Under the Stars ★ Ways to Celebrate Summer Nights

By Denise Koeth

There’s just something about summer’s relaxed schedule that entices families to stay up later. After all, ditching the school morning alarm clock means more time for fun past sundown.

Luckily, Northeast Ohio has plenty to offer when it comes to family-friendly evening activities all season long. Help plan your family’s summer bucket list with these nighttime adventures.

Theater at Dusk

If you’ve got a burgeoning theater buff, consider attending an outdoor performance this summer. While your drama club kid will be in heaven, the less formal environment is great for younger siblings or first-time theatergoers, as well.

Ohio Shakespeare Festival at Stan Hywet Hall

See a Movie

Under the Stars

Nothing says nostalgia like a drive-in movie theater. Pack plenty of snacks, blankets and lawn chairs and bring your family to one of the region’s five options for a double feature after dark. Once you’ve secured your viewing spot, break out the glow sticks and play cards until it’s time for the movie to begin. Don’t forget to visit the concession stand during intermission to replenish your movie treats.

Aut-O-Rama Twin Drive-In Theatre, North Ridgeville, 440-327-9595 autoramadrivein.com

Blue Sky Drive-In Theater, Wadsworth, 330-334-1809 blueskydrive-in.com

Magic City Drive-In Theater, Barberton, 330-825-4333 magiccitydrive-in.com

Mayfield Road Drive-In Theater, Chardon, 440-286-7173 funflick.com/mayfield

Midway Twin Drive-In Theater, Ravenna, 330-296-9829 funflick.com/midway

This summer, catch a performance of “Love’s Labour’s Lost” or “Twelfth Night” in the Lagoon area of the historical Akron estate. Visit ohioshakespearefestival.com or stanhywet.org

Porthouse Theater

Located adjacent to Blossom Music Center, Kent State University’s Porthouse Theater is a covered outdoor venue for live theater. The 2023 season includes performances of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” and “The Prom.” Visit kent.edu/porthouse

Music After Dark

Whether it’s a new band or classic favorite, cover band or orchestra, you’ll find the type of live music you’re looking for this summer in Northeast Ohio. From front porches and town squares to massive outdoor concert venues, the region offers a large variety of options to fit any family’s needs.

For national acts and well-known favorites, check Blossom Music Center (clevelandamphitheater.com) and Cain Park’s Evans Amphitheater (cainpark.com). The former also is the home of the Cleveland Orchestra’s Blossom Music Festival, which offers family-friendly concerts all summer long — with up to two free “Under 18” tickets available for each regular-priced ticket.

For smaller scale live music at sunset, check out the following locations and programs:

Cleveland Metroparks clevelandmetroparks.com

Crocker Park’s Music in the Park, Weslake crockerpark.com

Lake Metroparks Concerts & More at the Glen, Kirtland lakemetroparks.com

LakewoodAlive’s Front Porch Concert Series lakewoodalive.org

Lock 3, Akron lock3live.com

Mentor Civic Amphitheater mentorrocks.info

Summer Music Nights, Hudson firstandmainhudson.com

Catch a Night Game

Between the Cleveland Guardians, Akron RubberDucks, Lake County Captains and Lake Erie Crushers, there are plenty of opportunities to take in a night baseball game this summer. Look for family-friendly promotions, ticket deals, and post-game fireworks to add to your family’s overall experience.

Akron RubberDucks Canal Park, Akron akronrubberducks.com

Cleveland Guardians Progressive Field, Cleveland mlb.com/guardians

Lake County Captains Classic Park, Eastlake captainsbaseball.com

Lake Erie Crushers

Mercy Health Stadium, Avon lakeeriecrushers.com