If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a coffee mug and wishing your life had more fast-paced banter and autumn leaves, you aren’t alone. Honestly, thousands of people feel that exact same way. That’s probably why the medina gilmore girls event, officially known as Stars Hollow Fest, has become such a massive deal in Ohio.
People didn’t just show up; they swarmed.
Medina, Ohio, is basically a stunt double for the fictional Connecticut town we all obsess over. It has the historic public square. It has the gazebo. It has that specific "small town where everyone knows your business" energy that Lorelai Gilmore would either love or mock relentlessly. Hosted by Black Cat Books & Oddities, the event transformed the brick-lined streets of Medina into a living, breathing tribute to the WB classic.
The Chaos and the Coffee: What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think these fan festivals are just corporate pop-ups with overpriced lattes. They aren't. Not this one. Stars Hollow Fest is a community-driven explosion of nostalgia. On August 16, 2025, the Square was packed from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM with people wearing flannel and backwards baseball caps.
It wasn't just a market. It was a vibe.
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The Good, The Bad, and The Kirk-Level Weird
You’ve got to appreciate the effort. There were over 100 vendors selling everything from "I Smell Snow" candles to crochet beanies. But it wasn't just shopping. The event featured some pretty specific deep-cuts for fans:
- Kirk’s Easter Egg Hunt: A chaotic scavenger hunt where eggs were hidden all over the Square.
- The Dance-a-Thon: A nod to the Season 3 episode "They Shoot Gilmores, Don't They?" where fans competed for a swag bag worth over $350.
- Literary Costume Contest: People didn't just dress as Rory; they dressed as obscure characters from the books Rory read.
However, it wasn't all perfect. If you’ve ever tried to get through a town meeting with Taylor Doose, you know things can get messy. Some fans on Reddit complained that the egg hunt was a bit of a disaster because a few over-eager kids opened all the eggs before the official start. Typical Kirk luck, really.
Why Medina is the Perfect Stars Hollow
It’s the architecture.
Medina’s Public Square looks like it was designed by a Hollywood set decorator who specializes in "cozy." During the medina gilmore girls event, the organizers actually provided a map that relabeled local landmarks. The historic courthouse and the mom-and-pop shops like Le Chat Club and The Honey Bee Bakery fit the aesthetic so well it was almost spooky.
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Authors like Laurie Gilmore (the pen name for Melissa McTernan) even showed up to sign books. It felt authentic because it wasn't just a "festival"—it was the town leaning into its own identity.
Surviving the Next Stars Hollow Fest
If you're planning to go to the 2026 event—which is already scheduled for August 14-16, 2026—you need a game plan. You can't just wing it like Lorelai at a Friday Night Dinner.
- Arrive early. The 2025 event was technically 4 PM to 9 PM, but the crowds were thick long before the first chord was struck at the gazebo.
- Check the weather. It’s Ohio in August. It’s going to be humid. You might want to wear the Rory sweater for the photos, but have a backup plan so you don't melt.
- Bring cash. While most vendors take cards, the Wi-Fi in historic squares can be as spotty as Sookie's kitchen safety record.
- The "I Smell Snow" Factor. While the main fest is in August, Medina also leans into the Gilmore vibe during the winter with their Ice Festival and Candlelight Walks. If you want the winter version of the show, go in February.
Beyond the Gazebo: E-E-A-T and The Real Experience
We have to talk about the reality of these events. The "Gilmore Girls" fandom is intense. We’re talking about a show that ended nearly two decades ago (not counting the revival) yet still pulls thousands of people to a small town in the Midwest.
Critics might say it’s just consumerism disguised as a hobby. Maybe. But standing in a crowd of people who all know what "Oy with the poodles already" means creates a weirdly specific sense of belonging. It’s a niche society.
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The organizers at Black Cat Books & Oddities have tapped into a real need for "whimsy amongst the mundane." They aren't just selling books; they’re selling a weekend where you can pretend, just for a second, that your biggest problem is whether the town troubadour is too loud.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you missed the last one, don't just sit there. Start your 2026 "Reading Challenge" now, as it’s a big part of the upcoming festivities. Sign up for the Black Cat Books & Oddities newsletter to get the vendor application or the costume contest registration early. If you're traveling from out of state, book a hotel in Medina or nearby Akron at least six months in advance. These rooms disappear faster than a plate of donuts at Luke's.
Keep an eye on the official "Stars Hollow Fest" website for the 2026 schedule of events, as they often add "Friday Night Dinner" themed restaurant specials and VIP "preview" nights that aren't always advertised on the main flyers.