May 31, 2013

Art in the Village

Legacy Village is kicking off its summer line-up of festivals and events this weekend with the 23rd annual Art in the Village.

More than 100 of the nation's most talented artists will travel to Legacy Village to display and sell their artwork. The artists are hand-selected by an independent panel of expert judges based on quality and diversity. Featured mediums include photography, jewelry, paintings, ceramics and more.

Five different bands will perform live music over the course of Saturday and Sunday. Food vendors will be available all day long and a children's art area will be set up to entertain the little ones. For wine lovers, a special wine tent will be stationed by Charming Charlie from noon to 6 p.m. each day with wine tastings provided by the Ohio Wine Producers Association.

The fair is free and open to the public.

Art in the Village hours:
Saturday, June 1 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, June 2 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

For more information, or directions, visit Legacy Village.

May 23, 2013

Marc's Great American Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival

Memorial Day weekend has arrived, which means summer festival season is officially here! To kick off the start of summer, Fox 8 Cleveland and sponsors will host the 22nd annual Marc's Great American Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival.

This four-day grilling and music event at Jacob's Pavilion at Nautica has become Northeast Ohio's biggest and most popular backyard BBQ. Ten grilling teams from across the nation will join together at the festival to face off against one another and compete to be declared the best ribs in America. An amateur grilling competition will also take place on Saturday, in which six competitors will attempt to make their tastiest ribs and have them judged by a panel of grill masters.

Besides the food, the festival will have two stages set up with live musical performances throughout the weekend. This year's line-up includes Mega 80's, Rick Springfield, Buddy Guy and Bret Michaels.

General admission tickets cost $5 with a coupon from any Marc's Northeast Ohio store or online. Tickets will be sold at the Rib Cook-Off box office for $8. Kids 12 and under are free. The live concerts are free with a general admission ticket.

Parking is available at surrounding lots on the West and East Bank of the Flats. The RTA will be offering "Rib Lovers" free rides on all RTA Rapid Transit Rail Lines for the duration of the festival.

Marc's Great American Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival hours:
Friday, May 24 from noon-11 p.m.
Saturday, May 25 from noon-11 p.m.
Sunday, May 26 from noon-11 p.m.
Monday, May 27 from noon-8 p.m.

For more information or directions, visit Fox 8.

May 17, 2013

Red, White & BBQ Rib Burn-Off

Summer is the perfect time for cooking outside on the grill. What better way to start off the summer season than with a rib festival?

Downtown Willoughby will host its second annual Red, White & BBQ Rib Burn-Off this Saturday. Seventeen local restaurants will cook up their best batch of ribs and sell them to the public. Guests can vote for their favorite rib joint, and the winner will be announced along with the judges' choice.

Two stages will be set up with bands performing throughout the afternoon. Erie Street will be closed for the event, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be sold along the street.

Since the event takes place on Armed Forces Day, patrons are encouraged to donate to the USO of Northern Ohio.

Rib lovers, make sure you don't miss out on this tasty event!

Red, White & BBQ Rib Burn-Off hours:
Saturday, May 18 from noon-8 p.m.

For more information visit Downtown Willoughby.

Hessler Street Fair

Although the summer festival season doesn't officially begin until Memorial Day weekend, the season is unofficially kicking off this weekend with a slew of festivals and art fairs. One of the most popular summer festivals held every year is the Hessler Street Fair in University Circle.

The Hessler Street Fair is a two-day celebration of art, music, crafts and more. A number of art and craft, food and non-profit vendors will set up tables with items for sale along Hessler Road. A stage will be set up at the end of the cul-de-sac and a variety of local bands will play throughout the weekend.

Harmony Park will be open to the public for visitors to relax under a tree or go for a stroll with friends. Tying in with this year's Alice in Wonderland theme, children will have the chance to participate in a tea party or play a round of flamingo croquet.

The entire event is produced by volunteers each year and funds raised help to preserve and maintain the neighborhood. The festival is free and parking is available on the street.

Hessler Street Fair hours:
Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to dusk
Sunday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to dusk

For more information or directions, visit Hessler Street Fair.