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 Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field for Dollar Dog Night and $2 Pregame in the District from Miller Lite.
Or, head down to Canal Park to watch the Akron Rubber Ducks take on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats May 24 - 29 for fun promotions like Education Day (24), Whine & Cheese Night (Karen Awareness) (25), "Toga! Toga! Toga!" Toga Party (26), Look, My Hot Dog is GREEN! $1k giveaway (27), QuAkron Comics Fest (28) and 155 Days until Halloween (29).
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 28 - 30. 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 27 - 30.
Concerts in CLE
Did you really think the Rock and Roll city wouldn't have live music?
It all starts with the unofficial poets laureate of The Land, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, performing their CLE brand of high-speed hip hop at the Agora Theatre and Ballroom Saturday, May 28, followed the next night by alt-rock standouts The Head and The Heart at the Agora on sunday, May 29.
Music Box Supper Club keeps the party going all weekend long with a mix of events that has something for everybody including God Save the Kinks! with Cats on Holiday, Carole King Tribute by Home Again, Late Nite Tropical Cleveland, An Afternoon of Music and Fun, Indigenous and a swingin' Rat Pack Brunch.
Sure, they're no Bone Thugs, but the Cleveland Orchestra is one of the jewels of our city, and they have three programs running Memorial Day weekend. Catch the complete opera of Verdi's Otello (May 26, 29), Festival Program I featuring soprano Latonia Moore (May 27) and Festival Program II featuring organist Iveta Apkalna (May 28).
Head lakeside to Voinovich Park on May 28 for Cleveland’s most laid-back music festival of the year — Reggae Fest Cleveland. The event features performances from Carlos Jones and the Plus Band, Pato Banton, Mighty Music, The Flex Crew 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 Cleveland Bazaar in Market Square Park in Ohio City, Summer Farm Market & Trash & Treasures Sale in North Olmsted and CLE Market in nearby Olmsted Township. So 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.