Cleveland Rocks New Year's Eve

Goodbye 2013, hello 2014!

Downtown Cleveland is taking a cue from New York City and hosting its very own New Year's Eve celebration this year in Public Square. The celebration was designed by Ohio Homecoming, a "movement" designed to bring cross-sections of the community together to raise the profile of Ohio, reinvigorate citizens, build civic pride, and invest in our local communities and neighborhoods.

Around 10,000 people are expected to pack into Public Square tomorrow evening to ring in the new year. Festivities kick off at 8 p.m. with ice carving demonstrations, food trucks and live entertainment. For those looking to celebrate with some libations, a beer garden will be open to those 21+ all night long.

Electronic dance trio Krewella will perform a free concert and Cleveland's own Drew Carey will emcee the festivities, leading up to the midnight countdown and a grand fireworks display.

The entire night is free and open to the public. Gates open at 6 p.m. so be sure to get there early!

Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year. Cheers to 2014!

Cleveland Rocks New Year's Eve hours:
Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

For more information or directions, visit Ohio Homecoming.

12 Bars of Christmas

Downtown Willoughby is not only beautiful during the winter time, with each of the storefronts and the square filled with dazzling lights, it's also home to a slew of top-notch restaurants and bars. These bars are celebrating the holiday season by offering their very best Christmas beers during the 12 Bars of Christmas pub crawl this Friday.

The crawl will make stops at 12 of the most popular establishments in Downtown Willoughby. Radio personality Allan Fee of Fee's Kompany will kick off the tour at 8 p.m. at Lure Bistro. Each restaurant or bar will feature a different 4-5 oz. winter beer that can be sampled for just $2. Games, entertainment and a chance to win stocking stuffers also will be part of the night's festivities.

Stops on the crawl include Willoughby Brewing Co., Olivor Twist, Nickleby's, The Wild Goose, John's Cafe, Burgers-n-Beer, Mullarkey's Pub, Ballantine, Fanucce's Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, the 1899 Pub and Frank and Tony's Place.

Take a break from holiday shopping and sample some of the best brews Northeast Ohio has to offer!

Winterfest in Downtown Cleveland

Photo / Kristen Mott

The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner and downtown Cleveland is kicking off the holiday season with its annual Winterfest celebration this Saturday!

Winterfest activities start at 1 p.m. in Public Square. Free horse-drawn carriage rides will take guests on a trip throughout Public Square until 5 p.m. and local food trucks will be lined up between Superior and Euclid Avenues through 7 p.m. About 20 local vendors will set up stands in the Holiday Pop-Up Shop, selling locally crafted jewelry, art and gifts.

Radio Disney will provide entertainment throughout the afternoon, including interactive prize giveaways, games and a live performance by national act Cimorelli.

The main event starts at 6 p.m. when Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson will climb on stage to start the countdown to the official tree lighting. Immediately following the ceremony, enjoy a massive fireworks display and a public after party at the Tri-C Hospitality Management Center on Euclid Avenue featuring hot cocoa, cookies and photos with Santa.

For adults at the event, head over to the Winter Wine and Ale Fest following the tree lighting. Held in the lobby of 200 Public Square, the fest will include drinks from more than 20 local craft breweries and wineries, as well as heavy tastings from some of downtown Cleveland's best restaurants. Tickets cost $60.

Don't miss out on this magical start to the holiday season!

Winterfest hours:
Saturday, Nov. 30 from 1-8 p.m.
The Winter Wine and Ale Fest runs from 7:30-11 p.m.

For more information, visit Downtown Cleveland Alliance.

5th Annual Compassion From Fashion

Love fashion? Want to give back to a good cause? Then make sure to buy tickets for this Saturday's 5th annual Compassion From Fashion at Beachwood Place Mall!

The highlight of the event is a live runway show starting at 7 p.m. in the Center Court of the mall. The models, which include local celebrities and cancer survivors, will style some of the hottest looks this season. Dancers from Rock City Dance, a dance and fitness studio in Middleburg Heights, will also perform.

Maggiano's Little Italy and Nordstrom Sixth & Pine will set up food and cash bars for the evening. Allen Fee and Katherine Boyd from Q104's Fee's Kompany will emcee the event.

Besides the runway show, many of the retailers inside Beachwood Place will offer exclusive discounts to shoppers. The first 1,000 tickets sold will also come with a $10 mall gift card.

The best part of the event? One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward The Gathering Place or UH Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. Tickets cost $25 advance and $30 at the door.

