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3 things to do in Cleveland in March

As midterms at Case Western Reserve University loom, students are no doubt ready for a much-deserved break. To help members of our community decompress, we’ve pulled together a few suggested events to attend during the month of March.

Whether you’re in need of some fresh air or a mental vacation, our city has just the thing for you. Take a look below and visit the Destination Cleveland website to find more inspiration.

Maple Sugar Festival and Pancake Breakfast

March 4–5, 11–12

Head south of the city to Summit County to check out Hale Farm and Village, a historical farm operated by the Western Reserve Historical Society. While typically closed from November through May, the farm briefly opens in March to celebrate the Maple Sugar Festival and Pancake Breakfast.

During this event, guests take a look back at the history of maple syrup production, including its science and cultural importance. There will be a tree tapping, demonstrations and opportunities to taste the syrup.

Admission is $15 for adults and $8 for youth. Additionally, a pancake breakfast will be held for an additional fee.

Learn more about the event and Hale Farm and Village.

Cleveland International Film Festival

March 22–April 1

The Cleveland International Film Festival, one of the longest running of its kind in the United States, will return for its 47th iteration March 22–April 1.

While the full 2023 lineup has yet to be announced, details for a number of special events have been released. The festival will open with a documentary film Butterfly in the Sky, about the PBS show Reading Rainbow starring LeVar Burton.

Being Mary Tyler Moore, which is about the iconic trailblazing actress, will stand as the festival’s centerpiece film.

Get more details about the festival and keep an eye out for the lineup release.

“Toward a Different Kind of Horizon” collaborative concert

March 24

A joint effort among several Case Western Reserve University departments, the Cleveland Museum of Art and Oberlin College and Conservatory will gather several prominent musicians for a free concert March 24.

Moor Mother, Lonnie Holley, Lee Bains and Mourning [A] BLKstar will come together to explore the themes of plurality, liberation, reparative justice and joy through their works, which encompass the genres of jazz, hip-hop, gospel and more.

The free concert will be Friday, March 24, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Gartner Auditorium. 

Case Western Reserve University’s Department of Music, Center for Popular Music Studies, Baker-Nord Center for Humanities, Writers House, Department of English, African and African American Studies Program, and Cleveland Museum of Art and the Oberlin College and Conservatory contributed to this event.

Learn more and get tickets.