This Weekend in Cleveland: Races, Festivals + Sporting Events
Downtown Cleveland and its neighboring cities are celebrating the last days of summer with exciting events during the weekend of Sept. 14-16. Enjoy free downtown art tours via trolley, waterfront festivals, races, college football, Cleveland Indians home games and affordable events throughout the weekend.
IngenuityFest: A Festival of Art and Technology (FREE admission)
The annual art and technology festival draws more than 45,000 visitors as it celebrates creative connections among artists, innovators and audiences. The festival showcases original works of international masters, alongside the finest of Northeast Ohio’s performing, visual and musical artists. New this year: free admission and a waterfront location!
- Friday, Sept. 14: 5pm-1am
- Saturday, Sept. 15: Noon-1am
- Sunday, Sept. 16: Noon-6pm
- Location: Docks 30 and 32, on the lakefront, north of Browns Stadium and the Great Lakes Science Center
- www.ingenuitycleveland.com
Cleveland Indians Home Stand
The Cleveland Indians take on the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field. Fans can get an all-you-can-eat option in Upper Deck locations featuring hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos and soft drinks for only $32. Or, check out the Grand Slam 4 Pack that includes four tickets (select seating), four hot dogs/slices of pizza, four Pepsi products, four hats and a parking pass for just $96.
- Friday, Sept. 14: 7:05pm
- Saturday, Sept. 15: 4:05pm
- Sunday, Sept. 16: 3:05pm
- Location: Progressive Field
- www.indians.mlb.com
Cleveland Classic
Morehouse College competes against Winston-Salem State University at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Additional weekend festivities include the Marching Band Halftime Show, College Readiness Fair, Step Show and a Tailgate Party celebrating premier historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). Ticket purchase will be available at the Q Arena. Game tickets start at $15.
- Friday, Sept. 14: Praisefest 6 and Greek Step Show Competition, Quicken Loans Arena, 6-10pm (doors open at 5pm)
- Saturday, Sept. 15 at Cleveland Browns Stadium (10am)
- Tailgate Party
- Kickoff Noon – Morehouse College versus Winston-Salem State University
- National R&B recording group, Dru Hill, will perform the National Anthem. Tom Joyner is slated to do the coin toss.
- Marching Band Halftime Show: Morehouse College “House of Funk” and Winston-Salem State University “Red Sea of Sound” marching bands and drum lines perform.
- The Mighty Shaw High School Marching Cardinal Band from East Cleveland starts off the show performing with local hip-hop artist Ray Jr.
- www.clevelandsports.org/clevelandclassic.aspx
Komen Race for the Cure
The annual Komen Race for the Cure offers a 5K (3.1 miles) competitive run (timed), a 5K walk, and a one-mile family fun walk to benefit breast cancer education, screening and survivor support programs. This year, 25,000 participants are expected.
- Saturday, Sept. 15: Opens at 7am, Survivor Ceremony is 8am and the various races have start times beginning at 9:15am. Events end at noon.
- Location: Wolstein Center, Cleveland State University Campus.
- www.komenneohio.org
Cleveland Dragonboat Festival (FREE admission)
This annual festival and race celebrates dragon boat history and promotes the people and unique cultures of Cleveland’s Asian community. Nineteen teams race in colorfully painted dragonboats from the Nautica Pavillion to Shooters.
- Saturday, Sept. 15: Opening ceremonies at 8am, traditional Lion Dance at Noon, and racing from 8:30am-4pm
- (Best Viewing) Location: Along the Boardwalk on the West Bank of the Cuyahoga River at Nautica Entertainment Complex, 2000 Sycamore Street
- www.clevelanddragonboatfestival.com
Cleveland Rowing Regatta Weekend (FREE admission)
The Cleveland Rowing Foundation is hosting a two-day rowing regatta weekend along the Cuyahoga River, expecting to draw national and international crews. The 4,800-meter course involves strategy and five major river turns (including an S-bend).
