A- Overview:
Often cited as a model for urban rebirth and named one of the top 10 international visitor hotspots by Travel and Leisure magazine, the city of Cleveland, located on the shores of Lake Erie, has truly lived up to its image as The New American City. Cleveland’s success story today is fueled by an on-going commitment to growth and a global vision for the future. Cleveland boasts leading cultural and educational centers, internationally acclaimed health institutions and world-class sports and entertainment facilities. These attributes, combined with the rich traditions and unique, ethnic flavor of the city, have visitors agreeing with what residents have always said—CLEVELAND— IT WILL ROCK YOU!
Whatever the interest, this lakeside community has something for even the most discriminating traveler. When it comes to attractions, there is definitely no shortage in both the city as well as the surrounding area. One of the most popular theme parks in the country is located in nearby Sandusky. Cedar Point allows guests to experience over 150 rides and attractions, including award-winning entertainment and four children’s areas.
The NASA Glenn Research Center offers free admission to a host of interactive exhibits and historic artifacts that showcase highlights of NASA’s aerospace programs. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame are two other must see attractions. Where else but at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame can a visitor relive the soundtrack of his/her life? There are over 50 exhibits, dynamic cinematic presentations plus the largest single collection of rock and roll artifacts. Located just one hour south of Cleveland, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, known as one of America’s premier sports showplaces, presents football as fans have never before experienced it in Game Day Stadium Theater!
From the world’s only Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to the Great Lakes Science Center and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rainforest, Cleveland is bustling with venues of interest. Thrill-seekers will be on the edge of their seats (literally!) with some of the tallest, fastest, steepest and best roller coasters in the world at Geauga Lake in Aurora and Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky.
Those who enjoy the out of doors, will want to visit the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Rain Forest. Viewing over 3,000 animals living in an expanse of 168 rolling, wooded acres, provides a great day of fun for the entire family. See animals and plants from around the globe including the jungles of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. In addition, there are a total of 27 parks, two golf courses, three lakefront locations, a Nature Center, a Wildlife Center and an Agricultural Theme Park available as well.
Culture enthusiasts and aficionados enjoy stellar performances at Cleveland’s Playhouse Square Center, which includes five beautifully restored, circa 1920 theaters, making Playhouse Square Center the nation’s largest performing arts center outside of New York City. These architectural gems are home to the Cleveland Opera, Ohio Ballet, Great Lakes Theater Festival, The Second City, and many Broadway performances.
University Circle, one of the nation’s largest concentrations of cultural arts, medical, and educational institutions within one square mile, is also home to many world-class treasures. including the renowned Cleveland Museum of Art and The Cleveland Orchestra. These include HealthSpace Cleveland, the Cleveland Children’s Museum, the Western Reserve Historical Society, the Crawford Auto and Aviation Museum, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, and the Cleveland Play House, to name a few. Also of note are the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University’s Peter B. Lewis Building, which was designed by Frank O. Gehry.
Cleveland is known for being loyal to its sports teams. The city hosts big-league sports action year-round. The National Football League (NFL) and the Cleveland Browns returned to Cleveland with the 73,000-seat Cleveland Browns Stadium. Jacobs Field, featuring one of the largest scoreboards in the United States, is home to baseball’s Cleveland Indians. Gund Arena hosts Cleveland Cavaliers basketball, Cleveland Barons hockey and more than 200 family events and concerts each year. There is also MISL soccer with the Cleveland Force.
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland boasts 31 miles of lake frontage, more than any other metropolitan center in the world. The Lake Erie Circle Tour, a 200-mile stretch of scenic beauty along the Northern Ohio coast is of interest in each of the four seasons. Major theme parks, heritage and historical sites, wineries, covered bridges, unique museums, and highly rated Donald Ross-designed golf courses are all set against the broad expanse of Southern Lake Erie.
The city offers a bustling, riverfront entertainment district like no other. The Flats, located along the banks of the Cuyahoga River, houses more than 50 restaurants, nightclubs and bars, a 5,000 seat amphitheater and a waterfront boardwalk. The upscale Historic Warehouse District is home to live jazz and blues, great restaurants, trendy nightclubs and an improvisational theatre. The Historic Gateway District, a diverse area comprised of neighborhood, commercial, retail and dining venues, is also the center of big-league sports action and entertainment year round. Nightclubs offering live musical entertainment round out the booming Historic Gateway District nightspots.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, in summer, winter, fall or spring, this conveniently located Ohio city is sure to excite you. Be sure to bring plenty of energy and a camera!
