Events in Canton today

A marching band marches in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Parade.

In Canton, Ohio, this cherished parade tradition has brought the community together since 1963. Crowds line the route well before the procession begins, and it now draws around 100,000 people each year, making it the city’s largest free event. Limited reserved seating is available for purchase. The 2.2-mile spectacle features towering helium balloons, lively marching bands, colorful floats, energetic dance troupes, and plenty of football spirit. The spotlight shines on the 2026 Enshrinees and returning Hall of Famers as they travel the route.

The 14th Annual Ironman Golf Scramble supports Light after Loss with a unique twist on the traditional format. Competition is irons-only, limited to a 2 iron or lower, and hybrids are not allowed. Teams register as pairs, then all two-player entries are placed into a random draw to form four-player scramble groups. Hosted at Meadowlake Golf Course. Advance registration is required. Details for both participants and sponsors are available.

Wash your car while backing the Lady Tigers girls soccer team at their yearly fundraiser. This donation driven car wash raises money for training equipment, uniforms, travel, and tournament fees. Every contribution makes a difference and is gratefully received by the team.

Hosted by Expanding Circles Collective, LLC, this open writing circle offers a relaxed space for writers to focus on their projects. Participants are encouraged to bring a piece they are working on along with a goal for the session. The atmosphere is easygoing and welcoming, with opportunities to connect with fellow writers, share work, and find inspiration. All ages are welcome. Attendance is free and no registration is needed.

A gentle gathering for mothers, stepmothers, and grandmothers who are grieving the loss of a child or grandchild to suicide or other traumatic circumstances. Share conversation and connection with others who understand, and take a moment to refill your cup in a compassionate, supportive space.

This community back to school kickoff with Odyssey Group at KW Legacy Group Realty features a Touch-A-Truck experience where kids can explore vehicles up close and meet the people who operate them. Families can pick up free school supplies while supplies last, with each child able to select one item from each supply category. The event also offers free hot dogs plus kids activities and games, and it is open to the public. Eventbrite registration is required for all attendees to help with planning and supply preparation.

In honor of World Farmers' Market Week, this market day features delayed hours after the HOF Parade and an extra emphasis on fresh produce. The day includes plentiful sampling from many vendors, live music by Samuel John, and food and drink from Rambling Rose Kitchenette, Three33 Coffee Bar, and Mamas & a Mixer. Nearby attractions add to the experience, including the First Ladies National Historic Site along with Silo Arts Studio and Second April Studios. Families will find a Kids Connection area with coloring pages, games, and more. More than 35 local vendors will offer pastured meats, baked goods, snacks, preserved items, plants, gifts, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. A free Know Your Roots market sticker is available. The Commercial & Savings Bank sponsors a playful Find the Pig game with a prize. Hands-on make and take activities are available with Boomdyada, Cantonology, and Miss Larana's Apothecary. DORA beverages and brunch are offered at Bar Lost One and Fromage du Monde Cheese & Wine Shop, and the amenities of neighboring Canton Centennial Plaza, along with the many shops, eateries, and museums throughout downtown Canton, round out the visit. The market takes place rain or shine unless an inclement weather warning is issued. SNAP, WIC, Produce Perks, and Senior Nutrition benefits are accepted. Most vendors accept credit and app-based payments, and cash is appreciated. Public restrooms are available at Canton Centennial Plaza, and parking is free at street meters and in the attached Eric Snow YMCA parking lot.

Join editors S. Victor Fleischer and Toivo Motter for a talk exploring “Lost Voices of the Great War: Summit County in the First World War,” a companion to the award-winning PBS documentary. Using letters, firsthand accounts, and rare archival materials, they’ll highlight the experiences of people from Akron and surrounding areas, including nurses, Goodyear workers, decorated soldiers, immigrants, and migrants, and how World War I shaped their lives through major social and industrial change, including a devastating pandemic. Expect an intimate look at a generation whose stories still resonate today.

