Cleveland (April 2, 2024) — Spring 2024 is an exciting and action-packed season in Cleveland. From the NCAA Women’s Final Four to the Total Solar Eclipse to annual sporting events and cultural experiences, there’s no shortage of ways to shake off the winter blues and embrace The Land in the spring.
The Land of Going All Out
As the saying goes, go big or go home – and this season, Cleveland doesn’t have to choose. Locals and their visiting friends and family won’t want to miss out on two historic events taking over The Land.
NCAA Women’s Final Four: From April 4-7, Cleveland will host one of the largest events in the history of women’s basketball. As some of America’s most talented women’s collegiate basketball players give their all on the basketball court, there are plenty of free events outside the arena for locals and visitors to experience. Options include the
Tourney Town fan festival,
Party on the Plaza – a pop-up party taking place on Gateway Plaza, a large-scale basketball parade called
Bounce and the chance to see the top teams get ready for the championship game at
Super Saturday Practice.
Total Solar Eclipse: On April 8, Cleveland will be an epicenter of celestial activity as the moon passes between the earth and the sun, creating a total solar eclipse. Cleveland is set to have one of the longest durations of total darkness — nearly 4 minutes. Exciting events for residents and visitors include
Total on the Oval,
Total Eclipse Fest,
Total Eclipse of the Point and
Solarfest: Eclipse Family Days.
Signs of the Season
One of the most beautiful seasons in Cleveland, springtime showcases the beauty of blooms and nature. The Land offers plenty of options for those looking to take in the splendor.
Daffodil Hill: Lake View Cemetery is known for being the final resting spot of many prominent Clevelanders, including President James A. Garfield, John D. Rockefeller and Eliot Ness. In the spring, it also becomes a popular stop thanks to a hillside that blooms with daffodils every year. Located in section III of the cemetery, the blooming of Daffodil Hill serves as one of the first signs of the new season.
Cherry Blossoms at Wade Oval: Wade Oval at University Circle is home to many uniquely Cleveland attractions, like the Cleveland Museum of Art and Severance Music Center, as well as one of the most beautiful spring sights in The Land: cherry blossom trees. Lining the path around the lagoon, the cherry blossoms bloom bringing additional beauty to the area. While it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact time they’ll peak, it’s worth keeping track of the timing with University Circle’s
Bloom Tracker.
2024 Trailheads & Parks Passport
Destination Cleveland’s
Trailheads & Parks passport makes it a breeze to check off those outdoor spring adventures in The Land. The 2024 edition of the passport includes 26 local trails for cyclists, hikers and walkers. Participants can accumulate points across all of Destination Cleveland’s
experience passports to trade in for a variety of Cleveland-branded prizes, including water bottles, tote bags, koozies and more.
Films & Festivals
Festival season has returned to The Land with all its classics, and there’s a little something for everyone on the spring schedule.
Cleveland International Film Fest: It will be an exciting week for local film buffs as
Cleveland International Film Festival takes over the KeyBank State Theater at Playhouse Square from April 3-13. From documentaries and dramas to hilarious 10-minute shorts, CIFF offers a variety of films. A selection of the films will be available to stream online from April 14-21.
- April 3-13, streaming available April 14-21
- KeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1519 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
- Tickets are $0 - $25
Thyagaraja Festival: Every year for nearly two weeks, Cleveland State University becomes the largest center for traditional Indian music outside of India. Beginning on April 10 and continuing until April 21, this year’s
Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival is expected to draw nearly 10,000 people. For those who can’t attend in person, the festival will be streamed online.
- April 10-21
- Cleveland State University: 2121 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
Fan Expo: For sci-fi, horror, anime or gaming enthusiasts,
FAN EXPO Cleveland is the place to be this spring. From April 12-14, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland will celebrate all things pop culture. Featuring guest stars like Elijah Wood, Jodi Benson, Maile Flanagan and Roger Clark, the three-day event will include celebrity panels, cosplay competitions and more.
- April 12-14
- Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland: 300 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44113
- Tickets (available online) are $28 - $119
Asian Festival: For the community, by the community. On May 18 and 19, the
Cleveland Asian Festival will celebrate the rich Asian heritage present in The Land. Created to unite the Greater Cleveland Asian community, the festival has everything from authentic food and drink to cultural dance performances, music and demonstrations.
- May 18-19
- 2999 Payne Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114
Spring Sports & More
From the crack of the bat at Progressive Field to a first-of-its kind ride at Cedar Point, sports lovers and thrill seekers alike will find plenty of options in The Land this season.
New Cleveland Browns Exhibit at Pro Football Hall of Fame: “
A Legacy Unleashed” gives fans the chance to celebrate the rich history of the Cleveland Browns. From their impressive record of seven championships in a 10-year span to “The Kardiac Kids” and “Dawg Pound” years, the temporary exhibit highlights it all. Featuring artifacts honoring the storied history of the Browns, programming schedules will be announced each week of the six weekends by special Hall of Famer player appearances.
- March 15-April 21
- Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2121 George Halas Dr., N.W. Canton, OH 44708
- Tickets are $25 - $75
Guardians’ Home Opener: A classic moment in Cleveland and the signal that spring has finally sprung, the
home opener for the Guardians is always exciting. This year’s home opener on April 8 will be one for the history books as it coincides with the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse. Fans can arrive in Downtown Cleveland early for the eclipse and stay late to root, root, root for the home team as first pitch flies at 5:10 p.m. While tickets are sold out, the Guardians
Ballpark Pass is still available, offering fans access to all the games they want for just $49 a month.
- April 8
- Progressive Field: 2401 Ontario St. Cleveland, OH 44115
Cedar Point’s Opening Day: Back for its 155
th season,
Cedar Point will open its gates to thrill seekers from Northeast Ohio and beyond on May 4. Among the highlights this year: the newest attraction,
Top Thrill II, the world’s tallest and fastest triple launch strata coaster in the world. Park season passes and tickets for opening day are available to purchase now.
- May 4
- 1 Cedar Point Dr., Sandusky, OH 44870
- Tickets (available online) start at $49.99
Cleveland Marathon: Entering its 47
th year of providing an inclusive running experience for individuals at all levels of running, the
Cleveland Marathon will take to the streets on May 18 and 19. Runners are encouraged to take part in the race that fits their ability, from a full marathon to a half and even a 10k and 5k.