B- City Information:
Population: 478,403
Elevation: 690 feet above sea level
Land Area: 77.6 square miles
Location: Located in the very northern portion of Ohio, virtually on Lake Erie
Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Cleveland, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles). Cleveland observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October
Weather:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average temp. (°F)
26.2
28.8
37.8
48.0
58.9
67.9
72.3
70.7
64.0
52.9
42.3
31.6
High temperature (°F)
33.3
36.4
46.6
57.9
69.2
78.0
82.0
79.9
73.2
61.8
49.5
38.1
Low temperature (°F)
19.1
21.1
28.9
38.1
48.5
57.9
62.5
61.4
54.7
44.0
35.2
25.2
Precipitation (in)
2.4
2.2
2.9
3.3
3.4
3.9
3.5
3.7
3.8
2.8
3.4
3.1
Climate:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Days with precip.
16
14
15
15
13
11
10
10
10
11
14
16
Wind speed (mph)
12.2
11.8
12.0
11.5
10.0
9.2
8.6
8.2
8.9
9.9
11.8
12.0
Morning humidity (%)
79
78
79
77
78
80
82
86
85
81
78
78
Afternoon humidity (%)
70
68
63
58
58
58
57
60
60
60
66
71
Sunshine (%)
30
37
45
52
58
65
67
63
60
52
31
25
Days clear of clouds
3
3
5
5
6
7
8
9
8
8
3
3
Partly cloudy days
5
6
6
8
10
11
12
11
10
8
6
5
Cloudy days
24
20
20
17
15
12
11
11
12
15
21
24
Snowfall (in)
13.5
12.0
10.9
2.4
0.1
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.6
5.3
12.1
Local Seasons:
Summer is the busiest time of year in this active city due to its proximity to some of the country’s best theme parks as well as the abundance of activities on the area’s waterways; Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. Late spring and summer, beaches, yacht clubs, parks and other entertainment venues provide a multitude of events and things to do, setting the pace for family fun. When it comes to weather, Cleveland offers its visitors four distinct seasons, all of which allow the many outdoor activities to be experienced and enjoyed by all. Summers are perfect for any activity with midday temperatures around 80 F and the evenings dropping into the 60’s. Spring and fall are quite beautiful for both the scenery as well as the weather. Temperatures in the spring average near 50 F, making it the ideal to take advantage of viewing Nature coming to life in some of the city’s nationally recognized parks. Naturally, fall is beautiful as well, when the area transforms itself into a variety of colors as the leaves begin to fall. With temperatures just cool enough to be invigorating, it’s a great time for a nice lunch at one of the areas fine restaurants, followed by a leisurely walk while enjoying the scenery. Winters do get cold and snow does transform the area into a winter wonderland, perfect for a relaxing drink by a roaring fire. Whatever the season and whatever the reason for visiting, Cleveland awaits with a multitude of activities and sites to enjoy.
How to Get There:
By Air
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
5300 Riverside Drive
Cleveland, OH 44135
216-265-6000
One of the nation’s key airports, services many numerous major carriers that schedule more than 700 direct and connecting flights throughout the U.S. and internationally. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is also a major hub for Continental Airlines.
Ground Transportation:
Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi, limousine, and shuttle bus service is available both at the airport as well as at select locations throughout the city.
By Car
Cleveland is easily accessible from several major interstate highways; east-west I-80 (Ohio Turnpike) and I-90, and I-71 and I-77 from the south. I-271 and I-480 form bypasses around the city.
By Train
Amtrak
200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway
Cleveland, OH 44114
800-USA-RAIL
Amtrak has passenger train service departing to and arriving from many cities, including Chicago, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New York City.
By Bus
Greyhound
1465 Chester Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-781-0520
How to Get Around:
With so many things to see and do in the city, as well as in the nearby area, a personal or rental car is the best way to get around.
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
1240 West 6th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44113
216-566-5100
Features bus or rapid transit service to nearly every part of the city. Rail service runs daily from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport to downtown’s Tower City Center; to surrounding communities and beyond. The Waterfront Line, RTA’s newest addition, links the downtown business corridor to North Coast Harbor and the Flats Entertainment District. Buses serve the business and shopping areas as well as all other locations throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.
