Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & BeerFest (May 26-29)
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. It’s a nostalgic homecoming for Clevelanders and rib lovers alike, where the festival stays the same year after year, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity that you can hardly find anywhere else. $10, May 26-29, Friday: 12:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. | Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. | Sunday 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. | Monday 11:00 a.m.-7 p.m., Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, berearib.com
Freedom Fest (June 16-17)
Freedom Fest is about celebrating, learning, and participating in the rich history of African American culture with your loved ones. This celebration, held in honor of Juneteenth, the oldest national commemoration of the day slavery was abolished, will take you on a soul-stirring journey. The festivities will include spoken-word performances, interactive art demonstrations, a vendor village, and a soul food row, all highlighting Black businesses, and entrepreneurs and community education and programming. Free, June 16-17, Friday: 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. | Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Mall C., Downtown Cleveland, juneteenthcle.com
The Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival (June 23-24)
The Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio, Inc. is responsible for bringing the Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival to life. Safe to say, they have successfully developed an event embodying the ancient Highland games’ spirit. Through music, dance, and athletic challenges, the Ohio Scottish Games commend the rich social practices of Scotland. $10-$15, June 23-24, Friday: 4:45 p.m.-10:30 p.m | Saturday: 8:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m., 19201 E Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights,, ohioscottishgames.com
The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival (June 23-August 6)
Behold, ye Shakespeare enthusiasts! The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival is on a mission to bring the magic of live theater to the good people of Greater Cleveland. With “As You Like It” and “Measure for Measure,” two of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays taking center stage, this year’s programming promises to be a treat for enthusiasts. Gather your friends and family, pack a picnic, and get ready to be swept away by the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival’s beauty and brilliance. Free, June 23-August 6, 7:00 p.m., 2134 Lee Road, Cleveland, clevelandshakespeare.org
Edgewater NeighborFest (June 25)
Get ready for a fun celebration of music, art, and food. This year’s Edgewater NeighborFest is not to be missed, as the electrifying 7-year-old DJ Lily Jade will be taking the stage to spin some original hip-hop tracks by up-and-coming local artists. Come hungry and indulge in mouth-watering delights from Papa Nick’s Pizza, Landmark Smokehouse, The Fancy Kernel, Cleveland Cookie Dough, and more. Additionally, bring your hard-to-recycle items to The Little Spark Refill Shop for proper disposal. Free, June 25, 11:30 a.m., 6516 Detroit Ave., Suite 1, cudelledgewater.com/enf
Willoughby ArtsFest (July 15)
This celebration will excite all of your senses with over 90 talented artists showcasing their paintings and mixed media pieces along the charming streets of Downtown Willoughby. Remember to stop by the festival’s specialty food trucks and merchants as you wander the closed roads. While you’re there, check out any of the delicious restaurants in Willoughby’s central business district. Free, July 15, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., 28 E Spaulding St., Willoughby, willoughbyartsfest.com
Twins Days Festival (August 4-6)
Imagine seeing double as far as the eye can see! That’s what you can expect at the annual Twins Days Festival — the largest gathering of twins in the world. This year’s event includes a talent show, food, Twins Days 5k Run, games, and a spectacular fireworks display. The festival will be pirate themed, so make sure to put your best hook forward! $5, August 4-6, 10260 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg, twinsdays.org
Cleveland Garlic Festival (August 27-28)
Garlic enthusiasts flock to Cleveland every year to see it transform into the Midwest and Great Lakes region’s garlic capital. Live music, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, garlic-themed food prepared by local chefs, celebrity chef Grill-Off, and other events bring the celebration to life. Garlic can be added to anything at this festival, even ice cream. In contrast to most eventsfestivals, this one leaves a lasting smell until the next one arrives. $10, August 27-28, Saturday: 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. | Sunday: 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., 13111 Shaker Square, Cleveland, clevelandgarlicfestival.org
Cleveland Oktoberfest at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds (September 1-4 & 8-9)
Immerse yourself in a world of enormous tents, Wiener dog races, and a bustling Biergarten. The event honors Germany’s vibrant and colorful culture in a way that will inspire and uplift you. This festival promises over 100 vendors selling Bavarian collectibles, the best selection of 20 different kinds of beer, and 15 restaurants serving delicious food. Enjoy traditional dishes like pierogi, schnitzel, and pretzels all while grooving to the music’s upbeat energy. $16-$25, September 1-4 & 8-9, Friday: 4:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. | Saturday: 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. | Sunday: 12:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. | Monday: 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., 19201 E Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights, clevelandoktoberfest.com
Fresh Fest Cleveland (September 9)
The Fresh Fest coming this September always brings excellent live music, a fresh farmers market, health and wellness activities — not to mention, local artists and vendors, a Kidzone, food trucks, and a beer garden. This year promises to be even better than the last, so mark your calendars. Free, September 9, 1:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., 8129 Otter Ave., Cleveland, freshfestcleveland.com
Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival (September 16-17)
Experience an ultimate cultural celebration at the 2023 Tremont Arts and Cultural Festival, featuring five vibrant villages showcasing art, cuisine, and interactive experiences. This festival features 110 vendors and focuses on celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander, African American, LGBTQ+, and Latino artists. Free, September 16-17, Saturday: 12:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Sunday: 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m., 1200 Starkweather Ave, Cleveland, experiencetremont.com
