Shootouts live in concert at 7:00 PM on Friday. This Ohio-based band brings honky-tonk and country sounds to the outdoor stage. The same evening also features Summer Safari at Lock 3 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM with family-friendly activities.
Live Music Around Medina County
Friday evenings are always good for live music around Medina. Check out these local spots:
- 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 8
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. With 70-plus vendors, August is peak season: sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, melons, and green beans are abundant. Plus locally raised meats, artisan cheeses, fresh-baked breads, honey, and cut flowers. It is the heart of Medina on a Saturday morning and runs through October.
Farmers Market of Medina County
If you want another market option, the Farmers Market of Medina County runs Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM to noon at Cornerstone Chapel on Granger Road. It is a smaller, more intimate market that runs through mid-November.
Cornerstone Chapel, 3939 Granger Rd, Medina (Weymouth Rd entrance)
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Free admission
Seville Farm Market
A third Saturday market option runs from 9:00 AM to noon at Maria Stanhope Park in downtown Seville, featuring local produce, baked goods, and crafts through September.
Maria Stanhope Park, 73 W Main St, Seville
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Free admission
Medina County Fair — Truck & Tractor Pull
Saturday at the fair features the OSTPA Truck & Tractor Pull at 7:00 PM in the grandstand. The fairgrounds are open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, making Saturday the longest day of the week. The midway is buzzing, the livestock barns are full, and the Sea Lions and other free entertainment run throughout the day.
Medina County Fairgrounds, 720 W Smith Rd, Medina
Fair 11 AM–11 PM · Truck & Tractor Pull 7:00 PM
Fair admission + grandstand ticket
The Spot Cruise In at Winks Drive In
Car enthusiasts will enjoy The Spot Cruise In, a classic car show and cruise night at Winks Drive In in Summit County from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. It is a casual, family-friendly event with vintage cars, burgers, and shakes. About a 20-minute drive from Medina.
Winks Drive In, Summit County area
4:00 – 7:00 PM
Free to attend
Heinz Poll Dance Festival Presents PILOBOLUS at Lock 3
The acclaimed dance company PILOBOLUS performs at Lock 3 in Akron on Friday and Saturday as part of the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival. Known for their gravity-defying, acrobatic movement, PILOBOLUS is a world-class company that pushes the boundaries of dance. Check the city's website for exact showtimes.
Lock 3, 200 S Main St, Akron
Performances Aug 7–9 · check akronohio.gov for times
Check for ticket information
Sunday, August 9
An Affair on the Square — Craft Festival & Vintage Fair
Downtown Medina's Historic Public Square hosts An Affair on the Square from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This beloved annual craft festival features over 140 booths of handmade crafts, vintage finds, artisan goods, and unique gifts. It is a wonderful day to stroll the Square, shop local makers, grab lunch at one of the surrounding restaurants, and enjoy live music on the gazebo. This is a don't-miss event for anyone who loves handmade and vintage treasures.
Medina County Fair — Final Day & Grand Finale Fireworks
Sunday is the last day of the 181st Medina County Fair, with gates open noon to 10:00 PM. The grandstand features Medina Motor Mania at 6:00 PM. Then at 10:00 PM, the fair closes with a spectacular fireworks display over the fairgrounds — free to all fairgoers. It is the perfect capstone to a week of community celebration.
Medina County Fairgrounds, 720 W Smith Rd, Medina
Fair noon–10 PM · Motor Mania 6 PM · Fireworks 10 PM
Fair admission required · Fireworks free with admission
The Princess Concert at Akron Civic Theatre
The Akron Civic Theatre presents The Princess Concert at 3:30 PM on Sunday afternoon. This family-friendly concert experience features music from beloved princess-themed films and is perfect for young children and their families. A great indoor option if the August sun gets to be too much.
America250-OH Summit County Homecoming
The America250-OH Summit County Homecoming takes place at 1:00 PM on Sunday at 550 Copley Road in Akron. This community celebration is part of the nationwide America250 initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. It is a history-minded event with local heritage activities.
550 Copley Rd, Akron
1:00 PM
Free
Around Town This Week
Fair week parking alert. The Medina County Fairgrounds are located at 720 West Smith Road, just west of downtown Medina. Parking is available on-site but fills up on busy evenings and weekends. Consider carpooling or arriving early for the biggest grandstand events.
August produce is at its peak. Sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, and melons are at their absolute best this week. Hit the Medina Square Farmers Market on Saturday morning to stock up before heading to the fair.
Next week preview. The fair wraps up Sunday, but next week brings the final weeks of summer concert series, continued farmers markets, and the run-up to the Medina County Fair Horse Show. Stay tuned for next week's guide.
Enjoying the local scene?
Events like these are what make Medina County such a great place to call home. If you are thinking about a move to the area, Jamie can help you find the right property.