5 things to do in Mahoning Valley, from Youngstown Flea to Columbiana Street Fair
It’s a brand new month, and the first weekend of September is packed with events throughout Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties.
Check out Mahoning Matters’ top 5 picks for things to do this weekend starting with First Friday in Youngstown and ending with a goodbye summer trolley ride.
First Friday in Youngstown
Head downtown from 4 - 8 p.m. for First Friday’s Chalk the Walk extravaganza on and near Phelps Street in Youngstown.
Artists who want to participate in a chalk art contest are encouraged to sign up online, but downtown businesses are also able to decorate the sidewalks outside themselves.
Kids and families can check out the Chalk Art Creation area hosted by Students Motivated by the Arts open from 4-8pm.
A limited amount of chalk will be provided by The Butler Institute of American Art and SMARTS. Bring your own water-based chalk if you can.
In addition to chalk art, the free festival will also have food, drink specials, a vendor market, art exhibits and family-oriented activities.
From 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., listen to live music performed by Jack and the Cadavers on the Phelps Street Stage.
At 5:30 p.m., join in on line dancing with Stepping Out Fitness at the Octave Live Music Cafe and Event Center.
137th Columbiana Street Fair
With the Canfield Fair wrapped up, head over to Columbiana for end-of-summer festivities starting on Thursday.
The annual Columbiana Street Fair starts Thursday with the firemen’s parade and continues on Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.
The festival is happening on Main Street in Columbiana, with a variety of fair food options like chicken dinner from Grace Church or a Street Fair Burger from Eats Trailer.
Ride passes will be available each day at Kissel Amusements Ticket Box located next to PNC Bank.
Visit the Columbiana Street Fair website for information on parking and registering for the festival photo contest.
Youngstown Flea
The September edition of the Youngstown Flea is on Saturday in collaboration with Thrive Mahoning Valley for Welcoming Week preview.
According to Trhive, Welcoming Week is a chance to affirm the community is inclusive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds, as well as business owners.
The indoor and outdoor Youngstown Flea starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. at 365 E Boardman St. in downtown Youngstown.
Cortland First Annual Maker’s Market
On Saturday, grab coffee with Mayor Deidre Petrosky from 9 a.m. until noon at Cortland Main Street Coffee.
After, head over to the city of Cortland’s first annual Maker’s Market from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. along West Main Street in Cortland.
It’s a combination between a farmer’s market and craft show. 
End of Summer Trolley Tour
On Sunday, make sure to fill out a reservation for Mill Creek Metroparks’ trolley ride to celebrate the new season.
It’s happening from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. aboard the Cohasset Express. There’s limited seating, and passengers will board at Ford Nature Center, located at 840 Old Furnace Road in Youngstown.
Registration and payments are due by Friday. Fill out the registration online or call 330.740.7107 at extension 129 for more information.