Celebrate the Fourth of July the Cleveland Way

CLEVELAND (June 26, 2017) - The unofficial mid-point of summer - the Fourth of July - is just around the corner. In addition to fireworks, picnics and parades, the holiday weekend offers plenty of opportunity for Clevelanders to show off their hometown to visitors. From cheering on the Indians to watching a live performance of Shakespeare's work to dancing the night away on the Goodtime III, Destination Cleveland suggests residents get out and explore this Fourth of July with their visitors.

Celebrate with Music

Star-Spangled Spectacular

• The Cleveland Orchestra's free, annual Star-Spangled Spectacular community concert kicks off the holiday weekend festivities in Cleveland. Pre-concert activities, including local food trucks, start at 6 p.m., and the Orchestra will play a wide variety of musical selections ranging from Sousa to Gershwin to traditional patriotic tunes beginning at 9 p.m. A dazzling fireworks display will wow the crowds at the end of the night.
  • Mall B, 300 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland (between Global Center for Health Innovation and Cleveland Public Auditorium)
  • Friday, June 30, pre-concert activities at 6 p.m., concert at 9 p.m.

Blossom: A Salute to America

• For music and spectacular post-show fireworks displays that honor our country, Clevelanders can enjoy "Tchaikovsky Spectacular" or "A Salute to America" at Blossom Music Center.
  • This kick-off to the Blossom Music Festival brings out the best of the holiday by highlighting historical musical moments. The Cleveland Orchestra will perform the "1812 Overture" and other favorites as part of "Tchaikovsky Spectacular."
  • "A Salute to America" will feature conductor Loras John Schissel leading the Blossom Festival Band in patriotic Sousa marches, Broadway favorites and an Armed Forces Salute.
  • Parents don't have to worry about a baby-sitter either; it's free for children under the age of 18 to attend the performances.

• • • 1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls
    • Tchaikovsky Spectacular: Saturday, July 1, and Sunday, July 2, 8 p.m.
    • A Salute to America: Monday, July 3, and Tuesday, July 4, 8 p.m.

America's Favorite Past Time

Cleveland Indians vs. San Diego Padres

• Nothing beats a day (or an evening) at the ballpark. At the corner of Carnegie and Ontario, residents can cheer on the Cleveland Indians with a hot dog in hand while honoring one America's greatest traditions. The Tribe kicks off a three-game series against the San Diego Padres at Progressive Field at 7:10 p.m., and the first 15,000 fans to the park will receive a Francisco Lindor Bobblehead. At the end of the game, the America Rocks fireworks show will light up the sky to cap off the day.

• 2401 Ontario St., Cleveland
• Tuesday, July 4, 7:10 p.m. 

Shakespeare Takes on Cleveland

Cleveland Shakespeare Festival

• For a non-traditional Fourth of July activity, locals can celebrate art and enjoy nature while watching the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival's outdoor performance of "The Taming of the Shrew." Guests are encouraged to BYOB (bring your own blanket) or lawn chair and must seat themselves prior to the outdoor performance. With free shows on both sides of town, residents can indulge in this light-hearted tale close to home.

• The James A. Garfield National Historic Site, 8095 Mentor Ave., Mentor
  • Saturday, July 1, 7 p.m.
• Lincoln Park, 1208 Starkweather Ave., Cleveland
  • Sunday, July 2, 7 p.m.

Science Meets History

Star Spangled Science

• Who knew science and history went so well together? The team at Great Lakes Science Center had no doubt and is hosting two events - Star Spangled Science and Rock and Boom - over the holiday weekend for families to enjoy.
  • At Star Spangled Science, guests can pair Fourth of July traditions and with a variety of science-based activities. From unraveling the concepts of chemistry and physics to building their own backyard BBQ with LEGOs, families will have plenty of hands-on activities to try.
  • After exploring the Science Center on July 4, groups can head out to the Rock and Boom fireworks watch party. Located on the 618-foot Steamship William G. Mather, Clevelanders will have a picture-perfect view of the city's fireworks show from the ship's deck. 

• 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland
• Star Spangled Science: Sunday, July 2, to Tuesday, July 4, noon to 5 p.m.
• Rock and Boom: Tuesday, July 4, 8 p.m.

A Day at the Aquarium

Fun Before 4 on July 4th

• Instead of the typical backyard barbecue, families can make a splash at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium for a day full of adventure and surprises at the "Fun Before 4 on July 4^th" event. Arts and crafts and a red-white-and-blue scavenger hunt are just a couple of the special activities little ones can enjoy. While working to complete the scavenger hunt, guests will also be able to walk around and explore the aquarium's different exhibits, including a 230,000-gallon shark tank, an interactive stingray exhibit and nine galleries that are home to fish from around the world. Guests can park for free until 4 p.m., and active military and first responders (police, fire, EMT) have free entry with appropriate ID.

• 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland
• Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Holiday Riders Unite

Light Up the Point

• What's a holiday weekend without a road trip? Just an hour drive from Downtown Cleveland, residents can easily extend their patriotic celebration with a two-day trip to Cedar Point, "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World." With more than 70 rides and 17 roller coasters, including the Top Thrill Dragster and Millennium Force, live shows and kids' areas, there is something that will suit everyone in the family. On July 4, visitors can watch fantastic fireworks over the Lake Erie shoreline and even upgrade to VIP viewing with 3-D glasses. For guests that prefer to start their day with a splash, a trip to Cedar Point Shores Water Park is definitely in order.

• 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky
• Cedar Point: Saturday, July 1 - Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m. - 12 a.m.
• Cedar Point Shores: Saturday, July 1, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sunday, July 2 - Tuesday, July 4, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Dance the Night Away

4^th of July Fireworks Cruise

• Grab your dancing shoes for an evening under the stars on the Goodtime III's special holiday cruise. From breathtaking views of the Cleveland skyline lit up by fireworks to delicious food and a DJ playing tunes all night, a cruise on the Goodtime III is sure to be a great time this Fourth of July. Not in the mood for dinner, but still want to enjoy the night? Different packages are available for those who just want to dance. Dancing skills are optional, but reservations are required for the dinner package.

• 825 E. 9^th St., Cleveland
• Tuesday, July 4, 6 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. (Dinner Package) or 8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. (No Dinner Package)

Building Blocks of America

Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks

For an outdoor experience this holiday weekend, residents can discover the Cleveland Botanical Garden's newest exhibit, Nature Connects: Art with LEGO Bricks. Thirteen LEGO sculptures welcome guests to the gardens. The Hummingbird and Trumpet Flower sculptures highlight the importance of ecosystems while the Wheelbarrow sculpture serves as a nod to mulching and tree care. Kids can even build their own sculpture and participate in a scavenger hunt for live insects.

• 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland
• Now - August 27, check cbgarden.org for operating hours 

For more Fourth of July weekend ideas or to learn more about Destination Cleveland or new attractions and activities, please visit thisiscleveland.com, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our channels on YouTube and Pinterest.

DON'T FORGET: Destination Cleveland's Concierge Team is also available to help residents and their visiting family and friends explore the region. Contact our team through email at cleconcierge@destinationcle.org, live chat at thisiscleveland.com or stop in the Cleveland Visitors Center (334 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 44114) Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. to plan your adventure. Please note the Visitors Center will be open on Tuesday, July 4, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland's convention and visitors bureau. This private, non-profit organization's mission is to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through leisure and business travel. Cleveland welcomes more than 17 million visitors annually. For more information, visit thisiscleveland.com.