- Saturday, Sept. 15: Head of the Cuyahoga Race from 8am-3:30pm
- Sunday, Sept. 16: The inaugural US Rowing Masters National Head Race Championship takes place from 8am-3:30pm
- (Best Viewing) Locations: http://www.clevelandrows.org/content/view-regatta
- www.clevelandrows.org
Sparx City Hop (FREE trolley rides)
Visitors can “hop” on four different trolleys to explore various Cleveland neighborhoods. Guided tours share interesting facts and artistic points of interest. Wristbands for free trolley rides and welcome centers are available at each of the trolley stops along the way. This year, 25,000 passengers are expected.
- Saturday, Sept 15: 11am-9pm
- Orange Route (11am- 6pm) explores the Campus District
- Blue Route (11am-6pm) explores the Art Quarter and Asia Town
- Green Route (11am-9pm) explores the Ohio City neighborhood
- Red Route (11am-9pm) explores the Tremont neighborhood
- www.downtownclevelandalliance.com
Cleveland Museum of Art’s Chalk Festival
Children and adults join professional artists in transforming the walkways around the Fine Arts Garden into colorful canvas as everyone creates beautiful chalk artwork at the Cleveland Museum of Art (rain or shine). Hundreds of chalk artists and 14,000 spectators are expected this year.
- Saturday, Sept. 15: 11am–5pm
- Sunday, Sept. 16: Noon-5pm
- Location: Cleveland Museum of Art, University Circle
- www.clevelandart.org
Tremont Art & Cultural Festival (FREE admission)
Just 15 minutes from Downtown Cleveland, this festival celebrates the ethnic and cultural diversity of Tremont with vendors showcasing fine art, jewelry, sculptures, children’s activities, musicians, performers and food from local Tremont restaurants.
- Saturday, Sept. 15: 11am-6pm
- Sunday, Sept. 16: Noon-5pm
- Location: Lincoln Park at 1208 Starkweather Avenue, Tremont
- www.tremontwest.org
REGIONAL EVENTS
Village Peddler Festival
More than 165 craftsmen will be at the Village Peddler Festival specializing in almost any type of art or craft you can imagine. Enjoy folk musicians, free wagon rides, shopping at the Harvest Market and delicious comfort food such as chicken and biscuits and tasty apple fritters.
- Saturday, Sept. 15: 10am-6pm
- Sunday, Sept. 16: 10am-5pm
- Location: Lake Metroparks Farmpark, Lake County
- www.villagepeddlerfestifal.com
Crocker Park Wine Festival in Westlake
Thirty minutes west of Cleveland, the Crocker Park Wine Festival showcases more than150 wines from local, national and international producers, as well as select craft beers, available for tasting and full glass pours.
- Friday, Sept. 14: 4-9pm
- Saturday, Sept. 15: 1-9pm
- Location: Crocker Park, Westlake
- www.crockerparkwinefestival.com
– Lexi Robinson-Hotchkiss, Communications Director
Navy Week! + Cleveland Labor Day Weekend Update
Ahoy, Cleveland!
Lake Erie waters and Cleveland skies will come alive this Labor Day Weekend as the U.S. Navy drops anchor in Cleveland for Navy Week, followed by thunderous aerial stunts of the Navy Blue Angels and other flying teams performing at the Cleveland Air Show.
Navy Week Cleveland, Burke Lakefront Airport, Downtown Cleveland – August 27 – September 3
At Navy Week, the U.S. Navy is commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie, which founded the U.S. Navy and marked the first naval victory for the U.S., led by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry.
Navy Week’s week-long celebration showcases:
- Approximately 1000 sailors and eight ships docked behind Cleveland Browns Stadium: the frigate USS De Wert, 4 U. S. Coast Guard ice cutters, 3 Canadian ships and the patrol ship USS Hurricane.
- U.S. Navy divers in the tanks at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
- U.S. Navy Blue Angels at the Cleveland Air Show
- Leap Frog, the Navy parachute team
- A replica of the U.S. Brig Niagara, used by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (August 29-31) to defeat the British Navy during the battle of Lake Erie at Put-in-Bay in 1813.
Navy Week will also join a Thursday Browns home game, an Indians series at Progressive Field and the Cleveland Air Show. An exciting live reenactment of the Battle of Lake Erie will take place in 2013, so stay tuned!
