Here's your ultimate summer fun guide in the Canton area: More than 40 concerts and fests

CANTON ? Football, food, music, cool cars, monsters and pickles.

Stark County's summer festival and event scene will have something for everyone.

Traditionalists will savor ethnic eats. NFL fans will flock to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. Those in search of the strange and quirky can get their Bigfoot fix. Others can try out the new Pickle Fest.

Music lovers will have a plethora of concerts to choose from ? the star power of Carrier Underwood at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium; the classic rock of Night Ranger at the Stark County Fair; Van Halen and AC/DC tribute bands at local amphitheaters; country music artists Thomas Rhett and Lainey Wilson at The Country Fest; Anne Wilson, Stryper, for KING + COUNTRY and Skillet at the Alive Music Festival; and Brad Paisley and ZZ Top at Neon Nights.

"There’s certainly no shortage of entertainment across every corner of Stark County this summer," said Tonja Marshall, chief marketing officer of Visit Canton. "It’s hard to even summarize with such a vast array of events from music festivals to sporting events.

"We’re proud that support from Visit Canton’s grant programs is helping to provide financial resources that elevate existing events as well as attracting new events like Monster Fest and Canton Pickle Fest."

Summertime celebrations also continue to become more diverse locally, Marshall noted.

"We still have longstanding staples like the Italian-American Festival and Greek Fest, and are adding new annual traditions like the African American Arts Festival, Canton Latino Fest and Stark Pride Festival," she said. "These events don’t just offer fun and entertainment, they provide a bridge for all of us to fellowship together, learn and celebrate each other’s heritage."

Here's a rundown of summer fun in the Canton area:

Centennial Plaza Summer Concert Series

Live music will be featured at Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW in downtown Canton.

Concerts are free and in conjunction with First Friday events. Scheduled to perform are: Trailer Park Ninjas, 5 to 10 p.m. May 3; B?aterhead, 6 to 10 p.m. June 7; Fool House Band, 5 to 10 p.m. July 5; Chris Higbee, 5 to 10 p.m. Aug. 2; and New Wave Nation, 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 6.

Waco Homecoming Festival

The 78th annual Waco Homecoming Festival will be May 9-11.

Hours are 5 to 10 p.m. May 9; 5 to 11 p.m. May 10; and noon to 11 p.m. May 11.

Entertainment includes The Changes band at 7 p.m. May 9 and the festival parade at noon May 11. The Waco Homecoming Queens Pageant will be at 2 p.m. May 11. New Wave Nation will perform 8 to 11 p.m. May 11.

For more information, go to https://wacofirefighters.com/waco-homecoming-festival.

Divine Mercy Parish Festival

The Divine Mercy Parish Festival will be May 16-19 on the St. Barbara Campus, 2813 Lincoln Way W in Massillon.

The event features food, games, raffles and other activities. Hours are 5-10 p.m. May 16; 5-11 p.m. May 17; 1-11 p.m. May 18; and 1-8 p.m. May 19.

Live music features Billy Likes Soda, 7-10 p.m., May 16; LaFlavour, 7-10 p.m., May 17; New Wave Nation, 7-10 p.m., May 18; and Disco Inferno, 2-5 p.m., May 19.

Carnival at the Hall of Fame Village

The Village Carnival will be May 17-19 at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton.

Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. May 17; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. May 18; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 19.

Rides will be provided by Kissel Amusement Co. Games and food also will be available.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to https://www.hofvillage.com/.

Minerva Brick Street Art & Jazz Festival

The Minerva Brick Street Art & Jazz Festival will be May 18 on N Market Street.

The band schedule is: 1:30 p.m., Northwest High School; 2:15 p.m., Carrollton High School; 3 p.m., Beaver Local High School; 3:45 p.m., Minerva Community Big Band; 4:45 p.m., Minerva High School; and 5:30 p.m., Jericho Big Band.

For more details, go to https://brickstreetjazz.weebly.com/.

Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff

The Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff will return May 24-26 on the Pro Football Hall of Fame grounds.

Six barbecue vendors will compete:

• Armadillo’s BBQ (Clarendon Hills, Illinois)

• Cowboys Barbeque & Rib Co. (Fort Worth, Texas)

• Off the Bone BBQ (Columbus)

• Old Carolina BBQ Co. (Northeast Ohio)

• Uncle Bacon’s BBQ (Northeast Ohio)

• Winking Lizard Tavern (Northeast Ohio)

Admission is free. Live music will feature Trailer Park Ninjas 5-7 p.m. and Disco Inferno 8-10 p.m. on May 24; Buck Naked Band 5-7 p.m. and E5C4P3 (Journey tribute band) 8-10 p.m. on May 25; and New Wave Nation ('80s tribute band) 7-9:15 p.m. on May 26.