Settle in for a relaxed, hands-on workshop where you create a miniature woodland world on a decorative disk. Shape your own tiny mushrooms, add moss, fairy touches, and small forest friends, then arrange everything into a scene that reflects your style. The session welcomes beginners as well as experienced crafters, especially anyone drawn to enchanting miniature gardens, forest-inspired decor, creative projects, cottagecore style, and laid-back community gatherings. Materials are provided, and the cost is $20 per person. Every piece is one of a kind, and space is limited.

Head to Oakwood Square for an open-air night market featuring local shopping, food, and music as part of the “Second Saturdays at the Square” series. It’s a night-time Hall of Fame themed edition, with an evening market vibe at the Oakwood Square Plaza and Plain Township Amphitheater area. Admission is free.

Get ready for a live country music night at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, featuring Phil Vassar. The show starts at 6:00 PM local time.

A returning musician performs at Cherry Road Winery, offering an evening of wine and live music in a comfortable setting that suits the summertime mood.

Bud's Corner hosts an evening of classic and modern country favorites.

Join for an in-person Reiki Level 1 training focused on learning the foundations of Reiki and getting familiar with your own energy. You’ll cover Reiki history and principles, the chakra and energy body, grounding and energy clearing techniques, and the key hand positions for self-healing and supporting loved ones. The day includes a sacred attunement ceremony as well as guidance on ethics and building a simple daily Reiki practice. The total class time is 5 hours including breaks, and preregistration is required.

Akron Picklefest is a fun day celebrating all things pickle, with a big lineup of artists and crafters, plus lots of vendors. You’ll also find pickle games, contests, tournaments, and a pickle parade, along with food trucks serving up pickles and other tasty treats. Come out for a playful, pickle-filled festival from late morning into the afternoon.

A program spotlights the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, featuring Drew Brees, Roger Craig, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, and Adam Vinatieri. It opens with a tailgate serving favorite game-day foods. The new Hall of Famers then take the stage for a live panel filled with personal moments and career stories. Candid interviews, backstage anecdotes, and thoughtful conversation give football fans a look from the inside.

TJ Dillon's Pub brings back a cruise-in for car enthusiasts. The gathering features classic cars and hot rods along with music and food. All makes, models, and years are welcome.

Enjoy a 45-minute outdoor Zumba class focused on energy, movement, and community at First Ladies Park at the National First Ladies Library & Museum. All experience levels are welcome, and the session is free with registration requested. Wear comfortable workout clothes and bring water. The instructor is Christina Callahan, a registered nurse and certified Zumba instructor who teaches at the Green and Jackson YMCAs and is also certified in Zumba Toning. Her approach centers on wellness, laughter, and healing through movement. Open to all.

Life after losing a spouse can feel overwhelming, and this group offers a compassionate, understanding place to connect with others on a similar path. Through guided conversations and shared stories, participants can find support, draw strength from community, and take encouraging steps on the healing journey.

A relaxed coffee hour designed for parents, caregivers, and grandparents to connect, share stories, and discover local resources in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. While adults chat, children can enjoy supervised activities in the Inspiration Station play area. Held at a Canton office, this growing community gathering centers on conversation, support, and time together over a cup of coffee.

Explore native Ohio plants with Master Gardener Jane Schultz during a Littles Lunch & Learn session. Participants will wrap up by planting seeds to take home in their own pots. Lemonade and cookies are provided. The program is designed for early and middle childhood learners, and all ages are welcome. An ASL interpreter will be available. Registration is requested through Humanitix or by calling 330-833-4061.

This walk-in ionic foot detoxification offering is intended as a helpful start to a health journey or a steady addition to a wellness routine. It is presented as supporting the body’s own cleansing by helping remove toxins and heavy metals, promoting pH balance, encouraging circulation, easing stress, reducing inflammation, and addressing harmful microorganisms, which together may assist the body’s defenses. Sessions last about 30 minutes and are priced at $35. Facilitated by Mary with LadyHawke Collections.

