9 Annual Cultural Festivals In Cleveland That You Won't Want To Miss
By Nikki Rhoades|Published August 29, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Culture is at the heart of every big city. Atmosphere and personality are shaped and influenced by the many cultures that immigrants and residents have introduced to the city, and this is particularly true in the melting pot that is Cleveland. As is true in many cities, Clevelanders have absolutely embraced the multitude of cultures that have influenced its unique flavors. While this is evident at local landmarks like the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, you’ll also find it celebrated at annual cultural festivals and street fairs that entertain locals year after year. If you want to experience The Land like a true Clevelander, you must add these annual Cleveland cultural festivals to your calendar:
Each year over Labor Day weekend, St. Rocco’s Festival comes to Parma and brings with it an atmosphere of festivity. During this event, you can visit an Italian Villa, dine on Italian cuisine, and listen to live music. This super fun, fair-like atmosphere is incredible for all ages, and it’s an annual event that many have come to anticipate.
On the southeast side of Cleveland is a little neighborhood known as Slavic Village. It’s an absolutely charming place to find Old World-inspired comfort food, and it’s also an awesome place to experience tradition. Celebrate Slavic Village in the community’s annual fundraiser, and it is all sorts of fun. Attendees enjoy drinks, snacks, music, and memory-making in an environment that celebrates community. You’ll especially appreciate tours of the Polish Cultural Center Museum! Click here to purchase tickets and peruse other upcoming celebrations in Slavic Village.
Tremont is Cleveland’s funkiest neighborhood, and it’s an absolute delight to visit throughout the year. However, its annual art celebration is the best way to get to know the neighborhood’s particular flair for the dramatic. For nearly two decades, this awesome event brings over 100 vendors to the neighborhood. Live music and dance performances, beer and wine tasting, and a children’s area ensure there is something for everyone at this late-September event.
Each October, locals are in autumn mode. Caramel apples, pumpkin picking, and fall fun is on the mind, but locals also begin gravitating toward comfort food. You’ll find this in abundance at the Polish Festival at St. Stanislaus, which is arguably the most striking church in the area. In early October, attendees enjoy tours of the church, all sorts of ethnic foods and treats, and music.
The holidays are a magical time of year in Cleveland… unless you’re a naughty little kid. Krampus Fest comes to Cleveland to celebrate the naughtiness of the holidays with beer, brats, and polka. Can you imagine a better way to kick off the season?!
Address: 7370 Columbia Road, Olmsted Township, OH, 44138
Each February, some spooky critters descend upon the region to scare winter away and to welcome spring. These creatures, Kurents, are familiar in Slovenia, yet are always a surprise to Clevelanders. This annual celebration increases the anticipation of warm weather, and it comes with a parade, food, and all sorts of fun.
Address: 6407 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44103
For some, Fat Thursday and Mardi Gras are at the top of the mind as spring approaches. However, Clevelanders know that Paczki Day is the star of the show. This annual event focuses on Polish donuts that are filled with cream or fruit, and they’re downright delightful. There are many places to celebrate Paczki Day in Cleveland, but the Paczki Ball is definitely one of the finest annual celebrations.
Address: 2267 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst, OH, 44001
Easter Monday is a day of recovery for some, but in Cleveland, Dyngus Day is all the rage. This celebration has roots in Polish culture, and as a result, polka, comfort food, and all sorts of festivities take center stage. This annual event truly has something for everybody!
These incredible Cleveland cultural festivals are all sorts of fun, and area residents anticipate their arrival each year. Which of these events are you most excited to attend?
