Though temperatures have persisted in the upper 80s and low 90s over the last few weeks, fall is just around the corner as September begins today. Whether you’re new to Cleveland or you’re a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio, September is a good time to get outside and enjoy some of the last warm days of the year.
To give members of the Case Western Reserve University community an idea of how to do that, we’ve put together this list of activities you can participate in this month to get to know the region and fellow Cleveland residents better.
Cleveland National Air Show
Sept. 4–6
Over the next few days, you may see (and hear) some military aircraft overhead as they prepare for the Cleveland National Air Show this weekend. This Cleveland tradition, which has roots dating back to 1929, brings crowds to the Burke Lakefront Airport over Labor Day weekend.
The event features U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, in addition to other in-air performances and on-the-ground activities. In recognition of the COVID-19 pandemic, air show organizers have put together health and safety protocols for this year’s event.
General admission tickets cost $35 for adults and $20 for youth ages 6-11. Children five years of age and under are free.
Learn more and purchase tickets.
Chalk Fest
Sept. 11
Noon to 5 p.m.
Show off your inner artist at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s annual Chalk Fest, a tradition started in the 1990s. The inspiration behind the annual Chalk Fest is the Renaissance tradition of beggars making chalk recreations of the Madonna by Raphael outside of cathedrals.
Members of the community can purchase a square and 12-color box of chalk for $10 to create a masterpiece of their own in the museum’s Fine Arts Garden.
Those who don’t want to complete a piece can attend for free to watch the artists and check out others’ work. Additionally, there will be a musical performance by Outlaws I&I. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a community chalk drawing with artist Bruno Casiano (this activity is free).
Apple picking at local farms
Throughout September
Fall officially begins Sept. 22, but you don’t have to wait to get a taste of the season. Apple picking, a traditional fall activity, has already started in Northeast Ohio and will continue at several local fruit farms throughout the month.
Patterson Fruit Farm in Chesterland will offer Ginger Gold and Honeycrisp apples this weekend (Sept. 4–5). Picking will continue later in the month. Learn more about Patterson Fruit Farm.
Also in Chesterland, Eddy Fruit Farm has started its apple-picking season on weekends with a variety of apples available. Get more details about Eddy Fruit Farm.
Another local option is Ransom Sage Farm in Chardon, which produces gala, jonamac, holiday and macintosh apple varieties. Picking at Ransom Sage Farm is expected to begin this month; check their website for additional information.
Find out about other orchards in the area. And remember—an apple a day keeps the doctor away!