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THE KENT STAGE
An award winning historic theater and intimate venue that dissolves the barrier between the musicians and their audience. The Kent Stage brings sounds such as blues, folk, reggae, and classic rock as well as comedy and theater performances to downtown Kent.
175 E. Main St.
330-677-5005
VENICE CAFE
The Venice Cafe on the corner of Erie and Franklin is one of the original and most iconic bars in the storied city of Kent. Since 1941, generations of residents, students and visitors have enjoyed the Venice Cafe for its authentic ambiance, great drinks, delicious food and more. Its noir-ish mahogany atmosphere and hued Italian murals have provided a unique backdrop for many a fun night out with friends and family.
163 W. Erie St.
330-968-4603
WATER STREET TAVERN
Water Street Tavern in Kent is the premier venue in Kent and beyond for food, drink, and fun! Featuring a rooftop patio and a stage with free live music weekly. Water Street Tavern has something for everyone.
132 S. Water St.
330-677-0700
KENT BEATLEFEST
Every February enjoy FREE live Beatles and British Invasion music throughout the downtown. Brought to us by our friends at Crooked River Arts Council and presented by Wayside Furniture.
AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Spring in downtown Kent brings the American Roots Music Festival, a FREE festival with Americana, Bluegrass and Country music. Brought to you by our friends at Crooked River Arts Council. Presented by Wayside Furniture.
KENT BLUESFEST
FREE live blues music at over 20 venues in downtown Kent! This annual event happens in July. Visit www.kentbluesfest.com for event schedule, map, and musician bios. Brought to us by our friends at Crooked River Arts Council and sponsored by Wayside Furniture and Acorn Alley.
KENT ‘ROUND TOWN MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Festival started in 1966 as the Kent State Folk Festival and in recent years morphed into the Kent ‘Round Town Music Festival. Over the years the Festival has seen locals, Rock n’ Roll Hall Of Famers, pop culture luminaries, and counter culture icons put on their best performances for the City of Kent and visitors from all over the world. Over 38 of your favorite downtown businesses host music acts!
Dan Smith Community Park Concert Series
Enjoy live music from area bands every Friday evening in July and August from 6-8pm, plus a special performance from 7-9pm on Friday, July 14 for the Kent Blues Fest! Free and fun for the family, this concert series is brought to you by College Town Kent. Located beside Bricco, the Dan Smith Community Park is a pocket park featuring gathering areas, swings, a water feature, a stage, and a two little free libraries — fun for kids and adults of all ages — nestled in the heart of downtown Kent!
Home Heritage Concert Series
Come downtown for these free concerts at the Hometown Bank Plaza May through September, on select Thursday evenings, from 7-9pm. Located in the heart of downtown Kent at the corner of Main St. and Water St., the Hometown Bank Plaza is a family friendly space full of beautiful flower gardens and great for enjoying community events, live music, or a bite to eat!
Haymaker Farmer’s Market
The Haymaker Farmers’ Market runs year round, with May-Oct being the outdoor market! Enjoy live music as well as locally grown produce, eggs, meats, plants, fresh baked goods, art, community and more. Located on Franklin Ave. between Main St. and Summit St. under the Haymaker overpass, this producers-only market runs on Saturdays from 9am-1pm.