12 Reasons to Visit Canton This Summer

Explore the Arts 

Those looking to explore Canton’s collection of vibrant public art can follow ArtsinStark’s online map that guides visitors to 17 public art pieces displayed throughout downtown. Works range from football-themed murals by artists like Paul Collins and Joseph Close to “Morning Breeze,” an abstract aluminum sculpture by artist Jerry Peart. 

Those interested in seeing local artists in action can head to the Creator Games hosted at Second April Studios on July 18. Part game show, part high-end art event, this interactive art battle sees professional artists create dynamic large-scale paintings with the help of audience members in just four hours. Participating artists compete for a cash prize, and all the pieces created will be on sale at the gallery for four weeks following the event. The Creator Games take place from 5 to 10 p.m. and are part of the gallery’s Christmas in July party. (Tickets are $40 and include dinner and a beer from Starflyer Brewing Co. A cash bar will also be available.)

Ernie Barnes’ “Saxophone Gesso” at the Canton Museum of Art (photo courtesy of Canton Museum of Art)

On Aug. 18, the Canton Museum of Art opens a new exhibition titled “Good Times — The Artistic Journey of Ernie Barnes.” A professional football player turned prolific painter, Barnes, is well known for his unique portrayal of elongated characters and movement. His works often depict scenes featuring athletes, musicians and everyday people. The exhibition, presented in collaboration with the estate of Ernie Barnes, runs through Nov. 1.

“I think [visitors] will love the emotion and the power they see in the artwork,” says Max Barton, executive director and CEO of the Canton Museum of Art. “People will take away the beauty of the human form, the competitiveness and the achievement of sport and the struggle that goes on there.”

Lainey Wilson at Concert for Legends at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton (photo courtesy of Lainey Wilson)

Check Out Live Music

Head to downtown Canton this summer for a live music series at the city’s outdoor amphitheater. The Centennial Plaza Summer Concert Series has seven concerts on its schedule from June to September, with genres and acts for everyone. 

“The atmosphere is just electric … it’s just a phenomenal event,” says Wendy Heslink, event manager at Centennial Plaza.

Four of this season’s concerts are ticketed, while the rest are free. Check out country band Parmalee on July 23 (tickets are available for purchase through Ticketmaster) or catch 1980s cover band New Wave Nation for free Aug. 21.

New for 2026, the All Love Music Festival comes to Centennial Plaza on Aug. 15. This free show provides a place for local talent to connect with new audiences. See 11 dynamic northeast Ohio acts, like soul band Apostle Jones and punk rock group Guiche. 

The family- and pet-friendly festival is free of charge, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets. There will also be a bar, local food trucks and other vendors on-site during the event.  

Celebrate Hall of Fame weekend at the Concert for Legends featuring country star Lainey Wilson as this year’s headliner. Wilson takes the stage Aug. 9 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium as part of a packed weekend of festivities at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 

After performances in previous years by huge names such as Nickelback, Journey, Aerosmith and Maroon 5, the Concert for Legends has become a centerpiece of Hall of Fame weekend. With the Enshrinement Ceremony for the class of 2026 at noon on Saturday, the Sunday concert is the perfect way to end the biggest weekend in Canton.

Sample Local Craft Beer

The Canton brewery scene is booming with both new additions and mainstays that offer brews for every type of connoisseur. Those seeking distinctive and unique drafts will love Woodshop on Walnut Avenue. A project from Louisville, Ohio-based Unhitched Brewing Co., the brewery focuses on the fermentation of beers in wooden vessels with an emphasis on lagers, saisons and sours.

Woodshop is a part of the Fourth Street Collective, which also houses Deli Ohio and Mike’s Pizza. During the day you can grab a sandwich from Deli Ohio, and, in the evening, Mike’s Pizza serves up New-York-style pies that go great with beer. 

Starflyer Brewing Co., one of the city’s newest breweries, is in downtown’s Canton Arts District. The brewery and taproom opened in December 2025 with the aim of providing unique craft brews and a social space for the local community. 

“We wanted [the taproom] to feel like a cozy living room where you never want to leave — just a hangout with a good vibe” says co-founder Bailey Archer.

Starflyer offers a dozen beers from the crisp and clean Starlager Pilsner to the Shoog Haze Hazy IPA. Archer says one of the brewery’s most popular styles is the Chai in the Sky Spiced Red Ale, which was supposed to be a winter seasonal but has become a mainstay. 

Other downtown Canton breweries that provide diversity to the local beer scene are Unfused Brew Hall on Third Street and Muskellunge Brewing Co. on Fifth Street. Unfused Brew Hall, which opened in March 2026, blends German-fusion food and an expansive draft list with a friendly and community-oriented vibe. 

Muskellunge Brewing Co. describes itself as an old-school brewery with a fisherman’s flair. The award-winning craft brewery produces 12 beers available to drink on tap or in cans. Each beer on its menu is named after freshwater fish or local lakes. 

Road to History

Discover the history behind the nation’s first dedicated coast-to-coast automobile route at “Driving Forces: The Lincoln Highway Journey.” This Massillon Museum exhibition runs through Oct. 18 and explores the impact the Lincoln Highway had on the area. massillonmuseum.org

Follow the Stark Stories History Trail to explore the rich history of the Canton area. Stops include the MAPS Air Museum, as well as the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, Hoover Historical Center and more than 40 historical spots. visitcanton.com

When You Go
For more information about these and other destinations in Canton and Stark County,
go to visitcanton.com.

All Love Music Festival
alllovefestival.com

ArtsinStark
artsinstark.com

Canton Museum of Art
cantonart.org

Centennial Plaza Summer Concert Series
cantonohio.gov

Concert for Legends
profootballhof.com

Muskellunge Brewing Co.
muskellungebrewingcompany.com

Second April Studios
facebook.com/secondaprilstudios

Starflyer Brewing Co.
starflyerbrewing.com

Unfused Brew Hall
unfusedbrewhall.com

Woodshop
facebook.com/woodshopcanton

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