CLEVELAND, Ohio — It’s the first official weekend of summer and it certainly shows in the list of outdoor festivals, concerts and sporting events taking place over the next several days. But there are some indoor activities, too, in case you want to keep cool.
Here are 23 of the most interested options.
Tri-C Jazz Festival
The 43rd annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland returns to Playhouse Square for a weekend full of music, food and dancing. There are eight ticketed events highlighted by homecoming concerts by Clevelanders Joe Lovano and Sean Jones, plus performances by Anthony Hamilton, Cyrille Aimée and Eddie Palmieri. Live bands covering a variety of genres from jazz and gospel to funk and rock will perform at the free outdoor festival, which also features food trucks, street performers, cooking demos and kids activities. Concert tickets start at $22.50.
Music Hall at the Cleveland Public Auditorium; Ohio Mimi, Connor Palace and Allen Theaters; US Bank Plaza
June 23-25
tri-c.edu/jazzfest
Larchmere Porchfest
One of the area’s biggest street festivals takes place in one of Cleveland’s most eclectic neighborhoods with more than two dozen local bands local performing on front porches and at local hot spots. Performers include Moises Borges, Mo’ Mojo, Apostle Jones and more. Free.
2-10 pm, June 25
larchmereporchfest.org
The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival brings live theater to the beautiful parks of Northeast Ohio this summer with “Hamlet.”
Cleveland Shakespeare Festival
Cleveland’s version of Shakespeare in the Park kicks off its 25th season bringing the Bard’s greatest works to audiences across Northeast Ohio under the night sky. The first production, “Hamlet,” makes stops in Cleveland Heights, Bentleyville and Berea. Free.
7 pm, June 24, Coventry PEACE Park, 2843 Washington Blvd, Cleveland Heights
7 pm, June 25, Bentleyville Community Park, 36020 Solon Road, Bentleyville
7 pm, June 26, Coe Lake Park, 105 S. Rocky River Dr., Berea
cleveshakes.com
Chardon Love Fest
Love is the theme of this open-air music festival returning to Chardon Square for the first time since 2019. Jah Messengers Reggae Band headlines the lineup of more than 20 bands performing everything from rock and bluegrass to alternative rock, hip hop and more. A wide variety of vendors will be on hand offering home goods, art, food items and more.
100 Short Court, Chardon
noon-10 pm, June 25
chardonlovefest.com
Edgewater NeighborFest will take place June 26. (Photo courtesy of Northwest Neighborhood CDC)
Edgewater Neighbor Fest
This fun event spotlights the best the Edgewater Neighborhood has to offer with musical performances, games and other entertainment. The main stage features performances by seven-year-old DJ Lily Jade, Refresh Collective, Jacks Jazz band, Showout Line Dancing and a drag show finale. Twist Street Bar will be serving specialty cocktails and guests can also peruse the festival’s LBGTQ+ hub, resource fair, kids corner and vendors market. Free.
Clifton Blvd. between W. 115th St. and W. 117th St., Cleveland
noon-6 pm, June 26
cudell.com/enf
Ohio Scottish Games and Celtic Festival
Returning to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds after a two-year hiatus, this event emulates the traditional dance, music and athletics of the ancient highland games. The schedule includes Ohio’s Strongest Celt competition, Calling of the Clans, Parade of Competitors and a kilted mile run, along with music workshops, genealogy sessions, whiskey tasting and axe throwing, plus harp, fiddle, bagpipe, pipe-band and Highland-dance competitions. There will also be plenty of food and live bands. Tickets, $8-$20.
19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights
June 24-25
ohioscottishgames.com
St. Demetrios Greek Festival
Feast on your favorite Greek foods like Moussaka, Pastitsio, Souvlaki and Baklava with in-person dining or drive-thru options available. The festival also offers live music, dance performances and specialty vendors. Free admission.