Walk-in sound healing sessions focused on chakra alignment invite you to settle in and relax as resonant tones from crystal singing bowls wash over you, encouraging deep calm and a sense of balance. Once the body unwinds, tuning forks tuned to each chakra are used to help clear stagnant energy and encourage a smoother, more positive flow. Reported benefits include reduced stress, clearer focus, emotional release, less anxiety, a more balanced mood, better sleep, relief from inflammation-related discomfort, and an overall feeling of well-being. Each session costs $20 for 15 minutes.

Celebrate the Centennial Block Party at Canton Centennial Plaza with free, family friendly activities and a chance to learn more about the school. Enjoy live music, a soul food truck, face painting, hair services from a barber and braider, a game truck, an ice cream truck, a bounce house, and more.

Take part in weekly DDPY classes at Peace Lutheran Church. There is no cost to attend, and donations are welcome but completely optional. Any contributions support Peace Lutheran youth activities and outreach. Please bring a mat, a bottle of water, and a towel, and dress in comfortable clothing.

Military Nights at Champ Makerspace offers a friendly space to pick up new skills, share what you know, chat with veterans from different eras, play games, or simply relax. This gathering is open to those in the Regular, Reserve, and National Guard, as well as active duty personnel and veterans.

High Rollers Social Club hosts the Black Diamonds Line Dance Class, a welcoming session led by instructors Carol Priest and Robin Bradley. Participants receive clear, step by step guidance that suits beginners, all set to the latest music for an upbeat experience. The focus is on learning together, good vibes, and having a great time. Cocktails and spirits are available from the bar if desired, adding to the lively energy.

Each week, George's Lounge comes alive for an open mic and jam night that begins with acoustic sets and builds to an electrified finale. Local performers step up, impromptu collaborations take shape, and the music keeps flowing while listeners settle in to enjoy it all. Whether you plan to perform or simply relax and take in the scene, this long-running tradition celebrates community talent. The kitchen keeps the night going on weekdays with burgers often hailed among Stark County’s best.

Join Dr. Tom Adolph for a special presentation about growing up in Mogadore, Ohio, decades ago. He’ll share stories about what life in the village was like when he was a child, how it has changed over time, and memorable events that helped shape the community. The talk will be brought to life with maps, newspaper articles, and photographs. This program is presented in partnership with the Mogadore Historical Society and the Mogadore Friends of the Library.

Kids can use glue and watercolors to create their own suncatcher, which they can hang at home. This craft session runs in the library meeting room, and registration opens July 22.

Make the middle of the week easier with Burger Night at George's Lounge. Burger Wednesday features the 59 Classic Burger with fries for $6, or take $4 off any gourmet burger and fries. These offers are for dine-in guests only and cannot be customized.

Drop in for intuitive readings paired with a soothing cup of tea at a special event price. Bridget of The Raven’s Cup serves delicious hand blended teas while in-house readers help create a fun, magickal atmosphere. Settle in with a relaxing cuppa, add an intuitive reading if you wish, or simply enjoy the good vibes around the Grove. Browse daily shop specials, connect with over 25 local artisans, explore workshops, discover sparkling crystals ready for adoption, and check out a variety of essential oils. Readings can also be scheduled by appointment, and private reading parties are available by request.

Enjoy a cool summer evening on Palombo's Patio with live music by Matilda Pablo. Music runs from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, so you can relax, listen, and soak up the atmosphere with great company and tunes.

Adults 18 and older can explore acrylic painting in a welcoming, multi-session workshop series led by artist Angela Stroup at MassMu. Participants learn core skills such as color mixing, brushwork, composition, and a variety of techniques. With guided instruction and hands-on projects, the series supports creating expressive, vibrant artwork. No prior experience is required, and all skill levels are welcome. The program spans multiple sessions with one week off built in. The fee is $155 for members and $175 for nonmembers, and it includes all sessions and supplies. Please bring several reference photos of subjects you would like to paint. Registration is available through Humanitix or by calling 330-833-4061.

