The show “Gilmore Girls,” features Rory and Lorelai Gilmore, the fast-talking mother-daughter duo with an endless love for coffee in the cozy small town of Stars Hollow. The award-winning TV show aired in 2000 and celebrated its 25th anniversary at the Emmys.
“Gilmore Girls” has become a comfort show for many, with its warm and comforting visuals, colorful leaves and warm colors. The show conveys a subtle sense of comfort from seeing a local friendly face and the banter of a close community. Many long-term fans cite the show as their “must-watch” for fall.
The show centers on deep family bonds and connections to home, which is emphasized in its theme song, “Where you lead, I will follow.” For fans, this leads them to Ohio.
Stars Hollow Fest was put on in Medina, Ohio, by Black Cat Books & Oddities. The Black Cat Books & Oddities website features “Gilmore Girls” merch, a quiz that will help you figure out which Stars Hollow character you are and a custom reading list based on your results. The free event took place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16.
The evening was packed with a variety of activities. Attendees could start with shopping at the various vendors and stores, such as Blossom & Balm Apothecary, Dragonfly Merch Co and The Smitten Bakehouse. Attendees could also participate in a costume contest, where the winners can receive a $100 prize. The event also had live music, a dance-a-thon and a Kirk’s easter egg hunt.
The city of Medina, located between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, is an older community founded in the 1800s. Medina, nicknamed “America’s Hometown,” is famous for being a beloved small town in Ohio.
Medina offers a variety of attractions, including shopping, dining, parks and more. Medina has a charming downtown square with a historic courthouse, the Brookside walks, and mom-and-pop shops. For this event, the organizers turned the whole town into Stars Hollow. They provided visitors with a map showing how to navigate Stars Hollow and also led them to prizes along the way.
The map featured all the famous staples of the town, including Doose’s Market, Lorelai Gilmore's House and the essential staple, Luke's Diner, which was featured many times throughout the show.
Many authors also visit, such as Laurie Gilmore, also known as Melissa McTernan, author of the popular book, “The Pumpkin Spiced Cafe.” Attendees could also purchase the special edition of the book at Le Chat Club, accompanied by a free, signed bookplate. Visitors trailed through the streets of Medina, and the air buzzed with excitement and nostalgia, with people dressed as their favorite characters. This all created the perfect "Gilmore Girls" vibe. In a video by @jamiekayehen on TikTok, she showcases all the vendors, shops, and recreations of the show.
Many fans enjoyed their time and thought everything was on theme.
“I didn’t realize how many Gilmore Girls fans there actually were … Medina Square reminds me of Stars Hollow,” TikTok user Kristylifestylesaid.
Even after 25 years, "Gilmore Girls" continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, with themes of family, self-discovery and the bond between mothers and daughters.
The humor, heart and dialogue are as fresh today as they were when the show first aired, which is why many loyal fans enjoy celebrating events that represent the show. That connection is precisely what events like Stars Hollow Fest celebrate, highlighting the show's timelessness and evoking a sense of coming home.
As the sun sets over Medina Square, the glow of the lights illuminates the festival grounds. From the sound of laughter, music and coffee, the air was filled with couples and groups of friends gathering to take photos and enjoy the moment, capturing memories which reminded them of something shared outside the show.
By the end, it's clear “Stars Hollow” is more than just a themed event. It's a celebration of community nostalgia and connections. Where fans can go wild and enjoy all the souvenirs, experiencing a small piece of the "Gilmore" world in real life.
For many, “Gilmore Girls" is not just a TV show. It's a feeling that has a warmness and the love of a coffee in the comfort of a fall day, and for just one day in Medina, you can get that feeling.
