Summer can be the time to unwind, relieve stress and tune out the noise of the world with music, food, drinks and good times.
And the Stark County area has events, concerts and festivals galore. Some are big; others small. Many are longtime local traditions while others are new to the scene.
Amphitheater concerts are plentiful. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival is the marquee attraction. Foodies will delight in pickles, strawberries, and Greek and Italian eats. And there’s music for every fan.
“We’re excited to see so many favorite summertime traditions return across Stark County this season,” said Allison Gromofsky, senior manager of community and partner relations at Visit Canton. “From community staples like Canton Greek Fest to longstanding community festivals like Olde Canal Days in Canal Fulton and the Carnation Festival in Alliance.
“… We’re also excited to welcome newer events and experiences, including the Canton R&B Music Fest, national recording artists at the Sugardale Fan Fest, and the All Love Music Festival.
“… These events give both visitors and locals the opportunity to experience something new, explore different communities throughout the county, and support our local businesses and organizations along the way.”
So read on and plug the dates into your cellphone calendar.
Brewster Fireman’s Festival
The annual Brewster Fireman’s Festival will be May 27 to 30, based at 145 Second St. SW.
The midway opens at 5 p.m. May 27 to 29 and at 4 p.m. May 30.
“American Idol” contestant Alan Carl will perform at 8 p.m. May 28. Local band Alter Nation will perform at 8 p.m. May 29. Fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. May 29. A car show is 4 p.m. May 30 on Second Street SW next to the festival grounds.
For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/BrewsterFireStation15.
Ribs Burnoff
Ribs slathered with barbecue sauce and live music are the draw of the Ribs Burnoff in Canton.
The event will be 3 to 10 p.m. May 22; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 23 and 24 in Stadium Park’s main parking lot along Fulton Road near Stadium Park Drive, about 200 yards below the Pro Football Hall of Fame museum area.
Free parking will be available at the Respect Lot and Honor Lot on the campus of the Hall of Fame Village, adjacent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Public parking also will be available in the museum’s guest upper lot after 4 p.m.
Courtesy shuttles will be available to take guests to Stadium Park.
For a full schedule and more information, go to https://www.profootballhof.com/events/2026-hall-of-fame-ribs-burnoff.
Downtown Alliance summer concerts
Live music will be on the entertainment menu during Final Friday celebrations in Alliance.
The first shows will be 5 to 8 p.m. May 29 in the Caboose parking lot in downtown Alliance, featuring Jimmy & The Soul Blazers, and a special performance by the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps at 5 p.m.
The following free concerts will be 6 to 8 p.m. on the last Friday of each month, including the John Hampu Band, June 26; Canton Concert Band, July 24; Back to Eden, Aug. 28; Alliance of Churches Music Fest (6 to 9 p.m.), Sept. 12; and New Wave Nation, Sept. 25.
Canton Pickle Fest
Canton Pickle Fest will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 30 at the Stark County Fairgrounds.
Pickled-themed food and drinks will be available, including pickle beer and cocktails and pickle lemonade. Food trucks and craft and apparel vendors will be on site.
Entertainment includes live music and dancing. Around a dozen pickle vendors will be in attendance.
Admission is free. Parking costs $2. For more information, go to https://www.cantonpicklefest.com/.
Meet in the Meadow at Maize Valley
Meet in the Meadow, featuring scores of classic vehicles on the picturesque grounds of Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery in Marlboro Township, happens weekly throughout the spring and summer.
Meet in the Meadow is 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, including May 28; June 4, 11, 18 and 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30; Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27; Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24.
Canton Greek Fest
Canton Greek Fest at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church is foodie nirvana.
The event runs 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 4 to 6 at the church at 251 25th St. NW.
Greek cuisine will be served, including gyros, souvlaki, pastitsio and lamb dishes, as well as homemade pastries such as baklava and galaktoboureko. Entertainment will include dancing and live music.
Dining options include indoor and outdoor areas, and drive-thru service will be available 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
For more information, go to https://cantongreekfest.com/.
Bolivar Strawberry Festival
The Strawberry Festival will be June 4 to 6 in downtown Bolivar.
The event includes live bands, the Miss Berry Princess Pageant, Little Miss Shortcake Pageant, a Strawberry Eating Contest, Carnival Rides, food and drink concessions, vendors and crafters, and a parade on June 6.