National Holidays:
New Year’s Day, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January
President’ Day, the third Monday in February
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, the first Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25
New Year’s Eve, December 31
C- Attractions/Things To Do:
Cleveland Botanical Gardens
11030 East Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-707-2833
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
An exotic new Glasshouse – believed to be the only one of its kind in the world; 10 acres of beautiful gardens, including an award-winning children’s garden.
Cleveland Metroparks
4101 Fulton Parkway
Cleveland, OH 44144
216-351-6300
Hours: Vary by location, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Over 20,000 acres, 15 reservations surrounding Cleveland like an Emerald Necklace.” Walking and hiking trails, seven outdoor education facilities, six golf courses, four swimming areas, 70 picnic areas, and twin refrigerated ice toboggan chutes, offer opportunities for year round fun.”
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and The RainForest
3900 Wildlife Way
Cleveland, OH 44109
216-61-6500
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
3,000 animals occupy 168 rolling, wooded acre. The RainForest is home to 600 animals and 10,000 plants from the jungles of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Cleveland Hungarian Heritage Society
Galleria at Erieview
1301 East 9th Street
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-523-3900
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 11am – 3pm, Friday, 11am – 5pm
Admission Free, Donations Accepted
The museum showcases the beauty and diversity of the culture of Hungary and of the Hungarian-Americans through colorful and educational exhibits and special programs.
Cleveland Museum of Art
11150 East Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44106-1797
216-421-7340
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10am -5pm; Wednesday and Friday 10apm-9 pm
Admission Charged
Visitors can see major exhibitions and an internationally recognized collection of art from ancient Egyptian statues to Renaissance armor to Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir and Van Gogh to works of today.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History
1 Wade Oval Drive
Cleveland, OH 44106
800-317-9155
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm; Sunday, noon – 5pm
Admission Charged
From dinosaurs and exotic cultures to rare diamonds and a new planetarium, the Museum provides a fun relaxing environment for visitors to explore the Earth and beyond.
Great Lakes Science Center
601 Erieside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-694-2000
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 9:30am – 5:30pm, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission Charged
400 hands-on exhibits & demonstrations about science phenomena, environment and technology, plus daily demonstrations and the region’s only Omnimax Theater.
HealthSpace Cleveland
8911 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-231-5010
Hours: Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, Noon -5pm
Admission Charged
A place where education and innovation meet to inspire healthy actions. Experience health adventures along the Road to Good Health. Grow from what you learn.
International Women’s Air & Space Museum
Burke Lakefront Airport
1501 N. Marginal Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-623-1111
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Free
Unique museum in Burke Lakefront Airport terminal building highlights women’s achievements in aviation and space.
Lake View Cemetery
12316 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-421-2665
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Free
Historic garden cemetery founded in 1869 featuring the Garfield Monument, Wade Chapel and Rockefeller Obelisk.
Milton and Tamar Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
1660 West Second Street
Cleveland, 44113
216-781-3010
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Showcases the history of Northeast Ohio’s Jewish community through artifacts, unique exhibits and interactive displays.
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
8501 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-21-8671
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Admission Charged
MOCA Cleveland connects visitors to the dynamic art and ideas of our time through 8-12 exhibitions of emerging international artists and notable Northeast Ohio artists.
NASA Glenn Research Center
21000 Brookpark Road,
Cleveland, OH 44135
216-433-2000
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 3pm, Sunday, 1pm – 5pm
Admission Free
NASA Glenn’s Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits and historic artifacts that showcase NASA’s aerospace programs and their benefits.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
1 Key Plaza
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-781-7625
Hours: Monday – Sunday, except Wednesday, open 10am – 5:30pm; Wednesday, 10am – 9pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission Charged
[if !vml][endif]Where else can you relive the soundtrack of your life? Over 50 exhibits, dynamic cinema presentations plus the largest single collection of rock and roll artifacts.
Steamship William G. Mather Museum
1001 East Ninth Street Pier
Cleveland, OH 44114-1003
216-574-6262
Hours: Open May – October (Museum), call for exact days and hours
Admission Charged
[if !vml][endif]The 618-foot Mather, a restored 1925 Great Lakes freighter flagship, is a floating maritime museum.
USS Cod
1089 East 9th Street
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-566-8770
Hours: Open Daily: 10am – 5pm, May1 thru Sep 30
Admission Charged
[if !vml][endif]Tour aboard the WW-II submarine memorial – USS Cod, SS-224. COD is a National Historic Landmark.