Compassion From Fashion hours:
Saturday, Nov. 23 from 5-9 p.m.

For more information, visit Beachwood Place. 

I-X Christmas Connection

As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate Thanksgiving. The holiday is much more than just food -- it's about gathering with your friends and family and showing your gratitude for all of the blessings in your life.

Unfortunately, Thanksgiving is often overshadowed by Christmas and the holiday shopping season, particularly Black Friday. Black Friday has grown so out of control that many stores and retailers are now opening their doors on actual Thanksgiving.

If you're in the festive mood, but want to avoid the craze of Black Friday (and still enjoy Thanksgiving with your family) take a trip to the I-X Center this weekend for the I-X Christmas Connection.

The Christmas Connection is a one-stop Christmas shopping event. Now in its 28th year, the show features more than 600 booths, including 140 new vendors added this year. The vendors offer something for everyone on your holiday shopping list, from jewelry to art to furniture. Live holiday entertainment will take place throughout the weekend, including performances by choir and Gospel groups, Irish dance bands and The Singing Angels.

Kids can also get in on the action with a special area of the show dedicated to SantaLand. Once in SantaLand, children can write letters to the North Pole, take pictures with Santa or buy gifts for mom and dad in the Sugar Plum Shoppe.

General admission tickets are $11 online and at the door. Discount tickets can be purchased at all local Drug Mart store locations for $9. Children age 12 and under are admitted for free.

Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and then enjoy Thanksgiving (or even Black Friday) with your family and friends!

I-X Christmas Connection hours:
Friday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, visit I-X Christmas Connection. 

ArtScape

It seems that Christmas advertisements and commercials are popping up earlier than ever this year, urging shoppers to head to the stores now to start gift shopping. If you're hoping to avoid the overcrowded malls this season, but still want to get a jump start on shopping, head over to the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland this weekend for ArtScape.

ArtScape, now in its ninth year, features more than 50 regional and national artists and designers. Their work includes handcrafted jewelry, accessories, art and gifts that will be for sale throughout the weekend. A preview party on Friday will give guests first dibs on all the jewelery and artwork, as well as live music, drink and food specials, one-night-only deals and raffle items.

The preview party is free to MOCA members and $8 for nonmembers. The Saturday event is free and open to the public.

Get a jump start on your shopping this holiday season and support local artists at the same time!

ArtScape hours:
Friday, Nov. 15 from 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 16 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, visit MOCA Cleveland.

BREWzilla: A Monster of a Beer Tasting

The fifth annual Cleveland Beer Week kicked off on Oct. 18 and is currently in full swing. The annual event celebrates the art of creating craft beers and features more than 350 craft beer tastings, dinners and demonstrations, plus specials at bars and restaurants throughout Cuyahoga County.

Sadly, Cleveland Beer Week comes to a close this Saturday, but it's going out with a bang! The week-long celebration will conclude with a giant celebration called BREWzilla on Oct. 26. The event will include beers from 70 different breweries, a Belgian beer garden, appetizers and a special Ohio Brewery area with select beers from local breweries. The Thor Platter Band will provide live entertainment for the evening.

General admission tickets cost $50 and include a 3 oz. tasting glass, 25 tasting tickets and complimentary food. Brewer's Circle tickets cost $75 and include expedited VIP entrance, a 3 oz. tasting glass, 25 tasting tickets, a commemorative t-shirt, complimentary food and access to the Brewer's Circle Lounge, showcasing rare and exclusive brews and food pairings.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Malone Scholarship Fund, which helps top-level students attain scholarships at a number of top independent secondary schools throughout the U.S.

BREWzilla: A Monster of a Beer Tasting hours:
Saturday, Oct. 26 from 6-10 p.m. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Cleveland Beer Week.

Northeast Ohio Haunted House Guide 2013

Halloween is hands down my favorite holiday. It's the time of year where anything goes and everyone is in for a good scare. It's also the time when haunted houses start popping up.

There are a number of haunted houses across Northeast Ohio waiting to frighten you and make you rethink whether or not you want to venture inside. To help you navigate your way through these spooky attractions, I've complied a list of some of the best haunted houses in the area to check out this Halloween season.

1. Bloodview Haunted House
I mentioned my love of Bloodview last year and it still holds true. Bloodview, located in Broadview Heights, is made up of actors who are all volunteers from The Legion of Terror, the world's oldest improvisational horror acting and special FX production company. No masks are used here -- each actor designs his or her own character with the help of makeup. Bloodview is home to two indoor houses and an outdoor graveyard attraction. But the scares don't start inside the houses. Actors lurk throughout the grounds and weave in and out of the lines, creeping up on unsuspecting visitors and making them scream before they even step foot inside the first house. A trip to Bloodview is an annual tradition for my family and it should be for yours too!

