48 Hours for the Pop Fan

From JT to Jay-Z, national recording artists make Cleveland a stop on their tours each and every year—many of which happen inside the city’s large-scale music venues. But, regardless of whether you scored tickets to that big show or not, there are plenty of opportunities to party like a pop star in The Land. Here’s 48 hours worth:

Day 1: The Pop Star

BREAKFAST: Head to Urban Farmer in Downtown Cleveland for hearty breakfast fare at a modern steakhouse that features local, organic sourcing and simple presentations. The Grilled Flatiron Steak & Eggs is a natural choice, but don't sleep on the Eggs Benedict (pro tip: add prime rib or avocado for even more breakfast deliciousness).

MORNING: Skip the gym and amp-up your Cleveland getaway with a little outdoor action. Book a spot on BrewBoat CLE, a 14-person pedal-powered cycle boat that sails Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River. Purchase your BYOB from a Downtown grocery store like Heinen's or Constantino's Market beforehand.

LUNCH: Pair your strikes and spares with a few craft brews and a seriously delish menu at Corner Alley, located in—your choice—Downtown or Uptown. It’ll provide the perfect rear-kicking to keep the day rolling.

AFTERNOON: Pregame begins after lunch with a little self love in Downtown Cleveland. Clean up with a beard trim or a manicure at Manifest—where the cocktails are as impressive as the talent. Get a fancy-fresh look with a blowout and makeover over at Style House Beauty Bar. Or, head to Marengo Luxury Spa for the full-on spa day experience.

DINNER: Head to the Flats East Bank and Lindey's Lake House, which offers upscale street food, hand-crafted cocktails and a sprawling riverfront view of the Cuyahoga River.

EVENING: The night begins and ends in the Flats East Bank, a massively revived area of town that’s oozing with chic cocktail bars, craft breweries, unique eateries, upscale clubs and a swath of outdoor patios energized with thumping music. Start at Punch Bowl Social where you’ll likely clean house playing billiards, bowling or darts—while tipping back a few cold ones and a bowl of (spiked) punch. Then, get to FWD Day + Nightclub, a completely outdoor nightclub with DJs, bands and even a swimming pool that feels a lot like Vegas. End the night at swanky Magnolia, a secret speakeasy that’s just about the hottest late-night spot in town. (TIP: go to their website to receive an entry password.)

Day 2: The Pop Star

BRUNCH: After a big night, the best course of action is brunch, and there’s no better spot to start the day than with the right mix of big, healthy and boozy (yes, all at once) at TownHall in Ohio City. Drink the hand-pressed juices for a little health. Drink the spicy Bloody Mary’s for a little hair of the dog.

AFTERNOON: From pop forefathers like Michael Jackson and Madonna to current superstars like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, the range of musicians with artifacts within the Rock Hall & Roll Hall of Fame are wide-ranging. Take the whole afternoon to check out this interactive history of a musical genre that changed the face of the world forever.

DINNER: Kick back with one of the many fine brews at Market Garden Brewery & Distillery, like the popular Prosperity Wheat or Citramax IPA. The food is as beloved as their beer menu, made with locally sourced ingredients. Start with one of their famed Scotch Eggs, then move on to the C.A.B. Smash Burger, a Cleveland-style pan pizza or one of their featured entrees.

EVENING: Shuffle. Cut shapes. Baila. Boogie. Whatever you want to call it, dancing is what’s up on the weekends along West Sixth Street in Cleveland’s Warehouse District. Check out local faves like Velvet Dog and Liquid that feature DJs on multiple floors. End the night at Dive Bar where—no doubt—the DJ will intermix the OSU fight song no less than 10 times into a pretty great Top 40 set (it’s the official bar of the Young Buckeyes of Cleveland).

Find a Concert

Plan your trip around an upcoming concert by searching our events calendar for ongoing opportunities to party.