5 Festivals Worth Visiting This Summer   

Summertime in the Mahoning Valley means lots of concerts (especially at The NEW Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre), a fair or two and FESTIVALS! From June through August, expect a slew of food, craft and music festivals to pop up around the area. Not sure which ones you should visit? Here’s five festivals definitely worth checking out this summer.

 

Simply Slavic Festival

SIMPLY SLAVIC FESTIVAL

WHEN: Saturday, June 15 (12:00pm-12:00am); Free preview night Friday, June 14 (7:00pm-11:00pm)

WHERE: Federal Plaza East in Downtown Youngstown

 

Specifically created to celebrate Youngstown’s Slavic community, the Simply Slavic Festival is an annual favorite. Head downtown for a full day of live music, folk dancing, homemade Slavic food, children’s learning areas, educational exhibits and ethnic vendors. Admission for the entire day is just $5/person. Children 12 and younger are free.

 

 

White House Fruit Farm Strawberry Festival

WHITE HOUSE FRUIT FARM STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

WHEN: Saturday, June 15 & Sunday, June 16 (11:00am-4:00pm)

WHERE: White House Fruit Farm

 

June in Ohio marks the start of delicious, juicy strawberry season. And where better to celebrate than at the White House Fruit Farm Strawberry Festival? Visit the farm for plenty of fresh strawberries, along with strawberry desserts, drinks and (of course) donuts. This event also marks the start of White House’s pick-your-own-strawberries season.

 

 

YSU SUMMER FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

WHEN: Saturday, July 13 (10:00am-6:00pm) & Sunday, July 14 (11:00am-5:00pm)

WHERE: Youngstown State University Campus

 

Youngstown State University’s Summer Festival of the Arts is a massive celebration of the performing and visual arts. Head to the YSU campus and enjoy works from 80+ local, regional and national artists. You’ll also find a full schedule of music, dance and theatrical performances during the event. Important to note: There are other events happening this same weekend including the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Summerfest and the Youngstown Wine & Jazz Festival featuring Norman Brown – all as a part of the Summer Festival of the Arts Weekend. Make sure to check out the details of each and mark your calendar!

 

 

Greater Youngstown Italian FestGREATER YOUNGSTOWN ITALIAN FEST

WHEN: Friday, August 2 (11:00am-11:00pm), Saturday, August 3 (1:00pm-11:00pm), and Sunday, August 4 (11:00am-11:00pm)

WHERE: Central Square in Downtown Youngstown

 

As the birthplace of countless local pizza shops, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest takes over the streets Downtown with live entertainment, 40+ food vendors, pasta eating contest, homemade wine contest and much more. Proceeds from the fest benefit the Italian Heritage Foundation.

 

                              

SHAKER WOODS FESTIVAL

WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, August 10-11, 17-18, 24-25 (10:00am-5:00pm)

WHERE: Shaker Woods Grounds, 44337 County Line Rd., Columbiana

Shaker Woods Festival

If you like handcrafted décor, furniture, jewelry, pottery, you-name-it, mark your calendar for this summer’s Shaker Woods Festival. Spanning across multiple weekends in August, this festival hosts 200+ of the best juried craftspeople in the country. Purchase handmade goods, peruse the many delicious food options and enjoy live entertainment located on two different stages. Admission is $8/day for adults and free for children 12 and under.

 

 

 

 

Which festival are you most excited about? For more information about all upcoming festivals and events in the Youngstown area, visit our Facebook page or take a look at our website!

 

What’s Happening at the Brand New Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre?

The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre is set to open on June 14! Here’s the inside scoop on the venue and performances announced (so far) for this summer.

 

First Things First

In case you missed it: The region’s newest outdoor entertainment venue, The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, is nearing completion. Once finished, it will include a state-of-the-art stage, high-quality sound system, lighting and multiple concession areas– all situated inside the new Riverfront Park. The venue offers plenty of green spaces with great views of the Downtown Youngstown skyline. This 4,800-person facility is intended to be an entertainment destination, hosting both concerts and local events.

 

When Can I Visit?

Great question! You can see it all for yourself on June 14, at the Amphitheatre’s free First Look event. Gates open at 5:00pm for a first official look and kick off to the summer concert season featuring local favorites The Sensations, Geo C and Tha Storm and more.

 

Announced Performances  

Here’s the Amphitheatre’s summer lineup so far:

Tickets are on sale now for all concerts and events and can be purchased at The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre website. Please be sure to view their policies before you go. Be the first to receive updates: Sign up for the Amphitheatre’s newsletter and follow its social accounts at @yfamphitheatre.

 

Where to Eat    

The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre is close to lots of delicious Downtown dining spots. Before the concert, enjoy an Italian meal at Roberto’s Italian Ristorante or grab a specialty burger from The Federal. Check out the eclectic menu at The Kitchen Post or snack on a pretzel or German food at Rhine Haus Bier Hall. During the concert, take advantage of the many concession stands that will be open inside the Amphitheatre. Afterwards, get drinks at V2 Wine Bar Trattoria (open until 2:30am on Fridays and Saturdays), O’Donold’s Irish Pub & Grill (open until 2am every day), or pour your own with the self-service taps at Whistle & Keg. For a complete list of restaurants and bars near the Amphitheatre, visit this page of our website. Friendly reminder: Make sure to have a designated driver or driving service at the ready if you’ve been drinking.

 

Need a place to stay?

Local hotels in the Austintown, Boardman, Canfield and North Lima areas are all within minutes of downtown Youngstown. Or choose the new DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Youngstown, located (you guessed it) right near the Amphitheatre. Once you purchase concert tickets, make sure to book your stay.

 

Outdoor entertainment is about to take the Youngstown area by storm. Are you ready? For more information about The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre and all upcoming local concerts, visit our Facebook page or take a look at our website!

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