Winter has arrived just in time for Winterfest, an annual festival which commences at 10 a.m. this Saturday at Playhouse Square. Consider it a wholesome warm-up for the Wine & Ale Fest later that evening. Winter activities like free horse-drawn carriages, as well as holiday-themed displays like the Festival of Trees will spread out along Euclid Avenue.
The festival coincides with Small Business Saturday again this year, so there will be pop-up shops in Playhouse Square all day where folks can support Cleveland-based businesses. The ceremonial "lighting of downtown" also takes place at 5 p.m., so check out the lights before you head over to the event we're most excited about: the 6th annual Winter Wine & Ale Fest.
The Wine & Ale Fest will transform the 925 Euclid building into a smorgasbord of treats beginning at 7 p.m. Samples from restaurants like Taza Lebanese Grill, Adega, Pura Vita by Brandt, StrEAT Mobile Bistro, Hodge's, Lago East Bank, and Sweet! The Mobile Cupcakery will be available to pair with a plethora of wine, craft beer, and spirits.
This year's event will include SpinDoktor Hard Root Beer and limited tasting of Portside Rum, distilled right here in downtown Cleveland. Proceeds for the event will go to the Downtown Cleveland Alliance's Geneorcity initiative to help the homeless downtown. Tickets at $65 and include 20 tasting tickets for booze and food.
Downtown traffic is sure to be congested due to major road closures for the event, so the DCA suggests taking the rapid to avoid delays. For those who want to drive, check out this parking map. Purchase tickets to the Wine & Ale Fest here.
