9 Cleveland Events I'm Reaaaally Excited for This Summer

As the weather finally begins to warm up here in Northeast Ohio, there’s plenty to look forward to. Of course, there’s always the eating-stuff-outdoors factors, from sipping a beer in the sun on my new front porch to eating tacos & pierogis on the patio of my favorite bars. But there are also a few specific events I’m really excited about, ones that can only happen when it’s nice out.
Here’s what’s on my list of highly anticipated summer events in the CLE.

Cleveland Flea

This warm-weather event is well underway in its 2017 season, with the April & May events already over. Describing itself as equal parts “urban treasure hunt / culinary adventure / maker center,” the Flea is a hipster heaven full of food trucks, vintage finds, original artwork, handmade jewelry, & as many screen-printed Cleveland T-shirts as you can imagine. Plus booze.

Tremont Greek Fest  

Hosted at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, this annual Memorial Day Weekend event is about as old-world Greek as you can get, with gyros, baklava, Greek beer & wine, Greek dancing, and authentic Greek shopping. It’s all Greek to me… in a good way, of course. Last year, I got a gyro every day for the entire weekend. Oops.
 

Night Market CLE

My favorite summer event in Cleveland! This summer event series in Asiatown brings together local Asian restaurants of all varieties, along with makers, creators, & entertainment options. Asian food is easily my favorite genre of food, so I take this opportunity to gorge myself on steam buns, in particular, while enjoying the parades & entertainers. 

Tremont Farmers Market

Held every Tuesday night in Lincoln Park, just around the corner from my apartment, the weekly Tremont Farmers Market is my favorite opportunity to swoop up fresh produce and other locally made goods, including homemade bread & pasta. On days when we’re really lucky, there’s a food truck at the party, too.

Cleveland Metroparks

I don’t spend nearly enough time out in nature, but this year, I’d like to do a little more of it. Luckily, Cleveland makes it compelling, with 18 reservations spanning more than 23,000 acres – & all of it absolutely beautiful. This summer, I’d like to get my hike on & do a little bit more outdoor exploring.

Cleveland Scene AleFest

Last year, we lived so close to the site of this annual event that we ran home to our apartment to use our own bathroom instead of the Port-a-Potties in the park! AleFest, held in July, is the best place to sample craft beers & big-name brews alike, though there’s very little food available on-site – which can mean trouble for lightweights like me!
 

Walnut Wednesdays

I don’t work in downtown Cleveland, but it’s an easy trip, if I want to work from a coffee shop in the middle of the action – and on Wednesdays in the summer, I do. During Walnut Wednesdays, held each week, 41 food trucks gather around Perk Park at lunchtime, with musical guests who provides midday entertainment to the masses.

Edgewater Live

This will be a new one for me this year because weirdly, I've never been - but this summer, I'm committed to getting to making it at least once! This summer concert series, hosted by the Metroparks, takes place nearly every Thursday of the summer at Edgewater Beach, overlooking beautiful Lake Erie with a gorgeous view of the Cleveland skyline. Why haven't I been to this yet?!

Walkabout Tremont

Formerly the ArtWalk, the Walkabout is now about a year old, taking place the second Friday of every month. Local businesses – bars, restaurants, & retailers alike – open their doors with discounts, art exhibits, live entertainment, street performers, & other fun opportunities to see some of this neighborhood’s highlights.

What are you looking forward to this summer, in Cleveland or elsewhere?