Cleveland's known as the home of rock 'n' roll. However, as the city's slate of upcoming music festivals and events reveals, we're also a town whose heart beats with the sounds of all musical styles—including jazz, folk, classical and hip-hop, to name a few—all summer long. Mark some (or all) of these warm weather highlights down on your calendar.
July - September
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is alive with the sound of music all summer long. The outdoor concerts take place in the plaza in front of the Rock Hall, where you can jam while indulging in fare from local food trucks and brews from the beer garden. Not only are there national acts, but there are plenty of local artists too.
June 29
Spend a summer afternoon wandering around the quaint east side neighborhood Larchmere (adjacent to Shaker Square) listening to local bands playing on 22 house porches.
June 21
In 1982, France launched Fête de la Musique, a national holiday dedicated to all things music. Forty years later, a similar celebration — Make Music Day — has become a global phenomenon. In the past, over 200 performers made a joyful noise in 75 different venues both big and small all around Northeast Ohio. This year, the Northeast Ohio suburb Avon Lake will once again come alive with the sound(s) of music, and illuminate the joy that this art brings to the community.
June 20-22, Playhouse Square
The Tri-C JazzFest is recognized as one of the most diverse jazz festivals in the country — and it's right here in CLE.
Founded in 1980, the three-day event brings internationally renowned artists to town for special engagements at Playhouse Square's opulent stages — and even enlists some of these acts to help teach area students the ins and outs of jazz.
June - August
A Cleveland summer tradition returns to University Circle. Head over to the city's museum mecca between 5:30-8:30 p.m. weekly to enjoy live music from local jazz, rock, Latin/salsa and cover bands. As an added bonus, certain weeks offer special activities and programming celebrating Juneteenth, LGBTQ Pride, ADA Cleveland and Latinx Heritage.
Weekends, July - September
The tranquil outdoor Cuyahoga Falls amphitheater undergoes a Superman-Clark Kent identity shift during the warmer months. When it's not hosting rock, hip-hop and country concerts, the venue transforms into the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra. Each year offers something for everyone and there is no better way to spend a balmy summer evening than with your picnic basket full of your favorite foods and beverages, spread out on a blanket under the stars and listening to world-class music.
What music fests are you looking forward to this summer in CLE?