It’s Memorial Day Weekend and festival season is finally upon us. This weekend, enjoy both the Marc’s Great American Rib Cook-off & Music Festival and the Tremont Greek Festival. When you’re finished with the fests, head over to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to check out the opening of the new Rolling Stones exhibit, “Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction”.

Marc’s Great American Rib Cook-off & Music Festival – Jacob’s Pavilion at the Nautica Entertainment Complex, Downtown Cleveland                     

This Memorial Day Weekend, head down to Jacob’s Pavilion and the Nautica Entertainment Complex and enjoy Northeast Ohio’s biggest and most popular backyard barbeque. Watch (and taste) as ten professional grilling teams from across the country engage in a fiercely delicious culinary battle for barbeque supremacy. As the barbeque battle rages on, enjoy the entertainment featuring rock and roll legends Rick Springfield, Buddy Guy and Bret Michaels along with Rocktopia, a unique concert experience that fuses the worlds of rock, classical music and opera featuring Northeast Ohio’s Contemporary Youth Orchestra and the Cleveland School of Arts Choir. For tickets and information, call 216.622.6558 or visit www.marcs.com/Fresh-Savings/Promotions/Marc-s-Rib-Cook-Off-and-Music.aspx.

Tremont Greek Festival – Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Tremont

‘It’s all Greek to you.’ All weekend long, head over to the Annunciation Green Orthodox Church in Tremont to experience an authentic Greek cultural and culinary event.  From Baklava to Mousaka, the Tremont Greek Festival features many culinary delights for you to enjoy. After eating, make sure to watch the energetic and beautiful Greek dancers, enjoy the live music and take the kids over to the games corner.  For tickets and information, call 216.861.0116 or visit www.tremontgreekfest.com.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Presents, “Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction” – Downtown Cleveland

This weekend, experience the opening of the new Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum exhibit, “Rolling Stones: 50 Years of Satisfaction.”  This one-of-a-kind exhibit tells the inside story of the Rolling Stones’ history, music, world tours and their creative process. Get in touch with the band that shaped the world’s view on what rock and roll is. For tickets and information call 216.515.1277 or visit www.rockhall.com/exhibits/rolling-stones-50-years-of-satisfaction.

More Events
Cleveland Orchestra, Tchaikovsky Fifth at Severance Hall- 5/24
Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off – 5/24-27
MAC Baseball Tournament at All Pro Freight Stadium- 5/24-25
There is a Happiness That Morning Is at Cleveland Public Theater – 5/24-25
Guys and Dolls at Hannah Theatre - 5/24-26
Lake County Captains vs. West Michigan Whitecaps at Classic Park  – 5/25-27

More Exhibits
Janet Cardiff and George Bures Miller: The Paradise Institute at MOCA thru 6/9
Kate Gilmore at MOCA thru 6/9
Dark Stars at MOCA thru 8/25
Sharkabet! A Sea of Sharks from A to Z at Cleveland Museum of Natural Historythru – 9/1
Tantra in Buddhist Art at Cleveland Museum of Art thru 9/15
Spots of Light: To Be a Woman in the Holocaust at Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage 5/24 – 6/9

To search our event calendar visit www.positivelycleveland.com/play/events. Questions, comments or weekend suggestions? Tweet us @positivelycleve.

– Chris Moore 

You can always visit our event calendar for more events at: www.positivelycleveland.com/play/events.

Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon – Downtown Cleveland

This weekend, lace up those shoes and head downtown for the 36^th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon. Featuring one of the flattest and fastest courses in the country, the Cleveland Marathon is definitely an exciting race to the finish. Cheer on the runners as they cross the finish line of their full/half marathon or 10K/5K event. For more information, call 800.467.3826 or visit www.clevelandmarathon.com.

Cleveland International Tattoo – Galleria at Erieview, Downtown Cleveland

One of the top four Tattoo events in North America, the Cleveland International Tattoo is sure to be an entertaining and inspiring event for the whole family. Held at the Galleria at Erieview in Downtown Cleveland this Saturday, the Tattoo features spectacular demonstrations of military drill, music, and dance. This exciting show includes performances by US Military bands, Emerald Society Pipe Band, Irish Dancers and more.  For tickets and information, call 877.212.8916 or visit  www.tattoocleveland.com.

Cleveland Asian Festival – Asia Town, Cleveland

All weekend long, experience Asian culture in Cleveland. The Cleveland Asian Festival, taking place in Asia Town on Payne Avenue, features authentic Asian food, merchandise and performing arts. This year, enjoy a special performance by NBC’s “The Voice” finalist, Cheesa. For tickets and information, call 216.539.4634 or visit clevelandasianfestival.org/2013.

Also up this weekend in CLE: 

Free Weekend at MOCA – May 17-19

Opening Weekend at All Pro Freight Stadium – May 17-19

Cleveland Indians vs. Seattle Mariners – May 17-20

Hessler Street Fair - May 18-19

For more information, visit Positively Cleveland’s website at www.positivelycleveland.com.

