CLEVELAND (May 14, 2018) - As Americans commemorate the U.S. service members that made the ultimate sacrifice on Memorial Day, the three-day weekend also marks the unofficial start of summer in The CLE. And with visiting family and friends in town for an extra day, residents have the perfect opportunity to show off all that they love about The Land. From cruising down the Cuyahoga River to food frenzies at festivals to rocking out at stellar shows, Destination Cleveland recommends that locals kickstart their summer by exploring all that Northeast Ohio offers.
Pay Tribute on Memorial Day
Cleveland Pops Orchestra
- To salute the brave men and women that gave their lives while defending the country, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra will perform its annual "An American Salute" program at Severance Hall. Conductor Carl Topilow will lead the patriotic concert with a selection of the best military-inspired compositions. The United States Army Field Band, 910th Air Wing Color Guard and the Pops Chorus will join the Pops Orchestra for this evening of music and pageantry. Veterans who wish to purchase tickets for the concert will receive a 25 percent discount.
- Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
- Friday, May 25, 8 p.m.
Cleveland History Center
- To buff up on Cleveland's involvement in World War I, residents can explore the Cleveland History Center's new exhibition, "A City Worth Fighting For." Leveraging stories, artifacts from the extensive Western Reserve Historical Society's art collection and the organization's rarely seen military collection, guests can learn the many ways, both civic and industrial, that Clevelanders supported the war effort. Locals can also discover more about the events, people and experiences that shaped Cleveland before and after the war with a stop at the History Center's permanent exhibit, Cleveland Starts Here.
- 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland
- Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon - 5 p.m.; Monday, closed
Exciting Events
Flats East Bank Taste of Summer
- Waterfront views, live entertainment, delicious dining and drink options and life-sized games are back for the Flats East Bank's Taste of Summer event along the Cuyahoga River boardwalk. Attendees can enjoy cuisine at Flats favorites like Alley Cat Oyster Bar, Bold Food & Drink and Coastal Taco; test their Connect Four, Operation, corn hole and shuffleboard skills; or sit back, relax and listen to local performers that will be playing tunes throughout the weekend.
- Flats East Bank, 1055 Old River Road, Cleveland
- Hours: Friday, May 25, 4 - 10 p.m.; Saturday, May 26 - Sunday, May 27, noon - 10 p.m.
Tremont Greek Fest
- Festivals are a summer staple in Northeast Ohio, and Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the fun and feasting. An "escape to Greece" awaits residents who attend the Tremont Greek Festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. From authentic food and drink to Greek dancing, live music, and shopping, locals will want to shout "OPA!" all weekend.
- Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2187 W. 14th St., Cleveland
- Hours: Friday, May 25 - Sunday, May 27, noon - midnight; Monday, May 28, noon - 9 p.m.
Cleveland Indians
- For an afternoon or evening that is sure to be a home run, residents can head out to the ballpark for America's favorite pastime. Locals can root, root, root for the Cleveland Indians as they take on the Houston Astros, Friday, May 25 - Sunday, May 27, or the Chicago White Sox on Monday, May 28. From chowing down at Friday's "Dollar Dog Night" (with Bertman's Stadium Mustard, of course) to collecting giveaways like a Terry Francona 1988 jersey on Saturday and Corey Kluber bobblehead on Monday, Clevelanders will have plenty of things to cheer about as the Tribe brings home a weekend full of wins.
- Cleveland Indians games: Friday, May 25, 7:10 p.m.; Saturday, May 26, 7:15 p.m.;
Sunday, May 27, 1:10 p.m.; Monday, May 28, 4:10 p.m.
Cool Concerts
- The 2018 summer concert season is strong on star power (Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Jay Z, Brad Paisley and Imagine Dragons to name a few), and it all gets started on Memorial Day weekend. In the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park at Blossom Music Center, locals can sing along with Jimmy Buffett to favorites like "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and "Margaritaville" (and maybe even stop at the Flats East Bank's Margaritaville for dinner and drinks before the show). And for an epic concert that will embody the "rock of ages," Clevelanders can belt out tunes and play their air guitars with Def Leppard and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Journey at Quicken Loans Arena.
- Jimmy Buffett: Blossom Music Center, Sunday, May 27, 8 p.m.
