Summer Festival of the Arts Returns This Weekend
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Summer Festival of the Arts has long been the place to go to find unique and original artwork, jewelry, décor and other items.
Now in its 26th year, the event will return this weekend for two days at Wean Park, downtown. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, and there is plenty of free parking in the adjacent Covelli Centre lot.
As always, the core of the fest will be the dozens of artists and artisans who were accepted for admission because of the quality of their work.
One highlight will be excerpts of the Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” performed by Millennial Theatre Company, from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Millennial’s production of the comic musical is running this weekend and next at The Youngstown Playhouse.
Well-known local graphic artist Bob Barko will also unveil his latest piece at the festival. Titled “A Retrospective YO,” the drawing depicts multiple Youngstown scenes, including Idora Park, Mill Creek Park, Brier Hill, old movie theaters, steel mills and the Canfield Fair. Reproductions of the piece, printed on glossy stock in color, will be sold for $40 apiece.
The Summer Festival of the Arts also includes children’s activities, live entertainment and food trucks.
The children’s entertainment tent, sponsored by the city of Youngstown, will host a variety of performances and create an exciting atmosphere for families. It will also provide an interactive space for young artists to unleash their creativity through art projects.
Here is the schedule of children’s entertainment:
Saturday
- Noon to 1 p.m.: Princess Anna.
- Noon to 3:30 p.m.: Face painting by Put on a Smile Entertainment.
- 12:45 to 1:15 p.m.: JCC Moovin & Groovin Class.
- 1:30 to 2 p.m.: Rock painting, by Cityscape.
- 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: Animated Little Mermaid.
Sunday
- Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Ballet Western Reserve.
- Noon to 3:30 p.m.: Reptiles, with Komora Outdoors.
- Noon to 3:30 p.m.: Face painting by Put on a Smile Entertainment.
- 12:45 to 1:15 p.m.: JCC Moovin & Groovin Class.
- 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.: President Barbie.
Here is the entertainment schedule:
Saturday
- 10 to 11 a.m.: Youngstown Community Band.
- 10 to noon: Millennial Theatre Company (“Spamalot” cast).
- Noon to 1 p.m.: DEWA Quartet.
- 1 to 3 p.m.: Shawn & Shane.
- 3 to 5 p.m.: Starlight Jazz Combo.
Sunday
- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: County Mayo.
- 1 to 2 p.m.: Duo Fuego.
- 2 to 4 p.m.: Pipe Dreams.
Pictured at top: Artists’ booths line the walkways of Wean Park during the Summer Festival of the Arts. (2023 file photo)
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