22909 Center Ridge Rd., Rocky River
June 23-26
saintdemetriosrr.org
Lorain International Festival and Bazaar
Celebrate the many different cultures of the world at Black River Landing with live performances, ethnic cuisine, shopping and fun for the kids. The 54th edition of the event includes concerts by Rumors, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band, and Evil Ways performing the music of Santana. Admission, $3.
421 Black River Landing, Lorain
June 24-26
lorininternational.com
“Imagine a block party where you can engage with some of the coolest and most delicious local brands, while you take a seat and grab some insanely good food,” says Akron Honey Market Day founder Brent Wesley.
Akron Honey Market Day
Wesley Family Apiary & Microfarm is the site once again of this one-day block party that spotlights some of the best small local brands. This year’s lineup includes Akron Honey, Notyodaddy’s Mex Hot Sauce, Nosh Butters, Julia Belle’s Seasonings, Sweet & Savvy Cake Shop, Savoure Kitchen, Honeypot Bakes CLE and Evallia Soaping Co. and Bereka Coffee. Food trucks Sandy Bottom Bowls, Johnny Lotes and Uncle Bacon provide the eats, while Soul DJ Forest Gettemgump spins the music. Free.
1045 Jefferson Ave., Akron
1-5 pm, June 26
facebook.com/Akronhoney
Brecksville Home Days
Carnival rides, fair food, live entertainment and kids activities highlight this annual community festival held at the Brecksville Town Square. There’s also a fun walk, dog jog, 5K race, plus pancake breakfasts, trivia games and a fireworks finale. Free.
Rt. 82 at Brecksville Road
June 24-26
breaksville.oh.us
Mayfield Heights Unity Days
Enjoy carnival food, live music and a kids zone with giant inflatables and interactive games at this annual celebration at Mayfield Heights City Park. Expect performances from Tricky Dick & the Cover-Ups, Sozzle and Vinyl Arcade, plus fireworks on Saturday night and a parade on Sunday afternoon. Free.
789 Mayfield Ridge Road, Mayfield Heights
June 24-26
mayfieldheights.org
Columbia Homecoming Festival
This community event celebrates its 70th year with a parade, live bands, cornhole competition, fair food, animal shows, inflatables, kids activities and more at Columbia Township Park. The festival concludes with fireworks on Saturday night. Free.
25540 Royalton Road, Columbia Station
June 23-25
columbiahomecoming.com
The Arboretum Hourglass Pond at Holden Arboretum.Margie Carr
Mission Botanica at Holden Arboretum
This family-friendly interactive maze teaches you about the importance of plant biodiversity with a choose-your-adventure attraction offering opportunities to climb, leap and fly as you learn about many of the plants and trees in the arboretum’s collection. Tickets, $12-$16.
9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland
Now through Sept. 5
holdenfg.org
Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jose Ramirez connects on a two-run double off Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Cole Irvin in the first inning, June 12, 2022, at Progressive Field.John Kuntz, levelland.com
Guardians vs. Red Sox at Progressive Field
The surging Guardians face off against Rafael Devers, Trevor Story and the rest of the Boston Red Sox for a three-game series. Promotions include Jose Ramirez T-shirt and Dollar Dog Night on Friday, Shane Bieber jersey giveaway and fireworks on Saturday night and Kids Fun Day on Sunday. Tickets start at $19.
2401 Ontario St, Cleveland
June 24-26
mlb.com/guardians
Concerts & More at the Glen
Lake Metroparks’ outdoor summer entertainment series at Penitentiary Glen Reservation rolls on with a concert by local singer-guitarist Bob Wick performing classic and current songs. The Nature Center will be open to visit and sell snacks and beverages. Bring your own chairs or blankets to watch the concert. Free admission.