The Cleveland Air Show, Burke Lakefront Airport – September 1- 3 (9:00 am – 4:45 pm, no entry after 3 pm)
The Cleveland Air Show presents the exciting aerial maneuvers of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, as well as wing-walking, parachuting and aircraft demonstrations of professional stunt pilots. More than 50 exciting ground displays showcase aircraft, simulators, family fun and more. The U.S. Navy will demonstrate its jet and helicopter expertise, as well as the Army’s Golden Knights Parachute Team, F/A-18 Super Hornets, Cobra helicopters and U.S. Army parachute teams.
Cleveland Oktoberfest: presents four exciting days of authentic German food, beer, and entertainment by local and regional musicians and German dance groups. Rain or shine admission is $10. Children 12 and under are free. Free is also parking. Located in the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea, just outside of Cleveland. - August 31– September 3:
Geauga County Fair: is Ohio’s oldest county fair featuring live stock, live entertainment, rides, and great contests like chicken flying, rooster crowing, frog jumping, demolition derbies and truck pulls. Admission is $7.00. Children 12 and under are free. Located at the Geauga County fairgrounds in Burton, Ohio, east of Cleveland. – August 30 – September 3
Other Events:
- Navy Week & 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration Concert, 8/31 at 8pm, Jacobs Pavilion, FREE
- Made In Ohio Craft Festival, 9/1, Hale Farm and Village
- Taste of Hudson, 9/2-3, Historic Downtown Hudson
For more events visit www.positivelycleveland.com/play/events.
– Cindy Hill
Cleveland Weekend Update: August 10-12, 2012
Tour Cleveland Plus
Take the stress out of sightseeing and enjoy more of the city with entertaining and interesting guided tours. Imagine; no more wrestling with maps or arguing with your GPS and a knowledgeable guide pointing out the city’s hidden gems. Narrated city tours combine comfort with a storytelling adventure to discover the character of Cleveland. Travel by quaint trolley, rent a bike, glide via an electric Segway, hop aboard a climate-controlled bus or hit the ground with your own two feet.
Step to the Sights
Through Take A Hike! Tours, visitors can experience exciting tours through downtown’s most intriguing districts with the help of costumed historical characters from Cleveland’s past.
Sedan safaris, step-on guides and guided walking tours make these Walking Tours of Cleveland and Electric Transport tours pleasant, fun and affordable. Visitors also can get acquainted with the city with a one-hour narrated electronic Segway adventure of local art, architecture and history.
Two-wheeled Tours
See beautiful Cleveland architecture up close as history comes alive through the storytelling tours of Bob’s Bike Tours. The bike treks are easy with two different tours available. Lake Erie adds a stunning backdrop to all your photos.
Tours with Flavor
Taste Cleveland and Food Tours bring together history, architecture and cuisine in a variety of different venues and historic neighborhoods. Enjoy Cleveland’s ethnic cuisine through progressive meals as the city simmers with excitement, nightlife and fantastic dining options.
NEO Food Tours features six to eight restaurants on a guided walking tour of specific neighborhoods throughout Northeast Ohio. The tours are designed for those who enjoy unique, local food, as well as learning the unique story behind each neighborhood.
Hop Aboard!
The 38-passenger Lolly the Trolley streetcars cover more than 20 miles of facts and fun during their narrated sightseeing tours. Passengers can choose from a variety of regular and specialty tours throughout the year.
Discovery Tours leads interesting winery, lighthouse, city, natural heritage and Amish country tours on comfortable buses. Step-on guides, spousal tours and custom-designed day trips are also available.
Lake Erie Cruising Tours
The Nautica Queen luxury cruise dining ship gives tours of Lake Erie and the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. Enjoy lunch or dinner with musical entertainment, as you cruise under historic bridges and through Downtown Cleveland’s sparkling skyline.
The Goodtime III is Cleveland’s largest sightseeing boat offering narrated tours and entertainment excursions with elaborate buffet dining and casual cuisine.
