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3 things to do in Cleveland in May

With spring semester classes at Case Western Reserve University ending today (May 1), students are hunkering down to study for finals, and faculty and staff members are wrapping up grading and other end-of-year tasks.

Need a break from the books or the influx of work? Start planning your summer break adventures in Cleveland.

Those sticking around the city for the summer will have endless opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy much of what Cleveland has to offer. Not sure where to start? We have you covered with a few options happening later this month. 

Looking for more inspiration? Check out the Destination Cleveland website.

Shaker Square Market

Saturdays

8 a.m. to noon

Get your fill of local produce, fresh-baked goods and other tasty treats at the Shaker Square Market, which opened for the year last month.

Operated by the North Union Farmers Market, this market is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at Shaker Square. North Union Farmers Market also offers other days and times throughout the week, including the University Hospitals location, which will run on Thursdays beginning June 1. 

Get more details about the markets.

Cleveland Asian Festival

May 20–21

Coinciding with Asian American and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, the AsiaTown neighborhood in Cleveland puts on the annual Asian Festival to celebrate diversity. During the festival Clevelanders can quite literally get a taste of various Asian cultures, with authentic dishes such as banh mi, lo mein, kimchi and sticky rice. 

The event will feature cultural performances, an Asian pop dance competition and the dance of the lion. Other activities will include a trivia contest, free health screenings, opportunities to check out vendors and more.

Admission to the festival is free and free parking is available.

Get more details about the festival.

Station Hope

Saturday, May 27

7 to 10 p.m.

Each year, members of the Cleveland community gather for Station Hope at St. John’s Episcopal Church (2600 Church Ave.), a former stop on the Underground Railroad, to celebrate hope and explore modern social justice issues.

Inspired by that history, the one-night event will feature 250 artists and 50 performances, from theater to spoken word, dance, music and multimedia performances—along with visual artwork and opportunities to explore the architecture of the church. 

The event is free and open to the public.

Get more details about Station Hope.