What's Happening in Medina This Week, August 31 — September 6

September arrives this week, and with it comes that unmistakable shift in the air — cooler mornings, golden-hour light stretching longer across the square, and a calendar full of end-of-summer traditions. Labor Day weekend anchors the week with the Great American Car Show in Westfield Center and the East Akron Labor Day Parade, while the Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival brings hundreds of artisans to Hale Farm & Village for the three-day weekend. Closer to home, a new sports history exhibit opens at the Medina Recreation Center, and the farmers markets keep rolling with peak-season produce. Let's get into it.

Monday, August 31

Summit Metro Parks Hiking Challenge — Final Day

Monday marks the last day to complete the Summit Metro Parks wellness hiking challenge. If you have been tracking miles all summer, today is your final chance to finish and earn your commemorative prize at the park district's visitor center. The challenge has taken hikers through all 14 Summit Metro Parks, covering dozens of miles of trails across the county. Even if you did not formally register, getting out for one last August walk through places like Furnace Run or the Gorge Metro Park is a rewarding way to close out the summer. Visit summitmetroparks.org for details.

Tuesday, September 1

Medina Sports History Exhibit Opens

A brand-new exhibit opens Tuesday at the Medina Recreation Center Community Room (855 Weymouth Rd) as part of the America 250 celebration. The Medina Sports History Exhibit runs all month, highlighting the athletes, teams, and moments that shaped sports in Medina County. From high school championship runs to local legends and community leagues, the exhibit tells the story of how sports brought Medina together across generations. It is free and open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and weekends from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon learning about local history.

Medina Community Band Rehearsals Resume

With September comes the start of fall programming, and the Medina Community Band begins regular rehearsals this week for their autumn concert series. Rehearsals are typically held Tuesday evenings at the Medina High School band room. The band performs free concerts throughout the year on the Public Square and at community events. Contact the Medina Recreation Center or the band's Facebook page for exact rehearsal times and to learn how to join.

Wednesday, September 2

Provider & SSA Mingle at The Lodge

Wednesday morning brings a networking event for Medina County providers at The Lodge at the Link in Seville from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. This is a professional gathering for local service providers, support agencies, and community organizations to connect, share resources, and collaborate. While it is geared toward professionals, it is a good reminder of the strong network of support services available across Medina County. The Lodge at the Link is a beautiful venue situated on Paradise Road.

Thursday, September 3

Last Thursday of Summer on the Square

Thursday evening is a fine time to enjoy Medina's historic Public Square as the last days of summer wind down. Local restaurants around the square — Missy's, The Granite Room, Santorini Grill, and others — offer patio dining. Grab dinner downtown and stroll the square as the sun sets. This is one of those simple, genuine pleasures of living in Medina that you do not want to miss before the weather turns.

Friday, September 4

Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival — Day 1

The 16th annual Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival kicks off Friday at Hale Farm & Village in Bath, running daily through Sunday. This is one of the premier artisan events in Northeast Ohio, featuring more than 190 Ohio-based artists and craftspeople selling handmade work: pottery, woodwork, jewelry, glass, textiles, paintings, photography, furniture, gourmet foods, and much more. Every item is made in Ohio by the person selling it, which gives the festival an authentic, curated feel. Live music plays throughout the day, and food vendors serve up festival favorites. Hale Farm's historic village — with its 19th-century buildings, farm animals, and costumed interpreters — adds a wonderful backdrop. Tickets are $10 to $25 at the gate or online. Children 12 and under are free. The festival runs 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM each day.

First Friday in Medina

Friday is also First Friday in Medina, when downtown shops and galleries stay open late and the streets have a festive evening vibe. Many businesses offer specials, live music pops up at various spots around the square, and local artists display work. It is a wonderful way to kick off the Labor Day weekend. Stroll the square, pop into your favorite shops, grab a bite at a downtown restaurant, and enjoy the community atmosphere. First Friday runs roughly from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, though individual store hours vary.

