11 Things to Do This Memorial Day Weekend in Cleveland

Catch a Guardians game, enjoy some delicious ribs at the Berea National Rib Cook-Off, rein in spring with the Blossom Time Festival and more this weekend in The Land. By Anthony Elder

by Anthony Elder | May. 24, 2023 | 1:00 PM

Erik Drost

Erik Drost

Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & BeerFest
Enter a world of nostalgic cookout vibes where the scent of smoky brews and charred ribs fills the air. The Berea National Rib Cook-Off & Beer Fest isn’t just about the food and drinks — look forward to live music from artists like the Band Cruisin and Bronx Country. $10, May 26-29, various times, Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, berearib.com

Blossom Time Festival at Chagrin Falls
One of the most scenic spots in Northeast Ohio comes alive with midway booths, carnival rides and musical performances for an all-out springtime bash. You’ll want to stick around through the evening for a stunning display of illuminated hot air balloons. Free-$100, May 25-28, various times, 18 E. Orange St., Chagrin Falls,cvcc.org/events

Cleveland Guardians v. Saint Louis Cardinals
What better way to get out in the Cleveland sun than with America’s pastime. The Guards are taking on the Cardinals for a weekend series at home, so pick a day and go grab a brew and a Sugardale dog at Progressive Field. Tickets starting at $15, May 26-28, various times, 2401 Ontario St., Cleveland,mlb.com/guardians

Great Lakes Science Center Dinosaurs of the Sahara Exhibit
Dinosaur lovers won’t want to miss this one. The prehistoric Sahara comes to the present when the Science Center debuts this new, monster-filled exhibit. Gather up the family for an opportunity to feel real fossils and gaze at the old and intimidating SuperCroc skull. Free-$19.95, May 26- Sept. 4, various times, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland,greatscience.com

John Mellencamp at Connor Palace
The rock icon known for hits like “Hurts So Good” and “R.O.C.K. in the USA” riffs into Cleveland this weekend for two days of Mellencamp glory. If you’re a fan of the genre, this is your opportunity for a rockin’ Memorial Day weekend. $44-$139.50, May 25-26, 8 p.m., 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland,playhousesquare.org

Kristen Newell: Unfolding at WOLFS Gallery
Feminine forms twist, bend and curl, laden with expressions of kindness and hidden emotion. These sculptures — whose cracks go unmasked for a vulnerable and honest presentation — are the works of Cleveland artist Kristen Newell. Her pieces exhibited at the WOLFS gallery make her possibly the youngest living artist shown off in the space. Free, through June 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 23645 Mercantile Road, Beachwood,wolfsgallery.com

Little Italy Artisan & Farmers Market
This event ranges the gamut from art to food and everything in between with farmers, artisans and various vendors congregating at Tony Brush Park. Nestled in the beautiful Little Italy district, there aren’t many better ways to spend Memorial Day weekend supporting the makers of Cleveland. Free, May 27, 1-7 p.m., 12002 Mayfield Road, Cleveland,littleitalycle.com

Memorial Day Weekend in Cleveland
There’s plenty to do with the three-day weekend looming — catch a Guardians baseball game, the Memorial Day weekend event at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium or take the opportunity to get your boat back on the water for another warm season of outdoor fun.

Rock N Reggae Fest at Voinovich Park
The festival returns to Voinovich Park on May 27 and 28 with a second day after last year’s event sold out. Of course, Carlos Jones and his act, the P.L.U.S. Band, will be there jamming among a slew of local and national acts alike. $25-$125, May 27-28, noon-10 p.m., 800 E. Ninth St. Pier, Cleveland,tastecle.com

Station Hope at St. John’s Episcopal Church
This yearly event brings together more than 250 artists from across the state for a day celebrating Cleveland’s role in the Underground Railroad and early social justice movements. Don’t miss Station Hope for the chance to view dance performances, theater, music, sculpture and artwork all centered around liberation and justice. Free, May 27, 5-10 p.m., 2600 Church Ave. W. 26th St., Cleveland,cptonline.org/station-hope

Tremont Greek Festival
Celebrated for more than 40 years, the tradition of delicious Greek delicacies and culture lives on right here in Cleveland. Arrive hungry and ready to mingle as this event tends to feel more like a feast and a family reunion than some random street fest. Free, May 26-29, noon-midnight, 2187 W. 14th St., Cleveland,facebook.com/TremontGreekFest

Get ahead of the weekend by signing up for our free weekly “In the CLE” newsletter — your guide to fun throughout The Land. Arriving in your inbox every Wednesday, this weekend to-do list fills you in on everything from concerts to museum exhibits — and more. Click here to subscribe.

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