Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off & BeerFest (May 24 - 27)
Berea is the place to be for rib lovers this Memorial Day weekend, as Cleveland’s best BBQ rib makers gather for the city’s annual cook-off. Whether you like them smoked, charred, spicy or saucy, there’s a palette for everyone to sample, as each team competes for the Best Ribs, Best Sauce and People’s Choice awards. Then, quench your thirst at the craft beer garden, which features a selection of local brews and seltzers. Live music and other kid activities will be available. $10, Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 164 Eastland Road, Berea, berearib.com
Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival (June 13-15)
Commencing for its 63rd year, Kirtland Schools presents a weekend of live music, crafts, games, parades, rides, contests and of course: strawberries. Take them fresh, or find them in the form of shortcakes, lemonade, sundaes or covered in chocolate. Free, 9252 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland, kirtlandohio.com
Taste of Tremont (July 21)
Park in the heart of Tremont for a lovely Sunday afternoon and evening, and get a taste of all the local flare this trendy neighborhood has to offer. Sample delicious and savory food from some of the best chefs in Northeast Ohio while shopping for merchandise from local artists, makers and vendors, all backdropped by live music, courtesy of up-and-coming talents. Free, 2406 Professor Ave., Cleveland, experiencetremont.com
BorderLight Theatre Festival (July 24-27)
Over 100 artists in the world of theatre come together for a weekend of singing, dancing, acting and good memories. Immerse yourself in more than 30 local and national performances, covering a wide range of genres and cultures. TBA, Downtown Cleveland, borderlightcle.org
Twins Days Festival (Aug. 2-4)
The 49th Twinsburg Twins Days Festival celebrates everything in pairs, as twins, triplets and more from around the globe gather for a weekend of double takes. After a parade of multiples kicks off the weekend, tournaments, talent shows, food, music and fireworks are all in store for siblings looking to celebrate their lookalikes. The thrill will stay alive all three days. $12.50+, Twinsburg Community Center, 10260 Ravenna Road, Twinsburg, twinsdays.org
Little Italy’s Feast of the Assumption (Aug 15-18)
Fill your stomach and your soul as you wander the streets of Little Italy during this tight-knit community’s celebration of the Catholic Feast of the Assumption. Free, 12021 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, littleitalyfeast.com
Dog Days of Summer (Aug. 17)
Kent presents a dog-lover's paradise at the annual Dog Days of Summer festival. Celebrate the furry companions in your life with toys, merchandise, food, live music and lots of free cuddles. Free, Donations encouraged, 142 N. Water St., Kent,
madonio-animal-trust.org
Cleveland Oktoberfest (Aug. 30-Sept. 7)
Immerse yourself in a world of wiener dog races and bustling Biergartens at USA Today’s “Best Oktoberfest” in the nation. The festival, which honors Germany’s vibrant and colorful culture, promises art, crafts, Bavarian collectibles, authentic German cuisine and of course: lots of beer. TBA, Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, clevelandoktoberfest.com
Waterloo Arts Fest (Sept. 14)
A music, arts and food festival all in one, this historic lakeside neighborhood has put its entertainment scene on display for over two decades. Marvel at the work of 90+ art galleries, and get the chance to make crafts. Free, 15605 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, waterlooartsfest.org
For more things to do this summer, visit our 2024 Summer Fun Guide.
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