CLEVELAND — Editor's note: The video in the player above is from a related, previously published story.
As kids head back to school and temperatures slowly tamper down, many Northeast Ohioans are ready to jump right into fall festivities like apple picking, haunted houses, and visiting pumpkin patches. But, for those who are looking to squeeze every last drop out of summer, there are still plenty of things in the area to do!
Our 3News team, with the help of special contributor Laura Demarco, compiled a list of summer fun and festivities that will help you to sprint to the finish line of summer in style.
Events included in the guide below run from August to September, and more details can be found by clicking the links in each description.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Asian Lantern Festival (August 19- September 5): The famous event is back this year and better than ever! The perfect way to ring in the final days of summer with the family. With bright colors and beautiful displays, this is one Northeast Ohio event you aren't going to want to miss. Tickets go for $60 for a pack of four. For more info, click here.
Concerts over the Valley (June 18-August 27): Catch a concert at Mapleside Farms! Featuring food trucks, live music, and summer fun, Concerts over the Valley is a great choice to wrap up summer in Northeast Ohio. Tickets are $10 each. For more info, click here.
Cleveland Walls (August 23-August 28): Looking to check out some fresh artwork around the C-L-E? Maybe you need some fresh ideas for your Instagram feed! Whatever the reason is, you will want to check out Cleveland Walls. During this week long event, 20 new murals will be erected around Northeast Ohio, along with family-friendly activities and performances. For more info on this free event, click here.
Mentor CityFest (August 20-August 21): Parade? Check. Concerts? Check. Food, fun, and... a color run? Check. This weekend event promises to have something for everyone in the family! Held at the Mentor Civic Center Park, the event runs from Friday to Saturday, and includes bounce houses, giant slides, a warrior dash, 70’ obstacle run, rock wall, zip line, an extreme trampoline, and more for the kids. The event will also have an "Adult Zone" that features a beer trailer, outside games, and even axe throwing. For more info, click here.
Cleveland Pickle Fest (August 28): Pickle lovers, listen up! You can get your hands on a massive variety of pickles, games, activities and more at this event in Brecksville Heights. The event also features a 5k run and a 10 mile bike ride. For more info, click here.
Summer Olympics with Saucy Brew Works and Twin Oast (August 28): In case watching the actual Olympics made you jealous for the limelight, check out this event with competitions based around adult beverages. Take part in the giant beer pong challenge, the liter hold, the keg roll relay and more. Heads up: this event is 21 and older, for obvious reasons! For more info, click here.
Classical Music Under the Stars (July 3- Sept. 5) : Blossom is back! After a year-long hiatus, the Cleveland Orchestra has announced a 10-week season at Blossom Music Center, July 3 to Sept. 5. Seating will be limited to 3,500 people on the lawn and 1,500 in the pavilion. The season includes Gershwin, Mozart and other summer favorites, plus a “Tribute to the Beatles.” Season subscriptions, $80-$426, and individual tickets, $25-$121. For more info, click here.
Cleveland National Air Show (September 4): Of course, summer wouldn't be complete without the annual Cleveland Air Show! This Labor Day weekend event will feature not only incredible displays in the skies, but also ground attractions for families. Plus, visitors can watch the Shockwave Jet Truck race a plane down the runway! For more info, click here.
Things to do in Northeast Ohio that don't end in September:
Hit the beach: Who says there’s no surf in Cleveland? There’s surf and sun and sand -- and there are more than a few beaches to enjoy it. Head to Edgewater for its urban vibe; Mentor Headlands for its sprawling New England-y beach, lighthouse views and more; or Huntington for its bucolic park and stunning city views. The Noshery at Huntington re-opens May 28, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
Hit the trails: The new Metroparks Find Your Path app provides maps and plans to explore more than 24,000 acres in the park system. App users will have access to new maps of all 18 park reservations to find trails, attractions and hidden gems, as well as upcoming programming and events across all Metroparks reservations, golf courses, restaurants, retail locations and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Users can also register for Metroparks events through the app.
Kayak or SUP at Hinckley Lake: Spend an afternoon on the water on one of Northeast Ohio’s loveliest lakes. The Hinckley Boat House rents kayaks, stand-up-paddleboards and even canoes. Rentals $20/hour and must be done online in advance.
Dine al fresco: Northeast Ohio offers hundreds of patios to enjoy a summer evening, or lunch: romantic, edgy, rustic, elegant and party patios. But there’s no lovelier patio in town that Guarino’s, 12309 Mayfield Road, a spacious garden patio with trees, fountains, climbing vines and one of the best classic Italian menus in town. Raise a Negroni to summer, now!
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