This monthly Canton Township Historical Society meeting focuses on collaborative work to research, identify, and preserve the township's history. Some months include a guest speaker with a presentation as part of the program.

A relaxed paint night focused on having fun rather than perfection. No experience is needed and beginners are welcome. All essentials are provided, including paints, brushes, and a canvas. Participants will paint together while following a slow, step by step tutorial on YouTube, creating artwork at an easy pace. BYOB is welcome. If you are interested in attending, please mark the event as interested or going so preparations can match the expected turnout.

Summer Serenades makes its return in 2026 as a free, collaborative series presented by the Canton Symphony Orchestra in partnership with Stark Parks, Friends of Stark Parks, ArtsinStark, Visit Canton, the Mary Renkert Wendling Foundation, and Rotary Clubs of Stark County. Expect intimate instrumental performances set amid natural surroundings, offering a mix of park sounds and live music. This family friendly experience encourages bringing a chair or blanket, favorite picnic foods, and a few games, taking time to explore the green space, and enjoying the performance. No registration is required.

Explore the National First Ladies Library & Museum from a curator’s perspective in an interactive online program. Members of the curatorial team will explain how artifacts are selected, cared for, and interpreted to illuminate the history and impact of America’s First Ladies. The session takes place entirely on Zoom and is presented by the curators themselves. American Sign Language interpretation will be available, with access details provided during the webinar. All attendees will receive a recording after the program concludes. Admission is $9, and members at the $125 level and above receive complimentary access to this and other ticketed online programs.

Bud and Lauri lead line dance lessons for all experience levels. Newcomers can build confidence in the beginner class, followed by an improver session that adds more steps and patterns. Admission is $5 per person.

Gather a team and take on DJ Trivia at Hide-A-Way Buffalo Grill in Canton. The game uses classic paper and pencil with fresh, wide-ranging questions each week. It is free to play, and top teams earn prizes every week. No apps or phones are needed during play, keeping the focus on teamwork and knowledge. An optional DJ Trivia League is available at no cost, and teams are automatically entered after six games. Playoff and championship participation is optional and encouraged, and end-of-season champions receive trophies, cash prizes, and bragging rights. Weekly games run year-round with no official end date for the regular nights. For more information, call or text Morgan at (724) 636-5660.

Live at Arcadia is Canton Comedy Boom’s weekly stand-up showcase at Arcadia Grille Downtown. Expect an after-hours comedy set featuring a rotating lineup of comedians, with this week’s show hosted by Eric M. Simons and featuring Nate Larson, Brett Thomas, Matt Thompson, and Daniel P. Myers. It’s a dinner and show experience with food and drinks available during the performance. Tickets are $5, added to your bill.

Springbrook Plaza hosts the 19th annual AultCare Wish-A-Thon in support of Wishes Can Happen, with participation from News-Talk 1480 WHBC and MIX 94.1. The event centers on community involvement, and organizers note an especially strong need for support this year.

The Massillon Museum participates in the Lincoln Highway BUY-WAY Yard Sale, a sidewalk shopping experience that stretches across Ohio. OHregionalities joins the statewide effort alongside thousands of participants. Attendees can browse MassMu trinkets and treasures, with the sale connecting to Driving Forces: The Lincoln Highway Journey, the exhibition on view in the Museum’s Main Gallery.

TRIAD Deaf Services offers a walk-in support session at Uptown Joe Coffee Shop, part of its monthly in-person appointments across Tuscarawas, Stark, and Carroll counties. Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing community members can get one-on-one help with tasks like reading or translating mail, navigating Social Security questions, addressing medical-related concerns, and connecting with resources to resolve issues. A Community Outreach and Education Specialist will be on site to assist. To help the advocate prepare and ensure availability, text the community advocate line at (330) 323-8994 before arriving. Updates about possible closures are shared on Facebook.