Cleveland Events This Weekend:
Cuyahoga County Fair, Berea – August 6-12
Lake Erie Crushers v. Florence Freedom, All Pro Freight Stadium – August 10-12
Akron Aeros v. New Hampshire, Canal Park – August 10-12
Indians v. Red Sox, Progressive Field – August 10-12
Cinema at the Square (Rebel Without A Cause), Palace Theater – August 10
Cinema at the Square (Casablanca), Palace Theater – August 11
Mid West Reggae Fest, Whiskey Island – August 11
Cinema at the Square (Some Like It Hot), Palace Theater – August 11
Visit www.positivelycleveland.com for more info and help planning your weekend in CLE.
For more events and help planning your weekend in CLE visit http://www.positivelycleveland.com.
– MaryKate McHugh
Cleveland Weekend Update: August 3-5, 2012
Celebrate summer in CLE by heading outdoors this weekend!
Historic Warehouse District Street Festival, Downtown – August 5
Need a lazy Sunday? Don’t spend it on the couch, head to West 6th Street downtown for the Historical Warehouse District Festival this Sunday from noon to 8pm.
Visitors can stroll through the Warehouse District while listening to live music and stopping every now and then for a bite to eat. Enjoy delicious food from local neighborhood restaurants offering a variety of options, such as a burger from BRGR 9 to authentic Indian dishes from Charka Exotic Indian Cuisine. Some of the other local restaurants include El Guero Mexican Grill, Gillespie’s Map Room, Johnny’s Downtown, Johnny’s Little Bar, Taza and XO Prime Steaks.
In addition to live music, guests can marvel at unique street performers and watch as local artists provide interesting art demonstrations.
Not only is the street festival fun for adults, but there is plenty of entertainment for children. A clown, chalk artist, magician, and even robots are some of the entertainers providing fun for the entire family.
A highlight of the annual festival is the opportunity to see what the historic buildings of the Warehouse District look like from the inside. From noon to 5pm attendees can tour residential open houses in the district. Additionally, visitors can enjoy architectural tours as well as Take A Hike! tours from noon until 5pm.
Admission to the Historic Warehouse District Street Festival is free and $2 parking for the Street Festival is available at the parking lots on West 6th and West 9th.
Other Events:
Twilight at the Zoo, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – August 3
Vintage Ohio Wine Festival, Lake Metroparks Farm Park – August 3-4
Twins Day Festival, Twinsburg – August 3-5
Chardon Square Arts Festival, Chardon – August 5
Cuyahoga County Fair, Berea – August 6-12
Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, Canton – Now-August 6
For even more events visit www.positivelycleveland.com/play/events and to submit your event to our online calendar for possible inclusion in our weekend events blog click here.
– MaryKate McHugh
Cleveland Weekend Update: July 27-29
Cleveland is in high spirits this weekend. Whether you are spending time at the Cleveland Wine Festival, the Scene Ale Fest or a concert, raise a toast to great summer fun in Cleveland.
Cleveland Wine Festival, Voinovich Bicentennial Park – July 27 – 28
There’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of wine in the summertime. And, there’s no better place to enjoy great wine, beer, food, and entertainment this weekend than at the Cleveland Wine Festival. The festival will take place in the scenic Voinovich Bicentennial Park (behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum) in downtown Cleveland.
Whether you like Red, White or Blush wine, the festival has a vast selection that will please all guests. This year more than 270 wines from around the world and Ohio will be served at the event. Visitors can take some time to speak with a wine expert and learn about new and exciting varieties.
In addition to the great wines, the festival will also have the “Best of Belgium Café” featuring Belgian beers such as Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe Blonde and Leffe Brune. Special guest and Master Beer Sommelier Marc Stroobandt, a Belgian Beer Ambassador with The F&B Partnership in the United Kingdom, returns to highlight the natural affinity between Belgian beer and fine food as well as educate festival guests on proper beer pouring techniques, the importance of using the right glassware and food pairing ideas for the featured Belgian beers.
Cooking demonstrations as well as wine and food seminars will take place throughout the two day event. Pairing great with the wine are signature dishes from Morton’s The Steakhouse, Angelo’s Pizza, Das Schnitzel Haus and Scott’s Fire & Ice Catering. While there, get your groove on Friday and Saturday night to the Lloyd Dobler Effect Band and The Michael Heaton Band.