For the event schedule and more details, go to https://www.bolivarmainstreet.com/strawberry-festival/.
Massillon Cruise In & Music Festival
The Massillon Cruise In & Music Festival will be June 6 at Duncan Plaza in downtown Massillon.
The free event runs 2 to 10 p.m. Musical performances include Crossroads at 2 p.m.; 3 Piece Chicken Dinner at 4:15 p.m.; and Live Nation at 7 p.m.
Canton Farmers Market
The outdoor season at the Canton Farmers Market starts June 6 downtown.
Markets will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 3. Aug. 8 hours will be noon to 3 p.m. The market is based at 340 Fourth St. NW.
For more information, go to https://www.cantonfarmersmarket.com/.
Summer movies
The Centennial Plaza Summer Movie Series in Canton is a fun and family-friendly activity.
Presented by Canton Palace Theatre at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, the series features “Zooptopia 2” on June 3; “Kung Fu Panda 4” on June 10; “Frozen II” June 17; “Wicked” June 24; “The Incredibles” July 8; “The Incredibles 2” July 15; “Toy Story 4,” July 22; “Jumanji” July 29; and “Inside Out,” Aug. 5.
For more information, go to https://cantonpalacetheatre.org/calendar/.
Amphitheater tribute shows
Jackson and Plain Townships have a full schedule of tribute bands.
Jackson’s Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater features an array of musical styles: The Four Horsemen Metallica tribute, May 29; Dirty Deeds AC/DC tribute, June 6; Animals Maroon 5 tribute, June 12; E5C4P3 Journey tribute, July 10; Parrots of the Caribbean Jimmy Buffett tribute, July 18; Saints in the City Bruce Springsteen tribute, July 25; Overboard, The Love Boat Band, Aug. 13; 7 Summers Morgan Wallen Tribute; ’90s Night with Bad Juju Cleveland, Aug. 29; and Pandora’s Box Aerosmith tribute, Sept. 5.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.jacksonamphitheater.com/.
Plain Township Amphitheater’s concerts are: The Cleveland Keys − Dueling Pianos & Band, June 4; E5C4P3 Journey tribute, June 11; Zeppelin Reimagined Led Zeppelin tribute, June 18; Abba Revisited Abba tribute, June 25; Taylor Swift Dance Party with DJ Nikolina, June 27; Bee Gees Gold tribute, July 9; Dirty Deeds the AC/DC Experience, July 16; Forever Seger The Silver Bullet Experience, July 23; Hard Day’s Night Beatles tribute, July 30; One A Tribute to U2, Aug. 6; Tusk The Classic Fleetwood Mac tribute, Aug. 13; Eaglemania, The World’s Greatest Eagles tribute; Aug. 20; and Lords of 52nd Street Legends of Billy Joel, Aug. 27.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://plaintownshipamphitheater.com/.
Massillon Summer Concert Series
The Massillon Summer Concert Series will take place at Duncan Plaza downtown.
Thursday shows are at 7 p.m. Monday concerts start at 6:30 p.m. The lineup features DJ’s Rock n’ Roll Big Band, June 11; Whiskey Bound, June 18; Into the Blue, an Electric Light Orchestra tribute band, June 25; LaFlavour, July 3; Silver Springs, a Fleetwood Mac tribute, July 9; Off the Record, rock and pop music hits, July 13; Imaginary Cookies, ’80s and ’90s pop, July 16; Stark County native and country music artist Lauren Mascitti, July 20; Dave Banks Big Band, July 23; Tim & TJ Gang, a father and son acoustic duo, July 27; Overboard, ’70s and ’80s soft rock hits, July 30; Canal Fulton Community Band, Aug. 3; and In the Heartland, a Michael Stanley Band tribute, Aug. 13.
Rooftop concerts in downtown Canton
Rooftop concerts are returning to the Cultural Center for the Arts in downtown Canton.
ArtsinStark is presenting the free shows, which will be on upper level of the parking deck at the Cultural Center, 1001 Market Ave. N. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs.
Show are: Andy Bors and Tender Hearted Rascals, June 4; Nick Bonner and Blue Hour, July 16; Matilda Pablo and Tommy Lehman and the Common Thread, Aug. 20; and Austin Haige and Mo’Mojo, Sept. 13. Concerts are at 7 p.m.
Stark Pride Festival
The Stark Pride Festival returns to Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton on June 13.