Bloodview runs through Nov. 1.

2. Nightmare in the Wilderness
This haunted house is like a horror movie come to life. After a half-mile hayride into the wilderness, guests are dropped off in the middle of the forsaken woods to start a 45-minute journey into the darkness. Talk about scary! Rumor has is that the Smith family used to own a house on the property near the Lodi forest in Medina. The family was shot to death and can still be seen haunting the grounds of the forest. Generations of elders have warned children not to cross the apple orchard into the haunted forest for fear that they will disappear forever. Now in its 21st year, the haunted house continues to terrify guests as they journey along the Psycho Path. If you make it out of the woods alive, you'll be taken back to the Apple Cabin for some refreshments.

Nightmare in the Wilderness runs through Oct. 26.

3. The Fear Experience
The Fear Experience in Parma isn't for the faint of heart. The actors at this haunted house will touch you, grab you -- or even drag you -- throughout the different attractions. The Fear Experience is made up for indoor haunted houses: Braxton Estate, Centralia Mental Facility, District 13 and Centralia County Fair. Each of the houses are packed with bloody and terrifying clowns, mental patients, axe murderers, and more. After suriving the four haunts, climb inside the Buried Alive Coffin Ride or watch actors perform dazzling fire shows on select nights.

The Fear Experience runs through Oct. 27.

4. Cedar Point's HalloWeekends
HalloWeekends starts the scares as soon as you step foot inside the theme park. The haunt features not only four mazes to disorient and spook you, but six outdoor scare zones complete with demented clowns, menacing medieval knights and cutthroat pirates. The scare zones are shrouded in fog with bursts of strobe lights, so you never know when an actor may creep up behind you, or in front of you. Besidew the haunts, HalloWeekends has a number of shows throughout the weekend, including "A Carnival of Magic" sideshow and gypsy fortune tellers. If that isn't enough for you, 14 of Cedar Point's top roller coasters are open to keep you shrieking throughout the night.

HalloWeekends runs through Oct. 27.

5.  Carnival of Horrors
The Carnival of Horrors at Blossom Music Center is frightening just because of its subject matter -- clowns. More than 100 clowns to be exact. The carnival features four haunted houses: The Fun House, The Freakshow in 3D Terrorvision, Insane Asylum -- Cage Maze and The Wicked Woods. As if the haunts weren't scary enough, guests are given only a flashlight to use to navigate their way through the winding woods. Just be glad that the actors aren't allowed to touch you!

Carnival of Horrors runs through Nov. 2.

Huntsburg Pumpkin Festival

As the leaves start to change colors, a weekend getaway is much needed to take in all of nature's beautiful scenes. If you're looking to get out of the city this weekend and enjoy all fall has to offer, plan a trip to Huntsburg for the 44th annual Pumpkin Festival.

About an hour drive from downtown Cleveland, Huntsburg is located in the heart of Geauga County at the intersections of State Routes 322 and 528. The festival combines all the great tastes and sights of fall, including a Pumpkin Run, a pumpkin pie eating contest, craft shows, decorated and carved pumpkin displays, a fall-themed parade and some of the largest pumpkins in the state. Like all fairs, there will also be plenty of live music and food throughout the weekend.

A highlight of the festival each year is the pancake breakfast. Hosted from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, the breakfast features all-you-can eat buttermilk and pumpkin pancakes, Belgium waffles, sausage, orange juice, hot beverages and real maple syrup. The breakfast costs just $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 5 to 12.

If that isn't enough, the entire festival is open to the community for free! All of the games, entertainment attractions -- and even parking -- are free to visitors. So hop in your car, take a trip to Huntsburg and enjoy all that the Huntsburg Pumpkin Festival has to offer!

Huntsburg Pumpkin Festival hours:
Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m.-6:15 p.m.
Sunday, Oct.6 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

For more information visit Tour Geauga.
 

Oktoberfest in Tremont

With German music, homemade pretzels and craft beer at Tremont Taphouse on Saturday, you may think you've teleported to Germany. But don't worry, you're still in Cleveland and have found yourself in the middle of Oktoberfest in Tremont.

