21 Summer Festivals in Cleveland to Look Forward to This Year
There are so many reasons to love summer in Cleveland — the shaded patios, the lush greenery, lakeside activities on the shores of Lake Erie — we could go on. But one of our favorite things about this season is the abundance of summer festivals around town!
From upscale flea markets to outdoor concerts and food festivals, there is so much going on this summer in Cleveland and plenty of opportunities to celebrate our incredible community. We rounded up 21 events that we are most looking forward to, so grab your calendars and start planning!
Jump Ahead:
ALL SUMMER
The Cleveland Flea
When: Summer dates include June 9, July 14 and August 11 Where: 3615 Superior Avenue, ClevelandA far cry from a traditional flea market, the Cleveland Flea is one of Ohio's most respected and popular markets. Come experience local creativity at its finest by shopping from talented artists and vendors, sampling delicious eats from local purveyors and sipping a refreshing craft beer.
The Front Porch Concert Series
When: June 22-August 31 Where: The Lakewood Public Library, Lakewood
Photo courtesy of Alex Belisle Photography via LakewoodAlive
LakewoodAlive's Front Porch Concert Series will return to the steps of the Lakewood Public Library this summer! Enjoy free, live music every Friday evening in the heart of downtown, with genres ranging from folk to rock to jazz.JUNE
ideastream's Grand Tastings and Seminars Event
When: June 1-2 Where: Playhouse Square, Cleveland Calling all foodies and wine aficionados! This fantastic, educational event will feature tastings, seminars, a silent auction and plenty of wine. The event will kick off with a grand tasting on Friday evening. During the Saturday sessions, learn about proper wine pairings, the intricacies of sparkling wine, and more from the experts — including legendary Chef Jacques Pépin.The 15th Annual Duck Tape Festival
When: June 15-16 Where: 3701 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Avon Live music, a parade and… giant duct tape creations? This wacky, free festival presented by Duck® brand is definitely one you have to attend at least once. Strut your stuff in the Duck® Tape Fashion Show, build a Duck® Tape float for the parade, build a craft, shop from local vendors, or simply enjoy the show!Cleveland Summer Beerfest
When: June 16 (two sessions) Where: Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, Cleveland Come see what's brewing at the Cleveland Beerfest! Thousands of craft beer fans will converge on Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica to enjoy creations from Cleveland's best local breweries. While you're sipping, munch on bites from local food trucks and dance along to live music.The Second Annual Share the River Ramble
When: June 22 Where: Rivergate Park, Cleveland Come enjoy this free run/walk along the Cuyahoga River riverfront! The 2.5 or 5-mile routes will connect participants to segments that have recently been changed into a park or bike path. After the race, enjoy a party at the finish line with music, craft beer and more at Rivergate Park.The 2018 Waterloo Arts Fest
When: June 30 Where: Waterloo Road Between East 161st Street and Calcutta Avenue, Cleveland The Waterloo Arts Fest will welcome more than 40 local bands, a mix of talented vendors, incredible food trucks and exciting, interactive art experiences for all ages. Need we say more?JULY
Rock n' Boom
When: July 4 Where: The Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland Celebrate America's birthday by exploring the exhibits at the Great Lakes Science Center. When the sun goes down, venture out to the Steamship Mather to enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks from the deck! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.The Kale & Ale Festival
When: July 7 Where: Lincoln Park, Cleveland Beer and food lovers, take note! The Kale and Ale Festival will host seven of your favorite Cleveland restaurants and an impressive lineup of breweries for this fabulous (and delicious) event. Discover inspiring dishes from the farm-to-fork movement, sip a refreshing bevvie, dance along to live music, and shop from local vendors! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, so grab your tickets today.The Big Bounce America
When: July 13-15 Where: Victory Park, North Ridgeville As long as you are a child at heart, you are bound to enjoy this larger-than-life bounce house experience. The Big Bounce is the world's largest family-friendly bounce house, and will be open to adults and children in Cleveland for one weekend this summer! Take your fun to new heights and come experience more than 10,000 square feet of fun, games and laughter.The Lakewood Summer Meltdown
When: July 14 Where: Downtown Lakewood
Photo courtesy of The Lakewood Citizen via LakewoodAlive
Presented by everyone's favorite grilled cheese shop, Melt Bar & Grilled, the Lakewood Summer Meltdown is one of the region's most highly anticipated street parties. In fact, it welcomed nearly 10,000 attendees last year! Enjoy a 5K race (or a 1-mile kids' fun run), outdoor activities, games, food vendors, a beer garden, live music and so much more. And the best part? Admission is completely free.The Great Lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace
When: Weekends, July 14 through August 19 Where: 3033 Ohio 534, Rock Creek Step back in time at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace. Guests will be able to enjoy countless activities in the Shire of Avaloch, including shopping for covetable treasures, cheering on the jousters, and tasting food fit for a king! Make sure to try your hand at archery or ax-throwing, and get a thrill on one of the rides.Taste of Tremont
When: July 15 Where: Professor Avenue, Tremont It's no secret that the Tremont neighborhood is a mecca for foodies, and this festival allows you to experience the best of the best. Taste food from Tremont's best chefs, peruse spectacular art displays, sip on craft cocktails, mead, wine or beer, shop from local vendors and dance along to live music.The Summer Market
When: July 27 & 28 Where: Veterans Memorial Park, Avon Lake This unique outdoor festival takes place on the shore of Lake Erie and hosts thousands of guests each year. Come shop for unique furniture, gorgeous jewelry, statement-making art and other handmade wares, along with fresh produce and baked goods! After shopping, you can grab a bite from the surrounding food trucks, dance along to live music or simply enjoy the stunning lake views.The 10th Annual Scene Ale Festival
When: July 28 Where: Lincoln Park, Cleveland
Photo courtesy of Emanuel Wallace via the Scene Ale Festival
Celebrate Cleveland's incredible craft beer scene at this local festival in Lincoln Park. Tickets start at $40, and the price of admission will earn you 15 drink tickets, access to more than 80 craft beers from the region's best breweries, live music, food booths and more. And don't leave man's best friend behind — this festival is dog-friendly!
