Rock, Rides and Football: Group Trip Planner

Choosing Cleveland for your next group tour experience is a no-brainer no matter the month or year on the calendar. But you’re really hitting the jackpot in 2020, as we’re ringing in the new decade with monumental anniversaries celebrating rock, rides and football.

Check out these celebrations and all the other great group experiences you can have in just three days Cleveland.

Day One

Morning: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

In any other year, this monument to rock is a music lover’s dream with amazing exhibits like “Play it Loud” or get the band back together in “The Garage,” an interactive experience where you can jam on real instruments like the legends used. Groups get VIP treatment, with docent-led tours and an experience that can be tailored just for you.

But this year is just a little more special, as we’re celebrating the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th Anniversary as well as hosting the Class of 2020 Induction Ceremony right here in Cleveland. We’re rolling out the red carpet and partying like rock stars. Would you expect any less from the birthplace of rock?

Lunch: Zanzibar Soul Fusion

Black American comfort food like chicken-and-waffles shares the menu with unique twists on the classics, such as artichoke dip with collard greens and the “Soul Roll” (stuffed egg rolls with spicy remoulade) at this Shaker Square staple. 

Afternoon: Cleveland Institute of Music

Hit a high note with a free concert at Cleveland Institute of Music — one of just three independent conservatories in the country devoted exclusively to classical music performance. From chamber music concerts to studio recitals, the concert series offers an extensive lineup with numerous free shows weekly.

Afternoon: MOCA Cleveland

Cutting-edge art is the name of the game at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in the nearby Uptown district of University Circle. The museum’s thought-provoking fare spans revolving exhibitions of sculptures, paintings, photographs and music. Even the building itself is a modern work of art.

Evening Option 1: Nautica Queen

Cruising the Cuyahoga River has never been so much fun (or tasty).  An evening dinner cruise aboard the Nautica Queen combines sunset and city views, DJ-spun tunes and an unrivaled vantage point for enjoying Cleveland’s waterfront (especially during warmer-weather months) atop the ship’s rooftop deck.

Evening Option 2: MGM Northfield Park

Groups are greeted at the door, kicking off each visit with a personal touch. Yuk it up at a comedy show, catch a concert at Center Stage or just head straight for the 200,000 square feet of casino games. Need a bite? The Buffet never disappoints.

Day Two

Morning: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

All aboard this round-trip jaunt through 33,000-acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park! Ride the rails between Independence and Akron, scoping all that jaw-dropping natural beauty from the comforts of CVSR’s passenger cars. No matter the season, this is gorgeous stuff.

Lunch: Melt Bar & Grilled

You’ve never had grilled cheese quite like this. (Trust us.) In Independence, fill up on faves like the Cleveland Cheese Steak, Mighty Macaroni or Winner Winner Chicken Dinner. Afterward, get your game on in the “Meltcade,” jam-packed with pinball and arcade machines enticing your group to just press “play.”

Afternoon: Pro Football Hall of Fame

Football history comes alive in Canton. From the 326 bronze busts of gridiron heroes (some of which even talk), to a complete collection of Super Bowl rings, pigskin heaven awaits. Don’t miss “A Game For Life,” a theater experience featuring holographic appearances by football heroes Vince Lombardi and Joe Namath. Groups enjoy special pricing, merchandise discounts and more.

In September 2020, the Hall of Fame will host the NFL Centennial Celebration. They’re blowing it out with a black-tie gala, team reunions, an Olympic style opening ceremony and so many other events that will be can’t-miss for football fans all over the world.

Evening Option 1: The Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center

During the summertime, conclude your day with wide open skies and pitch-perfect notes at Blossom Music Center, the warm-weather home of the famed Cleveland Orchestra since 1968. Groups of 10 or more receive not only group discounts, but also priority seating, free bus parking, and other perks.

Evening Option 2: Music Box Supper Club

Not warm enough for a night under the stars? Head to The Flats. With its plum riverfront location, Music Box Supper Club brings live music and Americana-inspired eats with a healthy side of ambiance. Downstairs at the Rusty Anchor restaurant, comfort food favorites rule, whereas local and national music acts—from Fishbone to Rufus Wainwright—grace the upstairs stage. You’ll be rolling – and rocking – on the river all night long.

Day Three

Cedar Point

Slay the day at the Roller Coaster Capital of the World. Whether front row on Steel Vengeance or dangling your legs off Valravn, buckle up for a thrilling ride. Craving a slower pace? Explore the interactive Forbidden Frontier on Adventure Island or soak up the sun on Cedar Point Beach. Take a short detour and explore the rest of the beautiful Lake Erie Shores and Islands.

This year, Cedar point celebrates their 150th season as America’s Roller Coast. Expect music festivals, new attractions, throwback food options, classic memorabilia and more surprises all year long.

Group Tour to Cleveland

Learn more about hosting your group tour in Cleveland here.