Tremont Taphouse is welcoming the fall season by hosting its own Oktoberfest celebration this Saturday. The event will include live music by the German Music Society brass band, housemade schnitzel, Weisswurt and potato pancakes, and a large selection of Oktoberfest beers served in boot-shaped mugs. The OSU vs. Wisconsin game kicks off at 8 p.m., making Tremont Taphouse the perfect location to watch the game.

Tremont Taphouse, an unassuming brick building in the heart of Tremont, has already made a name for itself in Northeast Ohio by serving delicious and unique entrees. If the food isn't enough to bring you in, this gastropub also offers 48 microbrews on draft and an assortment of craft bottled beers.

There is a $5 cover for this event.

Oktoberfest in Tremont hours:
Saturday, Sept. 28 from 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

For more information visit Tremont Taphouse. 

Art in the Village: Fall Art Fair

After the success of Art in the Village during the summer, the art festival is returning to Legacy Village this Saturday and Sunday.

A selection of the nation's most talented artists, hand selected by a jury, will have their artwork on display and for sale. Featured art will include paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry and more.

What goes better with art than wine! The Ohio Wine Producers Association will offer a special wine tasting event from noon to 5 p.m. both days of the festival.

Live music and food vendors will also be on hand during the event, and all the shops and restaurants in Legacy Village will be open for business. The festival is free and open to the public.

Art in the Village: Fall Art Fair hours:
Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information visit Legacy Village.

5th Annual Tailgate in Tremont

With fall officially beginning on Sept. 22, the cool air has slowly started to drift through Northeast Ohio. And with the cool air brings football season and of course, tailgating.

To celebrate the start of fall and football season, and to help support a local organization, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland is hosting the fifth annual Tailgate in Tremont this Saturday.

The lawn adjacent to The South Side restaurant in Tremont will be the site of the tailgate. Party goers can watch the day's football games on four big screen TVs and enjoy burgers, brats, hot dogs and beer courtesy The South Side. The tailgate will also include a silent auction, raffles and a variety of games.

Tickets to the community tailgate party are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland, which provides programs, leadership development and academic success tips to children in need.

Tailgate in Tremont hours:
Saturday, Sept. 22 from 2-7 p.m.

The South Side is located at 2201 W. 11th St. Cleveland, OH 44113. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit Tailgate in Tremont.

2013 IngenuityFest

Photo courtesy ingenuitycleveland.com

Cleveland's favorite art and technology festival is returning to the lakefront this weekend.

IngenuityFest is the epitome of artistic expression. Artists from all different backgrounds will showcase their artwork and exhibitions while exploring elements of science, engineering and technology. The festival also incorporates music, as dozens of bands will perform on stages throughout the weekend.

Two warehouses on site will provide more than 120,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor space for the festival. The Ingenuity Gallery will feature innovative art, panoramic murals, life size art and more.

Besides a slew of local bands, IngenutiyFest will also feature dance, theater and artistic performances from local and national troupes. An interior warehouse will be transformed into a blackbox theater as the backdrop for the performances.

The festival takes place on Docks 32 and 30 on the lakefront north of FirstEnergy Stadium. The entire festival weekend is free and open to the public.

IngenuityFest 2013 hours:
Friday, Sept. 20 from 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21 from noon-1 a.m.
Sunday, Sept. 22 from noon-6 p.m.

For more information or a complete schedule of events, visit IngenuityFest Cleveland.

10th Annual Taste of Legacy Village

Photo courtesy legacy-village.com.

 

Throughout the past decade, Northeast Ohio has become a food destination. With innovative restaurants opening up left and right, many suburbs have created their own events to showcase their city's culinary talents.

This weekend it's Lyndhurst's turn to show off its culinary skills as the 10th annual Taste of Legacy Village takes place on Sunday.

The event, which will be held throughout Legacy Village, features food samples from restaurants and food retailers. Participating restaurants include Bar Louie, Brio Tuscan Grille, The Melting Pot, Gia Lai, Stir Crazy, The Claddagh Irish Pub and more. Granite City Food and Brewery, which is set to open at Legacy Village Nov. 6, will also have a table at the event.

Adults can sample an assortment of Ohio wines with wineries on-site from the Ohio Wine Wine Producers Association. Wine sample tickets are $1 each.

The band TWIST! will perform live during the afternoon and children can have some fun at Kids Zone, complete with balloon artists, face painters and a DJ.

Ticket packs are $10 each and include Taste Dollars, which are redeemable for food samples. Additional tickets can be purchased during the event. Tickets may be purchased with cash only.

10th annual Taste of Legacy Village hours:
Sunday, Aug. 25 from noon-5 p.m.

