Your family’s 2024 guide to Kent this summer

As summer begins, so does the search for memory-making events. If you and your family live in or near Kent, you’ll be happy to know that the city has a lot planned for this summer. From May into September, there are plenty of experiences waiting for you and your family to find them.

MUSIC

WHAT: The Battleground’s Homegrown Music Series
A Friday night series at The Battleground, a Mexican restaurant. Make your reservation for the backyard patio seating section to enjoy the music.
WHEN: 5:30-6:30 PM & 7-8 PM
May 17: John Reynolds and Jack DiAlesandro
May 24: Bobby Selvaggio Jazz Duo
May 31: Guy Pernetti
June 7: Jon Mosey
June 14: Gabrielle FitzPatrick
June 21: Eric Noden
June 28: Bobby Selvaggio Jazz Duo
July 05: Jon Mosey
July 12: Marilyn DeFrange
July 19: Thorne Musica
July 26: Josee McGee
August 02: Jon Mosey
August 09: Bobby Selvaggio Jazz Duo
August 16: Tina Bergmann & Bryan Thomas
August 23: Eric Noden & Andy Cohen
August 20: John Reynolds & Christie Anderson
September 06: Jon Mosey
September 13: Josee McGee
September 20: Thorne Musica
September 27: Eric Noden
WHERE: The Battleground
425 Cherry St.

WHAT: Hometown Bank Concert Series
A series of free concerts promising something for everyone.
WHEN: 7-9 PM on select dates
June 13: Danjo Orchestra
June 27: Chardon Polka Band
June 30: 122nd US Army Band
July 11: The D.B. Band @ The Ravenna Courthouse
July 18: Monica Robins & The Ninja Cowboys
August 1: Van Sailin
August 15: The Boomers @ Brimfield Lions Park
August 22: The Michael Weber Show
WHERE: Hometown Bank Plaza in Kent (unless noted otherwise)
142 N. Water St.

WHAT: Dan Smith Community Park Concert Series
Free live music from local bands on select Saturday evenings.
WHEN: 6-8 PM on select dates
June 15: Monica Robins & the Ninja Cowboys
June 29: Highland St. Squirrels
July 27: Marilyn DeFrange Band
August 10: Hot Potatoes with Grady Miller
August 24: Swizzle Stick Band
WHERE: Dan Smith Community Park
East Erie Street

WHAT: Monthly Blues Jam at Bell Tower Brewing
Make a reservation to enjoy family-friendly food and live music each month. Musicians can bring their instruments and join in.
WHEN: The fourth Wednesday of every month
WHERE: Bell Tower Brewing Co.
310 Park Ave.

WHAT: Kent Blues Fest
Free live music dispersed throughout downtown Kent.
WHEN: July 13, afternoon-evening
WHERE: Select locations throughout downtown Kent

WHAT: Kent Acoustic Fest
Free festival celebrating local acoustic music. Live performances, food trucks and other family-friendly activities.
WHEN: July 27, 1-4 PM
WHERE: Fred Fuller Park
601 Middlebury Rd.

WHAT: Kent Rocks Music Fest
Free live music dispersed throughout Downtown Kent.
WHEN: September 13, afternoon-evening
WHERE: Select locations throughout downtown Kent

WHAT: The Kent Stage shows
Host of about 150 concerts every year. Tickets are available online.
WHEN: Consistently throughout the year
WHERE: 175 E. Main St.

FAMILY EVENTS

WHAT: River Day Celebration
Learn about and celebrate nature at this free event.
WHEN/WHERE: May 18, 9 AM – 1 PM (Farmers Market), 10 AM – 4 PM (Tannery Park)

WHAT: Main Street Kent Art & Wine Festival
Get pre-sale tickets now to enjoy this day of art, wine, food and music.
WHEN: June 1, 11 AM-8 PM
WHERE: Main Street Kent

WHAT: Putt Around Downtown
Check-in at Bricco Kent to play miniature golf throughout downtown Kent.
WHEN: June 15, 12-5 PM
WHERE: 210 S. Depeyster St.

WHAT: Juneteenth Celebration
Celebrate the holiday with booths, music and a kickball game between the Kent police and fire departments.
WHEN: June 16, 12-4 PM
WHERE: Plum Creek Park
590 Plum St.

WHAT: Sidewalk Cinema
Watch a movie under the stars with Standing Rock Cultural Arts.
WHEN:
June 28
July 26
August 30
WHERE: Hometown Bank Plaza
142 N. Water St.

WHAT: Wizardly Weekend
A magical weekend in downtown Kent inspired by the world of Harry Potter.
WHEN: July 19 & 20
WHERE: Downtown Kent

WHAT: Dog Days of Summer
A festival with fun for the whole family, including the furry family, to benefit Madonio Animal Trust.
WHEN: August 17
WHERE: Hometown Bank Plaza

WHAT: Annual Art in the Park
Hosted by Kent Parks & Recreation, a free event with over 10 local and regional artists and vendors.
WHEN: September 7 (10 AM – 6 PM), September 8 (11 AM – 5 PM)
WHERE: Fred Fuller Park
601 Middlebury Rd.