Experience Cleveland’s vast diversity first hand by attending any of these upcoming ethnic festivals throughout the city. From song, dance, foods, art, and more from a variety of countries, these events will make you feel like you’re traveling to foreign lands without leaving home. Check any of them out from August through October and soak up that culture.
By Kimberly Jauregui
August 13 – 16 – The Annual Little Italy Feast of the Assumption
Italy in Cleveland
The Little Italy Feast of the Assumption is back again for its 117th year! This religious fest takes place in the neighborhood of Little Italy and lures people from all over Northeast Ohio for its street party flair and authentic eats and art beginning at 12 p.m.(Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @cseeds)August 15 -The 68th Annual India’s Swarajya
Celebrate Independence
The 68th Annual India’s Swarajya is a cultural celebration dedicated to the anniversary of India gaining independence. The event consists of a walk from the Gandi statue in the Cleveland Cultural Garden to the Rockefeller City Greenhouse. The walk will be about a mile, but a shuttle is also available. Entertainment, food vendors, Indian art and more will be available. The event begins at 11 a.m. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @Sunflowerdreamer)August 21 – 23 – Romanian Festival
A Taste of Romania
At the end of August head over to St. Mary Romanian Orthodox Church at 3256 Warren Rd., and experience the area’s Romanian Festival. Get a taste of native foods like homemade sausage, pastries, ethnic wines and beers, and more here. While you’re at it you can enjoy live music and folk dancers in traditional outfits. The event hours are: Friday 4:30 p.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 2 p.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. Call (216) 941 5550 for times and additional details. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @emybabe23)August 21 – 23 – Egyptian Festival
Embrace Egypt
In Seven Hills, St. Mark Coptic Church holds their annual Egyptian Festival equipped with native eats, music, dance, activities, costumes, and church tours at 2100 E. Pleasant Valley Rd. Fest hours are Friday 4 p.m. 10 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @michaeldube14).August 28, and September 25 – Night Market Cleveland
Late Night Bite
Night Market Cleveland is a summer event series on the final Friday of every month that brings Asia to Cleveland at Rockwell and East 21 St. Inspired by pop up night markets throughout Asia, this street event takes place from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. and is full of street food, goods, and entertainment. Definitely the coolest place to be if you’re craving late night fun and food. (Photo courtesy of Facebook Page: Night Market Cleveland)September 4 – 7 -Oktoberfest
Eat, Drink, Dance, and be German
Get in touch with your German side all weekend at the 2015 Cleveland Labor Day Oktoberfest at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds at 164 Eastland Rd. in Berea. Watch traditional performances, eat, and of course, beer. Tickets are $12 per day or grab a four day pass for $25. Hours are Friday 4 p.m. – midnight, Saturday & Sunday 12 p.m. – midnight, and Monday 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @Gerinator)September 9 – Slovenian Sausage Festival
Savory Sausage
The 12th Annual Slovenian Sausage Festival is back for its well-known contest of best sausage and home cooking. From 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. at 10946 Heath Rd. in Kirtland, vote for your favorite sausage chef and enjoy the best Polka bands around at the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum. (Photo courtesy of Facebook Page: National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame and Museum)September 17, 24 and October 1 – Italian Film Festival
Movies and Wine
The Cleveland Italian Film Festival comes to several theaters this season like the Cedar Lee and Atlas Cinema. Sit back and relax while you enjoy an award winning Italian movie with some popcorn and wine. A pre-film dinner will be held at Joeys Italian Bistro from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., while each film beings at 7:30 p.m. Dinner is $20, and film tickets are $10. Call (216) 456 8117 to reserve now. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @Saskrita)September 19 – Dragon Boat Race Festival
Row, Row, Row Your Dragon
For the ninth time, Cleveland Dragon Boat Race Festival brings people to the river at Jacobs Pavillion to celebrate the dragon boat sport and its connection to Asian culture over 2000 years ago in Southern China. The racing was a practice that the Chinese believed brought good health, prosperity, and plentiful crops to the people. The event will take place from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Proceeds will benefit a charity for families affected by cancer. (Photo courtesy of Flickr user: loudigi)October 2 and 3 – Ohio Swiss Festival
A European Good Time
The Ohio Swiss Festival is one with a ton to experience, two days might not be enough. Eating your body weight in Swiss cheese and judge which is the best while you’re at it. Listen to marching bands, join in on the wine tasting, or play some Steinstossen, a traditional stone throwing sport. Run a 5k, or show off your chops at a yodeling contest. Top the weekend off with a parade, then get some sleep, cause you’ll be pooped. Activity times vary; visit the event’s website for more details. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @Cjsomebody)October 3 – Celtic Comedy Night
Laugh Like The Irish
At 7 p.m. at the Irish American Club on the east side at 22770 Lakeshore Blvd., enjoy a Irish themed night of laughs with comedians Katrina Brown, Chuck Costanzo, and Emcee Michael Gershe. Tickets are $9 and $11 for non members. Showtime is at 8 p.m. Call (216) 531 3816 and reserve a round table now. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: S_swaney)October 4 – International Community Day
Get Together
From 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art at 11150 E. Blvd., The International Community Day will be taking place. The fest is inspired to bring together the many diverse communities of Cleveland in one place. This year, over 50 will be present sharing music, performance, food and more. Admission is free! (Photo courtesy of Facebook user: Cleveland Museum of Art)October 11 – Italian American Tour
Italian Strolls
Who knew you’d be spending your day in a graveyard? At 2 p.m., head over to Lakeview Cemetery for one of their well known walking tours. This time around, enjoy a stroll through the beautiful grounds and visit the graves of several notable Northeast Ohio Italians while learning a bit about each one’s life and significance. Afterwards, enjoy an Italian-themed reception at the Italian American Brotherhood Club. The tour and festivities will cost you $30. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: ant_eloping)October 24 and 25 – 100th Anniversary Bohemian National Hall
Celebrate Community
At the Historical Bohemian National Hall and Czech Cultural Center at 4939 Broadway Ave., celebrate the Czech and Slovak community coming to America and choosing Cleveland to call home. This year, it will be the 100th year of their meeting and the community plans to celebrate in true cultural fashion. During these two days, enjoy a commemoration banquet, Sunday dinner, Czech opera, and enjoy the museum. Call (440) 934 4420 for event times and details. (Photo courtesy of Instagram user: genasysconcept2)November 20 – ASIA Inc. Gala and Fundraiser
Asian Alliance
This year, Cleveland State University hosts the 2015 gala at 2121 Euclid Ave. at 6 p.m. in student center ballroom 311. Here, dress in native formal wear and support local Asian communities in their strides to create opportunities. All proceeds go toward the ASIA’s Children, Youth, and Family Services Department. Enjoy cultural eats, cocktails, and performances. A silent auction, raffles and games will also be available. (Photo courtesy of Facebook page: ASIA (Asian Services in Action).
