Entertainment writer Ed Balint suggests options for Canton area fun, including concerts, festivals and other events.
1. Balloon Classic and Drone Light Shows
The Balloon Classic will kick off the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival.
Assorted ballons are expected to launch from the campus of Kent State University at Stark, 6000 Frank Ave. NW in Jackson Township.
Balloon flights begin between 7 and 8 a.m. July 24-26, weather dependent. Evening flights will be between 7 and 8:30 p.m. July 24-25. The event opens to the public at 4 p.m. July 24-25 with food vendors, craft tents and children’s activities.
Admission to the Balloon Classic is free, but parking costs $15 (cash only).
The night glow event will be at 9 p.m. July 24. Drone Light Shows will be at 10 p.m. July 24 and 25. Drone preview shows will be at 9:20 p.m., a new addition this year.
For more information about the Balloon Classic, go to profootballhoffestival.com/balloon-classic.
2. Fantasy Football Expo in Canton
The Fantasy Football Expo will be July 24-26 at Canton Memorial Civic Center.
The three-day event features live drafts, expert panels, networking opportunities, exclusive parties and exhibitor showcases, organizers said.
“What began as a gathering of passionate fantasy football players has evolved into one of the largest and most respected fantasy football events in the country,” a news release said.
“… There is simply no substitute for connecting face-to-face with people who share your passion for fantasy football,” said event co-founder Bob Lung.
Events include King’s Classic Drafts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 25 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Top Expert meet-and-greet will be at 6 p.m. July 25 at Jerzee’s Sports Grille, 2531 Fulton Drive NW in Canton.
The weekend culminates with the Fantasy Football Expo trade show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 26 at Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N in downtown Canton.
The trade show will feature dozens of exhibitors, fantasy football companies, sports media organizations, technology providers and content creators showcasing tools, products and services available to fantasy football players.
For a schedule of events and to purchase tickets, go to thefantasyfootballexpo.com/. Tickets include a tour of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
3. Grecian Festival in Canton
Greek eats galore will be available at the Grecian Festival July 22 to 25 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Canton.
Indoor and outdoor dining will be available. Drive-thru service and carryout orders are available. Beer and wine will be served. There’s also entertainment and dancing.
After kicking off July 22, festival hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 23; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 24-25. Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church is at 4705 Fairhaven Ave. NW.
4. Downtown Canton Blues & BBQ Festival
The Downtown Canton Blues & BBQ Festival is returning for a second year.
The free event runs 2 to 11 p.m. July 25. Concerts will be at Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW along Market Avenue N, and at venues and restaurants in downtown Canton.
The festival starts with the Sam Hooper Group performing 2 to 4 p.m. at Centennial Plaza. The Plaza headliner will be the Shane Guerrette Band, who perform 7 to 9 p.m.
Concerts also will include the Reverend Jesse Ray of Michigan, as part of “The After Hours Sessions.” Ray performs at 9 p.m. at The Auricle Venue + Bar, 201 Cleveland Ave. NW. Other shows will be at Culture Lounge, Arcadia Grille, Grapes in a Glass, Canton Marketplace, Woodshop, Allegro, District One Eleven and George’s Lounge.
More details and performances times are available online.
5. Women’s Football Alliance Championship Weekend
The Women’s Football Alliance National Championship Weekend will be July 24-26 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton.
Weekend highlights include two national championship games, the WFA All-American Game, the WFA All-Pro vs. All-World Game, WFA Flag Football Tournament, and WFA Futures Youth Camp for girls ages 5 to 18.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to wfaprofootball.com/national-championship-events/.
6. Parmalee in downtown Canton
Country music band Parmalee will perform a ticketed show July 23 at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton.
The North Carolina band is best known for the country hit “Carolina.” Popular songs also include “Just the Way,” “Take My Name” and “Girl in Mine.”
Tickets for the 7 p.m. concert can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com/.
7. Shakespeare at the Castle in Alliance
Shakespeare at the Castle will present the comedy “As You Like It” from July 23-26 and July 30-Aug. 2 outside Glamorgan Castle in Alliance.
All shows are at 7 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, performances will be moved to the Giese Center for the Performing Arts, 67 W. Simpson St., on the campus of the University of Mount Union.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to mountunion.edu/arts-and-culture/box-office.
8. Johnny Cash tribute in Hartville
Johnny Cash tribute artist Terry Lee Goffee will perform at 1 p.m. July 30 at The Stage at Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery.
Tickets, $40 to $60, can be purchased at hartvillekitchen.com/.
9. Finding Sparky concert in Minerva
Finding Sparky will perform a free concert 7 to 9 p.m. July 25 at Minerva Municipal Park.
The three-piece band, playing rock and rhythm and blues, will perform as part of the village’s summer concert series.
Bring chairs and blankets. The Sandy Springs Brewing Company beer truck will be at the event. Municipal Park is on Second Street, adjacent to Minerva High School, 501 Almeda Ave.
10. Bob Seger tribute in Massillon
The Bob Seger tribute Against the Wind will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 25 at Lions Lincoln Theatre in downtown Massillon.
For more information and to purchase tickets, starting at $36, go to lionslincolntheatre.org/.
Reach Ed at ed.balint@cantonrep.com. Follow on Instagram at ed_balint and TikTok @edwardbalint.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Things to do. Balloon Classic, Fantasy Football Expo, Grecian Fest
Reporting by Ed Balint, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ed Balint, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
