This July 17 through 19 weekend brings a full calendar of events across Westlake and the surrounding communities. From Music in the Park at Crocker Park all weekend long to Lake Erie Crushers baseball in Avon, Festa Italiana in Cuyahoga Falls, the final days of the Asian Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Zoo, and the Rotary Rib Fest in Bedford, there is plenty to do across the West Shore and greater Northeast Ohio.
Whether you are a longtime local or considering a move to one of these communities, a summer weekend is a great time to explore what makes each town unique. If you have been thinking about buying or selling, take a look at my real estate services for Westlake and the surrounding areas.
Friday, July 17
Music in the Park at Crocker Park, Westlake
Friday evening kicks off with a live concert by Yearbook at the East Park Stage (near The Cheesecake Factory) at Crocker Park (171 Crocker Park Boulevard, Westlake). The performance runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and grab takeout from one of the many Crocker Park restaurants. Free admission. Details at crockerpark.com.
Lake Erie Crushers Baseball, Avon
The Lake Erie Crushers open a home series against the Gateway Grizzlies at Crushers Stadium (2009 Baseball Boulevard, Avon) on Friday evening. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Tickets start at $10. The Crushers are a Frontier League professional baseball team and a great family-friendly evening option. About 10 minutes from Westlake. Details at crushersbaseball.com.
Bastille Day Wine Tasting, Rocky River
Heinen's Grocery Store in Rocky River (2001 Detriot Road) hosts a Bastille Day Wine Tasting on Friday at 5:00 p.m. A curated selection of French wines with tasting notes and small bites. Free to attend. Call ahead to confirm. Rocky River is a wonderful lakefront community to explore; learn more about living in Rocky River.
Asian Lantern Festival, Cleveland
The Asian Lantern Festival continues this weekend at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland) from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (last entry at 10:00 p.m.). The festival features large-scale illuminated lantern displays including a 200-foot-long dragon, cultural performances, Asian cuisine, and family-friendly activities. This is the final weekend; the festival ends July 19. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children (ages 2 through 12), and free for children under 2. Parking is $8. About 20 minutes from Westlake. Details at clevelandmetroparks.com.
Festa Italiana, Cuyahoga Falls
Festa Italiana opens Friday at Cuyahoga Falls Riverfront Pavilion (2300 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls) from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The festival, running July 17 through 19, features authentic Italian cuisine, live music, cultural performances, a beer and wine garden, and family-friendly activities. About 30 minutes from Westlake via I-480 and State Route 8. Free admission. Details at ohiofestivals.net.
Story Time at the Pool, Avon
The Avon Pool (36770 Detroit Road, Avon) hosts Story Time @ The Pool on Friday from 12:45 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., featuring the Lorain Public Library System Avon Branch. A great morning option for families with young children.
Saturday, July 18
North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park, Westlake
Start Saturday morning at the North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park (1800 Crocker Road, Westlake). The market runs every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through November. Fresh produce, baked goods, and local products from Northeast Ohio growers and vendors. The market is a great way to experience the community feel that makes Westlake such a desirable place to call home. Explore living in Westlake. Details at northunionfarmersmarket.org.
Frostville Farmers Market, North Olmsted
The Frostville Farmers Market at the Olmsted Historical Society in Rocky River Reservation (24101 Cedar Point Road, North Olmsted) runs Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through October. A scenic Metroparks setting with local vendors, baked goods, and artisan products. Learn more about North Olmsted and its park access.
Festa Italiana (Saturday)
Festa Italiana continues Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Cuyahoga Falls Riverfront Pavilion. Live music, Italian cuisine, cultural performances, and family activities throughout the day. Free admission. About 30 minutes from Westlake.
Lake Erie Crushers Baseball (Saturday)
The Crushers face the Gateway Grizzlies again on Saturday evening at Crushers Stadium in Avon. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Fireworks may follow selected Saturday games; check the team schedule for details.
Rotary Rib Fest, Bedford
The Rotary Rib Fest runs July 17 through 19 at Bedford Commons (65 Columbus Road, Bedford). Saturday hours are 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Barbecue competition, live music, craft vendors, and family activities. About 25 minutes from Westlake. Free admission. Details at ohiofestivals.net.
Seven Hills Home Days
Seven Hills Home Days runs July 17 through 19 at Seven Hills City Hall (7325 Summit View Drive, Seven Hills). Saturday features a car show, live music, food trucks, and a fireworks display in the evening. About 20 minutes from Westlake. Free admission.
St. Paul Grecian Festival, North Royalton
The St. Paul Grecian Festival at St. Paul Greek Orthodox Church (23500 North Royalton Road, North Royalton) runs July 16 through 19. Saturday features authentic Greek cuisine and pastries, live music and dancing, church tours, and a marketplace. About 20 minutes from Westlake. Free admission. Details at ohiofestivals.net.
