When the weather turns frigid, a lot of people hunker down to hibernate with their fave streaming service. Not us Clevelanders. We throw on our warmest outerwear and spend all day outside at Brite Winter, one of the (literally) coolest festivals in the U.S.
Between its multiple stages of music, and abundance of local art and food, the annual event — which is celebrating its 16th year in 2025 — oozes Cleveland cool.
When you're not hanging out at Brite on Feb. 21 at the Waterloo Arts District, here are some other things to see and do in town.
Friday
Lunch
Find out how the magic happens — that is, how beloved local beer destination Market Garden Brewery brews its craft delights — by scheduling a late afternoon tour of its Production Brewery, a 35,000-square-foot facility located in Ohio City. The tour costs just $12, and that includes beer samples. Call this one of the best happy hour bargains in town. Then if you taste a brew you love, pair it with a delicious bite at the restaurant itself serving some of the city's best wings, burgers and pizzas that are perfect for sharing.
After lunch, head just a couple steps away to the main drag of Ohio City, W.25th Street to visit the iconic West Side Market. Check out the architecture, the local vendors and makers and maybe grab some spices or desserts to take home.
Afternoon
Head west to the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood where you'll find the Gordon Square Arts District. Another music hub in The Land that caters to the theater lovers. There are tons of local storefronts in this area as well as Superelectric Pinball Parlor, a retro-tastic time warp to arcades of yore that boasts multiple rows of classic and new pinball machines — all of which are playable by purchasing on-site tokens.
Dinner
d that's is home to the totally beloved Cleveland favorite, Happy Dog. At this unsuspecting spot you'll find all the local brews that Clevelanders love and a build your own hot dog menu like you've never seen before. It is the perfect quick bite that caters to everyone as they have vegetarian and vegan options. If you're coming to Cleveland for Brite Winter, you will become obsessed with this neighborhood staple and we are sure you'll be back to craft another creative dog the next time you're here.
Evening
Head back over to the Gordon Square Arts District to experience the donut shop and watering hole that has been blessing our city's tastebuds for over a decade. Brewnuts is Clevelander-owned and known for their hand-made creative donuts. Not only that, but they're both a donut shop and a brewery, so you can even get a second (or third, we don't judge) beer with your sweet treat.
Late Night
If your up for one more, grab a table at XYZ the Tavern, an unpretentious bar with a killer drink menu (to the tune of over 100 kinds of whiskey and bourbon) and a menu bursting with sandwiches and slices (of gigantic, New York-style pizza, that is). But if your trying to slow it down see a movie at the historic Capitol Theatre that is also located in the area.
Saturday
Lunch
Sleep in and have a leisurely, late nosh at Doinks Burger Joint in the Collinwood neighborhood, the new east side home of Brite Winter. Doinks is the local spot for the juiciest smash burgers made on a grill that's felt the love for years. Matching the neighborhood's creative spirit in the Waterloo Arts District, you'll have your pick of classic burgers and other creations that might surprise you. But trust us, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
All. Day. Long.
Brite Winter starts around 1 p.m. and features a tremendous lineup of live bands, art installations and tons of on-site food and beverages. It’s a full-day affair, so bundle up and get ready to rage.
Late Night
Late-night munchies are the best kind of munchies, especially after a long night of consuming and commiserating with friends. There are tons of Cleveland joints with kitchens open till last call. Let's talk hot dogs, BYO tacos, pierogi and, of course, pizza by the slice here.
Sunday
Brunch
To conquer your inevitable hangover, look no further than Gus's Diner 185. Imagine every breakfast food you love — eggs, pancakes, bacon and sausage — all on one plate and ready to be devoured. You've got yourself the Crazy Eight at Gus's.
Post-Brunch
Clear your head even more by taking a stroll over to the (mostly) vinyl mecca Blue Arrow Records. Located mere blocks from Gus's, the store offers a frequently updated used bin with no shortage of must-buy records. Or, go ahead and complete your totally music-fueled weekend with a couple of stops at a few Cleveland-area record stores here.
Get the 411 on Brite
Want the who, what, where, when and why on all things Brite Winter? Get ‘em here.
