Whether it’s snowing or sunny, springtime in Cleveland is completely up and down. But hey, at least it isn’t winter anymore. And in celebration, here are 19 of the events and activities that will get you (mostly) out of doors in this new season up until Memorial Day. Just be sure to bring a jacket.
Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure
Through October
Mill Stream Run Reservation, 16200 Valley Pkwy, Strongsville
Go Ape, a national treetop and outdoor adventure course company, quietly opened its first Ohio outlet in Strongsville in 2015. Since then, people have zoomed and lept through the trees on zip lines, suspended obstacle courses, rope ladders, and more. Now that the courses are reopened for spring, it’s time to zip into action. Various pricing packages are available.
Photo Via FacebookAzure Rooftop Lounge
Eventually open through summer
2017 E. 9th St.
At more than 8,000 square feet, this splashy bar is one of Cleveland’s largest rooftop spots, and its downtown views do not disappoint. While the space isn’t open yet, it will be soon. We’ll alert the masses when it opens.
Photo via @_plate/InstagramCavaliers Playoffs Game
Potentially through June
Quicken Loans Arena, 1 Center Ct.
Of course, it’s hard for magic to strike twice, but we believe in our current World Champion Cavs! (Getting tickets to these games isn’t always cheap or easy, so be on the lookout for watch parties as the post season progresses).
Brian J. Robinson PhotoCleveland Flea
Kicks off Sat, April 22
AsiaTown
There’s a little bit of everything at the market. Come by for brunch, or visit any of the vendors to spend the day shopping. Visit the market from April to October on select Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $1 for adults This year’s dates are April 22, May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9 and Oct. 14.
Caitlin Summers PhotoBeasts n’ Brews ChiliFest
Sat, April 29
Legacy Village, 25333 Cedar Rd., Lyndhurst
Supporting the North Union Farmers Market, Beasts n’ Brews ChiliFest gives folks a taste of delicious chilis from local chefs and farms. When you’ve tried them all (and you should try them all) you can vote for the best chili in the county. Tickets are $5.
Photo via beastsnbrews/InstagramTerrarium Tea Party
Sun, April 30
by Lush and Lovely Floristry, 3408 Bridge Ave.
The Terrarium Tea Party workshop is perfect for you and your favorite For this adventure, the fine people at Lush and Lovely Floristry will help you take teacups and succulents and turn them into your very own terrarium. A cool $70 buys two people food, non-alcoholic drinks and all materials for the craft project.
Photo via lushandlovelyfloristry/InstagramJacobs Pavilion at Nautica opens
Wed, May 3
2014 Sycamore St.
The British indie-pop and electronic trio the XX kicks off the Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica season this year. Touring behind their first album since 2012’s Coexist, the act should have more than a few surprises up their sleeves. The rest of the season consists of Paul Simon, Norah Jones, My Morning Jacket, Alt-J and more.
Photo ProvidedTequila Fest Cleveland
Fri, May 5
Lago, 1091 W. 10th St.
Cinco de Mayo is on a Friday this year, which means the return of the annual Tequila Fest Cleveland celebration is going to be especially epic. Along with the requisite guacamole, salsa and taco tastings, expect samplings of more than 40 kinds of tequilas and plenty of cervezas. It’s going to be a party.
Photo via InstagramIndians games
Through September
Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario St.,
The Cleveland Indians know how to make our hearts sing and also make us cry. But this year, thanks to last year’s World Series run, people are really showing up. And when everyone’s there, there’s no better place to be … especially when you can score a District ticket for $13.
Emanuel Wallace PhotoIngenuity’s Bal Aquatique
Sat, May 6
5401 Hamilton Ave.
Raising funds for art-meets-technology non-profit Ingenuity Cleveland, the deep sea wonderland-themed Bal: Aquatique offers an open bar along with live dance, art and music performances. As far as costumes are concerned, feel free to get in touch with your inner Ariel. The event is 21 and up.
Photo Via FacebookBlossom Music Center Concerts Begin
Fri, May 12
1145 West Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls
Sure, the season open up with a Jason Aldean concert on May 12, but then the next Friday we get Chance the Rapper. Thank goodness Cleveland is part of Chance the Rapper’s first ever headlining tour. The Chicago-based artist’s mixtape, Coloring Book, which recently won three Grammys, done live, isn’t something to miss. Other concerts coming down the pike include: Jack Johnson, Dave Matthews Band, Dead & Company, Incubus and more.
Photo ProvidedRib Burn Off
Sat, May 20-Sun, May 21
Downtown Willoughby, Erie Street
Drawing thousands of people from all over Lake County, this two-day rocks downtown Willoughby once again. Expect Erie Street will be closed to all traffic for both days, as this year the event expands to three stages featuring live local and national bands. Try all the ribs from participating downtown Willoughby restaurants as well as national vendors
Emanuel Wallace PhotoCleveland Asian Festival
Sat, May 20-Sun, May 21
East 27th and Payne Ave.
Centered in AsiaTown, the free festival offers food (featuring more than 25 local restaruants), music, arts and more, all honoring the city’s strong Asian population. Festivalgoers can also experience Free tours of AsiaTown along with a free activities area, and even free inflatable sumo wrestling.
Emanuel Wallace PhotoBlossom Time Festival
Fri, May 26- Sun, May 28 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Downtown Chagrin Falls
The Blossom Time Festival in Chagrin Falls features all the comforting signs of the summer to come: funnel cake, a ferris wheel and greasy pizza. But it’s the hot air balloon launch at dusk that brings spectators from miles around year after year.
Photo courtesy Chagrin Valley JayceesTremont Greek Fest
Fri, May 26- Sun, May 28 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2187 W. 14th St.
For three days in May, everyone can say, “It’s all Greek to me.” An annual fundraiser for the more than 100-year-old church, the Tremont Greek Festival continues to bring ouzo, gyros and circle dancing to the masses. Opa!
Emanuel Wallace PhotoTaste of Summer
Fri, May 26- Sun, May 28 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Flats East Bank, 1055 Old River Rd.
For the second time, the Taste of Summer event is taking over the Flats. This year, the event features all the local grub you can eat, along with local music, craft cocktails, beer, local vendors and many more games and activities for all ages. The event benefits W.A.G.S. 4 Kids.
Emanuel Wallace Photo
