CLEVELAND (Oct. 14, 2021) – The 36
th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony returns to Cleveland on Oct. 30, offering the perfect opportunity for locals to celebrate the area’s musical heritage. This year’s class of 13 inductees is the most diverse yet and consists of Tina Turner, Carole King, The Go-Go’s, JAY-Z, Foo Fighters, Todd Rundgren, Kraftwerk, Charley Patton, Gil Scott-Heron, LL Cool J, Billy Preston, Randy Rhoads and Clarence Avant. Whether it’s paying tribute to Cleveland’s rock ‘n’ roll roots or chowing down while catching a show, Destination Cleveland encourages residents to Roam The Land in honor of the newest class of rock royalty.
HONORING THE ROOTS OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
Residents can learn more about the people who have kept the heart of rock ‘n’ roll beating strong in Cleveland and pay tribute to legends at these local sites.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Before this year’s inductees take the stage, locals can enjoy a week of rock-focused experiences at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It kicks off with
Celebration Day on Oct. 24. The full-day event will offer live music, activities, pop-up shops, fireworks and free Rock Hall admission for Ohio residents. As part of the festivities, Clevelanders can join a community line dance event with WZAK on the Rock Hall plaza from 4-6 p.m. The line dance to Kraftwerk’s “Trans-Europe Express” will receive an encore performance around 7 p.m. that evening. There’s also an inductee-themed
Rock Hall Nights event on Oct. 28 and, of course, the museum will be open all week long.
- 1100 E. 9th St., Cleveland
- Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Thursdays
- Rock Week hours: Oct. 24: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Oct. 29: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Oct. 30: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Advance tickets recommended, available here
Alan Freed’s gravesite
Clevelanders know that the city is the home of rock ‘n’ roll, but many may not know that it’s all thanks to a local radio DJ. Cleveland’s own Alan Freed is credited with being the first to use the term to describe the emerging music in the 1950s and became known as the “father of rock ‘n’ roll.” Music lovers can pay homage to Freed at Lake View Cemetery, where a headstone in the shape of a jukebox marks his final resting place.
- Lake View Cemetery, 12500 Forest Hill Ave., Cleveland
- Location and directions available here
Michael Stanley mural
One of Cleveland’s newest public art installations pays tribute to the city’s beloved rock ‘n’ roll icon, Michael Stanley. The 2,200-square-foot mural was painted by artist WRDSMTH on a warehouse in the Midtown neighborhood and includes lyrics from Stanley’s 1980 hit “Lover.” Cleveland declared March 25 “Michael Stanley Day” in remembrance of Stanley after his death in early March 2021.
- 2630 Payne Ave., Cleveland
LIVE MUSIC IN THE LAND
Whether it’s a live performance by a well-known musician or an up-and-coming artist, there’s no shortage of iconic music venues for Clevelanders looking to rock out.
The Agora Theatre & Ballroom
A mainstay of the Cleveland music scene for over 50 years,
The Agora is etched into Cleveland’s music history. Numerous big names (and Rock Hall inductees) have taken the Agora’s stage, including Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, U2 and The Clash, along with 2021 inductees Foo Fighters and Todd Rundgren, who recorded a portion of his 1978 live album there. Today, Clevelanders can catch everyone from established rockers to new acts and comedians on stage.
- 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
- Show schedule and ticket information available online
Beachland Ballroom
From local favorites to groups that would become some of the biggest names in rock,
Beachland Ballroom in the Waterloo Arts District has hosted them all. Kings of Leon, Mumford & Sons and even Akron’s own The Black Keys have played at the nationally acclaimed club, which now offers a rotation of local and touring music acts as well as special events.
- 15711 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland
- Show schedule and tickets available online
The Grog Shop
An iconic venue offering music fans an intimate atmosphere, The Grog Shop aims to present live music seven days a week, 365 days a year, making it the perfect choice for locals looking to catch a concert on a whim. Right down the street, concertgoers can get some pre-show record perusing done at
Record Revolution, the oldest independent vinyl record store in the country.
