Credit: University Circle Inc.
One of the signature events of summer in Northeast Ohio, the Cleveland Museum of Art‘s 30th annual Parade the Circle includes floats, dancers, live music, stilt-walkers, giant puppets, colorful costumes, vibrant characters, handmade masks and much more.

This year’s parade theme is Mythology of Illusion. The parade begins at noon, but guests can enjoy hands-on activities offered by local organizations in Circle Village, in the field inside Wade Oval, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be a slew of tents offering free children’s activities. Kids can play a musical instrument, learn about summer safety and the environment and do crafts. Find out more about the workshops right here.

For adults, there’s a beer and wine garden. Local acts Cats on Holiday, Forecast and Faith & Whiskey will perform.

Admission is free. But do bring chairs or blankets and plan to arrive early: The spots with a view fill up fast.

Find fun photos of last year’s event right here.

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Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.

2 replies on “What You Need to Know About Saturday’s 30th Annual Parade the Circle Event”

  1. VERY fast. Get there VERY early. Been going for more than twenty years. We used to be among the handful who showed up around 9:30 or 10 in order to claim our favorite spot.. Not anymore. If you wait that long, it’ll already be a zoo. You snooze, you lose. The smart folks get there very early and are among the pioneers who watch the emptiness fill up with tens of thousands of people. It happens very quickly.

    Parade the Circle has become like the Oklahoma Land Rush. Better to be a Sooner than a Too Later.

  2. Parking spaces on nearby streets start filling up before 9 AM. Bring chairs or blankets and set them out early to get the best viewing spots along the curb. Have breakfast in the shade and watch the area fill up amazingly fast, with tens of thousands of spectators. The time goes by fairly quickly. The festivities begin at noon, but if you think you can just drive over at eleven and then find a good place to flop, think again.

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