CLEVELAND – Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to be in and around downtown Cleveland for more than a dozen events and festivals this weekend.
“This is the place to be, go Tribe,” said Ann Keagan, assistant director of communications for the Cleveland Indians. “It’ll be fun here for the weekend. We look forward to having as many people as we can.”
The Indians play against the Astros at Progressive Field Friday night, Saturday night and Sunday as the team inches closer to the playoffs. Promotional events accompany each game with one dollar hot dogs Friday, fireworks Saturday and Key Bank kids’ fun day Sunday.
“If you come here, you’re going to see something that you like,” said James Krouse, artistic director of Ingenuity Cleveland.
The ninth annual IngenuityFest kicks off this weekend at dock 32 behind FirstEnergy Stadium. The festival celebrates art and technology with more than 300 exhibits.
“We have artists that are coming in with pieces that are 80 feet long, 60 feet long, really ambitious projects,” Krouse said.
Blow-up amphitheaters, neon murals and livable shipping containers decorate the warehouse.
This Weekend in CLE: September 20-22, 2013
More than 225,000 people are expected to celebrate the final days of summer in Downtown Cleveland and the surrounding area at 14 major events this weekend. Those looking for a fun-filled weekend can enjoy free art and technology festivals, races, downtown Lolly the Trolley tours, college football games, Cleveland Indians homestand and other events throughout the weekend.
FESTIVALS:
IngenuityFest: A Festival of Art and Technology (FREE admission)
At IngenuityFest, passionate innovators and master-class artists meet to exhibit original and transforming works, beautiful to the eye and mind.
When: Friday, Sept. 20, 5pm-1am, Saturday, Sept. 21 Noon-1am, Sunday, Sept. 22 Noon-6pm
Where: Docks 30 and 32, on the lakefront, north of Browns Stadium and the Great Lakes Science Center
More info: http://www.ingenuitycleveland.com
Cleveland Dragonboat Festival (FREE admission)
This annual festival and race celebrates the unique culture of Cleveland’s Asian community and dragonboat history. Onlookers can watch as 400 athletes race in three colorfully painted dragonboats from the Jacob’s Pavillion to Shooters on the West Bank of the Flats.
Where: Saturday, Sept. 21
8am: Opening Ceremonies
9am-4pm: Dragonboat Races
Where: The location for best viewing is along the boardwalk on the West Bank of the Cuyahoga River near Jacob’s Pavilion, 2014 Sycamore Street
More info: http://www.clevelanddragonboatfestival.com
Sparx City Hop (FREE Lolly the Trolley rides)
Attendees can “hop” on three different Lolly the Trolley lines to explore various Cleveland neighborhoods. Along the way, tour guides share interesting facts and artistic points of interest. Wristbands for free trolley rides and welcome centers are available at each of the trolley stops along the routes with the main hub welcome center at Public Square.
Blue Route: explores the Downtown district and PlayhouseSquare
Green Route: explores the Ohio City neighborhood
Red Route: explores the Tremont neighborhood
When: Saturday, Sept 21, 11am-9pm
Where: Starting Location: Public Square, Downtown Cleveland
More info: http://www.downtownclevelandalliance.com
Western Reserve Historical Society’s Wings & Wheels Weekend
This weekend, car enthusiasts should head down to the Crawford Auto Aviation Collection’s new REVolution and Setting the World in Motion exhibits at the Western Reserve Historical Society. Highlights include the “Cars by Twilight” evening event, a Historic Road Rally, curator presentations, family activities such as “Safety Town,” face painting and photo scavenger hunts.
