CLEVELAND (June 27, 2024) – The Land roars to life this season with a multitude of festivals and major events taking place. And in between, visitors can enjoy a classic Cleveland summer, with new offerings at long-time favorite attractions, new restaurants and a newly refurbished historic hotel. Travelers can plan to pack and hydrate for a summer of going all out.

 

MAJOR EVENTS

After rolling out the red carpet for a record-breaking NCAA Women's Final Four tournament and welcoming thousands of visitors for a spectacular total solar eclipse, big event excitement continues this summer with major sporting events, art festivals and cultural celebrations.

• Pan-American Masters Games 2024 (July 12-21)

The Land is once again the momentary center of the world when it plays host to the 2024 Pan-American Masters Games. This flagship event will bring together about 4,000 athletes and thousands of spectators, representing at least 70 countries and 47 states, to witness the multisport event that is expected to be one of the largest international events in Cleveland's history.

Photos available here.

• BorderLight Theatre Festival (July 24-27)

Designed to present an innovative theatre experience that inspires, builds cross-cultural understanding and celebrates the diversity of the human experience, BorderLight Theatre Festival is taking over the Playhouse Square District in late July. This year, the festival will showcase four international shows, 43 Fringe Festival shows featuring independent artists and eight workshops across the multiple stages in and around the theater district.

Photos available here.

• Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival (July 21-Aug. 5)

Sweeping across the city of Canton, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival is back and encourages football fans to make their pilgrimage to the place where it all began. The festivities begin on July 21 with a community parade and continue to ramp up into early August with the Hall of Fame Game (Aug. 1), Canton Repository Grand Parade and Enshrinement, where spectators can welcome the newly jacketed Hall of Fame Class (Aug. 3) and finishing with a Carrie Underwood Concert (Aug. 4) and performance by the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps (Aug. 5).

Photos available here.

• WWE® SummerSlam® Cleveland (Aug. 3)

For the first time since August 1996, Cleveland will host WWE® SummerSlam®. This premium live event will take over the city with a stacked weekend schedule. Fans have the chance to sit ringside for all the exhilarating moments including Friday Night SmackDown at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, WWE Superstar appearances, photo opportunities and a variety of fan and community events in the days before and after.

Assets available here.

• 78th Annual One World Day (Aug. 25)

Cleveland is home to almost 120 ethnic groups, many of whom celebrate their heritage at One World Day. This annual festival brings Clevelanders of all backgrounds together to share their cultures and traditions in the heart of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. The day starts with a Parade of Flags that culminates in the Cultural Gardens, where a Naturalization Ceremony will be held for recent immigrants becoming American citizens. Attendees then enjoy folk dancing, live music and cultural performances while sampling the diverse flavors of international dishes.

Photos available here.

• Cleveland National Air Show (Aug. 31-Sept. 2)

More than 100,000 spectators are expected along Lake Erie's shore to experience the thrilling sights and deafening roar of the best in aviation spectacle – one of the oldest annual air shows in the country – at Burke Lakefront Airport. The legendary U.S. Navy Blue Angels will put jet fighters through a choreographed performance at high speeds, and the whole family can browse a selection of food, crafts and a variety of aviation-related exhibits.

Photos available here.

• Cleveland Oktoberfest (Aug. 30-Sept. 7)

It's not really Labor Day weekend in Cleveland without a visit to Oktoberfest, when the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds transforms into a giant German biergarten. From food and music to German, local and craft brews, Oktoberfest offers something for everyone.

Photos available here.

 

ARTS & CULTURE

As warm weather sweeps through The Land, locals and visitors head outside to take in the multitude of arts events and festivals as well as outdoor activities, from the beaches of Lake Erie to the streets of the city's vibrant urban neighborhoods.

• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Two historic Grand Canyon Railway ALCO locomotives have been added to the fleet of unique train rides offered to the public through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The purchase is part of the railroad's $3 million Leading The Way Locomotive Fleet capital campaign in support of its mission to become the largest collection of preserved ALCO locomotives in the country.

