Fill up your Independence Day weekend will all these different events and activities around the city. From Wednesday, July, 1 – Sunday, July 5 this list of festivals, concerts, fireworks, and booze related fun is sure to keep you busy and celebrating in true American fashion.
By Kimberly Jauregui
Wednesday, July 1: Night of Music – Star Spangled Spectacular is an annual Cleveland favorite. At 9 p.m. head downtown to Mall B (since the square is under construction) and hear the Cleveland Orchestra put on their well known Independence Day concert complete with fireworks to accompany the city lights; definitely a sight to see. What makes this event even better is that it won’t cost you a penny. (Photo courtesy of Facebook Page: Cleveland Orchestra)Wednesday, July 1 through Saturday, July 4: Savory Slabs – Akron’s National Rib, White, and Blue Festival is back again this weekend. Get a taste of the best rib vendors around here, while you listen to local bands as well as the Akron Symphony Orchestra. The fest takes place at South Main St. in front of Lock 3 in Downtown Akron and will open daily at 11 a.m. and go on all day. To top off all the fun, stick around for the fireworks show after the Symphony Orchestra performance on Saturday. Admission is free. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: gjstine)Wednesday, July 1 through Saturday, July 4: A Vibrant Village – Head over to Bay Village anytime from July 1 – 4 and get in on the fun of Bay Day’s games, rides, food trucks, and live music at Cahoon Memorial Park West. Admission is free, but you’ll have to pay for rides and other attractions. Stick around on Saturday around 9:45 p.m. for their famous firework show. If it rains, come by on July 6 to watch the show. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: FarflungTravels)Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5: Deep Fried Goodness – Eastsiders celebrate and chow down on fried food on a stick, enjoy rides, games, and more at Fairport Harbor Mardi Gras at 301 Huntington Beach Dr. right on the water. The city’s firework show over the lake on Sunday begins at dusk and shouldn’t be missed. Admission is free, but the food and attractions will cost you a couple bucks. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: Cstar630)Thursday, July 2: Columbus Cocktails – Join in on the Night of Music, Food & Cocktails event at Mahall’s 20 Lanes on 13200 Madison Ave. and sample some of Columbus-based Watershed Distillery’s famous bourbon barrel gin, vodka, and bourbon while you listen to live bands and have dinner. Tickets to the event are $40. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: Watersheddistillery)Thursday and Friday, July 2 and 3: A Classic Holiday – Grab a spot on the lawn to enjoy America the Beautiful, the Cleveland Orchestra’s popular music show as a part of the yearly Bossom Music Festivial. Each show begins at 8 p.m. with traditional fireworks display following the concert at 1145 W. Steels Corner Rd. Tickets start at $24, but if you’re trying to see more than one show, package deals are available. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: Jennyraehawkins)Thursday, July 2 through Saturday, July 4: Free For All – Grindstone Fest, has about everything Westsiders need to celebrate the 4th right: rides, food vendors, parade, live music, outdoor movies, fireworks, and more at Coe Lake. The best thing about it? It’s free. Check out the schedule on the City of Berea’s website. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: Ianbeers)Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5: An Artsy Outing – This annual art fest is back for the 44th year, displaying over 160 artist pieces from jewelry, graphics, sculptures, and more at 7100 Riverview Rd. There will also be food vendors and live entertainment. Catch it this year on July 3 – 5. Hours are Friday 6 – 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are $8. