Today
Old-time music — Quail Hollow State Park near Hartville will host an old-time music program from 6 to 9 p.m. Everyone is invited to join in. The park is at 13480 Congress Lake Road NE, Lake Township. Admission is $1. 330-877-6652.
Fall colors — Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, is holding a Kinderealm program on fall colors for youngsters 3 to 6 years old and accompanying adults at 10:30 a.m. Meet at the Brushwood Area at Furnace Run Metro Park off Townsend Road in Richfield Township. Advance sign-up is requested. 330-865-8065 or www.summitmetroparks.org.
Astronomical photos — George Gajdos will present a program on photographing astronomical objects from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Happy Days Lodge in the Cuyahoga Valley park. That’s off state Route 303 in Boston Heights. Presented by the Cuyahoga Valley Photographic Society. 330-657-2909 or info@cvps.org..
Nature walk — The Wilderness Center at 9877 Alabama Ave. SW in Sugar Creek Township is holding a nature walk at 2 p.m. 877-359-5235.
Friday
Park concert — The Tannahill Weavers will present the music of Scotland in a concert at 8 p.m. in the Cuyahoga Valley park. The show will be staged at the Happy Days Lodge off state Route 303 in Boston Heights. The show is part of the Cuyahoga Valley Heritage Series. Tickets are $17 for adults and $5 for children 3 to 12. Advance tickets are available to 3 p.m. by calling 330-657-2909, ext. 100. The doors open at 7 p.m.
Being green — Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, is staging a being green program for home-schooled youngsters 7 to 10 years old at 1 p.m. Meet at the Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. Wear old clothes that can get dirty. Advance registration is required. 330-865-8065 or www.summitmetroparks.org.
Timberdoodle autumn — Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, and the city of Twinsburg are co-sponsoring a woodcock walk at 6:30 p.m. at Liberty Park. Meet at the Pond Brook Conservation Area, 3973 E. Aurora Road (state Route 82), Twinsburg Township. 330-865-8065 or www.summitmetroparks.org.
Tree army — The National Park Service is presenting a campfire program on the Civilian Conservation Corps, also known as Roosevelt’s tree army, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Cuyahoga Valley park. Meet at the Ledges Shelter off Truxell Road in Boston Township.
Train rides — The Northeastern Ohio Live Steamers will be offering free rides on miniature trains from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Lester Rail Trail off Lester Road north of state Route 18 in York Township in Medina County. Children can wear Halloween costumes, but long, flowing garments are discouraged. The rides will continue from 2 to 4 and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Sponsored by the Medina County Park District. 330-722-9364.
Dances of peace — Crown Point Ecology Center in Bath Township is presenting Dances of Universal Peace at 7 p.m. at 3220 Ira Road. Everyone is invited to join in. 330-668-8992 or www.crownpt.org.
Saturday
Bird, butterfly hike — Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, is sponsoring a bird, butterfly hike at 10 a.m. at Springfield Bog Metro Park, 1400 Portage Line Road, Springfield Township. 330-865-8065 or www.summitmetroparks.org.
Archaeology Day — The University of Akron and the Cuyahoga Valley Archaeological Society are sponsoring Archaeology Day from noon to 4 p.m. at the Coventry Oaks Pavilion at Firestone Metro Park. That’s off Axline Road in South Akron. There will be demonstrations of arrowhead making, children’s activities, displays by local clubs and a 2 p.m. hike. 330-865-8065 or www.summitmetroparks.org.
Firestone geology — Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, is conducting a geology hike at Firestone Metro Park. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Coventry Oaks Pavilion off Axline Road in South Akron. 330-865-8065 or www.summitmetroparks.org.
War of 1812 — You can learn about the War of 1812 in the Akron area in a hike at 4 p.m. in Sand Run Metro Park in northwest Akron. Meet at the Treaty Line Area off Treaty Line Road. Sponsored by Metro Parks, Serving Summit County. 330-865-8065 or www.summitmetroparks.org.
Meet Cheeks — Cheeks the Chipmunk, the costumed mascot of Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, will appear from noon to 2 p.m. at the Acme No. 6 store, 3200 Greenwich Road, Norton. 330-865-8065.
Fossil hike — The National Park Service is staging a fossil hike along Furnace Run at 10 a.m. in the Cuyahoga Valley park. Meet ranger Josh Bates at the Everett Road Covered Bridge off Everett Road in Boston Township. Wear shoes that can get wet.
