Here are fifteen ways to enjoy the city of Cleveland this summer with music, movies, art, exercise and more without burning a hole in your wallet.

By Parker Selman, Bianca Medanic, and Kimberly Jauregui

Wade Oval Wednesdays – Ongoing University Circle Every Wednesday from June 17 to August 26 from 6 – 9 p.m. in University Circle, enjoy free music at Wade Oval Wednesdays, or WOW! If you want the night to be totally free be sure to pack a picnic. Local food vendors are also available while you dance to some great tunes. Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Wallace
Ohio City Stages Tour – Wednesdays 1460 West 29th St. Every Wednesday in July, the Cleveland Museum of Art brings diverse music to our city. Musicians from around the world preform in a free concert series, the CMA Ohio City Stages Tour. The shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @Marikaclark
Clifton Arts and Music Fest 9821 Lorain Ave. June 20 calls all local Cleveland artists to share and sell their pieces at the Clifton Arts and Music Festival. This year, the street festival celebrates 28 years of displaying the city’s diversity and creativity. Check out some original gems and music from 10 – 6 p.m. Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @orrwhat81
Cleveland Pride Parade & Festival The famous Cleveland Pride Festival marks its 27th year celebrating acceptance, diversity, and equality in Cle at Voinovich Bicentennial Park. This citywide party includes over 150 food vendors, performers, and keynote speakers. The parade will kick off at 12 p.m. and the festivities run all day. Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Wallace
Waterloo Arts Fest 15605 Waterloo Rd. From 12 – 7 p.m. on June 27 catch the 13th annual Waterloo Arts Fest, of course, free to the public. The event is a cultural and artistic experience offering local music acts, food vendors, and the trendiest art dealers in the area. Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Wallace
Cleveland Shakespeare Festival – Select dates Enjoy some outdoor theater near you this summer. The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival brings productions of Shakespeare’s “The Life of Timon of Athens” and “The Merchant of Venice” in various Cleveland public parks all summer. “The Life of Timon of Athens” runs from June 5 – 28, and “The Merchant of Venice” July 17 – August 2. Visit their website to find a performance in your area. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Photo courtesy of Facebook Page: Cleveland Shakespeare Festival
Cleveland Zoo – Ongoing 3900 Wildlife Way Spark up your Monday when visits are free at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township. Visit the 183 acres of animal inhabited fun daily from 10 – 5 p.m. Photo courtesy of Flickr user: Erick Drost
P.E.A.C.E. Park Movies – Ongoing Every Thursday, P.E.A.C.E. Park offers free movies in the heart of Coventry Village. Enjoy an evening in the park with snacks, good friends, and a feel-good flick. Come back on Fridays too, when the park offers viewings of classics like “American Splendor” and “This is Spinal Tap.” Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @Timwhitehead
Star Spangled Spectacular Public Square Celebrate the 4th of July with the Cleveland Orchestra as they put on a free concert complete with fireworks. Photo courtesy of Flickr user: Erik Drost
Taste of Tremont Taste of Tremont is a crucial event to attend this summer. For the day, Tremont’s most celebrated restaurants line the streets selling their yummiest concoctions. An array of live music will also be an attraction. Admission is free. Photo courtesy of Facebook page: Taste of Tremont
Tremont Art Walk – Ongoing On the second Friday of each month, the neighborhood of Tremont basically turns into a giant art museum. The many galleries of the community come alive with art openings for the Tremont Art Walk. Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Wallace
Cuyahoga County Fair – August Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds 19201 East Bagley Rd., Middleburg Hts. August 10 -16 is the 119th annual Cuyahoga County Fair, and admission is free Wednesdays and Thursdays before 3 p.m. With all the traditional fair attractions, this outing ensures cheap summer fun. Photo courtesy of Facebook Page: Cuyahoga County Fair
Take a Hike Tour – Ongoing Discover downtown by foot now through September 16. Take a Hike Tours are offered by the Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation, allowing tourists and Land natives a unique opportunity to explore the city. The tours cover the Gateway District, Playhouse Square, Warehouse District, The Flats, and The Civic Center. Tours are offered several days a week. RSVP and check out times on their website. Photo courtesy of Facebook Page: Gateway District Cleveland
Rockefeller Park Greenhouse 750 E 88th St. – Ongoing A stroll, picnic, or bike ride is always free at the Rockefeller Park, don’t forget you can visit the Greenhouse for free as well. The Greenhouse is home to Japanese, Latin American, other tropical, and outdoor gardens. Plan your outing anytime from 10 – 4 p.m. Photo courtesy of Facebook page: Rockefeller Park Greenhouse
Cleveland Beaches – Ongoing Never underestimate the beauty of Lake Erie’s beaches. Pack some snacks and soak up the sun at Edgewater, Huntington, Headlands State Park, and many more local beaches. Be sure to check local news outlets for swim restrictions, as some parts of Lake Erie have recently been declared contaminated. Photo courtesy of Instagram user: @alboz99

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