Tickets for the festival can be bought in advance for $28 or $35 at the gate. This ticket includes a souvenir wine glass, ten tastings, Festival Program, Food & Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations, musical entertainment and the opportunity to purchase wine at a discount. Also, for $10 a designated driver ticket is available. This ticket includes the above and two non-alcoholic drinks instead of tasting tickets. Guests under 21 are admitted when they are accompanied by a paid adult.
Friday, July 27: 4pm-10pm
Saturday, July 28: 3pm-9pm
Other Events:
Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival - Now – August 6
Taste of Akron, Hardesty Park – July 26
Akron Arts Expo, Hardesty Park – July 26–29
Our Lady Peace, House of Blues – July 27
Akron Aeros v. Bowie, Canal Park – July 27–29
Christmas in July, Put-In-Bay – July 27-29
4th Annual Scene Ale Fest, Lincoln Park –July 28
Van Halen 2012 North American Tour, Quicken Loans Arena – July 28
Joshua Radin w/Tristan Prettyman, Cain Park – July 28
Pitbull: Planet Pit World Tour, Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica – July 28
Lake Erie Crushers v. Washington Wild Things, All Pro Freight Stadium – July 28–29
For even more events visit www.positivelycleveland.com/play/events and to submit your event to our online calendar for possible inclusion in our weekend events blog click here.
– MaryKate McHugh
Cleveland Weekend Update: July 20-22
After a long week in the office, Cleveland has the perfect weekend events to help you enjoy the summer! Take this weekend to sit back, enjoy great food, music and maybe even a sporting event or two.
Burning River Festival, Whiskey Island (July 20 -21)
Good Cheer. Good Cause. Good Beer. This year marks the 11th year of the Burning River Festival. Since 2001, people from all over the Great Lakes region have been attending this festival to remember the burning of the Cuyahoga River in 1969, and to celebrate the improved sense of eco-consciousness throughout the city as a result of the fire. The festival educates attendees about environmental issues currently affecting the Cuyahoga River and the Great Lakes region, all while providing rockin’ music, food and drinks.
Interactive and educational displays attract guests of all ages. Some of the exhibits include Baldwin Wallace University’s Instrument Petting Zoo as well as Whole Foods Market’s “Art On Wheels” recycled art booth. In addition to educational exhibits from local environmental groups, the Burning River Festival features live music. This year, more than 25 bands and musicians will play throughout the three-day festival on three different stages. Whether you like funk, blues or rock, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Make sure to bring your appetite to the festival because it is sure to have lots of fresh, all-natural local food. All of that eating can make anyone thirsty. No fear, the Great Lakes Brewing Company will serve handcrafted beers to quench your thirst along with a special appearance of the fan favorite, Christmas Ale!
Without a bad view in sight, the Burning River Festival takes place on Whiskey Island on Lake Erie. Amidst all the fun, take some time to soak up all the beautiful scenery Cleveland has to offer.
All proceeds benefit the Burning River Foundation, a local non-profit organization that provides resources for the sustainable future of our waterways. Enjoy yourself this weekend for a greater cause while celebrating the future of the Cuyahoga River and the Great Lakes region.
Pro Football hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival (July 20 – August 6)
Spanning over two weeks, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is celebrating seven football players who will be inducted into the Class of 2012. Kick off the Enshrinement Festival with the Balloon Classic July 20 – July 22. Marvel at the hot air balloons while enjoying musical entertainment, mobile tours, food and beverage vendors, and children’s activities. Early risers can watch the balloons lift off and glow in the sky just before sunrise on Friday morning. The Balloon Classic is one of 19 events scheduled from July 20 – August 6 to celebrate the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement. Other events include fireworks, races, community parade, rib burnoff, fashion show, celebration fan party and much more.