Western Reserve Historical Society
10825 East Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-721-5722
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
[if !vml][endif]Nearly 200 autos and aircraft, mansion tours, family history, bustled gowns, floral pantsuits, and changing exhibitions.
Nearby Attractions:
Cedar Point
One Cedar Point Drive
Sandusky, OH 44870-5259
419-626-0830
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Experience over 150 rides and attractions, including award-winning entertainment and four children’s areas. 16 coasters, featuring Top Thrill Dragster! Snoopy Rocks! On Ice” skating extravaganza.
Dover Lake Waterpark
1150 West Highland Road
Sagamore Hills, OH 44067
330-467-7946
Hours: Open seasonally, June – August, call for additional information
Admission Charged
30 minutes from downtown Cleveland. Water slides, wavepool, picnic grove and kiddie amusement rides.
Geauga Lake
1060 North Aurora Road
Aurora, OH 44202
330-562-7131
Hours: Open seasonally, May – October, call for additional information
Admission Charged
This is the park with something for everyone; thrills, spills, water and more. This is one of the greatest theme parks in the country and is a must visit attraction.
Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park
11189 Spear Road
Concord Township, OH 44077
440-639-9972
Hours: Open seasonally May – September, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Multi purpose recreational facility & beach.
African Safari Wildlife Park
267 Lightner Road
Port Clinton, OH 43452
419-732-3606
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
One of the Mid-west’s only drive-thru safaris. See and feed over 300 beautiful and exotic animals (free animal food provided). Free camel & pony rides, educational animal shows, and pig races.
Lake Erie Nature & Science Center
28728 Wolf Rd.
Bay Village, OH 44140
440-871-2900
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
[if !vml][endif]Get in touch with nature by observing the planetarium, indoor and outdoor live animal exhibits from eagles and deer to slithering snakes and spiders.
Lake Farmpark
A Lake Metroparks Facility
8800 Chardon Road
Kirtland, OH 44094
440-256-2139
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Hand on family Fun – Milk a cow, take a wagon ride, and meet over 50 breeds of farm animals. Explore solar and wind power, The Great Tomato Works, hydroponics exhibits, and stroll through themed gardens.
Lake Metroparks Headquarters
11189 Spear Road
Concord Township, OH 44077
800-669-9226
Hours: Call for information on individual facilities
Admission Charged at some facilities
27 parks, two golf courses, three lakefront locations, a Nature Center, Wildlife Center and Agricultural Theme Park.
Penitentiary Glen Reservation
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road
Kirtland, OH 44094
440-256-1404
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Over 400 acres of natural beauty. Enjoy hiking trails, picnic shelters, exhibits, a gift shop and Wildlife Center.
Century Village Museum
14653 East Park Street
Burton, OH 44021
440-834-1492
Hours: Vary by season, closed Mondays. Call for additional information
Admission charged
Walk through 100 years of history at Century Village Museum, a fully restored Western Reserve community.
Hale Farm & Village
2686 Oak Hill Road PO Box 296
Bath, OH 44210
330-666-3711
Hours: Open seasonally, call for additional information
Admission Charged
19th century outdoor history museum specializing in role-playing and crafts. Located 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland.
James A. Garfield National Historic Site
8095 Mentor Avenue
Mentor, OH 44060
440-255-8722
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday, Noon – 5pm
Admission Charged
Discover the Victorian splendor of our 20th President’s home, nicknamed “Lawnfield” by journalists who camped out in the front yard during the presidential campaign.”
Oberlin Heritage Center/O.H.I.O.
73 1/2 South Professor Street
Oberlin, OH 44074
440-774-1700
Hours: Tours 10:30am & 1:30pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Admission Charged
Tour three historic buildings that tell the story of Oberlin and its nationally significant history.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
2121 George Halas Drive, N.W.
Canton, OH 44708
330-456-8207
Hours: Open 7 days a week, call for exact hours of operation
Admission charged
America’s premier sports showplace presents football in GameDay Stadium Theater! Family Fun! One hour south of Cleveland.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
714 North Portage Path
Akron, OH 44303-1399
330-836-5533
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Historic 65-roomTudor Revival mansion on 70 acres with gardens, cafe & museum store.
D- Family Fun Attractions:
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and The RainForest
3900 Wildlife Way
Cleveland, OH 44109
216-61-6500
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
3,000 animals occupy 168 rolling, wooded acre. The RainForest is home to 600 animals and 10,000 plants from the jungles of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Great Lakes Science Center
601 Erieside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-694-2000
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 9:30am – 5:30pm, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission Charged
400 hands-on exhibits & demonstrations about science phenomena, environment and technology, plus daily demonstrations and the region’s only Omnimax Theater.
