Three Local Festivals You'll Want To Check Out This Summer

Avon Heritage Duck Tape Festival 
It’s just one of those summertime events that sticks with you. The Duck Tape Festival capitalizes on the sticky material’s popularity and versatility — think floats, clothes and more made completely out of it. “Duck Tape has taken on a life of its own and a community of its own,” says Patti Sack, media manager of ShurTech, the company that makes Duck Tape. “It can be used in so many applications, whether in dad’s tool box or the craft closet.” 3701 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Avon, 866-818-1116, ducktapefestival.com

 June 22-24
 Put-in-Bay Pyrate Fest 
Step into the world of scallywags and buccaneers at Put-in-Bay’s annual Pyrate Fest. DeRivera Park is transformed into a cannon-firing, doubloon-hunting village June 22-24. Purchase mini cannons and see live pirate theater. “It’s all a pirate village,” says Peter Huston, head of the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. “It’s an immersive experience for all ages.” 148 Bayview Ave., Put-in-Bay, 419-285-2832, pyratefest.org

Aug. 25 & 26
Garlic Festival 
Sure, your breath might stink when you’re done, but the garlic beer, garlic fries and garlic ice cream are all worth it. Since 2009, this event has highlighted the local farmers who grow the fragrant herb. “Go talk to the farmers and learn about garlic,” says Donita Anderson, executive director of the North Union Farmers Market. “And then go taste it.” 13111 Shaker Square, Cleveland, 216-751-7656, clevelandgarlicfestival.org