Other Weekend Events:
MAMA MIA!, Playhouse Square – July 13-22
Rod Stewart & Stevie Nicks, Quicken Loans Arena – July 20
Dive-In Movie, Hinckley Reservation – July 20
Lake Erie Crushers v. Evansville Otters, All Pro Freight Stadium – July 20-21
5th Annual Hudson Wine Festival, Hudson – July 20-21
Irish Cultural Festival, Berea – July 20-22
Cleveland Indians v. Orioles, Progressive Field – July 20-22
Lakewood Summer Meltdown 5k Race & Street Party, Lakewood – July 21
Seal w/Macy Gray, Cain Park – July 21
Willoughby Arts Fest, Willoughby – July 21
Cleveland Gladiators v. Chicago Rush, Quicken Loans Arena – July 21
The Factory of Frozen Fun, Lake Farmpark – July 14 – September 3
– MaryKate McHugh, Communications Intern
Weekend Update July 13-15
Hungry for the weekend? Hit up the Taste of Tremont and spend Sunday afternoon tasting a variety of delicious dishes in this artsy neighborhood created by some of the city’s best Chefs.
There’s no need to make reservations for this event, but make sure to bring your appetite for a day filled with spectacular food and drinks at the 10th annual Taste of Tremont. The street festival showcases the best of what Tremont restaurants and local businesses have to offer, in the casual laid-back summer atmosphere perfect for locals and visitors alike.
The Taste of Tremont is free to attend; attendees only need pay for food and drink at the various vendors! While you walk around, eat and browse, listen to musical entertainment throughout the neighborhood. Performances by SLAP and the Big Ship in the Beer Garden, various performers on the Tremont Farmers Market Stage and restaurants such as DANTE and Fahrenheit host special guests on their patios. More than 20 food vendors (including Lolita, the Istanbul Grill and the famous Solowski’s University Inn) in addition to various galleries, artists and other Tremont businesses will participate in the event.
All the walking around may make you thirsty, if so, stop by the beer garden. Here, attendees can cool off with a brew for $5 (or, hydrate with water for $2.) But, despite the name, food and drinks aren’t the only items that can be purchased at the Taste of Tremont. This year, vendors range from Cleveland Browns, CLE Clothing, Inc., the Banyan Tree and more.
The Taste of Tremont is held on Professor Avenue, between Starkweather and Fairfield. Plenty of Street parking is available in Tremont or find a spot at a neighborhood church. Annunciation Greek Church and St. John Cantius will have additional parking for guests of the Taste of Tremont.
Other Events:
Tremont Art Walk, Tremont – July 13
Toby Keith, Blossom Music Center – July 13
Cain Park Arts Festival, Cain Park – July13-15
Akron Aeros v Altoona, Canal Park– July 13-15
MAMA MIA!, Playhouse Square – July 13-22
Nature at Night, North Chagrin Reservation – July 14
Sunflower Wine Festival, Rocky River – July 14
7th Annual Luau on the Lake, Whiskey Island – July 14
Art in the Park, Medina Court House Square – July 15
– MaryKate McHugh
Weekend Update July 6-8
Just because the fourth of July has ended, doesn’t mean the festivities have to! Cleveland is filled with events this weekend to keep you busy and entertained.
The Cuyahoga Valley National Park creates the perfect back drop a weekend filled with art and entertainment at Boston Mills. Travel about twenty minutes south of Cleveland and leave your skis at home for the 41st annual Boston Mills Artfest. In the winter months, Boston Mills has 19 snow covered slopes for snowboarding, skiing and snow tubing, but during two weekends in summer, the ski resort transforms into one of the top fine art and craft shows in the United States.
On Friday, visit Boston Mills for a preview party. Held the evening before the art shows, the preview party gives guests the first chance to view and buy the art works on display. While listening to musical entertainment by The Island Doctor, indulge in all-inclusive wines, crafts beers, hors d’oeuvres and live music. If you find a wine that you wish to buy at the preview party, guests can purchase all wines in the Artfest gift shop. Tickets for the preview party are $54 and are available for purchase online and at the gate. The preview party starts at 6pm and ends at 9pm.
The Boston Mills Artfest displays a plethora of different types of art, all of which are available for purchase. Continue the fun into Saturday and Sunday where artists from across the country travel to exhibit and sell their art at the Boston Mills Artfest. Some of the fine art and craft items available include ceramics, paintings, watercolors, glass, mixed media, jewelry and furniture. Parents, make sure to stop by the “Art and Play” where children can create their own works of art. The Artfest is open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for 60 or older and between 13 and 21 years old. Children under 12 are free.