NASA Glenn Research Center
21000 Brookpark Road,
Cleveland, OH 44135
216-433-2000
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm, Saturday 10am – 3pm, Sunday, 1pm – 5pm
Admission Free
[if !vml][endif]NASA Glenn’s Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits and historic artifacts that showcase NASA’s aerospace programs and their benefits.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
1 Key Plaza
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-781-7625
Hours: Monday – Sunday, except Wednesday, open 10am – 5:30pm; Wednesday, 10am – 9pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission Charged
Where else can you relive the soundtrack of your life? Over 50 exhibits, dynamic cinema presentations plus the largest single collection of rock and roll artifacts.
USS Cod
1089 East 9th Street
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-566-8770
Hours: Open Daily: 10am – 5pm, May 1 thru Sep 30
Admission Charged
Tour aboard the WW-II submarine memorial – U.S.S. Cod, SS-224. COD is a National Historic Landmark.
Nearby Attractions:
Cedar Point
One Cedar Point Drive
Sandusky, OH 44870-5259
419-626-0830
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Experience over 150 rides and attractions, including award-winning entertainment and four children’s areas. 16 coasters, featuring Top Thrill Dragster! Snoopy Rocks! On Ice” skating extravaganza.
Dover Lake Waterpark
1150 West Highland Road
Sagamore Hills, OH 44067
330-467-7946
Hours: Open seasonally, June – August, call for additional information
Admission Charged
30 minutes from downtown Cleveland. Water slides, wavepool, picnic grove and kiddie amusement rides.
Geauga Lake
1060 North Aurora Road
Aurora, OH 44202
330-562-7131
Hours: Open seasonally, May – October, call for additional information
Admission Charged
This is the park with something for everyone; thrills, spills, water and more. This is one of the greatest theme parks in the country and is a must visit attraction.
African Safari Wildlife Park
267 Lightner Road
Port Clinton, OH 43452
419-732-3606
Hours: Call for days and hours of operation
One of the Mid-west’s only drive-thru safaris. See and feed over 300 beautiful and exotic animals (free animal food provided). Free camel & pony rides, educational animal shows, and pig races.
Lake Farmpark
A Lake Metroparks Facility
8800 Chardon Road
Kirtland, OH 44094
440-256-2139
Hours: Vary by season, call for additional information
Admission Charged
Hands on family fun – Milk a cow, take a wagon ride, and meet over 50 breeds of farm animals. Explore solar and wind power, The Great Tomato Works, hydroponics exhibits, and stroll through themed gardens.
Lake Metroparks Headquarters
11189 Spear Road
Concord Township, OH 44077
800-669-9226
Hours: Call for information on individual facilities
Admission Charged at some facilities
27 parks, two golf courses, three lakefront locations, a Nature Center, Wildlife Center and Agricultural Theme Park.
Pro Football Hall of Fame
2121 George Halas Drive, N.W.
Canton, OH 44708
330-456-8207
Hours: Open 7 days a week, call for exact hours of operation
Admission charged
America’s premier sports showplace presents football as you’ve never experienced it in GameDay Stadium Theater! One hour south of Cleveland.
E- Events & Entertainment:
Events & Entertainment
January
Winter Show
Held through early January
Location: Cleveland Botanical Garden
216- 721-1600
A trip to the Garden has been a Cleveland holiday tradition for years. The halls are once again decked with magical decorations and twinkling lights, plus shopping in the Garden Store and activities for the whole family.
Trains, Trees and Holiday Traditions
Held in early January
Location: Western Reserve Historical Society
216-721-5722
Throughout the museum, visitors will find decorations reliving holidays from the past. Step into the Crawford and climb aboard a child-size train display plus view many more model trains dressed up for the holidays. Learn about holiday traditions and ornaments dating back to the Civil War while taking a guided tour through the decked out Hay-McKinney Mansion. Enjoy trees, lights and greenery throughout the Museum.
MLK Day Celebration
Held in mid January
Location: University Circle
A variety of locations throughout the city celebrate Martin Luther King Day with special events and activities.
Fortune’s Wheel Presents
Held in late January
Location: Harkness Chapel
216-368-2402
Join this Boston-based ensemble for a Musical Tour through the Burgundian courts, featuring works by Binchois, Du Fay, Baude Cordier, and others.