A fireworks show, presented by Kingsford, is scheduled to follow New Wave Nation's performance.

Concerts will take place on the Roto Rooter Music Stage in the main lot at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

For more information, go to https://www.profootballhof.com/events/2024/05/hall-of-fame-ribs-burnoff/.

Memorial Day Flea Market

The annual Memorial Day Flea Market will be May 25 and 27 at Hartville MarketPlace, 1289 Edison St. NW.

The event is closed May 26. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Around a thousand vendors will sell their goods, including antiques, collectibles, vinyl records, toys, tools, crafts and myriad other items. The flea market is spread over 12 acres.

Tribute concerts at Stark County amphitheaters

Tribute concerts should please every musical taste, from heavy metal to pop rock to iconic singer-songwriters.

Both Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater and Plain Township Amphitheater have tribute shows scheduled nearly every weekend this summer. More tribute acts will be at Canal Fulton's St. Helena Amphitheater.

Jackson Amphitheater's schedule includes: Bob Seger tribute on May 31; Journey tribute, June 7; Heart tribute, July 15; Eagles, June 29; Prince, July 12; Chicago, July 20; Van Halen, Aug. 9; AC/DC, Aug. 17; Queen, Aug. 24; Pink Floyd Aug. 31; and Tom Petty, Sept. 7.

Tickets, starting at $10, can be accessed at https://www.jacksonamphitheater.com/ and purchased through https://www.eventbrite.com/. Jackson Township's amphitheater is at 7454 Community Parkway NW across from Jackson High School.

Plain Township Amphitheater's slate features a Billy Joel tribute on June 13; Motown sounds, June 20; Bad Company, June 27; Frank Sinatra, July 11; Boston, July 18; Zac Brown, Aug. 8; boy bands, Aug. 15; Elton John, Aug. 20; and Journey, Aug. 29.

Tickets, starting at $10, are available at https://plaintownshipamphitheater.com/ through Eventbrite. Plain's venue is at 2600 Easton St. NE.

Canal Fulton's schedule of tribute bands will be: AC/DC, June 8; '80s and '90s rock festival, June 15; Tom Petty, July 13; Dance Fever Festival, July 20; Country Rock Festival, July 27; Neil Diamond, Aug. 10; Michael Stanley, Aug. 17; The Beatles, Aug. 24; Country Music Festival, Aug. 31; and Bruce Springsteen, Sept. 7.

St. Helena Amphitheater is at 123 Tuscarawas St. NW. Parking is available for $15 at St. Helena Heritage Park. For more information, including concert times, go to https://www.facebook.com/cfeventplanner/.

Alliance Summer Concert Series

The Downtown Summer Concert Series, "Rockin' at the Caboose," kicks off in Alliance from 6-8 p.m. on May 31 with Jimmy & the Soul Blazers.

The rest of the schedule is: John Hampu Band, June 28; Mellow Villains, July 12; 52nd Street & Captain Fantastic, July 26; Alliance of Churches Music Fest, Aug. 24; and Back to Eden, Aug. 30. All concerts are 6-8 p.m. except Alliance of Churches Music Fest, which is 6-9 p.m.

The free concerts take place on a stage at an old caboose in a lot between East Main Street and East Market Street (238 E Market St.) in downtown Alliance.

Massillon Summer Concert Series

Live music is also a summertime ritual at Massillon Amphitheater at Duncan Plaza.

Concerts will be on June 20, China Grove, a tribute to The Doobie Brothers and Michael McDonald; June 27, Imaginary Cookies, '80s pop and '90s rock; July 3, LaFlavour; July 11, Slick 31, dance, pop and rock; July 18, Pink Floyd tribute; July 25, DJ's Rock n Roll Big Band, '50s and '60s music; Aug. 1, The Tyler Reid Band, modern country and classic rock; and Aug. 8, Erin Nicole's Centric Soul.

For concert times, go to https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Massillon-Amphitheatre-100083040347317/.

Concerts are free at 2 James Duncan Plaza.

For more information and updates, go to https://tinyurl.com/2p8pv7ah.

North Canton Craft Beer Festival

The North Canton Brews, Bourbon & BBQ Festival will be June 1 at the MAPS Air Museum, 2260 International Parkway, in Green near the Akron-Canton Airport.

This is the fifth year for the event, which was formerly called the North Canton Craft Beer Festival.

Presented by Kaulig Companies, the festival will feature 25 area breweries, along with the addition of a bourbon tasting room, presented by Quality Heating & Cooling and featuring 15 local and regional distillers.