Junior Rangers — The Cuyahoga Valley park is presenting a Junior Rangers program on fossils from 2 to 4 p.m. for youngsters 7 to 12 years old. The fee is $8 per child. Adults must attend with participating children at no charge. Call 800-642-3297, ext. 100, for reservations, location and more information.
Brandywine Falls walks — The National Park Service is holding guided walks at Brandywine Falls at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The hikes will be repeated at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday. The falls are off Brandywine Road in Sagamore Hills Township.
Changing seasons — Changing Seasons in the Valley, artwork by the Crooked River Gang, a group of local artists, will be featured in an exhibit at the M.D. Garage in the Cuyahoga Valley park. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1556 Boston Mills Road, Boston Township. The show continues 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Hanging at Hunt — The National Park Service is offering an up-close look at fossils from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Hunt Farm Visitor Information Center off Bolanz Road in Cuyahoga Falls. There will be activities there from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Fall camping — The National Park Service is conducting a fall camping outing on Saturday night in the Cuyahoga Valley park. Bring your own camping gear. To register, call 330-657-2752.
Family Fest — The Stark County Park District is sponsoring its Family Fall Fest from 4 to 8 p.m. with hayrides, hikes, old-fashioned games, face paintings by artists, and more at Petros Lake Park, 3275 Perry Drive SW, Perry Township. The nonscary event is designed for youngsters 12 and under. Children should bring a bag or candy bucket. Costumes are recommended. Children can also bring a favorite stuffed toy. 330-409-8096.
Healthy hike — The Medina County Park District is holding a healthy hike from 9 to 11 a.m. at Lorain County Metroparks’ Wellington Reservation at 535 Jones Road, Wellington. For ages 10 to adult. 330-722-9364.
Scavenger hunt — The Medina County Park District is offering a nature scavenger hunt for families at 1 p.m. at the Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 6100 Ridge Road (state Route 94), Sharon Township. 330-722-9364.
Basket weaving — The Medina County Park District is offering a basket-weaving workshop with a sunflower charm from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 6100 Ridge Road (state Route 94), Sharon Township. The fee is $12 per participant per basket. Advance registration is required. Contact Betty Rettig at 330-336-5841. For ages 14 to adult.
Night bike ride — Century Cycles in Peninsula is sponsoring a night bike ride on the Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley park. The ride will cover 12 to 15 miles. Meet at the store on state Route 303 by the tracks and the Cuyahoga River at 7:30 p.m. Lights and helmets are required. The event is billed as All Hail the Ale for Cleveland Beer Week. The ride will end at the Winking Lizard tavern. 330-657-2209.
Towpath pedal — The Akron-based Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition is staging a 25-mile ride from Akron’s Northside Station in Akron to the Station Road Bridge Trailhead in Brecksville. The ride will depart at 9 a.m. . The fee is $5. 330-374-5657 for reservations and more information.
Hoot, harvest festival — The Western Reserve Land Conservancy is holding its Hoot and Harvest Festival from 5 to 8 p.m. at 3605 Poe Road, Montville Township in Medina County. There will be hayrides, pumpkin painting, food and a live raptor program. Bring a potluck dish to share at dinner. Hot dogs and drinks will be provided. RSVP to 440-528-4162 or kbihler@wrlandconservancy.org.
Boston Heights hike — The Portage Trail Walkers hiking club will meet at 9 a.m. at the state Route 303 Trailhead west of state Route 8 in Boston Heights for a 4½-mile hike on the Bike and Hike Trail. The hike will be to the north to Hines Hill Road and back. 330-673-6896.
Hiking club — The Akron Metro Parks Hiking Club will meet at 9 a.m. at the southeast corner of Graham Road (state Route 91) and Norton Road in Stow for a 5-mile hike. Alternately, the club is holding 4 and 6 miles hikes in Coshocton in connection with the Apple Butter Festival. 330-923-6371. Meet at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 142 N. 4th St., Coshocton.
Wild doings — The Wilderness Center at 9877 Alabama Ave. SW in Sugar Creek Township is holding a bird walk at 8 a.m. It is also presenting Autumn Geofest V from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open to all geocachers. Questions: email to axetowax@yahoo.com. 877-359-5235.
Harvest Festival — Hale Farm and Village in Bath Township will host its Harvest Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with hay piles, apple butter and apple cider at 2686 Oak Hill Road. It will continue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission. 330-666-37711 or www.halefarm.org.
