22 Signs of Spring in Cleveland

All the Doog Poop No One Picked Up

People think just because it's winter they don't need to clean up after their good boys and girls, so when spring arrives, the ground is generally just covered in land mines of poo. Disgusting, but it means there are sunnier times right around the corner.

The Shen Yun Billboard Jokes Start

No lie detected.

Concord Casimir Makes His Prediction

Cleveland’s feline answer to Punxsutawney Phil is not only way cooler because he’s a cat who found a career and a caretaker after being discovered outside of St. Casimir in 2013 but because he makes his spring weather predictions by eating pierogies. Whether or not he says spring is two or six weeks away, know that he’s correct and that six weeks isn’t that long.

You’ve Just Realized You Should Have Gotten Your Bike Tune-Up Months Ago

Congrats, you remembered to schedule that tune-up for your bicycle, which you’re eager to ride now that temps are looking to be in the mid-50s on a consistent basis. Everyone else has had the same idea. Next year? Set that reminder for February when signs of spring aren’t yet visible to all.

Pitchers and Catchers Report to Guardians Spring Training

Somewhere after the equipment truck leaves Progressive Field for Goodyear, Arizona and before the start of full spring training, pitchers and catchers report. Does the average fan have any idea why those poor or lucky souls, depending on your vantage point start earlier than their teammates? No, but everyone knows it means spring.

Dyngus Day

The Polish holiday traditionally celebrated by little boys playfully whipping little girls with pussywillows has become one of Cleveland’s favorite ethnic holiday parties. HQ-ed around Gordon Square and around Tremont, Dyngus Day is synonymous with very tall, cold Polish beers and the imminent arrival of spring.

You’re *This* Close to Being Tired of Fish Fries

At least as much as any self-respecting Clevelander can be, but if you had to count it up, you’ve had somewhere between 11 and 37 pounds of white fish since the start of Lent. All the better to work up to your spring and summer bod.

The Buzzards

Around March 15 every year, the buzzards return to Hinckley. Since the 1950s, this has been A Thing in Cleveland, with folks gathering at the Metropark’s reservation in Hinckley to keep an eye on the sky, play Buzzard-theme games, listen to music and generally geek out over all things Buzzard. Whether or not you’ve ever been or ever plan on going, you know when you see coverage on the news that, yes, spring is coming.

St. Patrick’s Day

There are a couple of options for unofficial start to spring in Cleveland. One of those is the Guardians home opener, the other is St. Patrick’s Day. It might be 75, it might be 25 and snowing. But the green beer means you’re near to the real thing, no matter how it feels outside.