When: Friday, Sept. 20 6-9pm (Cars by Twilight), Saturday, Sept. 21 10am-5pm, Sunday, Sept. 22 Noon-5pm
Where: History Center, 10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland
Tickets and more information: http://www.wrhs.org
Cleveland Museum of Art Chalk Festival (FREE admission)
Children and adults alike can join professional artists in transforming the walkways around the Cleveland Museum of Art into a colorful canvas through beautiful chalk artwork. Hundreds of chalk artists and 19,000 spectators are expected this year.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21 11am–5pm, Sunday, Sept. 22 Noon-5pm
Where: Cleveland Museum of Art, University Circle
More info: http://www.clevelandart.org
Tremont Art & Cultural Festival (FREE admission)
This festival celebrates the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Tremont neighborhood with vendors showcasing fine art, jewelry, sculptures, musicians, performers and food from local Tremont restaurants. Tremont is located just 15 minutes from Downtown Cleveland.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21 11am-6pm, Sunday, Sept. 22 Noon-5pm
Where: Lincoln Park at 1208 Starkweather Avenue, Tremont neighborhood
More info: http://www.tremontwest.org
RIPE! Fest
This Saturday and Sunday, people can head to the Cleveland Botanical Garden for the annual RIPE Fest which celebrates the city’s fresh produce, craft beer and local music. This end-of-summer festival features food from local area farms, restaurants and breweries, live music, a marketplace, cooking demonstrations, gardening workshops and a children’s area.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21 11am-10pm, Sunday, Sept. 22 11am-Sundown
Where: Cleveland Botanical Gardens, University Circle
Tickets and more information: http://www.cbgarden.org/ripe.aspx
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s World Festival (FREE Entertainment)
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum hosts a colorful, world festival celebrating Cleveland’s many cultures and ethnic groups. Participants representing Cleveland’s diverse cultures will dress in native costumes and share cultural song and dance throughout the festival.
When: Sunday, Sept. 22 Noon-4:00pm
Where: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Downtown Cleveland
More info: http://www.rockhall.com/event/world-festival-2013
Taste of Little Italy
Attendees can sample food from more than 40 of Cleveland’s delicious Italian restaurants. Other activities include wine tastings, live entertainment and a silent auction in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood.
When: Sunday, Sept. 22, 2pm-6pm
Where: Holy Rosary Church, Little Italy neighborhood
Tickets and more information: http://www.tasteoflittleitalycleveland.com
SPORTING EVENTS:
Cleveland Indians Home Games
This weekend, the Cleveland Indians take on the Houston Astros at Progressive Field. On Friday night, fans can fill up on the popular Sugardale Dollar Dogs. Saturday, those attending the game should stick around for the post-game “Thank you Tribe Town” fireworks, courtesy of the Indians own, Nick Swisher. And, before Sunday’s game, attendees can bring the kids to the KeyBank Kids Fun Day to participate in a Homerun Derby, take a swing in the batting cages or run the bases of Progressive Field like the big league players.
When: Friday, Sept. 20 7:05pm, Saturday, Sept. 21 6:05pm, Sunday, Sept. 22 1:05pm
Where: Progressive Field, Downtown Cleveland
Tickets and more information: http://www.indians.mlb.com
Cleveland Classic
On Saturday, the Tuskegee University vs. Winston-Salem State University football game takes place at FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns. The pregame festivities include a tailgating party, featuring live entertainment, food and a celebration of the premier historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). The weekend also showcases the Cleveland Classic Gospel Concert with national recording artist, Tye Tribbett, and the Cleveland Classic Stepping for Life Comedy and Step Show.
When:
Friday, Sept. 20
6pm: Cleveland Classic Gospel Concert featuring Tye Tribbett presented by The Word Church at The Word Church main campus on Cleveland’s east side
8:30pm: Cleveland Classic Stepping for Life Comedy and Step Show at the Wolstein Center, Downtown Cleveland
Saturday, Sept. 21
11am: Tailgate Party outside FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns
1pm: Kickoff: Tuskegee University vs. Winston-Salem State University at FirstEnergy Stadium
KeyBank Marching Band Halftime Show: Tuskegee University and Winston-Salem State University Marching Bands and drum lines to perform
Tickets and more information: http://www.clevelandsports.org/clevelandclassic.aspx
RACES:
Komen Race for the Cure
The Komen Race for the Cure takes place Saturday at Malls B and C in Downtown Cleveland. The race offers a 5K timed competitive run, a 5K walk, a one-mile family fun walk and a kid’s dash to benefit breast cancer education, screening and survivor support programs. This year, 12,000 participants are expected.