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: Kristinholeman)Friday and Sunday, July 3 and 5: “Cut the Crap!” – Eastsiders looking for a good laugh catch comedian, Grandma Lee, as she heads over to the Hard Rock Rocksino on Friday at 7:30, and Sunday at 4 p.m. at 10705 Northfield Rd. America’s Got Talent Finalist isn’t your typical 81-year-old loving grandma, as she raves about all her missing organs and other quirky subjects; see for yourself. Tickets range from $13 – $18. (Photo courtesy of Flickr user: Mark Teasdale)Saturday, July 4: Take a Lap! – Dress in your patriotic best for the YMCA Firecracker 10k Run and 2 Mile Walk, YMCA’s inaugural healthy living event, this Independence Day. Warm up is at 7 a.m., while the 10k begins at 7:30 a.m. and the walk a few minutes after. The start and finish line will be at Galleria at Erieview at 1301 E. 9th St. and will circle around downtown. Those who join the race for $25 – $30 will receive a swag bag of goodies and are invited to join fellow runners in post race festivities. (Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Wallace)Saturday, July 4: Gone Fishin’ – The Red, White, and Brew Music Festival combines all your favorite things: underwater creatures, some of Cleveland’s best musicians, brews, and food vendors. Check out all the Cleveland Greater Aquarium’s exhibits while you jam out at 2000 Sycamore St. from 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. for $29.95. (Photo courtesy of Facebook Page: Greater Cleveland Aquarium)Saturday, July 4: Cruise on Down – Make a night out of the holiday on the Goodtime III ship for their 4th of July Fireworks Cruise. The event offers dinner, dancing, drinks, and live entertainment and will take off from North Coast Harbor at 825 E. 9th St. Pier at 6:30 p.m. lasting till 11:30 p.m. After dinner, enjoy the fireworks show on the water. Ticket prices vary from $25 – $82. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: Sheknippe)Saturday, July 4: Kick Back – For those looking for laid back fun: listen to live music outdoors at the 4th of July Concert in Lakewood Park on Saturday from 7 – 9 p.m. at 14532 Lake Ave. Catch the firework show afterwards; the place to celebrate for free with friends.
(Photo courtesy of Instagram user: Guths_)Saturday, July 4: Patio Play – Clevelanders love local musician, Chris Allen. Celebrate the holiday with him and his band, Cherry Bombs on The Harp’s roomy patio for the annual Independence Day Blast at 9 p.m. Enjoy food and good music here at 4408 Detroit Ave., afterwards watch the fireworks from this great outdoor location. Tickets for the show are $5. (Photo courtesy of Facebook page: The Harp)Saturday, July 4: Take a Hike – Get in touch with nature and join the annual Celebrate the Fourth Hike from 8:30 – 10:30 p.m. Enjoy a long relaxing hike through Chapin Forest Reservation, campfire snacks, and the chance to see all of Lake County’s fireworks at once. Ticket prices vary. Contact instructor for more details at (440) 585 3045. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: Pilsbury_joeboy)Saturday, July 4: All Aboard – Celebrate at the Rock and Boom at 8 p.m. atop the historical Mather Ship and watch Cleveland’s firework show right above the water. Great views and times to be had here at 601 Erieside Ave., food and drink can also be purchased near by. Tickets are $16 for members and $19 for non members. Call (216) 621-2400 for tickets.(Photo courtesy of Instagram user: _Tstop)Sunday, July 5: Four Legged Run – Get your best friend in on the weekend action by joining the Muddy Paw 5 and 10 Miler. The race begins at 7:30 a.m. This scenic event takes place in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and there is a two mile course for you and your dog to complete that is sure to keep their tail wagging to the finish line. Registration prices vary from $15 – $45. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: _BeeLeeb)Sunday, July 5: Blast From the Past – From 10 a.m – 5 p.m. head over to Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage on the East side at 2929 Richmond Rd. for their newest exhibit: “Chasing Dreams: Baseball & Becoming American.” The exhibit reflects back on baseball legends and myths, and how baseball has played a role on the Jewish community. Tickets are $10 for members, and $15 for non members. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: Ourmanhero)Sunday, July 5: Movie at the Museum – After all the fun you’ve had this weekend, it will be nice to kick back and enjoy an interesting film. At the Cleveland Museum of Art around 1:30 p.m., check out a showing of the Danish film, A Royal Affair. The film tells a story of a mid-18 century princess involved in a complicated, unloving marriage. Obviously, she cheats on him and the story continues to portray their royal love triangle. The film is directed by Oscar nominated Nikolaj Arcel, and is sure to be a worthwhile post 4th of July outing. Tickets are $9. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: Jslingluff)