• Wade Oval Wednesdays (June 12-Aug. 14)

Home to the Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden and Cleveland Museum of Natural History, University Circle is the cultural center of Cleveland. Each Wednesday evening, the green space between Cleveland's cultural assets comes alive with music, local grub, craft beer, wine and fun activities for kids. Special events highlighting Cleveland's diverse communities include Disability Pride (July 26), Latinx Heritage (July 10) and LGBTQ+ Pride (Aug. 14).

• NightLight (June 20-Oct. 3)

A new movie-going experience in The Land's front yard, NightLight is a 21+ outdoor movie series featuring a curated bar, local food trucks, a pre-movie DJ and beautiful city skyline views. Guests can buy single tickets or a season pass to blockbuster films including Mean Girls, Top Gun: Maverick and, heading into spooky season, Hocus Pocus.

• Cain Park Arts Festival (July 12-14)

Bringing hundreds of artists to Northeast Ohio for decades, the Cain Park Arts Festival returns for the 47th year. The free three-day arts festival showcases artists of all different mediums including wood, clay, glass, painting, jewelry and more. Festival goers can enjoy live entertainment, interactive mural painting for children of all ages and a variety of food trucks and concessions.

• 125th Feast of Assumption (Aug. 15-18)

This five-block Italian food and cultural extravaganza is a beloved annual tradition in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood. Whether it's spaghetti and meatballs, cavatelli or calzones, the Feast of the Assumption has something for every taste bud. The area's eclectic art scene also comes alive during the festival thanks to art vendors and live music.

• Fresh Fest Cleveland (Sept. 14)

Fresh Fest Cleveland returns to celebrate the arts and urban agriculture, promote health and wellness and showcase fresh and local food. This year features an amazing line-up of music, including the legendary Grammy Award-winning hip-hop icon Big Daddy Kane as a headliner as well as other local favorites and special guests. Visitors can experience a full day of unforgettable performances, art installations, farmer's market, chef tastings, local vendors, hands-on activities, workshops and a kids' zone filled with fun for the whole family.

 

MUSIC EXPERIENCES

This season's music events encourage attendees to get outside, take a deep breath and experience the beating heart of Cleveland – and it beats in tempo. From classical favorites to some of the great artists of rock, rap and country, summer in The Land is a time to turn up the volume.

• Cleveland Metroparks Summer Concert Series (June 12-Aug. 17)

Every week in the height of summer, top local bands will perform at six of the most iconic waterfront destinations of the Cleveland Metroparks. Guests can enjoy live music and food and drinks with the series' happy hour, beer garden and local food trucks.

• The Cleveland Orchestra's Blossom Music Festival (June 21-Sept. 27)

One of the finest outdoor music venues in the country hosts what many would consider to be one of the best orchestras in the world for the summer, and guests can sit under the open sky to enjoy the music of cinematic masterpieces, classical and American favorites, romantic concerts or family-friendly extravaganzas. Headline events include the patriotic Salute to America (July 3), an Evening with Leslie Odom, Jr. (July 21), and the music of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Aug. 2-3)

• City Stages Summer Concert Series (July 10-31)

The Cleveland Museum of Art once again brings City Stages, a free outdoor concert series, to the Hingetown district of Ohio City. On Wednesday nights, attendees can fill the streets to dance, picnic and listen to a diverse group of musicians from around the world in a lively block party atmosphere.

• Rock Hall Live (July 19-Aug. 23)

A live music experience at the heart of rock & roll, Rock Hall Live is not to be missed. Headliners this year include All Time Low (celebrating 20 years of hits and their recent reunion), Sleater-Kinney and Boys Like Girls. Tickets can be purchased for the show alone or to also include entry to the Museum. And for even more music, visitors can check out the Live and Local free concert series or free Rock the Block community days.

 

RESTAURANT & BAR OPENINGS

Cleveland's dining and beverage scene continues to attract national attention, including a James Beard Foundation “Best Chef: Great Lakes” nomination for Cordelia's chef-partner Vinnie Cimino. The city's newest bars and restaurants build on this interest and highlight the variety of experiences and influences found in The Land.

