Fairy Garden Workshop at Holden Arboretum
From the nooks of the earth and the depths of lakes, fairies are awaking in summer’s warmth and hanging their acorn caps and petal bonnets in the shade of Northeast Ohio gardens and trees. Abodes created for them by 22 local artists are on display at both the Cleveland Botanical Garden and the Holden Arboretum. This weekend, Holden Arboretum will host its first of two Fairy Garden workshops, so visitors can create their own summer dwelling for fairies in their yard. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Murch Canopy Walk, too. $45-$55, July 9, 5:30-7 p.m., 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, 440-946-4400, holdenfg.org
Friday Funk Social Vinyl Dance Party at The Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
Nothing sounds better than a needle treading the licorice-jet grooves of vinyl, but while the image may conjure nights-in, The Beachland Ballroom & Tavern promises a complete blast with Friday Funk Social. A dance contest is set for 10 p.m. with a $100 prize in cash and gift cards to local businesses on the line. Strap on some dancing shoes and leave everything the work week gave you on the floor. $5, July 9, 8 p.m., 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com
Hybrid Summer Meltdown 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run & Walk at Lakewood Park
Filling the lungs with the smell of dew on a morning jog is one of the best ways to feel productive early. Northeast Ohio has great racing opportunities, and this weekend starts the Hybrid Summer Meltdown and 1 Mile Family Fun Run & Walk. Participates who chose to go virtual will be able to submit their times online between July 10 until July 23 from their treadmills, neighborhoods or favorite parks. On July 25, the in-person race starts at Lakewood Park. With time to plan, it’s hard to find an excuse not to lace up. $12-$25, July 10-23 & 25, July 10-23 all day, July 25 9 a.m., 14532 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-0655, runsignup.com
Music in the Valley Folk and Wine Festival at Hale Farm & Village
Uncork and unwind among the rolling hills of Summit County as folk’s melodies and poetic lyrics waft on the air. For more than 40 years, people have made the drive to this festival for a weekend of respite. Hear the music of Chris Allen, Madison Cummins and Jon Mosey. Taste the refinery of Ohio-based wineries as well as local food vendors. With a daily wine pairing seminar brought by The Wine Buzz, finding flavors that dance on the palate will be a cinch. While you’re there, check out the historic treasures Hale Farm & Village itself has to offer. $12, July 10 & 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org
Summer Exhibitions at Summit Artspace
Starting this weekend, Summit Artspace is a one-stop for four unique art exhibits . Meditate with local artist Helen Wilson’s work in Botanical Voices, collaged landscapes inspired by local plant life and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Give dues to our region’s industrial, Rust Belt roots with playful sculptures built from scrap metal mimicking nature with Present and Retro, a reflection of P.R. Miller’s career. The future of art sits within Chris Hoot’s digital, layered graphics in Sim[plex]cities: Digital Constructs, Visual Music, Liquid Landscapes and emerging artists from Kent showcase a multi-medium group exhibition, Included But Not Limited To. Free, July 10- Sept. 25, Fri noon-7 p.m. & Sat 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 140 E. Market St., Akron, 330-376-8480, summitartspace.org