The annual event celebrates diversity, unity “and the incredible strength of our community,” organizers said in an online posting. “Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ family or an ally showing support, this is your space to shine, connect and celebrate who you are.”
The event will be 2 to 9 p.m. Entertainment includes singer Madison Rose, who performs at 4:30 p.m. Artists, vendors and food trucks will be on site.
Summer Serenades
The Canton Symphony Orchestra will present its Summer Serenades series in partnership with Stark Parks.
Concerts will be at Deer Creek Reservoir in the Alliance area, June 17; Hall of Fame Village, June 24; Bimeler Park in Brewster, July 8; Stadium Park in Massillon, July 15; Metzger Park in Louisville, July 22; Magnolia Mill in Magnolia, July 29; Faircrest Park in the Canton area, Aug. 12; North Canton Civic Center, Aug. 18; St. Helena Park in Canal Fulton, Aug. 26; Tam O’Shanter Park in Jackson Township, Sept. 2; and Canton Garden Center at Stadium Park, Sept. 9.
All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. The performances are free.
For more information, go to https://cantonsymphony.org/summer-serenades/,
The Country Fest
The Country Fest returns with a musical extravaganza and party atmosphere at Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park near Canal Fulton.
Headliners are Jordan Davis on June 17; Treaty Oak Revival, June 18; Zach Top, June 19; and Kane Brown June 20.
Also performing are Shane Profitt, Wyatt Flores, Corey Kent, Brantley Gilbert, John Morgan, Braxton Keith, Chase Matthew, Tyler Nance, Emily Ann Roberts and Lanie Gardner.
For a full schedule and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.thecountryfest.com/.
Deaf-A-Palooza at Hall of Fame Village
Deaf-A-Palooza will be June 19 and 20 at Hall of Fame Village in Canton.
The event brings together the deaf and hard of hearing individuals, ASL users, interpreters, allies and the broader community for live performances with ASL interpretation, cultural programming, artists, vendors, workshops, exhibitors, inflatables, carnival games, a cornhole tournament, educational opportunities, food and more.
Deaf-A-Palooza runs 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 19 and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 20 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium at Hall of Fame Village. More details and event hours can be found online.
Admission to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium is free. Vendors close at 5 p.m. Evening performances at the Zimmermann Symphony Center from 7 to 10 p.m. on June 19 and 20 will be ticketed. Tickets can be purchased online.
Performers, including hip-hop and rap artists, are deaf and/or hard of hearing. Performances will be visual and interpreted, and all audiences are welcome, TRIAD Deaf Services said.
Proceeds from the event will support TRIAD Deaf Services and the launch of Deaf Stork, which expands early language access for deaf children.
Free concerts at Centennial Plaza
The Centennial Plaza Summer Concert Series will include free concerts.
The schedule is Whiskey Loco, June 20; Chris Higbee, June 26; New Wave Nation, Aug. 21; and Wishgarden, Sept. 18. Concerts start at 7 p.m.
Centennial Plaza is at 330 Court Ave. NW along Market Avenue N.
Massillon Museum concert on the lawn
BADJR will perform a free concert on the lawn of Massillon Museum on June 20 as part of the Rhythms Concert Series.
BADJR is described as a “captivating original-music combo” comprised of Bethany Joy, Anthony Papaleo, Dan Socha, Josee McGee and Ray Flanagan.
The concert will be 6 to 8 p.m. A cash bar will be available. Massillon Museum is at 121 Lincoln Way E in downtown Massillon.
Juneteenth Community Festival
The Juneteenth Community Festival will be June 20 and 21 at Nimisilla Park in Canton.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 20 and noon to 6 p.m. June 21. Nimisilla Park is at 1075 O’Jays Parkway NE near 12th Street.
The event features musical performances, vendors, a play area for kids and community organizations.
Jackson Township Community Celebration
The Jackson Township Community Celebration will be June 24 to 27 around the Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater in North Park.
Music, rides, food, inflatables, games, and a craft and merch market will be among the attractions.
Hours will be 6 to 11 p.m. June 24 and 25; 5 to 11 p.m. June 26; and 3 to 11 p.m. June 27.
Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration
The Bluecoats Opening Night Community Celebration concert will be 6 to 9 p.m. June 27 at Kehres Stadium at the University of Mount Union in Alliance.
Tickets start at $33.95 and can be purchased at https://bluecoats.com/openingnight. Gates open at 5:15 p.m.
