800-447-8201 youngstownlive.com | 21 July 7-8 summer festival of the arts Youngstown State University’s Summer Festival of the Arts showcases the original, handcrafted work of more than 70 local, regional and national artists. Sculptures, glasswork, paintings, jewelry, photography and textiles are featured at the two-day event. Enjoy live music, theater and dance performances. The Festival of Nations area features ethnic foods highlighting the diversity of cultures that make up the Mahoning Valley. EventsComplementingthe SummerFestivalofthearts: July 7 Youngstown Wine & Jazz Jazz enthusiasts can experience wine and great music featuring national recording artists on Central Square in downtown Youngstown. July 8 Downtown Gospel Fest This family-friendly event features a multitude of uplifting performing acts and choirs, also held on Central Square. July 7-8 Youngstown Comic Con Northeast Ohio’s #1 comic book, toy, art and cosplay show is held at the Covelli Centre downtown. The show features special guests each year. August 11-12, 18-19, 25-26 Shaker Woods Festival Go back to a simpler time while enjoying the annual Shaker Woods Festival in nearby Columbiana. Stroll rustic paths through the beautifully manicured woods enjoying the aroma of great country cooking over open fires and the sound of free entertainment as over 200 of the country’s best juried craftspeople display and demonstrate their wares. Crafters and Artisians display shaker brooms, hand-thrown pottery, blown glass, custom jewelry, florals, hand-made furniture and baskets, hand-dipped candles, custom-made knives, herbs and spices, and more. Many are dressed in Shaker-period clothing. June 16 Simply Slavic Festival Located in central downtown, this annual event promotes the diverse Slavic population of Youngstown by celebrating the heritage and rich traditions of all Slavic nations. In addition to terrific food, live music and dancing, highlights include an ecumenical blessing, Parade of Flags, Slavic kitchen, ethnic heritage tent, Slavic marketplace and a baking contest. The festival winds down with a Vatra fire, singing and dancing. August 29-September 3 Canfield Fair The Canfield Fair, Ohio’s LARGEST county fair now in its 172nd year, is the can’t-miss, end-of-summer event in Mahoning County. The fairgrounds cover 350 acres, with a wide variety of exhibits, rides, livestock, crafts, baked goods and the best fair food you’ll ever eat! Western Reserve Village at the south end of the fairgrounds is a reconstruction of pioneer life in Mahoning County. Annual grandstand entertainment includes harness racing, a demolition derby, and truck and tractor pull. Each year top-name entertainment acts perform in concert on the grandstand stage. August 3-5 Greater Youngstown Italian Fest Experience a touch of Italy as The Greater Youngstown Italian Fest fills the streets of downtown. Visitors experience more than six city blocks of entertainment including rides, games, authentic Italian food, Little King and Queen Contest, Miss Italian Beauty Pageant, a pasta eating contest, Saturday Polka Mass and over 24 retail craft vendors. festivals& events for ladies and gents