Clam bake — Sarah’s Vineyard Winery is holding a fall clambake from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. Advance ticket purchase required. For more information and pricing, visit www.sarahsvineyardwinery.com.
Fall Farm Days — The Basket of Life Farm off Quick Road in Boston Township is holding Fall Farm Days with farm tours, activities for children, a pumpkin patch and more. The event runs Saturday and Sunday. www.basketoflifefarm.com.
Sunday
House concert — Violinist-fiddler Ed Caner will host a house concert at 7 p.m. in the Cuyahoga Valley park. The show will be held at the Hines Hill Conference Center, 1403 W. Hines Hill Road, Boston Township. Tickets are $8. The facility is not wheelchair accessible. 330-657-2909, ext. 100.
Nature drawing — Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, is holding a nature drawing class for youngsters 6 to 12 years old at 2 p.m. at the Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. Bring a sketchbook and pencil. Advance registration is required. 330-865-8065.
Junior Rangers — The Cuyahoga Valley park is presenting a Junior Rangers program on the Virginia Kendall cliffs for youngsters 4 to 6 years old. It will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. The fee is $8. Adults must attend with participating children at no charge. Call 800-642-3297, ext. 100, for reservations, location and more information.
Darkroom magic — The Medina County Park District is offering a digital darkroom workshop from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Wolf Creek Environmental Center, 6100 Ridge Road (state Route 94), Sharon Township. The fee is $30. Advance sign-up is required. For ages 16 to adult. Bring a laptop computer with Adobe Lightroom 4 installed. 330-722-9364.
Portage hike — The Portage Park District is staging a hike at 1 p.m. on the Portage Hike and Bike Trail. Meet at Lake Rockwell Road in Franklin Township. 330-297-7728.
Nature walk — The University of Mount Union’s John T. Huston-Dr. John D. Brumbaugh Nature Center is hosting a nature walk from 2 to 4 p.m. The center is on Dan Street off state Route 183 six miles south of Alliance in Washington Township. The center is also offering a relax and de-stress event from 1 to 5 p.m. 330-823-7487.
Valley hike — The Akron Metro Parks Hiking Club will meet at 2:30 p.m. for hikes of five or six miles in the Cuyahoga Valley. Meet at the park’s Boston Store Visitor Center off Boston Mills Road, Boston Township. 330-923-6371.
Tree hike — The Wilderness Center at 9877 Alabama Ave. SW in Sugar Creek Township is holding a tree hike at 2 p.m. 877-359-5235.
Monday
Fall colors — Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, is holding a Kinderealm program on fall colors for youngsters 3 to 6 years old and accompanying adults at 10:30 a.m. Meet at the pavilion at Goodyear Heights Metro Park off Newton Street in East Akron. Advance sign-up is requested. 330-865-8065 or www.summitmetroparks.org.
Tuesday
Fall Running Series — The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park is sponsoring its Fall Running Series for runners, joggers and walkers. The timed event will cover up to six miles. Meet at 6 p.m. at Howe Meadow off Riverview Road north of Ira Road in Cuyahoga Falls. In addition, there will be an untimed run at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Howe Meadow. For more information, contact Jared Slanina at 330-657-2909, ext. 136, or jslanina@forcvnp.org.
Collecting seeds — The National Park Service is seeking volunteers to collect seeds from native plants from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Cuyahoga Valley park. For details, call 330-657-2542 or www.nps.gov/cuva/supportyourpark/volunteer-activities.htm.
Learning from geckos — Dr. Ali Dhinojwala of the University of Akron’s polymer science department will speak on Learning From Geckos to Climb Walls, when the Greater Akron Audubon Society meets at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Mingo Shelter off Sand Run Parkway in Sand Run Metro Park in northwest Akron. 330-645-0953 or www.akronaudubon.org.
Wednesday
Healthy hike — Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, is holding a healthy hike at 10 a.m. at Springfield Bog Metro Park, 1400 Portage Line Road, Springfield Township. It will be an easy stroll on the 1.6-mile Prairie Trail. 330-865-8065 or www.summitmetroparks.org.
Evening hike — The National Park Service is staging an evening hike from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Oak Hill Trailhead off Oak Hill Road in Boston Township. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes for the 1½-mile hike on the easy Oak Hill Trail.
Canal Fulton hike — The Akron Metro Parks Hiking Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in Canal Fulton for a five-mile hike. Meet at Canal Park off state Route 93. 330-923-6371.
Bob Downing can be reached at 330-996-3745 or bdowning at the beaconjournal.com.
