Family events in Mentor, OH

The Painesville Railroad Museum hosts the inaugural NE Ohio Historical Day, highlighting the region’s stories with opportunities to meet representatives from the Lake County Historical Society, the Indian Museum of Lake County, the Madison Historical Society, the James A. Garfield National Historic Site, and the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse. Weather permitting, Spankybird, a blue and gold macaw, will make an appearance. Authors Ken Springirth and Dan Rager will take part, with Springirth signing Erie to Cleveland by Trolley and Rager featuring Ohio - Gateway to America. Photo opportunities are planned with historical reenactors portraying George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Commodore Carter, General James A. Grant, and Lucretia Garfield, presented by Dale Fellows, George Anderson, Ed Keyse, Ben Frayser, and Anita Benedetti. A ceremonial ground breaking will accompany the burial of a time capsule filled with items connected to the history of the Painesville Depot, intended for opening in the future. Guests can also explore the museum’s historic depot, built by the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad, along with the Collinwood Engine Barn, home to the Collinwood 999 engine built at the Collinwood NYC Yard and a horse drawn trolley, Cleveland 48, from the East Cleveland Railroad Company. A model train flea market adds to the day, with vendor spaces sized 10 by 10 feet for 15 dollars and dealers providing their own tents, tables, and chairs. Thanks to recent donations, the selection has grown. Food will be available for a small donation, including HoBo Beans, hot dogs, hamburgers, and chips. The Painesville Railroad Museum is a 501c3 non profit.

A Hawaiian luau is planned this year, offering island-inspired fun while supporting a meaningful purpose. Proceeds benefit children and adults living with mental and physical disabilities. Past efforts by Marcus Lantern have opened the door to summer camp for kids, helped build adaptive playgrounds, and provided adaptive equipment and other essential support to many individuals. This celebration brings an evening of fun in support of that mission.

Now in its tenth year, the Willowick Car Show at Dudley Park features music, food, a 50/50 raffle, and giveaways. Registration is free and available online, and the first 120 people who register in advance receive a complimentary dash plaque. A rain date at the same location is planned. Presented by the Willowick Recreation Department.

Ace Molar performs as part of the Rock the Boulevard Summer Concert Series at the City Hall Gazebo, offering an evening of live music, food, and community fun. Lawn chairs are welcome, and families can enjoy a summer gathering that continues throughout the season.

Gather for a welcoming Pokémon Trading Card Game meetup that invites newcomers and seasoned Trainers to play, learn, and trade in a family friendly setting. Kids can practice and swap cards while building confidence, and adults and veteran players are welcome as well. There are tables available for casual games, chances to teach or pick up strategies, and plenty of friendly trading. If you already have a deck, bring it along, and feel free to bring cards to trade; if you are just starting out, guidance is available to help you begin. Participation is free, and parents are encouraged to take part alongside younger players.

All ages are welcome for Game Night in the Youth Room. A group leads a Dungeons & Dragons portion, and anyone may introduce another family-friendly game, including board, card, or video games, or join the current campaign. The format is flexible, so participants can stay for as long as they wish.

Cap off the month at The Grove Amphitheatre with a flavorful gathering of food trucks, including Grateful Grub, Gio’s Pizza Lab, Barra de Taco, and Drizul. Enjoy live music from Bad Juju with TRUSS opening.