June 16
History on Tap
Who says drinking can’t be educational? Sip your next vino at the Cleveland History Center’s June 16 installment of History on Tap: Uncorked, which explores the Italian tradition of winemaking in Cleveland. “Italian wine is so closely tied to Italian-American history,” says Pamela Dorazio-Dean, the History Center’s Italian-American archives curator. Admire the Italian Renaissance architecture of the Hay-McKinney Mansion while you imbibe. 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-5722, wrhs.org
July 20-22
John Anthony Cipullo Bocce Tournament
Bowl the Italian way at the 27th annual John Anthony Cipullo Bocce Tournament. Enter your squad in the competition to face off against local, regional and national teams at the historic Alta House, where more than 50 teams are expected to attend. “It’s a party atmosphere,” says Mike Cipullo, president of the Alta House board of trustees. “Some play just to support the Alta House, but some get serious.” 12510 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-421-1536, jacbocce.com
July 29
Opera in the Italian Garden
Take in Italy’s greatest export at this annual outdoor opera concert on the lawn of the Italian Renaissance Cultural Garden. Sample wood-fired pizza while the Cleveland Opera and Cleveland Ballet perform selections from Verdi, Puccini and more at 6 p.m. in front of the garden’s fountains. “It’s a combination of the location and the opera,” says Joyce Mariani, executive director of the Italian Cultural Garden Foundation. “It’s a cultural monument.” 990 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-916-7780, clevelandculturalgardens.org