Red Wanting Blue in downtown Canton
Midwest indie rockers Red Wanting Blue will perform on June 27 in the Centennial Plaza Summer Concert Series.
The Ohio-based band gained mainstream success in the 2000s. Popular songs include “My Name Is Death,” “Love Remains,” “Stay On the Bright Side,” “Where You Wanna Go,” “High and Dry” and “Keep Love Alive.”
Tickets for the 7 p.m. concert can be purchased at https://www.ticketmaster.com/.
Olde Canal Days Festival
The Olde Canal Days Festival will be July 9 to 11 in Canal Fulton, featuring rides, food, live music, arts and crafts and more.
Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. July 9 and 10, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 11. The grand parade is 11 a.m. July 11, and fireworks are at 10 p.m. July 11.
This year’s festival will be patriotically-themed to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.
For a full schedule, go to https://www.oldecanaldaysfestival.org/.
African American Stark County Arts Festival
The African American Stark County Arts Festival will be from noon to 10 p.m. July 11 at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton.
Live music, art and fashion will be showcased.
For more information, go to https://starkurbanleague.org/.
Stark County Italian American Festival
The Stark County Italian American Festival will be July 10 to 12 on the campus of Kent State University Stark campus in Jackson Township.
The event features authentic Italian food, entertainment, casino games, fireworks and a bocce tournament.
For hours and more information, go to https://cantonitalianfesta.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/starkitalianfest/.
Alive Music Festival
The Alive Music Festival at Atwood Lake Park will be July 16-18.
Headliners are Skillet on July 16; Josiah Queen July 17; and Lauren Daigle July 18. Other musical acts include We Are Messengers, Colton Dixon, Miles Minnick, Hulvey, LO Worship, Strings & Heart, Passion, Ben Fuller and Leanna Crawford.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.alive.org/.
Island Party in Massillon
The Island Party will be 6 to 10 p.m. on July 17 at Massillon Museum at 121 Lincoln Way E.
Doors open at 5 p.m. for the family-friendly and free event. Attendees should bring lawn chairs or blankets. Entertainment and activities include the Jackson Steel Drum Band, bubble art and stilt walking, and a fire show and hula dancers.
For more information, go to https://www.massillonmuseum.org/.
R&B Festival in Canton
The R&B Festival will be July 18 at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton, featuring national acts Brownstone and Sunshine Anderson.
The California-based R&B trio Brownstone broke onto the scene in the mid-90s with the hit song “If You Love Me,” nominated for a Grammy in 1995.
Sunshine Anderson is an R&B and soul singer from North Carolina. Her 2001 song “Heard It All Before” garnered heavy airplay, reaching the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100.
Tickets can be purchased at https://www.ticketmaster.com/.
Shakespeare at the Castle
Shakespeare at the Castle is a unique theatrical experience on the grounds of Glamorgan Castle in Alliance.
The University of Mount Union’s theater program will present “As You Like It” July 23 to 26 and July 30 to Aug. 2. Performances are at 7 p.m.
The Shakespeare comedy will be set to mid-60s folk music, featuring live performances by Americana and roots band Rock Salt and Nails of Northeast Ohio.
For tickets and other information, go to https://www.mountunion.edu.
Parmalee in downtown Canton
Country music band Parmalee will perform a ticketed show on 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 https://www.ticketmaster.com/.
Pro Football HOF Enshrinement Festival
This is the grandaddy of them all in Stark County. One event packed with hot air balloons, the grand parade, Hall of Fame induction ceremony and more.
Highlights include the Balloon Classic presented by Aultman July 24 to 26 on the campus of Kent State University at Stark; Community Parade at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 1 in downtown Canton on Market Avenue N, from near the Canton Memorial Civic Center area to Third Street south; Hall of Fame Game at 8 p.m. Aug. 6 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium; Fashion Show Luncheon at 9 a.m. Aug. 7; Enshrinees’ Gold Jacket Dinner at 5 p.m. Aug. 7; Grand Parade presented by Certified Angus Beef at 8 a.m. Aug. 8; enshrinement ceremony on Aug. 8; and the Class of 2026 Unscripted & Tailgate presented by Employers Health at 11 a.m. Aug 9.
During the Balloon Classic, the Drone Light Show will entertain the crowd on July 24 and 25.
