Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week
Indulge in Cleveland’s culinary clout at discount prices during the annual Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week. The event spotlights downtown's bustling food scene with a variety of prix fixe, three-course menus at more than 50 participating restaurants. Diners can sample everything from beef cheek pierogies at Lola to tagliatelle at Chinato. Meal prices are set at $15 to $40. While you're basking in the glow of a good meal, don’t forget to vote online for your favorite bistro — your ballot could determine which hot spot wins a Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Award. $15-$40. Feb. 23-25, various locations, 216-736-7799, downtowncleveland.com
Cleveland Chili Bowl Classic 5K
Limber up for the 31st annual Chili Bowl Classic 5K. Complete a 5K run around downtown, before hopping over to Hofbrauhaus Cleveland for a hearty sampling of chili made by Cleveland police officers and firefighters. With an award for best chili at stake, there's bound to be some fun competition. The event benefits Cops for Kids and the MetroHealth burn unit. The weather may be frightful, but the chili will be worth every step. $10-$30. Feb. 24 9 a.m., Hofbrauhaus Cleveland, 1550 Chester Ave, Cleveland, 216-623-9933, clevelandchilibowlrun.com
Fight the Frost Festival
Snap out of the blizzard blues at the Metroparks’ Fight the Frost Festival. With nature walks, winter crafts, carpet skating and more, the nip in your nose can't slow you down. Cap off the day by the campfire with roasted marshmallows and hot chocolate, and consider your cabin fever cured. Free. Feb. 24 noon - 4 p.m., Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, CanalWay Center, 4524 East 49th Street, Cuyahoga Heights, 216-206-1000, clevelandmetroparks.com
Brite Winter
Is there anything more Cleveland than throwing an outdoor music festival — in February? Prove your #CLE bonafides and bundle up for this ninth annual arts event, where more than 40 musical acts will play on indoor and outdoor stages across the West Bank of the Flats. Packed with performances from 3 p.m. to midnight, Brite Winter will marry the music with a myriad of other family-friendly activities, including ice carving, s’more stations and art displays throughout the neighborhood. Mosey to one of six food trucks if you feel peckish, including Barrio and Wholly Frijoles. Aussie rock band Atlas Genius will headline a bill that also includes local favorites Seafair, Fresh Produce, Herzog and more. Your move, Lollapalooza. $5 donation suggested. VIP tickets $45-$195. Feb. 24 3p.m.-1 a.m., West Bank of the Flats, 216-245-7840, britewinter.com
Jump Back Ball
Prepare for otherworldly levels of glitzy fun at Playhouse Square’s 27th annual Jump Back Ball. The theme for this year’s black-tie soiree is “Space Odyssey,” so brush up on your Klingon or secure some Princess Leia hair buns for a ball celebrating all of your favorite sci-fi characters. Cruise through Playhouse Square’s historic theaters while enjoying live music, cocktails, decadent food and a silent auction. Hosted in a galaxy far, far away, you'll have to commandeer Han Solo as a date. $180-$250. Feb. 24 6 p.m., Playhouse Square, State Theatre, 1501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-640-8408, playhousesquare.org
