Events & Festivals in Cleveland

The Cleveland Convention Center hosts this indoor show of hundreds of craft beers from Ohio and beyond. Brewery representatives pour samples. Food is available for purchase. It suits adults interested in local brewing. The atmosphere is lively and social. It offers welcome respite from the cold outside.

This ranks among the longest-running film festivals in the U.S. It presents hundreds of independent films and documentaries from around the world. Screenings happen at Playhouse Square. It attracts film enthusiasts and those seeking thought-provoking cinema. The atmosphere is engaging. Discussions follow many screenings.

Downtown Cleveland stages one of the region's largest St. Patrick's Day parades. The route cuts through the Gateway District. Marching bands, Irish dance troupes, and community groups fill the streets. Post-parade, many bars and restaurants in the area serve live music and special menus.

The Cleveland Guardians' Major League Baseball season opener becomes a city-wide celebration. The game at Progressive Field is preceded by festivities outside the ballpark. The mood is optimistic and festive. It draws families and dedicated fans alike.

The Cleveland Convention Center hosts this gathering of dozens of vendors offering entirely plant-based food, products, and services. Cooking demonstrations, speakers, and live music fill the program. It appeals to vegans, vegetarians, and the curious.

Cleveland's AsiaTown neighborhood hosts this celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. The streets fill with food stalls, cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, and vendor booths. It's a family-friendly event. The feel is dynamic and communal.

This long-running, bohemian-style street fair takes over Hessler Road near the University Circle area. It features local art vendors, live music on multiple stages, craft demonstrations, and international food. The atmosphere is laid-back and creative.

Athletes swim in Lake Erie, cycle along the Shoreway, and run through Edgewater Park and surrounding areas. Participants range from beginners to professionals. Spectators can watch from several points along the course. Edgewater Park offers prime viewing.

The annual Pride parade marches through downtown Cleveland. It ends at a festival in Voinovich Park. The festival features live music, drag performances, food trucks, and community resource booths. It's a colorful, affirming celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.

The city of Berea, just southwest of Cleveland, organizes this event. It features professional and amateur rib cook-offs, live music, and carnival rides. Vendors sell their signature ribs and other festival foods. It's a popular, messy, and flavorful community gathering.

One of the largest fireworks displays in Northeast Ohio launches over Lake Erie at Edgewater Park. Thousands gather on the beach and lawns to watch. Families arrive early to picnic. They enjoy the lakefront before the show begins at dusk.

The Cleveland Orchestra's summer home is the open-air Blossom Music Center. The season includes classical programs, film scores with live orchestra, and popular music guests. Patrons can sit in the pavilion. They can also spread out on the expansive lawn.

The Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds hosts this multi-day celebration of Irish heritage. Continuous live music, dance performances, cultural exhibits, and athletic demonstrations fill the schedule. Food and merchandise vendors offer goods from Ireland and Irish-American organizations.

The landmark African American Cultural Garden in Rockefeller Park hosts this event. It features spoken word, musical performances, historical reenactments, and family activities. It honors the contributions of African Americans to Cleveland and the nation.

This sustainability-focused festival at the Coast Guard Station on the Cuyahoga River celebrates the revival of Cleveland's waterways. Craft beer from Great Lakes Brewing Company, local food, live music, and educational exhibits on environmental stewardship fill the weekend.

A Labor Day weekend tradition, this show brings military and civilian aerobatic teams, vintage aircraft, and ground displays to Burke Lakefront Airport. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels or U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds often headline. The roar of jets fills the lakefront.

The first home game of the NFL season for the Cleveland Browns transforms the lakefront. The atmosphere around Cleveland Browns Stadium crackles with tailgating and fan festivities. Inside, the Dawg Pound is famously loud and passionate.

Held along Detroit Avenue in the suburb of Lakewood, this juried art show brings over 100 artists selling paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and more. Live music, food trucks, and a children's art area make it a family-friendly weekend event.

This unique festival at the Shaker Lakes Nature Center celebrates all things garlic. Local restaurants compete with garlic-laden dishes, and vendors sell garlic-based products. Cooking demos, live music, and family activities round out the event.

Held at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, this authentic German-style festival brings multiple beer halls, traditional food like schnitzel and strudel, live polka and oompah bands, and folk dancing. It's a lively, family-friendly celebration with a strong sense of gemütlichkeit.

On a designated Friday evening, Tremont's many art galleries open their doors to the public, showing local artists. Shops and restaurants often stay open late, creating a neighborhood-wide, self-guided art tour. It's a relaxed way to explore this historic district.

Top young pianists from around the world compete in this prestigious event held at the Cleveland Museum of Art and other venues. The repertoire is demanding and the performances are intense. A must for classical music aficionados.

Public Square is the centerpiece for Cleveland's official kick-off to the holiday season. Live music, entertainment, and the illumination of the city's holiday lights and the massive Christmas tree mark the evening. Hot chocolate and food vendors are present.

University Circle's institutions, including the museums and the Cleveland Botanical Garden, open their doors for free or reduced admission. The streets fill with carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, festive lighting, and holiday market vendors.

Inspired by the classic film 'A Christmas Story,' this fun run starts and finishes at the house used as the film's location in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood. Participants often wear festive costumes. The event supports local community projects.

Wade Oval in University Circle becomes a winter wonderland with an outdoor ice rink, festive lights, holiday music, and fire pits for roasting marshmallows. Skates are available for rental. It's a charming, family-oriented outdoor activity.