Brite Winter
Date: Feb. 18 What it is: An outdoor nighttime music and art festival in the middle of winter — only in Cleveland, right? What to do: Brite Winter brings the noise with more than 30 local and national musical acts such as indie group the Lighthouse and the Whaler. Why we love it: It’s basically an adult snow day at night with ice carvings, fire pits, art installations and plenty of craft beer. If you go: West Bank of the Flats, britewinter.com
Cleveland Kurentovanje
Date: Feb. 25 What it is: This Slovenian carnival honors the Kurent, a mythical beast thought to chase away winter. What to do: An afternoon parade includes polka and people dressed as Kurents. Why we love it: If a bunch of mythical beasts can brave the snow, then we can find the courage to sip mulled wine and dance our way into an early spring. If you go: Slovenian National Home, 6409 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, clevelandkurentovanje.com
Lake Erie Folk Fest
Date: Feb. 25 What it is: The fest is a daylong sendup to folk music. What to do: Free dance and music workshops, community sing-alongs and an evening concert featuring blues singer Austin Walkin’ Cane and Alash Ensemble is music to our ears. Why we love it: Whether our groove gets going for Irish fiddling or flashy bluegrass strumming, this indoor festival fills our soul with warm sounds. If you go: Shore Cultural Center, 291 E. 222nd St., Euclid, lakeeriefolkfest.com
Warm Up With Our Favorite Winter Festivals
Music, myths and mulled wine to melt away those winter blues.