Continental Cup International Youth Sports Festival
As one of the nation’s largest international youth sports festivals, the Continental Cup celebrates internationalism, youth diversity and sportsmanship. Young athletes have the opportunity to participate in AC Milan soccer, Cleveland Indians Charities baseball and Cleveland Cavaliers basketball tournaments. All Continental Cup games and events are free to spectators. On Friday, July 5 at 6:30pm the opening ceremony for the Continental Cup is free for all at the Cleveland Browns Stadium. Live entertainment, a parade of nations and fireworks are just a few of the events planned for the evening.
Opening Ceremony: July 5, 6:30pm Cleveland Browns Stadium
Other Events:
Def Leppard w/Poison and Lita Ford, Quicken Loans Arena – July 6
Fiona Apple, Cain Park – July 6
Summer Music Nights at First & Main, Hudson – July 6-7
Cleveland Indians v Rays, Progressive Field- July 6-8
Lake Erie Crushers v Southern Illinois Miners, All Pro Freight Stadium – July 6-8
Great lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace, Rock Creek – July 7 – August 12
Grateful Dead: The Long, Strange Trip, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Ongoing Exhibit)
– MaryKate McHugh
7 Great Father’s Day Ideas
Show Dad a little extra love on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 17) by carving out time for his favorite activity in Cleveland. Whether that’s goofing around with the family, visiting a car show, getting out on the lake or teeing off with his favorite buddies, dear old Dad will feel appreciated — maybe enough to give you more gas money!
Marine Week, Downtown Cleveland, June 11-17
- Watch air, land and sea combat demonstrations, climb aboard aircraft and ground equipment, watch martial arts and working dog teams at work, experience band performances and meet the US Marines in this celebration of community, country and Corps.
- Events, demonstrations and equipment displays are located at five Marine Week locations: Public Square, Gateway Plaza, Voinovich Park, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Burke Lakefront Airport.
- 703.614.1034, http://www.marines.mil/community/MarineWeekCleveland/Pages/Welcome.aspx
Father’s Day Car Show at Stan Hywet Hall & Garden’s, Akron
- This historic house museum and botanical garden features a 65-room Manor House, a conservatory and 70 acres of landscaped grounds.
- The car show features classic, antique and collector cars –more than 350 automobiles manufactured between 1896 and 1978 will be on display in 25 separate classes. Judges will award prizes in each class for first, second, and third place.
- 9:00am – 4:30pm
- 714 North Portage Path, Akron, 330.836.5533, www.stanhywet.org
Half Price Admission for Dad at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & Rainforest, Cleveland
- Home to more than 3,000 animals from six continents, the Zoo’s newest exhibit, African Elephant Crossing, is home to six elephants, meerkats and more in this state-of-the-art elephant habitat and education village.
- 10:00am – 7:00pm
- 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216.661.6500, www.clevmetzoo.com
Father’s Day at The Cleveland Children’s Museum , University Circle
- The Children’s Museum of Cleveland is an interactive museum for kids and adults designed specifically for children ages 12 months – 8 years and their caregivers. Permanent exhibits include Splish! Splash! about water transportation, a weather forecasting center, Bridges to the Community, where kids push grocery carts, go through the check-out line, “bank” with play money, and pump their own “gas,” among other activities.
- “Sundaes and Sports with Dad.” Daddy and Me stations are throughout the museum. Stations include: sundae making, tie decorating, mock shaving station, and sports training!
- 10:00am – 4:45pm
- 10730 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, 216.791.7114, www.clevelandchildrensmuseum.org
Father’s Day Luncheon Cruise on the Goodtime III
- The Goodtime III is the largest quadruple-deck 1,000 passenger luxury and sight-seeing ship on the Great Lakes. With spacious top sun decks, the large semi-opened second or the main glass enclosed lower deck , air conditioned and heated for your comfort, you’ll enjoy the fast changing panorama of Cleveland’s skyline and the exciting Flats area.