- Journey and Def Leppard: Quicken Loans Arena, Monday, May 28, 7 p.m.
Out and About
BrewBoat CLE
- Cruising down the Cuyahoga River on a sunny day with views of the Cleveland skyline and an adult beverage in hand sounds sublime, right? Well, locals can spend an afternoon doing just that on board BrewBoat CLE. With tunes playing on the speakers and a bring-your-own cooler of beer and wine on deck, residents can enjoy this unique sightseeing experience along Cleveland's waterfront. And a bonus for boaters? They get to integrate some minor cardio on the human-powered cycleboat - yes, that means riders' pedaling will speed the boat down the river.
- Channel Park Marina, 5300 Whiskey Island, Cleveland
- Cruises for the season begin on Friday, May 25. For cruise schedule and reservations, visit www.brewcle.com
Golf in the Cleveland Metroparks
- Warm weather in the CLE over Memorial Day Weekend gives the green light to golf enthusiasts to get out and hit the links at one of the Cleveland Metroparks' golf courses. Whether residents (think they) are at pro-level or are new to the game, the Metroparks' eight golf courses vary in layout from a sporting par three at Shawnee Hills to championship designs at Manakiki and Sleepy Hollow. And for those that want to learn how to golf or improve their game, lessons are offered for various skill levels at the different courses.
Take a Hike Tours
- Seeing iconic Cleveland landmarks enveloped with history lessons from famous Clevelanders like Mayor Carl Stokes, John D. Rockefeller and DJ Alan Freed is basis of the Historic Gateway District's "Take a Hike" tours. The free walking tours of the different Downtown districts are offered throughout the week, allowing residents to learn about the history and culture of each area.Plus, surprise guest appearances from well-known Clevelanders offer residents and their visiting family and friends a new way to discover more about The Land they love.
Family Fun
Cedar Point & Cedar Point Shores
- Whether it's screaming on a record-breaking roller coaster or sauntering along a lazy river, locals can enjoy an activity-filled day or two at Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores. Just an hour west of Downtown Cleveland, residents can hop on one of 70 rides at Cedar Point ranging from thrill rides like the new Steel Vengeance coaster to kid-friendly rides at Camp Snoopy. To beat the heat, Clevelanders can cool off and make a splash at Cedar Point Shores by riding the waves of the Breakwater Bay Wave Pool or taking a six-story drop on Point Plummet. In appreciation of the service and bravery of our Armed Forces, Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores will offer free admission to all active, retired and honorably discharged members of the United States military throughout Memorial Day Weekend.
- 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky
- Cedar Point hours: Friday, May 25 - Sunday, May 27, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.;
Monday, May 28, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Cedar Point Shores hours: Saturday, May 26 - Monday, May 28, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Play:CLE
- From ziplines racing at 30 miles an hour to Rubik-cubed climbing walls to ropes courses with mazes and cable walkways, residents can spend the day combining fun and fitness at Play:CLE, the Midwest's largest indoor adventure park. Friendly competition is highly encouraged with challenges like the ninja warrior course. Even the youngest Clevelanders can participate in activities at the Play:CLE kids' obstacle area. And have no fear, if residents need to re-energize they can stop by the dining area for flatbreads, sandwiches and hot pretzels.
- 38525 Chester Road, Avon
- Tuesday - Thursday, 3 - 9 p.m.; Friday, 3 - 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.;
Sunday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Holden Arboretum
- Just a 30-minute drive from Downtown Cleveland, theHolden Arboretumoffers families a relaxing day filled with picture-perfect views as they meander about the green-filled grounds. From strolling through the Butterfly Garden and Wildflower Garden to hiking above the forest floor along the Murch Canopy Walk or climbing the Kalberer Emergent Tower, residents can take this time to be one with the great outdoors. And, on Sunday, May 27, the arboretum will host a "night hike and s'mores" event where guests can spend an evening exploring the fields, forests and ponds while the sounds of owls and frogs accompany their journey. The evening's adventure will end on a sweet note with hot chocolate and s'mores around the campfire.
- 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland
- Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. - 5p.m.; Night Hike and S'mores event, Sunday, May 27, 8 - 9:30 p.m.
For more Memorial Day Weekend events or to learn more about 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) Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. to plan your adventure.
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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 18 million visitors annually. For more information, visit thisiscleveland.com.