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd., Kirtland
7 pm, June 24
lakemetroparks.com
Concerts Over the Valley at Mapleside Farms
Dark Side of the Moon performs the music of Pink Floyd at one of the most picturesque outdoor concert venues in Northeast Ohio atop a hill overlooking an apple orchard. Food trucks will be on-site and guests can also purchase some of Mapleside’s popular snack items including fresh kettle corn, apple fritters and jumbo soft pretzels. Admission, $10.
7-10 pm, June 24
294 Pearl Rd., Brunswick
mapleside.com
North Coast String Quartet performs Vivaldi, Four Seasons at First Baptist Church of Greater Cleveland, one of many candlelight classical music concerts put on by Fever Cleveland.
Joshua Gunter, levelland.com
Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Experience the music of Taylor Swift as you’ve never before as the Listo String Quartet performs a collection of the pop icon’s greatest hits under candlelight inside the historic Maltz Performing Arts Center. Favorites like “Shake It Off,” “Cardigan,” “Blank Space,” “All Too Well” and “Love Story” are given the classical treatment in this memorable show. Tickets, $30-$55.
1855 Ansel Rd., Cleveland
6:30 & 9:30 pm, June 24
feverup.com/cleveland/candlelight
• Related: Fever’s Candlelight Concerts bring live music to unexpected locations in Cleveland
Jackson Browne at MGM Northfield Park
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jackson Browne performs many of the songs that made him the quintessential singer-songwriter of the 1970s, from “Somebody’s Baby” and “These Days” to “Doctor My Eyes” and “Running On Empty.” Tickets start at $150.
10777 Northfield Rd., Northfield
8 pm, June 25
mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com
Vanity Crash at Bop Stop
Cleveland-based Glam rock band Vanity Crash celebrates the release of its sixth album with a concert and Q&A. The group will perform all-new songs, talk about the inspiration and production of the upcoming recording and debut some new merch. Tickets, $15
2920 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
8 pm, June 25
themusicsettlement.org
Fuzz Aldrin at Grog Shop
Fresh off the release of their new single “Hold On To Me Now”, Cleveland-based rockers Fuzz Aldrin headlines the Grog Shop on a bill that also includes Tastefull, the Brakes and the Buffalo Ryders. Tickets, $10.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights
8 pm, June 25
grogshop.gs
Shereen Ahmed, center, stars as Eliza Doolittle in the touring production of Lerner & Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” at Playhouse Square.
“My Fair Lady” at Playhouse Square
The Lincoln Center Theater Production’s critically acclaimed revival of Lerner & Loewe’s beloved musical wraps up its run at the KeyBank State Theater this weekend. The famous story, borrowed from “Pygmalion,” focuses on Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney commoner plucked from obscurity by linguistics professor Henry Higgins, who makes a bet he can turn her into a “proper lady.” Songs include Broadway classics like “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly.” Tickets, $10-$110.
1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Now through June 26
playhousesquare.org
• Review: Superb cast, lavish visuals combine in enchanting ‘My Fair Lady’ at Playhouse Square
“The Fantasticks” at Near West Theater
Near West Theater’s first-ever black box production is a retelling of this classic musical about neighboring fathers who trick their children into falling in love by building a wall to separate them and pretending to feud. The show features showtune standards like “Try To Remember” and “They Were You.” Tickets, $12-$15 or pay what you can.
6702 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
June 24-26
nearwesttheatre.org
Olivia Lucy Phillip as Becky, Stephanie Torns as Jenna and Kendyl Ito as Dawn in the national touring production of “Waitress,” now playing at the Hanna Theater through June 26. (Photo: Jeremy Daniel)
“Waitress” at Playhouse Square
The curtain falls on the Broadway hit’s engagement at the intimate Hanna Theater this weekend. The musical tells the hopeful story of a struggling waitress looking to turn her life around through pie making and features a score by Grammy winner and Tony nominee Sara Bareilles. Tickets, $49-$109.
2067 E. 14th St, Cleveland
Now through June 26
playhousesquare.org
• Review: ‘Waitress’ gets up close and personal at Playhouse Square