720 Market will host a mini BBQ-themed market featuring vendors and food trucks.

Tickets, $50 to $85, are for sale and can be purchased at https://craftbeerfestnc.com/. General admission hours are 6-9 p.m. and VIP hours begin at 5 p.m.

Country rapper Upchurch at the Stark County Fairgrounds

Upchurch will perform his distinct mix of country, rap, hip-hop and rock on June 1 at the Stark County Fairgrounds.

Opening acts on Upchurch's tour will be t2., rapper Brodnax, country music artist JJ Lawhorn and other guests, according to Upchurch's website.

Tickets for the Stark County show — $55 general admission on the track standing and $45 general admission seated — are for sale at https://www.upchurchmerch.com/tour.

Cruise-in events at Hall of Fame Village

New to the summer fun scene will be weekly cruise-in events from June 4 through Sept. 17 at the Hall of Fame Village, 2626 Fulton Road NW in Canton.

The events are 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, a collaboration between the Village, Q92 Radio and the Minerva Motor Club.

Classic cars, food and music will be featured. Vehicles will be in the Honor Lot, Play-Action Plaza and Champions Gateway area. Admission to the cruise-in events is free, with parking available in the Respect and Unity lots.

Summer Movie Series at Centennial Plaza

Centennial Plaza will host free summer movies outdoors.

The schedule is: "Elemental," June 5; "The Super Mario Bros Movie," June 12; "Wish," June 19; "Cars," June 26; "Luca," July 3; "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, July 10; "Up," July 17; "Elf," July 24; "Rudy," July 31; "The Wizard of Oz," Aug. 7; and "High School Musical," Aug. 14.

Movies are 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW in downtown Canton.

Canton Greek Fest

Canton Greek Fest will be a celebration of food and culture June 6-8 at St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, 251 25th St. NW in Canton.

Indoor and outdoor dining will be available, as well as carryout orders. Greek specialties for outdoor dining will include chicken souvlaki, gyros, lamb chops, Greek fries and baklava sundaes. The indoor menu features lamb shank, Greek chicken, moussaka, gyros and spanakopita.

Entertainment includes a dance party on June 6. Constantine Maroulis will perform in concert on June 7 with special guests Hey Monea!, a Stark County-based pop rock band. June 8 will feature fireworks.

For more information, including hours, go to https://cantongreekfest.com/. The church can be reached at 330-454-7278.

Strawberry Festival in Bolivar

The Strawberry Festival will be June 6-8 in Bolivar in Tuscarawas County.

Attractions and activities include a brew tent, live music, queens contest, parade, Bolivar Idol contest and Little Miss Shortcake pageant.

For a schedule of events and more details, go to https://www.bolivarmainstreet.com/schedule/.

Massillon Cruise-In & Music Festival

A free car show with live music will be noon to 9 p.m. June 8 in downtown Massillon on Lincoln Way between First Street NW and Third Street NE.

The new event replaces the former Cruise-On-In & Dance Party, which ceased in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bands will include New Wave Nation (an '80s tribute band) and Jimmie Jack Band ('90s alternative rock). A third group also will be added.

Hundreds of classic and modern cars will be showcased. Food vendors and fireworks also will be featured.

Stark Pride Festival

The third annual Stark Pride Festival will be 1 to 10 p.m. June 8 at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton.

The event starts at 1 p.m. with a march. Other details haven't been announced yet, but past festivals have included live music, as well as drag performers, food vendors, speakers, community groups, and other entertainment.

The Country Fest

Headlining The Country Fest at Clay's Resort Jellystone Park will be Lainey Wilson, Thomas Rhett, Cody Johnson and Chris Janson.

The music festival is June 12-15 at the venue in Lawrence Township. Other country music artists will be Chase Matthew, Dylan Scott, Justin Moore, Riley Green, Nate Smith, Priscilla Block, Connor Smith, Thomas Mac, Dillon Carmichael and Rhett Atkins.

For concert times, to purchase tickets and for details about camping packages, go to https://www.thecountryfest.com/.

Canton Pickle Fest

Tired of the same old summer events? Want something sweet and tangy?

Go check out the Canton Pickle Fest, a new event 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 15 at Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW. Admission is free.

There will be pickles for sale, pickle-themed arts and crafts, a family scavenger hunt, pickle games and contests, and food trucks featuring special pickle-centric menus.

Summer Kids Movie Series at the Canton Palace

The Canton Palace Theatre is hosting affordable, family-friendly summer movies for children.

