Fest season is upon us. If food and drink and live music is your thing (and whose isn’t it?), get outside and take a plunge into Cleveland’s cultural scene with the many festivals happening this summer. Here are some of the best celebrations that Cleveland has to offer.

Larchmere Porchfest

June 21

An accumulation of 30 artists playing on 30 different porches (although, usually, not simultaneously), Larchmere Avenue’s Porchfest creates a unique musical experience for those who want to get up close and personal with their music. Spend a Saturday listening to local bands and soaking up the sun in one of Cleveland’s historical neighborhoods.

Boston Mills Artfest

June 27 to 29 and July 4 to 6

Spaced out across two weekends, the Boston Mills Artfest is a nationally recognized showcase of Northeast Ohio’s art. Check out the local craft scene as you enjoy picturesque Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and various food and drink options. All art is available to be purchased on site, as well.

Cleveland Pride Fest

June 28

Strut your stuff in support of LGBTQ rights at Cleveland’s 26th annual Pride Fest. Headlined by pop artist Debbie Gibson, this fest is sure to be a colorful affair. March in the parade, grab a drink at the Beer Garden or watch any number of entertaining acts on the performance stage.

Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival

July 18 to 20

Irish blood runs in the veins of many Clevelanders; celebrate that heritage by paying a visit to the Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival. From traditional Irish dancers to bands hailing from Dublin and Sligo, entertainment abounds at this festival dedicated to preserving Cleveland’s rich Irish history.

SCENE ALE FEST

July 19

For the sixth year in a row, Scene will descend on Lincoln Park in Tremont to dazzle thousands with the best day-drinking of the summer. Dozens of vendors pour every craft beer you can name while restaurants serve the food you need to keep going all four hours. Music, entertainment, sun, trees, and, ya know, beer. It’s all here. Tickets are $30 in advance. Buy now at scenealefest2014.com.

A Taste of Tremont

July 20

Local eateries hawk their wares on Professor Avenue at a Taste of Tremont. Satiate your appetite by sampling dishes from restaurants headed by Dante Boccuzzi and Michael Symon among others. Enjoy the culture that Tremont has to offer as you make your way from food vendor to food vendor, and cool off with a drink while you’re at it; beer and wine are $5 and $4, respectively.

Burning River Fest

July 25 to 26

The Burning River Fest pokes fun at one of Cleveland’s not-so-proud moments while conveying the importance of preserving Northeast Ohio’s freshwater sources. Created by the aptly named Burning River Foundation, the fest takes place on Whiskey Island. Chow down on local eats while listening to live music and educating yourself on how to respect Mother Nature, courtesy of visiting environmental groups.

Lakewood Arts Festival

Aug. 2

A hub of culture, the Lakewood Arts Festival draws the attention of local — as well as national — artists. Prizes are awarded to the three best pieces, as well as the best artists. While you’re there, pick up this year’s T-shirt; a new design is created annually, and the money goes toward the fest’s scholarship fund for high-school artists.

Cuyahoga County Fair

Aug. 5 to 11

Sometimes, nothin’ beats a good old-fashioned county fair. The Cuyahoga County Fair offers up myriad entertainment options, from demo derbies (bring earplugs) to square dancers. Hang out with farm animals and indulge in traditional fair food; we know you’ve been craving an elephant ear.

Feast of the Assumption in Little Italy

Aug. 15 to 18

Immerse yourself in Italian culture at the Holy Rosary Church’s Feast of the Assumption. The festival celebrates the assumption of Mary into heaven after her death, as well as Italian heritage as a whole. The festival offers a chance to sample Italian cuisine, listen to live music and participate in a candlelight procession in honor of the Holy Virgin.

Oktoberfest

Aug. 29 to Sept. 1

Get ready to don the beer goggles this Labor Day weekend. At Cleveland’s 10th annual Okotoberfest, beer snobs can sample authentic Bavarian brews while enjoying live polka music and other quintessential Oktoberfest offerings, such as German and Polish cuisine. Check out the lovely ladies participating in this year’s Miss Oktoberfest competition, as well.

Garlic Festival

Sept. 6 and 7

Sample all things savory at Cleveland’s Garlic Festival. A fairly new fest, the event is sponsored by the North Union Farmers’ Market and, true to its name, boasts a variety of all things garlic-flavored. Head out to Shaker Square to witness competitions between touted “garlic masters” and grill-offs for garlic-y dishes involving beef, chicken and pork. Taste flavorful dishes and relax in the live music area.

This article appears in Jun 18-24, 2014.

Cortni Dietz is a senior at Ohio University and a Scene blogging intern. When taking a break from the rigorous pursuit of journalism, she enjoys eating, reading, hanging out with dogs of all shapes and sizes and drinking overpriced coffee.

3 replies on “A Taste of Culture: Food and Fun Abound at These 12 Festivals”

  3. Porchfest has gotten huge in just five short years…many more listeners and spread out over a bigger area. Get a map, either online or at the HQ on Larchmere and E. 127th, when you arrive.

    Plan your schedule…there are a lot of musicians on a lot of streets. Get there early. Plan to walk a lot. Take food. Bring water and snacks. You will need them.

    A hot tip: Ride a bicycle and strap a chair to your back. I’m serious! You’ll get around much easier and faster…and hear a LOT of good music.

    Be warned…a lot of people have had the same idea. Expect to see a LOT of folks on their bikes. But it’s all worthwhile…Porchfest is a good thing.

    Chuckles the Clown

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