Music in the Park at Crocker Park (Saturday)
Saturday evening, Strums and Drums performs live at the East Park Stage at Crocker Park from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Free admission. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the evening.
Asian Lantern Festival (Saturday)
The Asian Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo runs Saturday from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. with illuminated lantern displays, cultural performances, and Asian cuisine. Two nights left. Details at clevelandmetroparks.com.
Sunday, July 19
Music in the Park at Crocker Park (Sunday)
Sunday afternoon, Railshakers performs at the East Park Stage at Crocker Park from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A perfect way to close out the weekend with live music in a beautiful outdoor setting. Free admission.
Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, Bay Village
The Lake Erie Nature and Science Center (28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village) is open Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Family-friendly nature exhibits, wildlife encounters, and planetarium shows. A great option for a Sunday afternoon outing. Explore Bay Village for more on this lakefront community. Details at lensci.org.
Lake Erie Beaches and Metroparks Outdoor Recreation
Sunday is a great day for the Lake Erie shoreline. Lakewood Park (14532 Lake Avenue, Lakewood) offers beach access, walking paths, a playground, and views of the downtown Cleveland skyline. Huntington Reservation in Bay Village provides beach access, picnic areas, and the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center. Bradley Woods Reservation (4538 Bradley Road, Westlake) offers 1,492 acres of trails, open space, and a historic quarry. The Rocky River Reservation features miles of paved All Purpose Trail along the Rocky River for walking, biking, and bird watching. All free and open daily. Learn more about Lakewood and its lakefront lifestyle. Details at clevelandmetroparks.com.
Plan Your Weekend
Whether you are heading to Crocker Park for Music in the Park all weekend, catching a Crushers game in Avon, exploring Festa Italiana in Cuyahoga Falls, or enjoying the final days of the Asian Lantern Festival at the zoo, the July 17 through 19 weekend offers plenty of options close to home across Westlake and the nearby communities.
If the weekend has you thinking about buying or selling a home in Westlake, Rocky River, Bay Village, Avon, Avon Lake, or any of the surrounding communities, I would be glad to help. Read about selling a luxury home in Westlake or how auction costs compare to traditional listings for $1M+ properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's happening this weekend in Westlake and nearby?
This weekend, July 17-19, 2026, Music in the Park at Crocker Park in Westlake features live concerts Friday evening (Yearbook), Saturday evening (Strums and Drums), and Sunday afternoon (Railshakers). The Lake Erie Crushers host the Gateway Grizzlies at Crushers Stadium in Avon with games Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening. Festa Italiana runs July 17-19 in Cuyahoga Falls with Italian cuisine, live music, and cultural performances. The Asian Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo enters its final weekend through July 19. The Rotary Rib Fest in Bedford and Seven Hills Home Days both run Friday through Sunday. All events are within a 30-minute drive of Westlake.
Where can I find live music near Westlake this weekend?
Crocker Park in Westlake hosts Music in the Park on Friday (Yearbook, 6:30-8:30 p.m.), Saturday (Strums and Drums, 6:30-8:30 p.m.), and Sunday (Railshakers, 4:00-6:00 p.m.). All concerts are free and open to the public. Festa Italiana in Cuyahoga Falls features live music throughout the weekend. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Asian Lantern Festival includes cultural performances nightly. Several local pubs in Rocky River, Lakewood, and Avon also feature live music on weekend evenings.
What family-friendly activities are available this weekend?
The Lake Erie Crushers baseball games in Avon are family-friendly with affordable tickets starting at $10. The Lake Erie Nature and Science Center in Bay Village is open Sunday with wildlife exhibits and planetarium shows. The North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park on Saturday morning is great for all ages. Story Time at the Pool at Avon Pool on Friday morning is perfect for young children. Festa Italiana, Rotary Rib Fest, and Seven Hills Home Days all offer family activities and entertainment. Cleveland Metroparks trails and Lake Erie beaches are free and open daily.
Where are the best farmers markets near Westlake on Saturday?
The North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park (1800 Crocker Road, Westlake) runs every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through November with fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan products. The Frostville Farmers Market at the Olmsted Historical Society in Rocky River Reservation (24101 Cedar Point Road, North Olmsted) also runs Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through October. Both markets feature local growers and vendors from Northeast Ohio.
Can I still visit the Asian Lantern Festival this weekend?
Yes. The Asian Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland) runs through July 19. It is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (last entry at 10:00 p.m.). The festival features large-scale illuminated lantern displays, cultural performances, and Asian cuisine. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children ages 2 through 12, and free for children under 2. Parking is $8. This is the final weekend to experience the festival this year.
While you are enjoying the weekend, if you have been thinking about buying or selling a home in Westlake, Rocky River, Bay Village, Avon, Avon Lake, Strongsville, or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, I would love to help.
Schedule a ConsultationBest wishes,
John C. Froelich, CAI, AARE, AMM