The good news? You've got a three-day weekend ahead that's the unofficial kickoff to Summer. The better news? You're in Cleveland. We're getting the ball rolling on your holiday planning with Cleveland events that'll make this Memorial Day weekend one to, well, remember. So take some time from your normal cookout crawl and supercharge your long weekend in The Land.
Baseball All Weekend
There’s nothing like a trip to the ballpark for the ultimate American pastime during Memorial Day weekend. Catch the start of the Guardians' home stand against the St. Louis Cardinals at Progressive Field for Dollar Dog Night and $2 Pregame in the District from Miller Lite. Both evening games will be followed by a Phantom Firework show so you can end your night with a bang.
Or, head down to Canal Park to watch the Akron Rubber Ducks take on the Bowie Baysox May 26 - 28 for fun promotions like Military Appreciation Night, Hold Up Your Britches and Halfway to Halloween Night, all including postgame fireworks.
Work off that homemade baklava and your choice of souvlaki, mousakka, spanakopita and more with some traditional Greek dancing during this 51st annual event at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Tremont May 26 - 29. Treat yourself right and top it all off with some ouzo.
Nosh on ribs prepped by more than a dozen of the nation’s best ribbers, while enjoying music from bands churning out country, rock, disco, 60s and Motown at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds May 26 - 29. You might want to consider wearing clothes you don't mind getting sauced and bring a few extra wet naps.
Concerts in CLE
Did you really think the Rock and Roll city wouldn't have live music?
It all starts with our favorite re-formed band,
Ugly Kid Joe, performing their hard rock hits at the Agora Theatre and Ballroom Thursday, May 25. Also joining us in The Land is the cougar himself,
John Mellencamp, for Thursday, May 25 and Friday, May 26 at Connor Palace. Lastly, head to MGM Northfield Park on Friday for a
Legends in Concert Tribute Concert to pay tribute to artists including Freddie Mercury, Adele, Rod Stewart and Elton John.
Music Box Supper Club keeps the party going all weekend long with a mix of events that has something for everybody including
Dueling Pianos with the Cleveland Keys,
Late Night Salsa with Tropical Cleveland and
Steve Morse Band.
Cleveland Pops Orchestra
Sure, they're no guitar smashers, but Cleveland's classical music scene is one of the things we pride ourselves on, whether it's the renowned Cleveland Orchestra or their beloved brethren the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, who just happen to have a sensational program running Memorial Day weekend. Honor those who’ve served with their Summon the Heroes: American Salute Concert on Saturday, May 27.
Head lakeside to Voinovich Park on May 27 and 28 for Cleveland’s most laid-back music festival of the year — Reggae Fest Cleveland. The vibes have consistently been so good, they’ve decided to keep them going this year with not one, but two days of top-tier reggae music. The event features performances from Carlos Jones, Cloud9 Vibes, Mighty Mystic, The Flex Crew, Lazo & Exodus, The Meditations, Human Nature, HWT and The Ark Band, as well as food trucks, adult beverages and plenty of Red Stripe. Get tickets in advance because they’ll likely sell out.
In the Market
The sun is out and those fresh air markets are calling. Get outside and take a walk for local produce, food, artisan goods and about everything under the sun at the Summer Farm Market & Trash to Treasures Sale in North Olmsted, the Sunset Market in the Van Aken District on Thursdays or the North Union Farmer’s Market in Shaker Square. Go pick up some fresh fixings for your big Memorial Day barbecue, or just browse boutique wares. Either way, it's a great time to be outside.