What's Happening in Medina This Week, July 27–August 2

This is a big week across Medina County and into Summit County. The 175th Summit County Fair opens Tuesday and runs through Sunday. Here in Medina, the Park District hosts a Rhythm Circle at Shotwell Gardens and the final Slo Roll bike ride of the month. Down in Akron, Lock 3 brings classic soul and rock, and the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival presents free outdoor performances. Here is your day-by-day guide to the week of July 27 through August 2, 2026.

Tuesday, July 28

Summit County Fair Opens

The 175th Summit County Fair opens its gates at noon and runs through Sunday, August 2. This is one of the biggest events of the summer in Northeast Ohio, drawing thousands of visitors to the Summit County Fairgrounds in Tallmadge. Expect midway rides, livestock auctions and shows, grandstand entertainment, classic fair food, home-canned goods contests, and exhibit halls. Hours are noon to 10:00 PM Tuesday, noon to 11:00 PM Wednesday through Saturday, and noon to 9:00 PM on Sunday. It is about a 20-minute drive from Medina and absolutely worth the trip.

Rhythm Circle at Shotwell Gardens

The Medina County Park District hosts a community drumming event at the beautiful Shotwell Gardens at Lake Medina. Bring your own percussion instrument or use one provided, and join a group rhythm circle that celebrates nature and community through music. No musical experience or registration required. It is a relaxed, family-friendly way to spend a summer evening by the lake.

Cuyahoga Valley Art Center — 41st Annual Juried Exhibition Opens

The Cuyahoga Valley Art Center opens its 41st Annual Juried Exhibition, showcasing curated works from regional artists. The exhibition runs through September 10 and is a wonderful opportunity to see high-quality local art in a gallery setting. It is a short drive from Medina and makes for a great afternoon outing.

Thursday, July 30

Slo Roll Bike Ride — Chippewa Rail Trail to Handel's

The final Slo Roll of the month takes riders from the Chippewa Rail Trail to Handel's Ice Cream. Co-sponsored by Bike Medina County and the Medina County Park District, these guided rides are typically 8-10 miles, all paces welcome, and end with a well-earned treat. It is a great way to explore the county's rail-trail system and meet fellow cyclists. Helmets are required.

Camp Wired at Medina County District Library

The library's Camp Wired program offers a technology and STEM workshop for kids. It is part of the library's summer reading celebration and gives young learners a chance to explore coding, robotics, or digital creativity in a hands-on setting. Check the library's calendar for the exact time and age group — it is a wonderful resource for families with school-age children.

Friday, July 31

Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival — Akron Parks

The 52nd season of the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival continues with free outdoor professional dance performances at 8:45 PM, preceded by a children's interactive program at 7:45 PM. This is a gem of Akron's summer arts scene: professional dancers performing against the backdrop of the city's parks at dusk. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Friday's performance location is in one of Akron's beautiful parks — check the city's website for the exact venue.

Live Music Around Medina County

Friday evenings are live music nights around Medina. Check out the rotating lineups at:

• 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 1

Medina Square Farmers Market

The award-winning Medina Square Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM through October with 70-plus vendors. August brings peak-season produce: sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, melons, green beans, and more. Alongside the fresh fruits and vegetables you will find locally raised meats and eggs, artisan cheeses, fresh-baked breads, honey, cut flowers, and handcrafted goods. It is the heart of Medina on a Saturday morning.

Farmers Market of Medina County

If you want another 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 with locally grown produce and artisan goods. This market runs through mid-November, so it is a great option well into the fall.

Seville Farm Market

A third market option for Saturday morning: the Seville Farm Market runs from 9:00 AM to noon at Maria Stanhope Park in downtown Seville. This weekly market runs through September and features local produce, baked goods, and crafts. It is a lovely stop if you are exploring the western side of Medina County.

Lock 3 Live: 70's Soul Jam — Downtown Akron

Lock 3 in downtown Akron brings a legendary lineup of classic soul to the stage on Saturday night. The 70's Soul Jam features The Stylistics, Enchantment, and The Manhattans performing their timeless hits. Lock 3's outdoor concert series is one of the highlights of Summit County's summer, and this show promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival — Saturday Evening

The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival continues with another free performance at 8:45 PM in Akron, with the children's interactive program at 7:45 PM. The festival's second weekend features professional dance companies in a beautiful outdoor setting. Check the city's website for Saturday's specific park location.

Summit County Fair — Saturday

The Summit County Fair continues through the weekend at the fairgrounds in Tallmadge. Saturday is often the busiest day at the fair, with the full midway operating, livestock shows, and grandstand entertainment. The fair runs noon to 11:00 PM.

Sunday, August 2

Lock 3 Live: Pure Prairie League, Orleans, Firefall, Atlanta Rhythm Section

Sunday night at Lock 3 is a classic rock double-header: Pure Prairie League, Orleans, Firefall, and the Atlanta Rhythm Section share the stage. This is a stacked lineup of 1970s AM-radio royalty. If you grew up with these bands or just appreciate great classic rock, this is a don't-miss show. The outdoor setting on the Lock 3 campus makes for a perfect summer evening in downtown Akron.

Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival at Goodyear Heights MetroPark

Sunday's Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival performance moves to Goodyear Heights MetroPark in Akron. This is a beautiful setting for outdoor dance, with the performance starting at 8:45 PM and the children's interactive program at 7:45 PM. It is the final performance of the festival's second weekend.

Summit County Fair — Final Day

Sunday is the last chance to experience the 175th Summit County Fair. Hours are noon to 9:00 PM, and the final day often features special grandstand events, livestock auctions, and the last chance at midway rides. If you have not made it yet, Sunday is your day.

Around Town This Week

Summit County Fair safety update. The fair has implemented new safety measures for 2026, including enhanced security protocols at the gates. Check the fair's website before you go so you know what to expect when arriving.

August produce is here. The farmers markets are entering peak season. Sweet corn, tomatoes, peaches, and melons are all at their best right now. The Medina Square Farmers Market on Saturday is the place to stock up.

Upcoming: Medina County Fair. The Medina County Fair runs August 3–9 at the Medina County Fairgrounds, 720 West Smith Road, right here in Medina. It starts Monday, so keep an eye out for next week's guide with full details on entertainment, ride specials, and schedule highlights.