Standing Rock Short Film & Video Festival
Held in late January
Location: The Kent Stage
330-673-497
Standing Rock Cultural Arts announces a call for short films and/or videos for filmmakers and videographers to submit short films, DVD’s and/or videos.
May
TOPS Great American Rib Cook-Off
Held in late May
Location: Tower City Amphitheater
216-241-5555
The annual TOPS Great American Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival is one of Cleveland’s largest and most exciting outdoor cook-outs. Ribs, with all the fixings are the main attraction. Local and national “ribbers” compete for prize money and title of “The Greatest Ribs in America” along with “The Greatest Sauce in America” and the “Cingular Wireless People’s Choice Award”. TOPS Great American Rib Cook-Off is an event for the entire family, which continues to provide a tremendous value including national entertainment, games, activities and fun!
Flower Show
Held in late May
Location: Cleveland Botanical Garden
216-721-1600
One of the largest outdoor flower shows in North America features 10 lush acres of spectacular gardens. The Show hosts expert lecturers and demonstrations and a world-class horticulture and flower arranging competition. The dazzling centerpiece is the expansive and intricately-designed gardens with enchanting, provocative themes conceived by internationally-known landscape architects. In all, the show features more than 30 gardens to enjoy.
Lake Farmpark’s Horsefest
Held in mid May
Location: Lake Farmpark
800-366-FARM
HorseFest rounds up an exciting show of equestrian activities for horse lovers and horse enthusiasts of all ages. Activities introduce visitors to different breeds of horses and their uses. Festivities begin each day with the opening ceremonies. Activities include fox hunting, the mounted unit competition, and vaulting on Saturday. Both days feature HorseFest rounds up an exciting show of equestrian activities for horse lovers and horse enthusiasts of all ages. The horses and riders are dressed in bright and colorful costumes throughout the day. Don’t forget your camera, unique photo opportunities.
June
Annual Beachwood Art Festival
Held in early June
Location: Beachwood Place
954-472-3755
Bustling with over 200 artists displaying artwork from across the nation, Beachwood Place proudly hosts this outdoor juried art festival. Over $15 million in artwork is on display for all Northeast Ohio to enjoy. Witness the spectacular creations of pottery, sculptures, ceramics, paintings, jewelry, photography and more. The two-day celebration includes live musical entertainment and great food.
Lake Farmpark’s FiberFest
Held in late June
Location: Lake Farmpark
800-366-FARM
This festival features many fiber-producing animals, such as sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, yaks, and angora rabbits. Spinners, weavers, and felters demonstrate their skills and compete in a variety of fiber arts contests. Merchants abound selling an amazing array of new animal fiber, hand-spun yarn, spinning, weaving and other fiber processing equipment.
Art by the Falls
Held in mid June
Location: Riverside Park
440-247-7507
The Valley Art Center is proud to present “The Annual Art by the Falls” outdoor fine art and fine craft festival. The event draws thousands of patrons to the banks of the Chagrin River, located in the middle of Victorian Chagrin Falls. An ideal setting for an outdoor festival, the quaint village’s Main Street overlooks two waterfalls and hosts a wealth of fine shops, galleries and restaurants. Patrons visit the work of 140 painters, potters, jewelers, wood workers, fiber artists and other craftspeople at “Art by the Falls”.
July
Cain Park Arts Festival
Held in early July
Location: Cain Park
216-371-3000
Meet over 150 artists who will personally show you their latest work at the 3 day, award-winning Cain Park Arts Festival. Rated in the top 23 nationally, this annual festival also offers live entertainment daily and gourmet food vendors.
TOPS Kidfest
Held in mid July
Location: Tower City Amphitheater
216-241-5555
One of Cleveland’s only interactive festivals created just for kids is back to celebrate a year of exciting summer family entertainment. Kids and parents experience the thrill of learning as they are introduced to many topics including safety, health, sports, arts, dance, music, crafts, and much more. KidsFest is the ultimate outdoor playground featuring more than 40 pavilions reserved just for fun!
Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival
Held in late July
Location: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
330-321-6174
A weekend packed with great Irish bands, 9 stages, children and adult Irish dancers, award winning plays, food, over 60 Irish vendors, literature, extensive children’s activities, and over 200 historical exhibits and displays.
