While summer is not officially here yet, the upcoming Memorial Day weekend is a preview of what summer will be in Cleveland. A number of festivals, parades, concert series and other special events are booked long into summer, giving Clevelanders plenty of time to make their summer plans. Cleveland residents take pride in having fun while showing off events that celebrate our city. Kick off Memorial Day Weekend the right way by trying something new or revisiting a favorite event.
Food Frenzy
1. Waterfront views, ambient sounds reflecting off the Cuyahoga River, finger foods and life-size games even adults can't step away from are just some of things people can expect at the Taste of Summer at Flats East Bank. Nothing says summer better than casual live entertainment going on throughout the weekend. This festival encourages Clevelanders to get off the couch and get outside for some early summertime fun.
Highlights and new features this year include:
- Yappy Hour on Friday beginning at 4 p.m.
- Worried about missing a game? Jumbo TV will stream all the games.
- Slyman's Food Truck and Maui Shaved Ice
- Finger foods: Corn on a stick, watermelon, pretzels, perch sandwich
- Childhood classics: Life-size Jenga, Operation and chess.
Hours: Friday, May 26, 4 – 10 p.m.; Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28, Noon – 10 p.m.
Where: Flats East Bank, 1055 Old River Road, Cleveland
2. Dreaming about taking a trip to the white coast of Greece or have you been craving Greek food? The 47th Annual Tremont Greek Fest requires its visitors to have a big appetite upon arrival because the amount of authentic Greek food can be overwhelming. Baklava, Soutzoukakia, Souvlaki, Mousakka and thinly layer Spanakopita are just several of many dishes available. Dance groups from local Greek churches will provide entertainment.
Hours: Friday, May 26 – Sunday, May 28, Noon – Midnight; Monday, May 29, Noon – 9 p.m.
Where: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 2187 W. 14th St., Cleveland
3. Feeling saucy? Nothing says summer better than a Rib-Cook Off and one of the first of the season is happening this weekend at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. The 19th Annual Berea's National Cook-Off is home to saucy ribs that fall off the bone. So far, there are 13 confirmed ribbers ready to start their busy season in Berea.
- Admission: Friday free before 5 p.m., the rest of the weekend through Monday, tickets are $5.
- All military personnel will be admitted for free on Monday
- Moving and groovin': Gary West—for the love of Cash, Colin Dussault's Blue Project, The Stickers and Seven Nations, among others.
Hours: Friday, May 26, Noon – 11 p.m.; Saturday, May 27 – Monday, May, 29, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Where: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights
Honor our fallen heroes
1. You've probably passed it circling Public Square. The main monument at Public Square is more than meets the eye. Inside the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, commemorating the American Civil War, four bronze groupings on the esplanade depict four battle scenes: navy, artillery, infantry and cavalry. This monument commemorates the 9,000 Civil War veterans who risked their lives and served during the war.
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday, Admission is free.
Where: 3 Public Square Cleveland
Get Outside
1. Looking for something adventurous? Go high among the trees at the Common Ground Canopy Tours. Just a 45-minute drive from downtown, this tree top adventure includes an 850-foot zip over the Vermillion River Valley and seven zip lines. The tour takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Ages 10 and up can enjoy this unforgettable adventure. Book early because spots fill up quickly during peak season. Hours: Friday, May 26 – Sunday, May 28, various times
Where: 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, Ohio 44094
