Things to Do This Weekend in Westlake, Ohio and Nearby

Looking for things to do this weekend in Westlake, Ohio and nearby? Independence Day falls on Saturday this year, and communities across the area are celebrating with fireworks, festivals, and family events all weekend long. Here's your guide to the best events from Friday through Sunday. If the holiday has you thinking about life in one of these communities, take a look at our real estate services for Westlake and surrounding areas.

Friday, July 3

North Ridgeville Freedom Festival and Fireworks

Kick off the holiday weekend early in North Ridgeville. The city's annual Freedom Festival takes over Victory Park (7777 Victory Lane) from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. with live entertainment, food vendors, and a 30-minute fireworks display at approximately 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance online. Victory Park is about 15 minutes from Westlake, making it an easy Friday night outing. Visit victoryparkohio.com for tickets and details.

Clague Playhouse Free Performances

The Clague Playhouse (1371 Clague Road, Westlake) is hosting free historical performances from July 3 through July 5 in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. A nice complement to the holiday weekend festivities. Check cityofwestlake.org for showtimes.

Saturday, July 4

Westlake Independence Day Celebration

Westlake's main event is the annual Independence Day celebration at Clague Park (28955 Hilliard Blvd.). This year's celebration is part of America's 250th anniversary, with an enhanced fireworks show billed as the "Grand Finale Fireworks Spectacular." The day starts with a parade at 10 a.m., beginning at Lee Burneson Middle School and winding its way to the park. Once you arrive, expect a classic car show, food trucks, a beer tent, a kid zone, live music from Rock the House, and the Westlake Lions Club Ringing of the Liberty Bell. Fireworks go off at dusk, around 9:30 p.m. Free admission. For details, call 440-808-5700 or visit cityofwestlake.org.

Bay Village Bay Days (Final Day)

Bay Days has been running all week at Cahoon Memorial Park (27600 Lake Road), and Saturday is the grand finale. Sponsored by the Bay Village Kiwanis (celebrating its 75th year), the four-day carnival features thrilling rides, caramel apples, corndogs, lemonade, live music, a vintage baseball game, the Patriotic Pooch Parade, and the Children's Bike, Trike, and Wagon Parade. The park opens at noon, and fireworks light up the sky at 9:45 p.m. The day also starts with the Bay Days 5 Miler, 1 Mile, and Kids Track Dash beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Bay High School (29230 Wolf Road). Free admission to the festival grounds. Learn more at bayvillagekiwanis.org.

Avon Great 4th of July Bike Parade

Head to Avon for the city's annual Great 4th of July Bike Parade. The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the Avon Aquatic Facility (36265 Detroit Road) and follows a 1-mile loop on Healthway Drive. Kids and adults decorate their bikes, trikes, and wagons in red, white, and blue for a festive ride. It's a beloved tradition and a great way to celebrate with young families. Check cityofavon.com for details.

North Royalton Community Festival

The North Royalton Community Festival continues through the weekend at the North Royalton City Green (7000 Royalton Road). About 20 minutes from Westlake, the festival offers carnival rides, food, and community activities. It runs July 3 through July 5. Details at nroyaltonchamber.com.

Saturday Morning: Farmers Markets

Before the fireworks, start your Saturday morning at one of the local farmers markets:

• • North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park (1800 Crocker Road, Westlake) runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November. Fresh produce, baked goods, and local products. Details at northunionfarmersmarket.org.
• • Frostville Farmers Market at the Olmsted Historical Society in Rocky River Reservation (24101 Cedar Point Road, North Olmsted) runs Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October. A scenic Metroparks setting with local vendors.

Sunday, July 5

If you still have energy after Saturday's celebrations, Sunday is a great day to enjoy the outdoors. The Rocky River Reservation in the Cleveland Metroparks offers miles of trails for walking, biking, or a post-holiday hike. Huntington Reservation in Bay Village is another option, with lake views and open green space. Both are within a short drive of Westlake, North Olmsted, and Fairview Park.

The Clague Playhouse continues its free America's 250th anniversary performances on Sunday as well. The North Royalton Community Festival also wraps up on Sunday if you're looking for one more round of carnival rides and food.

Enjoy the Weekend

Whether you're watching the enhanced fireworks display at Clague Park in Westlake, enjoying the rides at Bay Days in Bay Village, or exploring the farmers market at Crocker Park, there's plenty to do close to home this Independence Day weekend. If the holiday has you thinking about real estate in any of these communities, check out our guide on how to price a luxury home or what to know before downsizing in Westlake. Happy Fourth of July from all of us at Sterling Auction Group.