The schedule is: "Trolls Band Together," June 17; "Migration," June 24; "The Little Mermaid," July 1; "Frozen," July 8; "Up," July 15; "Home Alone," June 22; "Zootopia," July 29; and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," Aug. 5.

For movie times and prices, go to https://cantonpalacetheatre.org/.

Juneteenth Community Festival

The Juneteenth Community Festival will be June 15 and 16 at Nimisilla Park, 1075 O'Jays Blvd. NE in Canton.

Activities will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 15 and noon and 6 p.m. June 16. The festival's theme is "One Puzzle-Many Pieces." The Greater Stark County Urban League is presenting the event. (Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the dates of this festival.)

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

Food, entertainment, and cultural displays will be featured. Live music will include jazz, R&B and gospel. A family fun zone has games and activities for children.

For more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/2aw8juyu.

Jackson Community Celebration

Jackson Township will hold its annual Community Celebration June 19-22 at North Park, including six free concerts at the Nash Family Jackson Amphitheater.

Games, food, rides and fireworks also are planned. North Park is at 7660 Fulton Road NW.

For more details, including concert lineups and times, go to https://jacksontwp.com/parks-recreation-division/2022-community-celebration/.

Comedian Bert Kreischer at the Hall of Fame Village

Comedian Bert Kreischer is bringing his Fully Loaded Comedy Festival to Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on June 20.

In addition to Kreischer, the event features Tony Hinchcliffe, Whitney Cummings, Ralph Barbosa, Big Jay Oakerson and Dan Soder.

Kreischer has become one of the top grossing standup comics and starred in the movie, "The Machine."

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to hofvillage.com.

Monster Fest 2

Bigfoot, werewolves, UFOs, dogmen and ghosts, oh my!

Looking for the wacky and weird? Then make your way to Monster Fest 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 29.

Small Town Monsters will host the second Monster Fest event at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in downtown Canton. Small Town Monsters also will debut its new film at 4:30 p.m. June 28 at the Canton Palace Theatre.

"Cursed Waters: Creature of Lake Okanagan" examines the legend of the Canadian water beast Ogopogo.

Monster Fest 2 tickets can be purchased at https://www.stmmonsterfest.com/. General admission tickets also will be available at the door on the day of the event.

Bluecoats Party in the Plaza

The Bluecoats will perform June 30 at the Party in the Plaza at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton.

Festivities will include music and family activities before the Bluecoats perform at 8:30 p.m. The free concert showcases the Stark County-based, world-renowned drum and bugle corps.

Stark County Italian-American Festival

The 36th annual Italian-American Festival will be July 5-7 at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton.

The weekend features entertainment, a bocce tournament, casino games, Italian food and baked goods.

For more details, including festival hours, go to https://cantonitalianfesta.org/.

Salt and Pepper Shakers Club Convention

The 39th annual Novelty Salt & Pepper Shakers Club Convention will be July 11-13 at Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel, 7883 Freedom Ave. NW in Jackson Township, near the Akron-Canton Airport and Interstate 77.

Open only to registered members and their guests, the convention celebrates creative and quirky salt and pepper shakers.

To register, go to https://www.saltandpepperclub.com. The deadline is June 8. Membership dues are $20 a year and members receive four newsletters a year, and can attend the annual convention.

Island Party in Massillon

Massillon Museum will host an Island Party from 6 to 10 p.m. July 12.

Massillon Museum is at 121 Lincoln Way E. Museum and event parking is available in the city's municipal lot behind the museum and next to Duncan Plaza.

Alive Music Festival

The Alive Music Festival will be July 18-20 at Atwood Lake Park in the Mineral City area.

Headlining the event will be for KING + COUNTRY on July 18; Jeremy Camp, July 19; and Skillet, July 20. Other acts include Anne Wilson, Stryper, Caleb Gordon, Andy Mineo, Riley Clemmons, David Leonard, CAIN, Hulvey, Pillar and Josiah Queen.

For concert times and to purchase tickets or camping packages, go to https://www.alive.org/.

African-American Arts Festival

The annual African-American Arts and Cultural Festival will be 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. July 20 at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton.

EN-RICH-MENT Fine Arts Academy presents the event, which features food, live music, artwork, children's activities and entertainment. Performing in the evening will be The New Edition Experience band, as well as Sisters of Soul and hip-hop artists Nicasso Turpin and Jéan P the MC.

Greater Alliance Carnation Festival

The Greater Alliance Carnation Festival has too many events to list, but food is a good place to start.

The University of Mount Union again will host food vendors on Simpson Street. Hours will be 4 to 11 p.m. Aug. 1 and noon to 11 p.m. Aug. 2-3. Live music will be 7 to 10 p.m. each day.