For a full schedule and more information, go to https://www.profootballhoffestival.com/.
Concert for Legends
If you’re looking for one mega music show to attend, make it the Concert for Legends. Even from the upper-level seats, the atmosphere will be palpable at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
Country music star and award winner Lainey Wilson will headline the Concert for Legends on Aug. 9, with opener Braxton Keith.
To purchase tickets, go to https://www.profootballhoffestival.com/.
Fan Fest with Jefferson Starship and food
Sugardale Fan Fest from Aug. 5 to 9 will be big on fun and live music, featuring headliners Jefferson Starship, Phil Vassar and Collin Raye.
The shows will be free. No tickets are required.
But there’s also a new food component to Fan Fest, featuring the USA Today Great American Tailgate with food inspired by 32 NFL teams, including Maryland crab cakes, New York bagels, Philadelphia cheesecakes and New Orleans jambalaya.
The Great American Tailgate is a standalone ticketed event in the Stadium Park lot. The event opens at 5 p.m. Aug. 5 and then from noon to 8 p.m. each day from Aug. 6 to 9.
For more information, go to https://www.profootballhof.com/events/fan-fest-26-football-s-greatest-weekend.
Neon Nights
Neon Nights has mixed classic rock and country in recent years. But in 2026 it will be pure country.
The event is Aug. 14-15, featuring Rascal Flatts, Billy Currington, Joe Nichols, Craig Morgan, Darryl Worley, Neal McCoy, Shenandoah and Terri Clark at Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park in Lawrence Township.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.theneonnights.com/.
All Love Music Festival
The All Love Music Festival will be Aug. 15 at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton.
Bands and musical artists will be from the Cleveland, Kent, Akron and Youngstown areas, featuring a mix of genres, including rock, soul, punk, alternative, hip-hop, rap and singer-songwriter.
More than a dozen bands and musical artists will perform, including headliners Cleveland-based bands Apostle Jones and Rellick.
Hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, go to https://www.alllovefestival.com/.
Uniontown Lions Festival
The Uniontown Lions Festival will be Aug. 19 to 22 at Hartville MarketPlace, 1289 Edison St. NW.
Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. The event features rides, food, vendors, crafters, entertainment, raffles, bingo, a parade, and fireworks.
For a full schedule, go to https://hartvillemarketplace.com/events/uniontown-lions-festival/.
Great Trail Festival
The 45th annual Great Trail Festival will be Aug. 29 and 30 and Sept 5 to 7.
The event celebrates American folk art and contemporary and country crafting. The French and Indian-era festival is on state Route 43 between Malvern and Carrollton. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For a schedule of events, including dancing, battle re-enactments and music, go to https://www.greattrailfestival.com.
Black College Football Classic
The Pro Football Hall of Fame will again host the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic.
And there’s a slew of events beginning Aug. 22 with The Classic Kickoff 6K.
Other highlights include the Classic Comedy Show on Sept. 4 at Nash Family Event and Conference Center at the Pro Football Hall of Fame; Clearview Golf Classic at Clearview Golf Club Sept. 5; Classic Battle of the Bands at 6 p.m. Sept. 5 at Crenshaw Middle School, a competition featuring Albany State’s Marching Rams Show Band and Johnson C. Smith’s International Institution of Sound Marching Band; and the Clash at the Classic football game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium at 4 p.m. Sept. 6, featuring Albany State University vs. Johnson C. Smith University.
For more information and a full schedule, go to https://www.profootballhof.com/black-college-football-hall-of-fame-classic/schedule-of-events.
Stark County Fair
The Stark County Fair will be Sept. 1 to 7.
Events and entertainment include harness racing on Sept. 1 and 2. Weiner dog races will be at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 1. Truck and tractor pulls will be Sept. 4 and 5. The demolition derby is Sept. 6 and 7.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening concert will be at 8 p.m. Sept. 2. Bonham is the son of late Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham.
For more information, the full event schedule and to purchase tickets, go to https://starkcountyfair.com/.
Yankee Peddler Festival
The 53rd Yankee Peddler Festival will be Sept. 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27 at Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park in Lawrence Township, featuring arts and crafts, as well as colonial-style food and entertainment.
Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.yankeepeddlerfestival.com.
Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com. Follow on Instagram at ed_balint and TikTok @edwardbalint
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Here’s the ultimate summer fun guide for Stark County in 2026
Reporting by Ed Balint, Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
