2019 Memorial Day WKND

1. Baseball All Weekend

There’s nothing like a trip to the ballpark for the ultimate American pastime during Memorial Day weekend. Catch the Indians home stand at Progressive Field against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays for promotions like Dollar Dog Night (May 24), Francisco Lindor Bobblehead Night (May 25) and KeyBank Kids Fun Day (May 26).

Or, head down to Canal Park to watch the Akron Rubber Ducks take on the Rochester Flying Squirrels all weekend. Even more promotions await with Military Appreciation Night and Kenny Chesney Fireworks (May 24); Quack to the Future Night with Huey Lewis and the News Fireworks and other “Back to the Future” fun (May 25); Ninja Turtles night with MC Hammer Fireworks (May 26); and a Memorial Day Celebration (May 27).

2. Tremont Greek Festival

Work off that homemade baklava and your choice of souvlaki, mousakka, spanakopita and more with some traditional Greek dancing during this 49th annual event at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Tremont May 25–28. Treat yourself right and top it all off with some ouzo.

3. Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off

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 24–27.

4. Scene Taste of Summer

The Flats East Bank is already one of the most magnetic districts in town — complete with handfuls of spots for day (or night) drinking, brunching alfresco, bar gaming and taking in a swell waterfront view. Add in this event and now you’ve got three whole days —  May 24–26 — of outdoor food, craft cocktails, beers, outdoor games and shopping.

5. Catch Meaning Music Fest

Head to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame May 26 for a day of dynamic bands, music lovers and party people. Proceeds from the event support organizations that guide young adults in their journey to make a positive impact in the world.

6. Playhouse Square

Did you really think Cleveland’s beloved theater district was going to sit out Memorial Day weekend?

The Hanna Theatre hosts “Million Dollar Quartet” May 24–26, the Tony Award-winning tribute to some of rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest legends. On a December Day in 1956, in a Memphis recording studio, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins took part in a jam session for the ages. Relive the tale of this encounter of rock idols, scored by some of their greatest hits.

The Ohio Theatre keeps the rock going on May 26 at 8 p.m. when Finnish orchestral sensations Apocalyptica take the stage for their wildly popular “Plays Metallica By Four Cellos” tour as they play songs from their debut album of the same name. Metallica and classical music fans alike will delight in the skill and artistry of these four musicians.

7. Cleveland Pops Orchestra

Red, white, blue and all things patriotic liven-up the stage as the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, along with the Pops Chorus and The United States Army Field Band, perform military-inspired music and pageantry. The popular event happens at Severance Hall May 24 at 8 p.m.

8. City Ballet of Cleveland

Cleveland’s pre-professional ballet company is committed to building a professional resident company in the future and retain talent in the city. Head to the Breen Center for the Performing Arts on May 25 at 7 p.m. for their spring repertory concert for a performance of Tchaikovsky’s “The Sleeping Beauty,” their original production of “Carnival of the Animals” and other additional works.

9. Reggae Fest Cleveland

Head southeast to Twinsburg on May 25 for Cleveland’s most laid-back music festival of the year — Reggae Fest Cleveland. The event features performances from Carlos Jones, The Cliftones and Jah Messengers, as well as a mishmash of food trucks, wine offerings and plenty of Red Stripe. Get tickets in advance because they’ll likely sell out.

10. Blossom Time

Head to Chagrin Falls May 23–26 for Blossom Time, a carnival with a midway, carnival games, food and rides, all organized by the Chagrin Valley Jaycees. Add to that The Blossom Time Run, hot air balloon launches, food trucks courtesy of Taste of Chagrin and the Blossom Time Music Festival featuring performances from some of the most talented acts in the region, and you’ve got yourself one memorable – and busy – Memorial Day weekend.