– Submitted by Chris Moore

(c)Cedar Point

This Saturday marks Opening Day of Cedar Point, where you can be one of the first to experience the park’s new record-breaking, winged coaster, Gatekeeper.  One hundred sixty-four-foot drops not your thing? Saturday also is the last day of the International Children’s Festival presented by The Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. A fantastic time for the whole family, this kid-friendly festival includes multiple live shows at PlayhouseSquare, and a tour of the stunning Exxopolis luminarium.  Don’t forget about the most important day of the year, Mother’s Day. Check out our Mother’s Day blog featuring a number of Mother’s Day events she’s sure to love.

For more events, visit our event calendar at www.positivelycleveland.com/play/events/.

Cedar Point Opening Day & Gatekeeper – Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky:

Are you a thrill-seeker? This Saturday, come experience opening day at “the best amusement park in the country”, Cedar Point. Opening Day marks the first time dare-devils can ride the park’s new record-breaking, winged coaster, Gatekeeper. Featuring a 4,164-foot-long track and a 164-foot drop, riders, with their feet dangling in the air, will soar above the main entrance and over the heads of guests for tons of heart-pounding excitement. For questions and tickets call 419.627.2350 or visit www.cedarpoint.com/gatekeeper.

International Children’s Festival – PlayhouseSquare, Downtown Cleveland:

Saturday, take the kids to experience the International Children’s Festival at PlayhouseSquare. Featuring multiple entertaining and educational live shows within the theatres, there is sure to be something the whole family can enjoy. When the show is over, make sure to stop by the Exxopolis luminarium location. This stunning three-story sculpture of light and color will astound and delight any child, or child-at-heart. For questions and tickets call 216.664.6044or visit www.playhousesquare.org/childrensfestival/exxopolis.html.

Mother’s Day Events

For a list of Mother’s Day events, see our Mother’s Day blog post at www.fleetothecleve.wordpress.com.

– Chris Moore, Marketing + Communications Assistant 

You can always visit our event calendar for more events: www.positivelycleveland.com/play/events.

Natalie Cole – Presented by Tri-C JazzFest:

Headlining the Tri-C Jazzfest for the first time since 2008, eight-time Grammy award-winning vocalist Natalie Cole has topped the jazz, pop and R&B charts over the years with her unique and beautiful sound. This Saturday, listen to Cole as she reinvents the “Great American Songbook”, taking on the jazz standards that made her so “Unforgettable”.  Enjoy the show at the gorgeous State Theatre in PlayhouseSquare.  For tickets and information, call 216.241.6000 or visit: http://www.playhousesquare.org/default.asp?playhousesquare=58&objId=3629.

Cleveland Gladiators vs. Utah Blaze

Get ready for another action-packed game of Cleveland Gladiators arena football at Quicken Loans Arena in downtown Cleveland. This Saturday, watch as the Gladiators take on the Utah Blaze in an exciting display of arena football talent. Off the field, enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere while hanging out with Gladiator’s mascot Rudi or watching the Goddesses dance team. After the game, meet the players on the field for the Official Postgame Autograph Session. For more information, call 1.888.894.9424 or visit: www.clevelandgladiators.com.

The Geauga County Maple Festival

Like maple syrup? This weekend, experience the Geauga County Maple Festival. Held in beautiful Chardon Square, the festival celebrates the areas production of maple syrup, one of the leading agricultural industries in Northern Ohio. Events include maple syrup judging and auction, two parades, a queen’s contest, a sap run, bathtub races, craft shows, rides, concessions and more. For information, call 1.440.286.2600 or visit: www.maplefestival.com/homecountdown.html.

Questions? Tweet us @positivelycleve.

– Chris Moore, Marketing + Communications Assistant 

Friday, May 17

Afternoon
Upon arriving in Cleveland, head 13 miles from Downtown to the I-X Center (www.ixcenter.com) near the airport for the 2013 Cleveland Marathon Health and Fitness Expo and packet pick-up. Shop for discounted running shoes and gear from more than 200 vendors, learn from workshops and running experts and pick up your race bib, timing device and t-shirt.

Evening
Next, grab a hearty, carbohydrate-filled meal in the east side Little Italy (www.littleitalycleveland.com) neighborhood. First settled in the late 19th century by skilled Italian artisans, Little Italy has retained much of its Old World charm and tight-knit sense of community.  A blend of art galleries, shops and restaurants, Little Italy offers some of the finest Italian dining in Cleveland including pizzas and pasta, calzones and calamari. Some local favorites include Guarino’s, the oldest continually operating restaurant in Cleveland since 1918, the new and vibrant Mia Bella and pizza slices from Mama Santas. Of course, don’t forget to indulge in a little dessert like a cannoli from Corbo’s Bakery or gelato from Presti’s Bakery.

Saturday, May 18

Morning
Grab a healthy and hearty breakfast from Ohio City (www.ohiocity.com) neighborhood favorites including BonBon Pastry and Café or French-inspired Le Petite Triangle. Or, enjoy a traditional diner-style breakfast from the West Side Market Café. While you’re there, make sure to check out the ultimate foodie’s mecca, The West Side Market, where turn-of-the-century immigrants found their native foods and spices. Today the century-old market features more than 100 vendors with the freshest selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, produce, bakery, ethnic foods and international delicacies.

