Summer in Mentor

Mimi Vanderhaven • May 4, 2026

With so many fantastic things to see and do this summer, the City of Mentor is the only place to be.

A stack of books sits on a wooden table, next to a lit candle and a warm cup of coffee or tea.

If summer were a soundtrack, The City of Mentor would be cranking it up all season long.

With a lively mix of concerts, festivals and events, this year’s lineup promises something for everyone.


I caught up with communications officer Ante Logarusic for a preview.


“Our wildly popular Mentor Rocks concert series continues to draw top bands and audiences in the tens of thousands,” he says. “We are thrilled to host multi-platinum star Phillip Phillips from American Idol fame, and rock legends Night Ranger, along with a stacked roster of tribute bands playing hits from Fleetwood Mac to the Eagles, country hits to classic rock anthems.”


To celebrate our country’s 250th, Ante reports they are pulling out all the stops and throwing the biggest fireworks show in Mentor’s history at the Independence Day celebration on Saturday, July 4. Enjoy a free concert at the Mentor Civic Amphitheater from Eagles tribute band Hotel California.


History buffs will find plenty to celebrate, too. On Friday, July 3, the unveiling of a striking statue of President James A. Garfield will take place at the Municipal Center. Following the dedication, the city is hosting a free picnic at the Mentor Civic Amphitheater, with hot dogs, chips, soft drinks and ice cream sandwiches. 


For those drawn to nature, Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve is the place to be. Ante says kayaks, paddleboards and pedal boat rentals, along with a new concession stand, make observing the more than 260 species of birds that frequent the spot a breeze. A 95-foot observation tower will be open this fall offering even more breathtaking views.


For a dash of culture, don’t miss classic favorites like the Wildwood Arts & Wine Fest set for Saturday, June 20, and the Ohio Viking Festival at Lake County Fairgrounds, June 26-28, celebrating Norse history, music, crafts and food inspired by Viking Culture. The ever-popular CityFEST celebration caps off the season with live music, great food and interactive fun on Friday and Saturday, August 14-15, at Mentor Civic Center Park.


For a full schedule of events and locations, visit CityOfMentor.com or call 440-255-1100.

  • Slide title

    Phillip Phillips performs June 30.

    Button
  • Slide title

    Night Ranger takes the stage July 14.

    Button

Recent Posts

By Mary Malik September 11, 2026
No limits, better movement, improved quality of life. This is why we stretch.
By Laura Briedis September 11, 2026
Perrino Home Furnishings carries quality home furnishings and accessories you can actually use—and right now is a perfect time to save big.
By Patricia Nugent September 11, 2026
The Village of St. Edward has been awarded the prestigious NorthCoast 99 Award—and for good reason.
By Patricia Nugent September 11, 2026
The Peters Professional Landscaping garden center is packed with all things fall décor, and if retooling your own great outdoors is top of mind, it’s got proven stock, in stock, that’s grown to last.
By Mike Ventresca, Vital Choice Health Store September 11, 2026
Still dealing with stiff, achy joints despite taking collagen? The answer may not be more collagen—but a different kind.
By Laura Briedis September 11, 2026
For adults over age 55, the new Magnolia Meadows neighborhood in Sheffield Village represents all the convenience of active adult living tucked inside a luxury community.
By Patricia Nugent September 10, 2026
Could its absence mean financial disaster? Discover the costly mistake that taught one local homeowner a valuable lesson.
By Laura Briedis September 10, 2026
Here’s how Impact Home Remodeling brought two area homes into the here and now.
By Mitch Allen September 10, 2026
Replacing modern headlight assemblies can come with serious sticker shock. Professional restoration from Brandon Anter’s Headlight Restoration Company offers a safer, more affordable alternative.
By Patricia Nugent September 10, 2026
To keep debris out of your gutters and big icicles from forming when the cold hits, Gutter Cover Company offers two proprietary solutions to manage both.

RELATED ARTICLES

By Mary Malik September 11, 2026
No limits, better movement, improved quality of life. This is why we stretch.
By Laura Briedis September 11, 2026
Perrino Home Furnishings carries quality home furnishings and accessories you can actually use—and right now is a perfect time to save big.
By Patricia Nugent September 11, 2026
The Village of St. Edward has been awarded the prestigious NorthCoast 99 Award—and for good reason.
By Patricia Nugent September 11, 2026
The Peters Professional Landscaping garden center is packed with all things fall décor, and if retooling your own great outdoors is top of mind, it’s got proven stock, in stock, that’s grown to last.
By Mike Ventresca, Vital Choice Health Store September 11, 2026
Still dealing with stiff, achy joints despite taking collagen? The answer may not be more collagen—but a different kind.
By Laura Briedis September 11, 2026
For adults over age 55, the new Magnolia Meadows neighborhood in Sheffield Village represents all the convenience of active adult living tucked inside a luxury community.
By Patricia Nugent September 10, 2026
Could its absence mean financial disaster? Discover the costly mistake that taught one local homeowner a valuable lesson.
By Laura Briedis September 10, 2026
Here’s how Impact Home Remodeling brought two area homes into the here and now.
By Mitch Allen September 10, 2026
Replacing modern headlight assemblies can come with serious sticker shock. Professional restoration from Brandon Anter’s Headlight Restoration Company offers a safer, more affordable alternative.
By Patricia Nugent September 10, 2026
To keep debris out of your gutters and big icicles from forming when the cold hits, Gutter Cover Company offers two proprietary solutions to manage both.
More Posts