Saturday, September 5

Medina Square Farmers Market

Saturday morning means the Medina Square Farmers Market from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Early September is a wonderful time at the market: peak summer produce mingles with the first hints of fall. Sweet corn and tomatoes are still abundant, while apples, pears, winter squash, and pumpkins start appearing at the stalls. It is the best of both seasons in one market trip. With 70-plus vendors, you will find artisan cheeses, pasture-raised meats, fresh-baked goods, honey, cut flowers, and prepared foods. Live music often accompanies the market. It runs weekly through mid-October.

Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival — Day 2

The festival continues at Hale Farm & Village with the full roster of artisans, live music, and historical demonstrations. Saturday is typically the busiest day, so arriving early is recommended. The Akron Symphonic Winds perform a special concert on Sunday, but Saturday has its own live music lineup running all day. Food vendors serve everything from wood-fired pizza to barbecue. It is an easy 25-minute drive from Medina.

Farmers Market of Medina County

If you prefer a quieter market experience, the Farmers Market of Medina County runs from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cornerstone Chapel on Granger Road. About 25 vendors sell local produce, baked goods, honey, eggs, and handcrafted items. It is a more intimate setting than the Square market, with a friendly community feel. Open Saturdays through November.

Sunday, September 6

Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival — Final Day

Sunday is the last day to catch the Made in Ohio Festival at Hale Farm. The Akron Symphonic Winds perform a special afternoon concert as part of the festival programming, a wonderful addition to the artisan marketplace. If you have been meaning to go all weekend, Sunday is your final chance. The festival closes at 5:00 PM, so give yourself a few hours to browse the 190+ booths and enjoy the historic village setting.

Coming Up: Labor Day, Monday September 7

Great American Car Show — Westfield Center

Labor Day Monday brings the annual Great American Car Show to the Village of Westfield Center, about 15 minutes southwest of Medina. This long-standing tradition features over 200 collector cars displayed along Greenwich Road from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Classic muscle cars, vintage hot rods, restored antiques, and modern exotics line the street. There are food vendors, awards, and a friendly small-town atmosphere. It is free to attend and a fantastic family outing for Labor Day. The show takes place at 6701 Greenwich Rd in Westfield Center.

East Akron Labor Day Parade

Monday morning also brings the 51st Annual East Akron Labor Day Parade on South Arlington Street from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is one of Akron's largest and most cherished community celebrations, featuring marching bands, dance groups, community organizations, and a celebration of working families. The parade route runs between 7th Avenue and Archwood Avenue. It is a wonderful display of community pride and a fitting way to honor the holiday.

Around Town This Week

Labor Day weekend tips. The Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival draws big crowds, especially Saturday. Parking at Hale Farm can fill up, so carpooling or arriving early is wise. The festival is rain or shine. The Great American Car Show on Monday is free and family-friendly — bring chairs and arrive before 10:00 AM for the best viewing.

September produce is here. The farmers markets this week mark the transition from summer to fall harvests. You will still find sweet corn and tomatoes, but keep an eye out for early apples (Honeycrisp and Paula Red are usually the first), winter squash, ornamental gourds, and mums making their seasonal debut. It is a wonderful time to stock up for fall canning and preserving.

First Friday in Medina. If you have never done a First Friday in downtown Medina, September 4 is a great one to start with. The shops are welcoming, the restaurants are buzzing, and the square looks beautiful in the early September evening light. Many businesses offer small bites and drink specials. It is truly one of those nights that makes you glad to live in this community.

Medina sports history exhibit. The new exhibit at the Medina Recreation Center runs all month. If you have a child who plays youth sports, a grandparent who remembers old Medina High School championships, or just an interest in local history, this is worth a visit. The Rec Center is on Weymouth Road just off the square, and the exhibit is in the Community Room on the main floor.

Fall hiking season begins. With cooler temperatures settling in, this is a wonderful week to get out on the trails. The Summit Metro Parks hiking challenge may be over, but the trails are open year-round. Buckeye Woods Park (voted "Best of the Best" in 2026) in Medina County offers a dog park, pond, playground, and hiking trails. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is always a reliable option for a scenic hike or bike ride. The Trekking Through Autumn guided hiking series begins this month through the Medina County Park District — check their website for dates and registration.