August
Enshrinement Ceremony – Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival
Held in early August
Location: Pro Football Hall of Fame
330-456-8207
Football’s Greatest Weekend centers on the Enshrinement Ceremony. Enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the class of Hall of Fame Enshrinees formally inducted into the hallowed halls of this national shrine during an official ceremony held in Fawcett Stadium.
Pro Football Hall of Fame: AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game
Held in early August
Location: Fawcett Stadium
330-456-8207
Are you ready for some football? ABC-TV’s Monday Night Football officially kicks off the NFL pre-season with the AFC-NFC Hall of Fame Game, featuring two of the favorite NFL teams. Plus, fans will enjoy a half time show to remember! The annual Hall of Fame Game is played at Fawcett Stadium located next to the Hall of Fame. Game time is 8:00 p.m. Pregame festivities will take place Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Vintage Ohio
Held in early August
Location: Lake Farmpark
800-227-6972
The annual Ohio Wine Tasting Festival. Sample wines from over 20 different wineries and food from Cleveland’s finest restaurants. All located on the picturesque grounds of Lake Farmpark. Music and activities for all ages, wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, and Friday night fireworks.
September
Taste of Cleveland
Held in early September
Location: Tower City Amphitheater
216-241-5555
An exciting culinary event featuring cuisine from around the globe and around the corner. The annual Taste of Cleveland is a celebration of one of life’s simple pleasures—the joy of eating! From French to Italian, Greek to Chinese, micro-brews to wines, desserts to appetizers and everything in-between, there is something to please even the most discriminating palates. Learn the chefs’ secrets at the Culinary Showcase as local chefs demonstrate how to prepare their signature dishes.
Lake Farmpark’s Village Peddler Festival
Held in mid September
Location: Lake Farmpark
440-256-2122
The Village Peddler Festival is an outdoor old-fashioned festival of crafts, folk music and food. Over 150 craftsmen and women are chosen for the quality and uniqueness of their products. Food vendors provide a wide variety of eating opportunities. Horse-drawn wagon rides and Farmpark’s many activities provide an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Penitentiary Glen Reservation’s Bug Day
Held in mid September
Location: Penitentiary Glen Reservation
800-882-2099
Bring the family for a “creepy” day of bug games, crafts, activities, live bug exhibits, ant maze and so much more! Kids even have a chance to earn their degree in Bugology.
Centerfest
Held in mid September
Location: Playhouse Square Center
216-771-4444
More than 50 community artists and cultural organizations participate in Centerfest, which celebrates the rich diversity of Cleveland’s artistic and cultural resources. Centerfest is a free open house arts event, during which Greater Cleveland community members are invited to see all of Playhouse Square’s theaters, lobbies, and rehearsal halls come to life with music, dance, and song as well as immerse themselves in a wide range of hands-on arts activities that will inspire the entire family.
Midwest Oktoberfest
Held in mid September
Location: Tower City Amphitheater
216-241-5555
The annual Midwest Oktoberfest brings the Old World Folk atmosphere back to Cleveland as it celebrates ethnic pride in NE Ohio. The festivities are accompanied by a program of events, including specialty brews, ethnic food varieties and folk music spanning the globe.
Lake Farmpark’s Fall Harvest Festival and Antique Tractor Show
Held in late September
Location: Lake Farmpark
800-366-FARM
A festival celebrating the beauty of the fall season. Taste fresh harvest soup, sample a variety of apples, watch apple butter being made, and help us press some apple cider. Enjoy browsing through the crafters and see the parade of antique tractors that helped revolutionize farming. Bushel loads of activities for all ages.
Entertainment
Ohio Ballet
354 East Market Street
Akron, OH 44325
330-972-7900
Call for performance schedule
With programs ranging from classical to contemporary, Ohio Ballet is Northeast Ohio’s oldest professional ballet company.
Ohio Dance Theatre
39 S. Main St.
Oberlin, OH 44074
440-774-6077
Call for performance schedule
A professional ballet based contemporary dance company committed to bringing the finest in classic and contemporary dance to audiences in the region.
Professional Flair/ Dancing Wheels
The Masonic Temple
Cleve. Masonic Ctr. for Performance Art
Cleveland, OH 44115-2527
216-432-0306
Call for performance schedule
Arts and disability organization providing accessible programs, classes and performances.
Clear Channel Entertainment
Tower City Amphitheater
1887 W. 3rd St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
440-247-2722
Call for complete list of events and festivals
See industry’s top artists and Cleveland’s largest festivals. Riverside, Cleveland’s outdoor theater, holds up to 7500 guests.