- The Father’s Day Luncheon is at 12 Noon, cruise is 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
- 825 East Ninth Street Pier Cleveland, 216.861.5110, http://www.goodtimeiii.com/cms/public-cruises/special-events-a-themes.html
Father’s Day Cruise on the Nautica Queen
- The Nautica Queen offers a unique adventure in lakefront and river cruise dining for people of all ages. All cruises include an unlimited buffet meal, coffee, tea or iced tea, and musical entertainment (disc jockey or band). While aboard the Nautica Queen, you cruise under historic bridges and experience the breathtaking view of Downtown Cleveland’s ever-changing skyline.
- Brunch: 11:00am – 1:30pm
- Early Dinner: 4– 6:30pm
- Nautica Entertainment Center 1153 Main Avenue, Cleveland. Reservations: 800. 837.0604, http://nauticaqueen.com/calendar.php
Golfing at Cleveland Metroparks Golf Courses
- Cleveland Metroparks offers an opportunity to hit the links with its seven courses located throughout Cuyahoga County. The golf courses vary, from one of the most played courses in Ohio at Big Met to championship layouts at Manakiki and Sleepy Hollow that challenge even the best golfers.
- Cleveland Metroparks – Big Met Golf Course (18 holes, 6356 yards; par 72) 440.331.1070, www.clemetparks.com/recreation/golf/big_met.asp
- Cleveland Metroparks - Little Met Golf Course (9 holes, 2,535 yards; par 34) 216.941.9672, www.clemetparks.com/recreation/golf/little_met.asp
- Cleveland Metroparks – Manakiki Golf Course (18 holes, 6,625 yards; par 72) 440.942.2500, www.clemetparks.com/recreation/golf/manakiki.asp
- Cleveland Metroparks – Mastick Woods Golf Course (9 holes, 1,900 yards; par 31) 216.267.5626, www.clemetparks.com/recreation/golf/mastick_woods.asp
- Cleveland Metroparks – Shawnee Hills Golf Course (27 holes, 6,366 yards; par 71) 440.232.7184, www.clemetparks.com/recreation/golf/shawnee_hills.asp
- Cleveland Metroparks – Sleepy Hollow Golf Course (18 holes 6,702 yards; par 71) 440.526.4285, www.clemetparks.com/recreation/golf/sleepy_hollow.asp
- Cleveland Metroparks – Washington Golf Learning Center (9 holes, 1,248 yards; par 29) 216.641.1864, www.clemetparks.com/recreation/golf/washington.asp
– Cindy Hill
Mythic Creatures and Colorful Frogs!
For daughters who dream of mermaids and sons who carry home frogs, Cleveland, Ohio has the perfect combination of exhibits for families to explore. A family vacation to Cleveland Plus costs 40-60 percent less than one to cities like New York, Philadelphia or Los Angeles – without sacrificing any of the experience! Check out these exhibits to peak your children’s curiosity this summer and let their imaginations soar.
Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids, The Natural History Museum
What creatures live in dark places, are covered with fur, scales or slime, have a long tail, too many eyes or not enough? They also love to create wind, fire and destruction. What are they? Mythic creatures – our favorite imaginary friends. They used to come to life in books and movies, but now, through eye-popping models, preserved specimens and prehistoric fossils, kids can investigate how these legendary creatures sprang to life in our imaginations. This wonderful exhibit highlights our favorites, water creatures like the Kraken, sea monsters and mermaids; the land creatures, like griffins, unicorns and ape men; and the flying creatures: the Phoenix, sphinx, and Pegasus and dragons. For a scarey-good time, families can take a walk with their favorite mythical creatures. Open through August 12.
www.cmnh.org
Frogs! A Chorus of Colors, The Great Lakes Science Center
What’s more fun than one slippery, green, croaking and hopping little frog? 70 of them all in the same place! In this exhibit, families discover more than 70 live frogs from around the world, showcased in detailed habitats complete with rock ledges, live plants and waterfalls. Encounter visually stunning creatures, who look as colorful as their names, such as the Chinese Gliding Frog, Amazon Milk Frog, Fire-bellied Toad and Smokey Jungle Frog. Hear noisy croaks, yaps, chirps, whoops, snores and whistles. Test your frog IQ, create a chorus with recorded frog calls, perform a virtual frog dissection and more. Admission to Frogs! A Chorus of Colors is included with general admission to Great Lakes Science Center. Members receive free admission.
www.glsc.org
– Cindy Hill




