area map calendar
Chat With Us Industry Resources Meetings Group Tour Media Blog Newsletters About Us Move to Cleveland

Things To Do

Things to DoMajor AttractionsArts & EntertainmentCultureExperiences & ToursHolidayKidsMusicNightlifeParks & OutdoorShoppingSportsSpringSummerFallWinterSearch Things to Do

Featured

Welcome to The Land of Never a Dull Moment

Uniquely Cleveland Experiences

Don’t just visit The Land, experience it. Check out some of the authentic Cleveland experiences available on your next visit, ready to show you who we really are.

Events

EventsEvents This WeekendEvent CalendarAnnual EventsMonthly Events PDFSubmit an Event

Featured

Welcome to The Land of Never a Dull Moment

Uniquely Cleveland Experiences

Don’t just visit The Land, experience it. Check out some of the authentic Cleveland experiences available on your next visit, ready to show you who we really are.

Eat + Drink

Eat + DrinkDowntown RestaurantsBakeries & SweetsBars & BreweriesCoffee, Brunch, & BreakfastSearch Places to Eat + Drink

Featured

2025

Brewery Passport

Few towns can boast a craft beer pedigree like Cleveland. We’ve brought together many of our finest breweries to create the Cleveland Brewery Passport: a unified way for you to explore everything this city has to offer without going thirsty.

Where To Stay

Where to StayDowntown Cleveland HotelsCleveland Airport HotelsUniversity Circle HotelsSearch all HotelsSearch Meeting Venues

Planning Tools

Planning ToolsKnow Before You GoChat With UsCleveland Visitors CenterDeals & Special OffersGetting to ClevelandHealth & SafetyMapsSubscribe to e-NewslettersRequest an Official Insider GuideTransportation in ClevelandTravel InspirationOfficial Insider Guide Guía Oficial de ClevelandLGBTQ+ Insider Guide

Featured

The latest and greatest happenings in The Land.

2024 Official Insider Guide

This essential visitors guide is a resource of inspirational content for both visitors and locals alike.

Neighborhoods

NeighborhoodsDowntown ClevelandCleveland NeighborhoodsCleveland SuburbsCleveland Region

TV

TVThe Land for LifeCleveland CreativesLegends of The Land Podcast

Featured

Answering those burning questions we all have about Cleveland

Legends of The Land Podcast

This is Legends of The Land, a podcast series that centers on some of those absolutely burning questions we all have about Cleveland — the kind of stuff no one is talking about – but probably should.

« Back to Cleveland by Clevelanders Blog

Wade Oval Wednesdays

The Art of Getting Down

Image © Nathan Migal
Destination Cleveland May 20, 2025

We know what you’re thinking. University Circle is the cultural center of Cleveland; it’s home to the Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Museum of Natural History and more.

But can they party? Like really party? And not just wine and cheese and chamber music.

Wade Oval Wednesdays answer that question with an unequivocal YES.

Grab a blanket or lawn chair and park yourself in Wade Oval — the green space between the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden and Cleveland Museum of Natural History — nearly every Wednesday throughout the summer, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., for live music, local grub, craft beer, wine and plenty of space to get down.

Party On

Did you think you’d go to an event in the city that named rock ‘n’ roll and we wouldn’t have amazing live music? Shame. Wade Oval Wednesdays offers a diverse lineup of bands throughout the summer, featuring rock, reggae, Latin, jazz, R&B and more.

  • June 18 – The Stix Quintet (NEO-Soul/Funk/R&B)
  • June 25, LGBTQ Pride Night – Apostle Jones (Soul/Covers)
  • July 2 – Carlos Jones (+) (Reggae)
  • July 9 – The Michael Weber Show (Rock & Roll)
  • July 16, Disability Pride Night – Follow the Sun (Covers)
  • July 23 – Cream Camino (Hard Rock)
  • July 30 – Raquel and the Wildflowers (Country Rock)
  • August 6, International Night – Son Gitano (Latin Fusion Orchestra)
    • In Partnership with the Cleveland Cultural Gardens
  • August 13 – The Band With No Name (Jazz)
  • August 20 – The Unit eXperience Project (Jazz/Funk)

Eat, Drink & Shop

A neighborhood block party without tasty summer treats is unheard of. You’ll find plenty of Cleveland-based restaurants and food trucks serving up everything from pizza to seafood to BBQ. Past participants have included:

  • Rascal House
  • Cleveland Fish & Seafood Co.
  • Kernels by Chrissie
  • Pop Culture
  • Make Believe Family Fun Center
  • Carnival Cravings
  • EDWINS Butcher Shop
  • Manna
  • Galaxy Grill
  • B&M BBQ
  • Hippie Sips

On top of that, you can score Cleveland swag from local vendors or hit up the farmers market for fresh produce, baked goods and other artisan products that will really add some flair to your picnic.

For the Kids

Wade Oval Wednesdays really go above and beyond to make sure kids have plenty to do. A number of free activities including bounce houses and other fun surprises go well with the theme nights, movie screenings and fireworks that occur on certain weeks.

The Vibe

The scene is one that simply screams “CLEVELAND!” Students from nearby universities, medical professionals on break from the surrounding healthcare institutions, artists, musicians, kids on summer break and, yes, even visitors, fill Wade Oval with a vibe that’s free spirited, filled with love and the kind of rug-cutting awesomeness that’s just plain infectious.

Where to Stay

There aren’t many neighborhoods in the country that pack as much art and culture into a few city blocks as University Circle. Thankfully, you can enjoy world-class accommodations that are a short walk or rideshare away from some of the best culture in the country. Check them out here.

How to Get There

Take the RTA's HealthLine, Red Line, or eight bus lines to University Circle. Or, parking is available for a fee at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland History Center and The Cleveland Museum of Art. Rates vary. For more ways to get there, click here.

The Best Part of CLE: Wade Oval Wednesdays

Michelle, Elementary School Principal & Children’s Book Author

“Wade Oval Wednesdays gives you a good feel for the entire city. Every week is a different type of music, which brings out a different crowd, and it’s never the same event twice.”

Learn More

Featured in this post

Related Posts

View All >

Celebrate Juneteenth in Cleveland

New Rock Hall Exhibit Celebrates 50 Years of Music on Saturday Night Live

Summer Fests in The Land

Summer Fests in The Land: June

Things To Do Events Eat & Drink Where To Stay Planning Tools Neighborhoods
Meetings Group Tour Media Partners Partner Extranet About Us Move to Cleveland Jobs Contact
Copyright © 2025 Destination Cleveland
Privacy Terms of Use Legal Sitemap