Though classes for most programs at Case Western Reserve University start later this month, summer isn’t over yet, and our city’s lineup of upcoming events is proof. Looking for ways to soak up the warm weather in the CLE before it goes away? We’ve got a few suggestions of uniquely Cleveland events to get you started.
Need some other ideas, including some options that will help you cool down? Check out the Destination Cleveland website.
Borderlight Fringe Festival
Aug. 3–5
Cleveland has a notable performing arts and theater presence and the Borderlight Fringe Festival showcases that—with a twist. Building on the concept of a “fringe festival”—which holds space for performers and artists who operate outside of the mainstream—the Borderlight Fringe Festival makes the performing arts more accessible to the general public.
Cleveland’s festival brings together local performers and international artists across a weekend of 130+ individual performances, held inside and outside of novel spaces throughout the Playhouse Square District.
View the full lineup and find out what you can expect.
Cleveland Garlic Festival
Aug. 26–27
A staple across many cuisines, garlic offers a beloved—albeit pungent—flavor. The Cleveland Garlic Festival, a fundraiser for the North Union Farmers Market, celebrates the flavorful plant with a grill-off, children’s activities, live music, vendors, the crowning of Miss Garlic 2023 and more in Shaker Square.
And don’t forget the food, including the staple offering of garlic fries.
Tickets cost $10 (or $9 presale) for adults, or $5 for seniors (65+) and children ages 4-12. Children under age 4 are free.
Get your tickets for Cleveland Garlic Festival and learn more about the event.
One World Day
Aug. 27
Travel the world in a single day—all without a passport—at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens’ One World Day, an annual event that celebrates the city’s diversity.
Taking up a stretch of Martin Luther King Jr. and East Boulevards, the Cleveland Cultural Gardens consists of an ever-growing list of gardens each dedicated to a nationality or culture to promote “peace through mutual understanding.” To date, there are 35 gardens—including those representing Albania, China, Germany, India, Syria and Ukraine—with 11 more in development.
One World Day gives Clevelanders the chance to celebrate their cultural heritage and learn about those different from their own with ethnic food, performances, a parade of flags, a naturalism ceremony and other programming.