When:
Saturday, Sept. 21
6am: Event opens at Malls B and C, Downtown Cleveland
8am: Survivor Ceremony begins
9:15am: 5k Competitive Race
9:30am: 5k Walk
9:45am: 1 Mile Walk
10:15am: Awards Ceremony
10:30am: Kid’s Dash
Where: Malls B and C, Downtown Cleveland
More info: http://www.komenneohio.org
The Cleveland Color Run 5k
Attendees can watch as runners sprint through Willoughby Hills in a unique “paint race” that celebrates individuality, healthiness and happiness.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 8am starting window
Where: The starting location is at Pat O’Brien Chevrolet at 2810 Bishop Rd, Willoughby Hills
More info: http://www.thecolorrun.com/cleveland-fall
Head of the Cuyahoga presented by The Cleveland Rowing Foundation (FREE admission)
The Cleveland Rowing Foundation is hosting a rowing regatta along the Cuyahoga River that attracts rowing clubs from around the country. The 4,800-meter course involves five major river turns (including an S-bend) and begins at Rivergate Park.
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 8am-3:30pm: Head of the Cuyahoga Race
Where: Best viewing location is Rivergate Park in Downtown Cleveland home of the Cleveland Rowing Foundation Boat House at 1003 British Street.
More info: http://www.clevelandrows.org
Weekend Travel Tips
Download a parking map for the event. This weekend, it’s best to get to events early and have alternative parking lots in mind. Most parking lots require cash. To find parking close to your destinations, visit: http://www.positivelycleveland.com/visit/maps.
Use public transportation. If you’d rather leave your car at home, use the Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s (RTA) service. Cash fare for any RTA bus or rapid is $2.25 per ride. All-day passes allow for unlimited rides on any RTA bus or rapid anywhere in Cuyahoga County, from the time of first use until 3am the next day. The cost is $5. Five-trip passes cost $11.25, but are not restricted to subsequent day use. For routes and lines near you, visit http://www.riderta.com.
Pack for weather changes. Weather changes quickly on the Great Lakes. The weekend forecast shows Friday at a high of 80 degrees and Saturday and Sunday in the mid 60’s. Be prepared for any weather condition by carrying a light jacket, hat, sunscreen, water bottle and a collapsible umbrella in your backpack or purse.
Whenever possible, walk. Downtown Cleveland is incredibly walkable and most downtown hotels are within a 5-25 minute walk of waterfront events, Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Progressive Field, The Warehouse District, East Fourth Street, PlayhouseSquare and other major attractions.
Bike it. For residents who live in surrounding neighborhoods like Tremont, Ohio City or Cleveland Heights, consider riding your bike to Cleveland’s main attractions. With the recent upswing in “greener” transportation, many downtown locations offer secure bike parking like the Cleveland Bike Rack located across from Quicken Loans Arena. (www.clevelandbikerack.com)
Mobile hospitality. Positively Cleveland has a unique location-based mobile website that matches you with nearby dining hotspots, attractions and hotels. (www.cleplus.mobi)
Ask Downtown Cleveland Safety Ambassadors for help, safety or directions. Safety Ambassadors patrol downtown and act as the city’s eyes and ears. Ambassadors also carry two-way radios to reach Peace Officers, who are off-duty Cleveland Police officers who can provide supplementary security. These Ambassadors are easy to spot with their bright yellow shirts. (www.downtownclevelandalliance.com/ambassadors.aspx)
Purchase tickets beforehand. Visit the event websites found within each description to purchase tickets for events beforehand; you’ll be happy you did.
Plan, plan, plan. Visit PositivelyCleveland.com to get started planning your trip. Also read first-hand experiences on our blog at Flee to the Cleve.