- 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights
- Upcoming shows and tickets available online
Mahall’s 20 Lanes
Mahall’s 20 Lanes is not your average concert hall. In addition to hosting live music acts, dance parties and other events, the Lakewood venue houses 20 bowling lanes. With the bowling alley just steps away from the stage, plus vintage pinball machines and a full-service bar and restaurant, it’s one-stop shopping for a unique night out.
- 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood
- Concert schedule and bowling reservations available online
DINNER & A SHOW
For fans looking to fuel up and rock out, Cleveland is the place to be. Residents have a variety of options when it comes to combining live music and local eats.
House of Blues Cleveland
Tasty food and live music live in perfect harmony at the
House of Blues, located in the heart of Downtown. The Cleveland outpost of the famed music venue features free live performances at the restaurant every Thursday through Saturday, daily happy hour specials and touring acts hitting the concert stage throughout the week, making it the perfect stop for locals in search of live music or simply looking for an after-work libation.
- 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
- Restaurant event schedule, concert schedule and tickets available online
Music Box Supper Club
Dinner and a show get an upgrade at
Music Box, which offers the chance to see big name touring artists in its Concert Hall as well as local entertainment at its downstairs Supper Club. The venue will host several Induction Week events, including a
live podcast recording chronicling 2021 inductee Tina Turner’s most memorable Cleveland concerts. There will also be performances celebrating inductees of years past, including
The Night of 100 Janises: The Janis Joplin Experience on Oct. 29 and a
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young brunch the morning after the Induction Ceremony.
Happy Dog
Music fans looking for more casual – and creative – food options will find them at
Happy Dog in the Gordon Square Arts District. Locals can peruse a menu that features 50 hot dog toppings, ranging from the classics (ketchup, mustard or onions) to crazy (Spaghetti-O’s, Froot Loops or mac and cheese), as they listen to live bands and DJs.
- 5801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
- Concert schedule and tickets available online
BEYOND ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
With a locale dedicated to live jazz, a world-renowned orchestra and a bar to boogie the night away, Cleveland’s musical roots run deeper than just rock ‘n’ roll.
Bop Stop
Local music lovers looking for a change of pace can enjoy live jazz at Bop Stop in the Ohio City neighborhood. The venue is part of The Music Settlement, which began as a way to welcome immigrants to Cleveland and unite them through music. Offering live music most nights, community jam sessions, and a full bar, it’s a one-of-a-kind location along the shore of Lake Erie for listeners and musicians alike.
- 2920 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
- Show schedule and tickets available online
The Cleveland Orchestra
The Cleveland Orchestra, named “America’s finest” by the
New York Times, will welcome audience members to Mandel Concert Hall at Severance for the first time since March 2020 when it kicks off its 104
th season this month. Regarded by many as one of the world’s most beautiful concert halls, Severance Music Center is as much a treat for the eyes as the Orchestra’s performances are for the ears.
- Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
- Orchestra concert schedule and tickets available online
Goodnight John Boy
Clevelanders can break out their boogie shoes and hit the dance floor at
Goodnight John Boy, a 70’s-themed disco bar in the Flats East Bank. Local DJs spin a mix of groovy old-school hits and contemporary tunes influenced by the days of disco as the dance floor lights up and, of course, a disco ball spins overhead. There are themed drinks, fresh pizza and a vintage camper that’s been converted into a full-service outdoor bar.
- 1167 Front Ave., Cleveland
- Hours: Thursdays, 6 p.m. - midnight; Fridays, 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Saturdays, noon. - 2 a.m.; Sundays noon - midnight
DON’T FORGET: Destination Cleveland’s Concierge Team is available to help residents and their visiting family and friends explore the region. Contact the team via email (
[email protected]), live chat at
thisiscleveland.com, or stop at the Cleveland Visitors Center (334 Euclid Ave., Cleveland) Tues. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. to plan your rock ‘n’ roll adventures.
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ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland’s destination marketing and management organization. This private, non-profit organization’s mission is to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through leisure and business travel. In 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic reduced visitation by 30 percent, with 13.8 million visits occurring. Prior to the pandemic, Cleveland hosted 19.6 million visits annually, with the County experiencing annual visitation increases that surpassed the domestic travel growth rate for nine consecutive years. For more information, visit www.thisiscleveland.com.