Activities also will include Days in the Park from 4 to 10 p.m. Aug. 7-9 and 1 to 10 p.m. Aug. 10 at Silver Park. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Aug. 10. The John Hampu Band will perform 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 10. The grand parade will be 11 a.m. Aug. 10 in Alliance.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival

Football's greatest players will convene in Canton for the annual pigskin party and tribute.

The 2024 class of enshrinees boasts linebacking legend Randy Gradishar, a former Ohio State Buckeye and cog in the famed "Orange Crush Defense" for the Denver Broncos in the late '70s.

Adding sizzle are pass rushing phenom Dwight Freeney, special teams returner extraordinaire Devin Hester and flashy wide receiver Andre Johnson. Rounding out the class are Patrick Willis and Steve McMichael.

Enshrinement ceremonies will be at noon Aug. 3 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame museum. The NFL season also will kick off at 8 p.m. Aug. 1 with the Hall of Fame Game, a preseason contest featuring the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears. Tickets for both events can be purchased at https://www.profootballhof.com/tickets/.

Hallmark festival events also include the 2.2-mile Canton Repository Grand Parade at 8 a.m. Aug. 3; the Balloon Classic presented by Aultman will be July 26-28, launching from the campus of Kent Stark University at Stark in Jackson Township, featuring a Night Glow event July 26. Food, music and fireworks on July 27 add to the good times.

For more details and to purchase tickets, including for the Gold Jacket Dinner, Enshrinee's Roundtable, Fashion Show Luncheon and the Up, Up & Away 5K, go to https://www.profootballhoffestival.com/#events. For a detailed schedule of festival events, check out https://www.profootballhof.com.

Carrie Underwood at the Concert for Legends

Winning "American Idol" put Carrie Underwood on the music map. A long career has followed, including recent Las Vegas residencies.

Now the country music star is taking the stage during festival week.

The eight-time Grammy winner will be the first female headliner at the Concert for Legends. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show Aug. 4 are available at https://www.ticketmaster.com/. Tickets start at $69 and reach as high as $810 each on the resale market.

An opening act had not been announced as of late April.

Neon Nights featuring Brad Paisley and ZZ Top

Neon Nights 2024 will feature Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd Aug. 9-10 at Clay's Resort Jellystone Park in Lawrence Township.

The Aug. 9 lineup is Adkins at 7:30 p.m. and Paisley at 9:30 p.m. Musicals artists for the 4 and 5:45 p.m. time slots will be announced later.

The Aug. 10 lineup is The Kentucky Headhunters at 4 p.m.; Black Hawk at 4:45 p.m.; ZZ Top at 7:30 p.m.; and Lynyrd Skynyrd at 9:15 p.m.

To purchase tickets and for more information, go to https://www.theneonnights.com/.

Night Ranger and Scotty McCreery at Stark County Fair

Food, tractor pulls and concerts will be among the entertainment Aug. 27-Sept. 2 at the Stark County Fair.

Headlining the grand stand concerts will be '80s rockers Night Ranger on Aug. 28 and country music artist Scotty McCreery on Aug. 29.

Tickets are available at https://starkcountyfair.com/. Both concerts will be at 8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

Great Trail Festival

The 40th annual Great Trail Festival will be Aug. 24-25, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1-2.

Celebrating 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 Hall of Fame Classic weekend

Virginia State will face Benedict College at 4 p.m. Sept. 1 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic.

Tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/4h7yr8ud.

The fourth annual Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic College Fair will be 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 29 on the Hall of Fame Village campus, which surrounds the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Grammy-winning and nationally syndicated radio host Erica Campbellwill headline the 2024 Faith, Family & Football Gospel Concert presented by The Good Feet Store on Aug. 31. The concert is among the events taking place in association with the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic over Labor Day weekend.

Campbell’s performance is part of the HBCU Family Block Party, which starts at 11 a.m. on Aug. 31 at Centennial Plaza in Downtown Canton. The concert is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

A full schedule of Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic events had not been announced as of late April. Details will be posted at https://tinyurl.com/ycynk5pf.

Canton Latino Fest

Canton Latino Fest will be noon to 10 p.m. Sept. 7 at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton.

The festival features food, vendors, beverages, live music and children's activities. For more details and updates, go to https://www.facebook.com/CantonLatinoFest/.

Vintage Canton

Vintage Canton will be 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 12 at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton.

The ticketed event features wine, craft beer and music. More details will be announced for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce event at https://cantoncentennialplaza.com/.

Reach Ed at [email protected]

On X (formerly X) @ebalintREP and Instagram at ed_balint

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Ultimate summer concert and festival guide for the Canton, Ohio area