Afternoon
Keep your legs loose by heading over to University Circle (www.universitycircle.org), the most concentrated square miles of arts and culture in the nation. Just four miles from downtown Cleveland, University Circle is home to more than 20 artistic and cultural venues including the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Western Reserve Historical Society and Cleveland Museum of Natural History, all of which are great to peruse on pre-race afternoon.

Evening
Take part in the Cleveland Marathon’s annual Pasta Dinner at the Hyatt Regency in the Arcade. Or, dine at one of downtown Cleveland’s award-winning restaurants in the East Fourth Street Entertainment District or the Historic Warehouse District.  *Note, if you haven’t already, don’t forget to pick up your race packet by 7pm.

Sunday, May 19

Morning
Race day! Good luck in the 36th annual Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K.

Afternoon
After burning off some serious calories, refuel at some of Cleveland’s best brunch stops. Open until 2pm is the local favorite, Latitude 41N in the west side Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood. Or, head over to the Tremont neighborhood for the iconic Lucky’s Café, the family-friendly Grumpy’s Café and slew of award-winning restaurants who are opening their doors early to accommodate marathon crowds.

Before heading home be sure to pay homage to your idols by exploring the largest single collection of rock and roll artifacts in the world at the Rock Hall of Fame and Museum (www.rockhall.com), featuring more than 50 exhibits, dynamic cinema presentations and other cool, one-of-a-kind memorabilia.

Take the family out to the ballpark and root for the home team as the Cleveland Indians (www.indians.com) take on the Mariners at Progressive Field. And, don’t forget runners can use the special code offer “Cleveland” for discounted tickets.

Or, cool off with more than 1 million gallons of water at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium (www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com). Here, the 145’ walk-through Seatube tunnel lets visitors experience life under the sea as they are completely surrounded by fish, sharks and stingrays.

– Submitted by April Ingle, Communications Coordinator 

A Christmas Story House & Museum

Located on Cleveland’s near-west side in the Tremont neighborhood, “A Christmas Story” House has been completely restored to its movie splendor and is open year-round for public tours. The house is both a tribute to and replica of the Parker family’s home in fictional Hohman, Indiana, based on writer and narrator Jean Shepherd’s actual childhood home in Hammond, Indiana.

Visit A Christmas Story House and Museum this November for a 30^th anniversary celebration and the return of the A Christmas Story House Convention. Groups can tour the house and take turns hiding under the kitchen sink like a fearful Randy or hover around the radio waiting to hear Little Orphan Annie’s top-secret message. While you’re there, stop by the newly renovated gift shop that has quadrupled in size and pick up a holiday keep-sake capturing your favorite scenes from A Christmas Story including a full-size leg lamp. 

Dates have not yet been released for the November celebration. For updates and additional information visit www.achristmasstoryhouse.com.

What can you expect at the party?

• Live music by The Floorwalkers (8 – 11 pm)
• DJ OZMTZ spinning tunes (11 pm – 1 am)
• Dancing all night long
• Sam Adams beer, Barefoot wine, Angry Orchard Cider and light hors d’oeuvres (included with your ticket)
• Cash bar for cocktails and special treats
• Costume contest – wear your best space-themed attire!
• Access to the newly redesigned NASA Glenn Visitor Center + science center exhibits

Yuri’s Night parties and events are held around the world every April in commemoration of April 12, 1961, the day of cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s first manned space flight, and April 12, 1981, the inaugural launch of NASA’s Space Shuttle. Learn more at http://www.yurisnight.net.

To purchase tickets and to learn more about Yuri’s Night Space Party at the Great Lakes Science Center click here. For your chance to WIN FOUR TICKETS simply leave a comment below describing what your best space-themed attire will look like for Yuri’s costume contest. For an additional entry tweet this: I want to win the @positivelycleve Yuri’s Night Space Party ticket giveaway! http://ow.ly/jK2HM #HappyinCLE 

Winner will be chosen at random and announced back here on this post on Tuesday at noon. Good luck!

(You must be 21 years of age or older to enter. Designated driver tickets are available for $25 each. Please call 216.621.2400 for details.)

Hey everyone! The contest has ended and the winner is… TRISH! Thanks to everyone who entered. 

– Positively Cleveland

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  

All are invited to participate in the official weekend festivities which are FREE with a game ticket starting with the United States Marine Corps presents the Cleveland Classic Greek Step Show on Friday night, September 14, at Quicken Loans Arena. On Saturday, September 15, join head to the Tailgate Party presented by University Hospitals, the College/Career Experience presented by Verizon, the Key Bank Marching Band Halftime Show and the Cleveland Classic presented by McDonalds game at Cleveland Browns Stadium at noon.

To receive your special $5 Positively Cleveland discount to the game, please visit www.clevelandclassicfootball.com, click on “Buy Tickets Here” and enter the code “PC.” Receive $40 tickets for $35 or $15 tickets for $10.

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