Brite Winter
This February festival is a testament to Clevelanders’ resiliency. Despite cold and snowy weather, it has grown from hosting just three acts in 2010 to more than 40 this year. The region’s top bands, such as Herzog, Ezri, Modern Electric and Welshly Arms, all put on coats and jam out. britewinter.com
Cruel Winter Fest
Cleveland’s rap scene birthed Kid Cudi and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, so you know it’s got its own fest. Brite Winter’s hard-hitting cousin is an up-and-comers’ showcase, where acts such as Walker OG, and Joey A wreck the Grog Shop in an all-night spectacle. grogshop.gs
Larchmere PorchFest
Grab your lawn chair for this one. Thirty bands play on 30 different Larchmere-area porches as fans walk the streets and watch from residents’ lawns. The annual June event is as eclectic as the neighborhood itself, featuring Americana, funk, hip-hop and world music.larchmereporchfest.org
Tri-C JazzFest
It’s billed as “the nation’s leading educational jazz festival” for a reason. This June, three-day gathering pulls in forward-thinkers and roots historians. Educate yourself on the headliners performing on Playhouse Square stages, such as NPR favorites the Punch Brothers, a progressive bluegrass and jazz band. tri-c.edu/jazzfest
WonderStruck
Formerly known as LaurelLive, this festival is Cleveland’s version of Bonnaroo, pulling in correspondingly big acts including Portugal. The Man and Third Eye Blind. This year it’s being held on the rolling hills of the Lakeland Community College campus this summer. wonderstruckfest.com
