Mentor CityFest returns this weekend with concerts, parade and more

Lake CountyMentor CityFest returns this weekend with concerts, parade, kids activities, food vendors, Color Dash and free admission at Civic Center Park.Hannah DrownBy Molly Walsh | mwalsh@cleveland.comcleveland.com Express DeskMENTOR, Ohio -- Mentor CityFest returns this weekend for a two-day celebration featuring live music, a parade, children’s activities, food vendors, and other entertainment at Mentor Civic Center Park.The festival is scheduled for 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, and noon to 11 p.m. Saturday. Admission and parking are free.The Mentor Civic Amphitheater will host concerts both nights. Just Like Pink, a Pink tribute act, will perform at 8 p.m. Friday, followed by 7 Summers, a Morgan Wallen tribute act, at 8 p.m. Saturday.The festival’s Kids Zone will feature bounce houses, giant slides, a 70-foot obstacle course, a warrior dash, rock wall, extreme trampoline, and mobile Ninja Warrior course. A separate kids entertainment stage also will offer performances and activities.Throughout the festival, visitors can see strolling performers, play the “Fest Money” game and take part in activities hosted by local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. Those groups will be featured in the Main Street tent.More than 15 food vendors will be on hand, offering festival staples including sausage sandwiches, funnel cakes, and lemonade, along with other food and desserts.The Mentor CityFest Parade will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Shore Middle School and travel along Hopkins Road, Center Street and Civic Center Boulevard before reaching the festival grounds. More than 100 groups are expected to participate, along with the Mentor High School Marching Band and the city’s float.The CityFest Color Dash & Walk will begin at 2:30 p.m. Saturday. The 2.5-mile run and walk starts and finishes at the festival and follows the Civic Center bike path. Participants will pass through seven color zones along the route.Some activities, including the bounce houses, require a wristband that can be purchased at the festival.Mentor Civic Center Park is at 8600 Munson Road. Additional festival parking will be available at Mentor High School, Mentor Senior Center, Mentor Fire Station No. 5, the Mentor Police Department, and the Laketran parking lot on Market Street.Handicap parking for people with a permanent Ohio disability placard will be available at the Mentor Municipal Center.Molly Walsh covers Lake and Geauga Counties for The Plain Dealer and Cleveland.com. Previously, she covered business, criminal justice and breaking news. Molly also worked as a reporter for the Akron Beacon...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by Cleveland.com staff.