• Yi Er Chuan Malatang Hot Pot (April)

The Chinese street food concept brings one of the first malatang – or spicy hot pot – experiences to AsiaTown. Unlike other hot pot restaurants, the cooking is done in the kitchen. Guests can build a bowl by selecting from nearly 50 items off a paper check list-style menu or choose from pre-designed hot pot or dry pot recommendations.

• J. Rocco's Restaurant & Bar (May)

After years of waiting, a new location of A.J. Rocco's downtown is now open right next to its previous location. The multi-floor downtown restaurant and bar offers pizzas, burgers, mac and cheese, wings and specialty sandwiches.

• Oliva (May)

This Italian-themed subterranean steakhouse in downtown Cleveland combines elegant Tuscan-style interiors and a “nose-to-tail” cooking philosophy. The menu features innovative beef-forward dishes like beef cheek meatballs, oxtail soup and beef shoulder salad, as well as creative Italian appetizers, salads and seafood dishes.

• The Kraken Room (May)

Occupying the upper level of local brewery Pulpo Beer Co., the Kraken Room is a new craft cocktail lounge. Designed to highlight the darker side of the brewery's octopus mascot, the lounge will feature custom cocktails, tiki classics, mocktails and Prohibition-era blends. Sticking to the maritime theme, guests can enjoy A Watery Grave, Siren's Song Harbinger of Doom and Release the Kraken.

• Tricky Tortoise Brewing Company (May)

The 20,000 sq ft Willoughby Brewing is now the Tricky Tortoise Brewing Company. Designed to be an anchor in the community, the brewery was created to be a family-oriented space. Featured brews include the Hey Bobby, Tricky IPA and Hella Helles Lager.

• Bad Medicine (August)

The new West Park listening bar plans to bring a Cleveland flavor to the Japanese-invention venue. A “cocktail bar first and a vinyl bar second”, customers will sip on a roster of classic and modern cocktails and sample a mix of creative bar snacks, gourmet sandwiches and salads, while bartenders curate music – including a heavy dose of classic rock – on vinyl through vintage Hi-Fi equipment, most of it from the co-owners' personal collections. Visitors can plan to feel like they're at a special destination that's also a part of the neighborhood.

 

HOTEL PROJECTS

The latest updates to Cleveland's hotel landscape add restored historic buildings and renovated skyscrapers to an already wide array of visitor accommodations.

• Hotel Cleveland (June)
  The Hotel Cleveland officially re-opened in June as a showcase entry in Marriott's Autograph Collection, following an impressive $90 million restoration and a decade of planning. Property-wide, stunning new interior design is beautifully featured in 491 guest rooms, including 50 suites, and a sophisticated new lobby punctuated by carefully retained historic features. Its 59,000 square feet of meeting space includes 30 distinctive spaces and three ballrooms. Two new restaurants fully embrace the Cleveland spirit, including Maker, an upscale restaurant and lounge with shareable dishes and artisanal craft cocktails, and Mowrey's, named for the 1814 tavern and inn that sat on the site and offering a la carte American-style breakfast favorites with Cleveland twists.
• Fidelity Hotel (December)
  A once‐vacant landmark building constructed in 1919 is being transformed into Fidelity Hotel. The downtown property will have 97 guestrooms and suites, a full-service restaurant, bar, event and meeting spaces and a private dining room. The hotel will also feature a social impact component, with a booking option to direct a percentage of the overnight rate to area nonprofits.
• W Hotel (2025)
  A 1960s modernist skyscraper in Downtown Cleveland will host a new W Hotel and the first location for W Apartments. Plans for the 210-room hotel include a 15,000-square-foot ballroom and event center, a full-service spa and gym and a restaurant and bar on the 38th floor with panoramic city views.

 

To keep up to date on new developments and activities, please visit www.thisiscleveland.com or follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.

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ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland's destination marketing and management organization. The private, non-profit organization's mission is to stimulate economic growth by attracting people and connecting them to experiences that illustrate Cleveland's diversity, creativity and contagious passion. In 2022, visitation increased 12% over the year prior to 17.9 million visits. For more information, visit www.thisiscleveland.com.