House of Blues Concerts
2249 Elm Street
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44113
216-861-3229
Call for complete schedule of performances
Exclusive concert promoter at Scene Pavilion in the Flats and Blossom Music Center. Rock, country and classical concerts are held May thru September.
The Singing Angels
3615 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-432-5555
Call for concert schedule
The non-profit Singing Angels are Cleveland’s world ambassadors. More than 350 children 8-18 providing show-stopping music while learning life skills.
Cleveland Orchestra
Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-231-7300
Call for performance schedule
Long considered one of America’s great orchestras, The Cleveland Orchestra performs in Severance Hall, located in University Circle on the campus of Case Western Reserve University.
Cleveland Pops Orchestra
24000 Mercantile Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44122
216-765-7677
Call for performance schedule
A must-see for visitors looking for the best in symphonic pops, jazz, swing and music from Broadway and the movies.
Lyric Opera Cleveland
The Cleveland Play House
8500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44101
216-685-5976
Performances held June – August, call for additional information
Innovative opera and music theater in English. Enjoy picnics at intermission.
The Beck Center for the Arts
17801 Detroit Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
216-521-2540
Call for performance schedule
Performing arts organization in Northeast Ohio. Two professional theaters entertain 25,000 each season. Beck Center’s Art Gallery is home to The Cleveland Artists Foundation.
Cain Park
40 Severance Circle
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
216-291-5792
Call for performance schedule
Affordable variety of nationally known entertainment featuring music, dance and theatre and performed in 2 covered amphitheaters during the summer months.
Canton Palace Theatre Association
605 Market Avenue North
N. Canton, OH 44702
330-454-8172
[if !vml][endif]Built in 1926 as a vaudeville house, this fully restored, beautifully lavish theatre hosts concerts, musicals, plays, Hollywood hit movies and art and foreign films. Tours are available.
Cassidy Theatre
6200 Pearl Rd.
Parma Heights, OH 44130
440-842-4600
Call for performance schedule
Broadway hits. The Classics, Musicals, comedies, dramas, special musical events, youth theatre. Free parking. Handicapped accessible. Entertainment for the family at a great low price.
Cleveland Opera
1422 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-575-0903
Call for performance schedule
The Cleveland Play House
8500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106-0189
216-795-7000
Call for performance schedule
One of America’s first permanently established professional theatre companies presenting important new works as well as classics.
Great Lakes Theater Festival
1501 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-241-5490
Season runs July – December, call for performance schedule
Great Lakes Theater Festival brings the pleasure, power and relevance of classic theater to the widest possible audience in Northern Ohio
Karamu House
2355 East 89th Street
Cleveland, OH 44106
216-795-7070
Call for performance schedule
For many decades,Karamu House has been presenting exciting, timely and accessible theater.
Playhouse Square Center
1501 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-771-4444
Call for performance schedule
Cleveland’s original theatre district. Restored to its original elegance, this six-theatre complex is one of the largest performing arts centers in America.
Sports:
Cleveland Browns
76 Lou Groza Boulevard
Berea, OH 44017
440-891-5000
Call for game schedule and additional information
One of the nation’s oldest and most-storied football franchises plays its home games on the shores of Lake Erie, just 50 miles from the birthplace of professional football. Every Sunday from September through December, Cleveland, Ohio is Brownstown.
Cleveland Indians
Jacobs Field
2401 Ontario Street
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-420-4200
Season runs April – October
Call for game schedule and additional information
Professional Major League Baseball. 81 home dates from early April – through early October. Tours of Jacobs Field – Home of the Cleveland Indians. Tours depart from the Team Shop every half hour, beginning May through September, from 10am to 2pm Mon.-Sat.
Akron Aeros
Canal Park
300 South Main St.
Akron, OH 44308
330-253-5151
Call for game schedule and additional information
Cleveland Indians class AA” affiliate. Providing quality baseball in a family atmosphere at affordable prices.”
Akron Racers
Firestone Stadium
1575 Firestone Parkway
Akron, OH 44103
330-376-8188
Call for game schedule and additional information
The Akron Racers Foundation is a non-profit organization that owns and operates a professional fast pitch softball team, Akron Racers, and sponsors youth events.
Cleveland Cavaliers / Gund Arena Company
Gund Arena, One Center Court
Cleveland, OH 44115-4001
216-420-2000
Season runs October – May
Call for game schedule and additional information
Cleveland’s team in the NBA.