Looking for events going on during Memorial Day weekend 2019? Check out our latest guide: 14 Things to Do This Memorial Day Weekend in the Akron & Canton Area
Although our fallen soldiers and veterans deserve the utmost respect every day of the year, Memorial Day sets aside some time for Americans to honor them in style. The three-day weekend also marks the first unofficial weekend of summer, and many take the time to go camping with their families or splash around in a local swimming pool. This upcoming Memorial Day weekend is filled with festivals, heartfelt ceremonies and community gatherings — so there is no excuse to miss out! We rounded up some of the best local events in the Akron and Canton area for your convenience. Enjoy your holiday!
Photo courtesy of The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
This sophisticated soiree takes place in the heart of downtown Canton and features live music, art exhibits and top-notch wine from all over the world. Enjoy samples from your favorite wineries (or craft beer in the beer garden) and taste bites from the best Stark County restaurants. Vendors this year include Gervasi Vineyard, Nauti Vine Winery, Red Head Wines and so many more!
Photo courtesy of the Louisville Area Chamber of Commerce
Festival Fridays take place once per month during the summer, but Memorial Day marks the first event of 2018! The event is a fabulous way to celebrate the end of the week and the beginning of a long weekend, and features local vendors, crafts, a beer garden, food trucks, family-friendly activities, a car show and a live performance from Ricky Lee!
Photo courtesy of Robert George via the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Kids will love this specialized train ride in which Thomas the Tank Engine will lead passengers through the Ohio countryside on a magical excursion. Enjoy magic shows, bounce houses, balloon houses, and demonstrations that will teach children everything they want to know about trains.
Get ready for the most vibrant, fun-filled run of your life! Run or walk the 5k course through Akron, beginning and ending at Lock 3. Participants will be blasted with colored powder at each station which makes for a bright, beautiful and fun celebration at the finish line. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Don't miss it!

Photo courtesy of the Ohio Shakespeare Festival
Brought to you by the Ohio Shakespeare Festival, ShakesBEER provides a lively, quirky and fun-filled take on your favorite Shakespeare plays. On Memorial Day weekend, experience Twelfth Night as you've never experienced it before. Enjoy a pint with the crew (the actors will be drinking right along with you) and a reading of one of this iconic playwright's funniest scripts. Add a dollar to your favorite character's jar and he or she will take a sip.
Photo courtesy of the Hartville MarketPlace
Over Memorial Day weekend, the Hartville MarketPlace & Flea Market hosts one of its largest markets of the year! Shop from more than 1,000 local vendors in the indoor/outdoor venue. There will also be food and beverages to refuel when you need a break from wandering!