Summer is in full-swing. It’s hotter than you-know-what out there, so make sure you stay hydrated and keep that sunblock fully applied!
Now that the PSA is over, load up on food and booze while you have the time of your life at the hottest parties The Land has to offer in July.
July 1 - Sept. 9: Blossom Music Festival
Join the Cleveland Orchestra at their summer home, Blossom Music Center, as they serenade the Land with tunes all through the warmer months. With features such as their Salute to America (2-4) to honor Independence Day and showings of blockbusters like Jurassic Park (7-9) and The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers (28-30) with live musical accompaniment and more, you’ll truly be in tune with July.
To say this three-day outdoor art festival is big would be an understatement. The Cain Park Arts Festival features hundreds of artists and crafters at this Cleveland Heights park. Just over half of the entries represent two-dimensional art like painting, watercolors, hand-pulled prints and photography, while the rest include crafts in categories like jewelry, ceramics, glass, sculpture, wood and more. To complete the festival experience, enjoy live music from talented local performers and delicious food from food trucks and other local vendors.
For all you music festival lovers, don’t worry, Wonderstruck Music Festival will make you feel right at home. With big names such as Khalid, Walker Hayes, Nelly and Flo Rida gracing the stage and tons of other country, pop, indie, folk, hip-hop and R&B artists, there will be something for everyone to tap their toes to. Previously known as Laurel Live, this music festival will be held on the Lakeland Community College Kirkland campus and offer dining options (including those for vegetarians/vegans) and family-friendly activities so raver parents can bring their kiddies along.
Stepdance on over to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds for this festival’s long-awaited return. Whether it’s doing a jig to one of the 24 Irish bands, perusing a variety of cultural exhibits, sipping at an Irish Coffee House or joining in at Sunday’s outdoor mass, this festival will make you wonder if you're in The Land, or Ireland.
Image © Alex Belisle Photography
Lakewood is one of Cleveland’s most vibrant suburbs, so it’s no wonder they throw a great block party. Local culinary institution Melt Bar and Grilled sponsors the hottest street party of the summer for 15 years running - Lakewood Summer Meltdown. A massive street party with over 10,000 of your newest friends, the urban-cool town comes alive with 40+ street vendors, games, activities, an evening 5K race, great food and, of course, a beer garden.
A wine tasting at the Great Lakes Science Center? Sound like the ideal evening. With over 100 wines and bubblies, museum exhibits, food trucks and a DJ, you could do way worse on a Saturday night. To top it all off, the proceeds from your grape-induced fun will benefit a local nonprofit, The Art Therapy Studio.
This artsy pocket of Cleveland is known for its high-caliber chefs, unique dining establishments and cool little watering holes bursting with character. During the Taste of Tremont, many of these restaurants set up booths along Professor Street for passersby to purchase samples of their award-winning food. Grab a craft brew from the beer garden and enjoy live music and DJs both on the street stages and several neighborhood establishments.
Take a hands-on, body-in approach to the Cuyahoga River at this splashy festival. Sponsored by Share the River, this event allows paddlers to engage in either a recreational scenic route down the river or three possible race distances (3.2, 6.8, or 14.4 miles). Participants from over 15 states will depart from one of two picturesque spots along the river: Merwin’s Wharf or the Cleveland Rowing Foundation Docks at Rivergate Park. Make sure to register in advance, these tickets sell out fast.
Dive into The Land’s melting pot with delicious Serbian delicacies from Burek (baked meat pie in phyllo dough) to Krempita (crème & custard pastry), and don't forget the cavapi (grilled, case-less sausages). This family-friendly festival features live music, Serbian folk dancing and kids' activities. No matter the weather, the festival goes on, making this a celebration to put on your must-attend list.