Ladies’ Rewind brings a retro flavored evening of music, dancing, prizes, and community to the National First Ladies Library & Museum’s First Ladies Park. Tickets are $35 and include complimentary wine and one entry in a designer raffle, with more chances available for purchase during the event. Nikolina, also known as DJ Diva and the Mid-Day Diva on Q92, will spin favorites and keep the energy high. Attendance is limited to 100 people. Expect an easygoing outdoor setting, throwback tunes, and a feel good night to share with friends.

This supportive breastfeeding group, led by Brittney, offers a welcoming place for mothers to talk openly, ask questions, and receive caring encouragement. Expectant and new moms can get professional guidance from a lactation counselor, share experiences, and connect with others in a similar season of life. Every concern is welcome, whether it is a small uncertainty or a bigger challenge, and no one has to navigate the journey alone. Attendees are welcome in any stage, whether preparing for breastfeeding or already feeding a baby, and can expect to leave with added confidence, connection, and community. The group meets on the second Thursday of each month, is open to all mothers, and is free to attend.

Explore how the night sky served as a roadmap to freedom in a program that brings together history and astronomy. Curator of Black History Dr. Tameka Ellington and Hoover-Price Planetarium Director Suzie Dills explain how freedom seekers looked to the Big Dipper, also called the Drinking Gourd, and the North Star to find their way north. The presentation reflects on constellations as practical guides and as enduring symbols of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom. The cost is $25 per person and includes soup, bread, and dessert. Pre-registration is required. Register online or call 330-455-7043 during regular business hours. Proceeds support the Museum’s mission to connect people with history, science, and the legacy of William McKinley.

CJ Ritenour leads an eight-session wheel throwing workshop at MassMu for ages 18 and older. It welcomes both beginners and those with some experience. The fee is $215 for members and $245 for nonmembers and includes all sessions, tools, and firing. Clay is purchased separately at $25 for 25 pounds. Register through Humanitix or by calling 330-833-4061.

In the Heartland pays homage to Michael Stanley with an uplifting tribute packed with enduring hits and heartfelt rock anthems. The performance spotlights the songs that defined a revered Northeast Ohio artist, rekindling memories, energy, and unmistakable hometown spirit. From crowd singalongs to classic rock favorites, it welcomes longtime admirers and new listeners to celebrate the music that helped shape the region.

Test your knowledge with DJ Trivia at Starflyer Brewing Co. in Canton, Ohio. The game is free to play and uses a classic paper and pencil format with fresh, wide ranging questions each week. Form a team, aim for the top of the leaderboard, and compete for weekly prizes, all without apps or phones. An optional league adds extra excitement at no cost. Teams are automatically entered after six games, with opportunities to take part in playoff and championship rounds. End of season winners earn bragging rights, trophies, and cash prizes. For more information, contact Morgan at (724) 636-5660. Weekly games continue year round.

Catch Tusk, the Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute, featuring five performers with long-standing experience and a close chemistry, including vocal similarities and costume details. The amphitheater opens at 5:00 PM, with the show starting at 7:30 PM. Tickets are required for guests ages 13 and up, while children 12 and under can attend free of charge.

Naturally Blue Jam Band leads a lively jam night at TJ Dillon's, featuring a changing roster of local players. Expect true improvisation with surprising collaborations and standout solos that give each session its own flavor. Listeners can soak up the live sound while musicians take turns onstage, and the bar keeps the refreshments flowing for a relaxed, high energy atmosphere.

Come to Krackpots Comedy Club for the FREE Comedy Open Mic Night, an audience-friendly night where comics sign up and take the stage. Doors open at 6:00 PM, the signup list goes out, and signups stop at 7:30 PM, with showtime at 8:00 PM. Food and drinks are available for purchase, and there are drink and app specials all night. Please note that 21+ is required, and 17-year-olds can attend with a parent or legal guardian. You will be photographed, no video recording is permitted, and cell phones should be silenced.