Fresh Air, Festivals and Fandom: Things to Do in Cleveland This Spring
Go All In on All Out in The Land
It’s time to swap out your coats for capris and get outside, because spring is finally here. And there is no better place to kickstart your outdoor adventure than The Land, because living all out is in our nature.
Whether you’re a Clevelander looking to amp up your weekend, or a road tripper searching for the perfect outdoor getaway, The Land has all you need for a top-notch spring season.
Fresh Air
The perfect cure to cabin fever? The Cleveland outdoors. With a killer waterfront, gorgeous recreational parks and iconic cherry blossoms, Cleveland is an outdoor destination which deserves all the hype.
The Cleveland Waterfront
Swimming. Fishing. Kayaking. Surfing. Cleveland’s waterfront has it all. So, pack up your swimsuits and adventure (or sunbathe) to your heart’s content. While you’re here, stop at Merwin’s Wharf for cocktails and the fan-favorite Merwin’s Big Pretzel while you take in the view of that stunning Cleveland skyline.
Cleveland Metroparks
The Cleveland Metroparks are also back in action this Spring. Bike through the Bedford Reservation, test your rock-climbing skills at Whipp’s Ledges or have a sunny picnic at Rockefeller Park. With adventures for all outdoor styles, there isn’t a wrong choice.
Cleveland Botanical Gardens
You can’t ring in Spring without flowers. Don’t worry: the Cleveland Botanical Gardens has you covered. Bask in the seasonal scents from the rose garden or capture the perfect photo op with the stunning cherry blossoms. You can also try your hand at guided hikes and botanical paint-and-draws to fully embrace your flower power this season.
The Towpath Trail
Spanning over 90 miles from Cuyahoga to Tuscarawas County, the Towpath Trail is a formidable feat to tackle this Spring. Hop on the Scranton Flats Trailhead for a gorgeous stroll through Cleveland’s urban outdoors. Be sure to grab a photo with the iconic Cleveland script sign while you’re there. Or throw on your toughest hiking boots and take a road trip to Brandywine Falls, an awe-inspiring sight in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The Cleveland Marathon
If you’re looking for the ultimate outdoor challenge, the 47th annual Cleveland Marathon is May 17-18. With a kids run, 5k, 10k, half and full marathon, there are plenty of options to test your limits and conquer the outdoors.
Festivals
Cleveland’s international community is booming with festivals this Spring to celebrate cultures from across the globe. Step outside this season and celebrate the traditions that define The Land’s diverse and “uniquely Cleveland” identity.
Dyngus Day
Polka and pierogies; what more could you ask for? The 15th annual Dyngus Day is back again in Cleveland on April 21. Wake up bright and early and venture to Gordon Square for the all-day festival which shuts down the block. Don’t miss live entertainment from DJ Kishka or the Pierogi eating contest during this special celebration of Polish culture.
Cleveland Asian Festival
Head over to AsiaTown on May 17-18 to celebrate the 16th annual Cleveland Asian Festival. Dance competitions, cosplay and authentic Asian food are just a few of the reasons this fun-filled festival keeps an average 45,000 attendees coming back for more each year.
Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival
Cleveland’s Thyagaraja Festival is a 10-day, world-class celebration of Indian music, art and culture. Listen to the beautiful sounds of a veena or be dazzled by the show-stopping performances of Indian dancers in their traditional saris at the largest Indian classical music festival in the world outside of India.
Fandom
No matter what sport gets your adrenaline pumping, The Land has plenty of opportunities to let you fully embrace your fandom this spring.
Guardians Opening Day
Take a half-day and grab yourself a ticket to the Guardians home opener, because Opening Day is best experienced at Progressive Field. See fan favorites Steven Kwan and José Ramírez back in action on April 8 when they take on the Chicago White Sox. Treat yourself to a ballpark hot dog and an ice-cold beer while you soak up the sunshine and cheer the Guardians to victory. Wander the concourse to see all the newest features of the ever-evolving ballpark and lookout for Dollar Dog nights all season long.
Crew in Cleveland
Feed your inner fútbol fan as The Land welcomes the Columbus Crew to Huntington Bank Field on April 19. The Crew will be taking on World Cup Champion Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF in an action-packed matchup perfect for our world-class sports culture.
Cavaliers Home Games
How about those Cavs? With the Eastern Conference already clinched, your Cleveland Cavaliers are a sight to see this season. Come watch all-stars Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and the rest of the Cavaliers squad at their final regular season home games in April, followed by the playoffs excitement that could (hopefully) run into the summer.
For Air Conditioning Enthusiasts
As nice as it is to embrace that Spring sunshine, we know you’ll eventually need to cool off. Good thing Cleveland’s stellar museum and art scenes are slated to make their own marks this season.
Takashi Murakami at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Stop by the Cleveland Museum of Art on May 16 for the grand opening of "Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow." Murakami is a world-famous Japanese artist most famous for his bold, contemporary art. This exhibit is filled with flowers, paintings and 3D installations, all of which pay homage to traditional Japanese art and the blooming Spring season. Catch this only-in-CLE experience through Sept. 7.
Indoor Waterfront Experiences
As impressive as Cleveland’s outdoor waterfront scene is, the indoor waterfront entertainment is just as noteworthy. Take a deep dive into pop culture at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame when they unveil their new SNL exhibit on May 23, or embrace your inner Einstein at the Great Lakes Science Center.
Playhouse Square
We didn’t forget about you, theater buffs. Playhouse Square’s spring-loaded lineup is one worth catching. Whether you want to belly laugh with comedian Jim Gaffigan or see the Cleveland Ballet’s stunning performance of Romeo and Juliet, treat yourself to a world-class performance courtesy of The Land.
Kickstart Your Spring Adventure in CLE
The opportunities in The Land this spring are endless. So, what are you waiting for? Hop in your car and make the road trip for the best outdoor (or indoor) experiences of the season.
