This July 24 through 26 weekend brings a standout calendar of events across Westlake and the surrounding communities. The Country Rising Festival Cleveland at ForeFront Field in Avon headlines the weekend, joined by the Westlake-Bay Village Rotary Art Festival, Music in the Park at Crocker Park all weekend, the Tacos and Tequila Festival in Avon, Rockin' On The River in Lorain, farmers markets, and outdoor recreation across the region.
Summer weekends like this one are a great reminder of what makes each community in the West Shore area special. If you have been thinking about buying or selling, explore my real estate services for Westlake, Avon, and the surrounding communities.
Friday, July 24
Country Rising Festival Cleveland 2026, Avon
Country Rising Festival Cleveland 2026 takes over ForeFront Field (3695 Jaycox Road, Avon) on Friday, July 24. This is a major country music festival featuring multiple acts on a single day. Gates open in the afternoon with performances running through the evening. ForeFront Field is about 10 minutes from Westlake. Tickets and details at the event website. A great evening out for country music fans.
Music in the Park at Crocker Park, Westlake
Friday evening kicks off with live music at the East Park Stage (near The Cheesecake Factory) at Crocker Park (171 Crocker Park Boulevard, Westlake). Performances run 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.
Rockin' On The River, Lorain
Rockin' On The River at Black River Landing (421 Black River Lane, Lorain) presents Queen Nation (a Queen tribute band) with Into The Blue (an ELO tribute band) on Friday evening. The concert runs from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Free admission. About a 15-minute drive from Westlake via US-6 West. One of the best free outdoor concert series on Lake Erie. Check the lineup at rockinontheriver.com.
Sound Bath with Stacey Pickering, Westlake
Unity Spiritual Center Westlake hosts a Sound Bath with Stacey Pickering on Friday at 7:00 p.m. A relaxing evening of sound healing and meditation. Check the center's calendar for details and registration.
Rocky River Writers' Group
The Rocky River Public Library (1600 Hampton Road, Rocky River) hosts the Rocky River Writers' Group on Friday at 7:00 p.m. A gathering for local writers to share work, exchange feedback, and connect with fellow authors. Free and open to the public. Learn more about living in Rocky River.
Saturday, July 25
Westlake-Bay Village Rotary Art Festival, Westlake
The Westlake-Bay Village Rotary Art Festival runs Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the grounds of Westlake Porter Public Library and Westlake Elementary School (27333 Center Ridge Road, Westlake). This annual event features 60+ artists showcasing painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and mixed media. Live music throughout the day, food and drink from local vendors, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Free admission. This is one of the most vibrant art events on the west side and a great way to experience the community. Explore living in Westlake. Details at westlakebayvillagerotaryartfest.com.
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. This Saturday also features All-Levels Community Yoga at 9:00 a.m. at the farmers market. Details at northunionfarmersmarket.org.
Tacos and Tequila Festival Cleveland 2026, Avon
The Tacos and Tequila Festival Cleveland 2026 takes place Saturday, July 25 at ForeFront Field (3695 Jaycox Road, Avon). The festival features live performances by Shaggy, Bow Wow, Chamillionaire, Xzibit, Trina, Frankie J, and more. Tacos, tequila tasting, and live entertainment. About 10 minutes from Westlake. Learn more about Avon and its growing event scene.
Music in the Park at Crocker Park (Saturday)
Saturday evening at Crocker Park features a live concert from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the East Park Stage. Free admission. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the evening.
Lake Erie Beaches and Metroparks Outdoor Recreation
Saturday is also a great day to enjoy the Lake Erie shoreline and Cleveland Metroparks. Huntington Reservation in Bay Village (28655 Lake Road) offers beach access, picnic areas, and the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center (28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village). Bradley Woods Reservation in Westlake (4538 Bradley Road) has hiking trails and open space. The Rocky River Reservation features the All Purpose Trail along the Rocky River for biking and walking. All free and open daily. Learn more about Bay Village and its lakefront lifestyle. Details at clevelandmetroparks.com.
Sunday, July 26
Music in the Park at Crocker Park (Sunday)
Sunday afternoon brings a live performance 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.
Avon Lake Summer Concert Series
The Avon Lake Summer Concert Series at Veteran's Memorial Park (32756 Lake Road, Avon Lake) features live music on Sunday. Check the city calendar for the specific July 26 act and performance time. Avon Lake hosts these concerts throughout the summer and they draw residents from across the west side. Explore Avon Lake for more on this lakefront community. Details at avonlake.org.
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 relaxed Sunday afternoon. Details at lensci.org.
Plan Your Weekend
Whether you are heading to ForeFront Field for the Country Rising Festival, browsing the Rotary Art Festival at Porter Library, catching Music in the Park at Crocker Park, or enjoying a quiet afternoon at the Metroparks or Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, the July 24 through 26 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, Avon, Rocky River, Bay Village, or any of the surrounding communities, I would be glad to help. Read about selling a luxury home in Rocky River or how estate sales compare at auction vs. traditional listing for high-value properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's happening this weekend in Westlake and nearby?
This weekend, July 24-26, 2026, the Country Rising Festival Cleveland takes over ForeFront Field in Avon on Friday. The Westlake-Bay Village Rotary Art Festival runs Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Westlake Porter Public Library. Music in the Park at Crocker Park features live concerts all weekend. The Tacos and Tequila Festival is Saturday in Avon. Rockin' On The River in Lorain presents Queen Nation and Into The Blue on Friday. Farmers markets run at Crocker Park on Saturday morning. All events are within a short drive of Westlake.
What is the Westlake-Bay Village Rotary Art Festival?
The Westlake-Bay Village Rotary Art Festival is an annual outdoor art festival held Saturday, July 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Westlake Porter Public Library and Westlake Elementary School (27333 Center Ridge Road, Westlake). The festival features 60+ artists, live music, food vendors, and family activities. Free admission. It is one of the most popular summer events on Cleveland's west side.
Where is the Country Rising Festival and how do I get tickets?
The Country Rising Festival Cleveland 2026 takes place Friday, July 24 at ForeFront Field (3695 Jaycox Road, Avon), about 10 minutes from Westlake via I-90. Tickets are available through the event's official website. The festival features major country music acts and runs throughout the day and evening.
What family-friendly activities are available near Westlake this weekend?
The Westlake-Bay Village Rotary Art Festival on Saturday is family-friendly with art activities, live music, and food vendors. Music in the Park at Crocker Park offers free concerts all weekend. The North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park on Saturday morning includes All-Levels Community Yoga at 9:00 a.m. The Lake Erie Nature and Science Center in Bay Village is open Sunday. Cleveland Metroparks trails, beaches at Huntington Reservation, and Bradley Woods Reservation are free and open daily.
Where are the best farmers markets near Westlake this Saturday?
The North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park (1800 Crocker Road, Westlake) runs Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through November with fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan products from local growers. The market also features All-Levels Community Yoga at 9:00 a.m. this Saturday.
While you are out enjoying the weekend, if you have been thinking about buying or selling a home in Westlake, Avon, Rocky River, Bay Village, or anywhere in Northeast Ohio, I would love to help.
Schedule a ConsultationBest wishes,
John C. Froelich, CAI, AARE, AMM