For more information visit Legacy Village.

Scene Magazine's Alefest

Summer is prime time for wine festivals, but Scene Magazine is switching it up this Saturday by hosting the 5th annual Alefest.

Held annually at Lincoln Park in the heart of  Tremont, more than 100 beers are available to sample, along with a few beer cocktails. Patrons will receive an 8 oz. cup and 10 drink tickets with admission. Local food vendors will be dishing up tasty snacks to pair with the beer, and a handful of bands will perform live music throughout the afteroon.

General admission tickets are $30. VIP tickets, which include early entry at noon and food, cost $55. Designated driver tickets are also available for $10.

Scene Magazine's Alfest hours:
Saturday, July 20 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Lincoln Park is located off W. 14th St. in Cleveland. For more information about the festival visit Scene Magazine.

Forth of July Fireworks

Tomorrow is a celebration of our nation. Millions of Americans will be grilling, drinking and spending time with family and friends to recognize the independence of our nation. At night, the sky will light up with dazzling fireworks displays as it does each year.

For those of you looking for fireworks shows near your home, check out this list, courtesy cleveland.com: 2013 Fireworks Schedule.

Lake Erie Wine Festival

Today is the Summer Solstice, better known as the first day of summer, and the weather seems to be (so far) cooperating beautifully. If you're looking for a fun day trip this weekend, take a drive out to Geneva for the Lake Erie Wine Festival.

Held on the shores of Lake Erie at Geneva-on-the-Lake, visitors will be able to take in the sights while sampling some of the finest wine in Northeast Ohio. Sixteen Ohio-based wineries will bring their best red and white wines with them to be sampled during the weekend.

New to the festival is a wine tasting adventure. For an additional $5, guests will have the chance to participate in a brief wine class and learn the basics of making quality wine and how to use a wine wheel. Visitors will be able to explore the wineries and sample special wines in one of three different "adventure flights."

Wine related artists and crafters will also have their wares on display throughout the festival.

Adult wine tasting tickets cost $25 and include admission, one wine glass, one tasting guide and 15 sampling tickets. Designated drivers and guests under 21 can purchase tickets for $10.

Lake Erie Wine Festival hours:
Saturday, June 22 from 1-8 p.m.
Sunday, June 23 from 1-8 p.m.

For more information or directions, visit Geneva Landing.

Strongsville City Club Rib Burnoff

Now in its 27th year, the Rib Burnoff will return to Strongsville tomorrow and will last into the weekend.

Although not the biggest rib burnoff in Northeast Ohio, the event usually draws around 20,000 visitors to Strongsville. About a dozen local rib vendors will cook up their best ribs to be entered into competitions and sampled by hungry visitors. Judges from the Culinary Institute will name winners for "Best Ribs," "Best Sauce" and "People's Choice" Saturday night.

The festival is geared toward carnivores, but vegetarians will be able to enjoy some of the food as well. Grilled vegetables, sweet potato fries, roasted corn, bloomin' onions, pierogies, funnel cakes and chocolate covered strawberries will all be sold throughout the weekend.

Besides food, the event also boasts musical acts. Midnight Groove will take the stage Thursday night, while Funkology will perform Friday evening. Saturday's line-up features Victor Samalot, the Olmsted Performing Arts Dance Company and Dr. Mo with Monica Robins.

Tickets for adults are $2 each. Kids 10 and under and all active members of the Armed Services are free. All visitors can receive free admission on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Strongsville City Club.

The rib burnoff takes place on the Strongsville Commons located at the corner of State Route 82/Royalton Road and State Route 42/Pearl Road.

Strongsville City Club Rib Burnoff hours:
Thursday, June 20 from 4-11 p.m.
Friday, June 21 from 3-11 p.m.
Saturday, June 22 from noon-11 p.m.

For more information or directions, visit Strongsville City Club.

53rd annual Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival

It's Father's Day weekend, which means the Strawberry Festival is once again returning to Lake County.

Held annually in June at Kirtland High School, the festival celebrates all things strawberry. From strawberry shortcakes to hand dipped chocolate covered strawberries to strawberry sundaes, this festival will have plenty of treats for everybody.

Like most carnivals, the festival will feature carnival rides and games for children. A parade will course through Kirtland at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Miss Kirtland will be crowned Saturday night and live entertainment will be performed throughout the weekend. A flea market also will be set up each day of the festival with antiques and unique household items for sale.

Proceeds from the festival benefit the Kiwanis Club of Kirtland to provide student scholarships, educational materials, and support for community recreational groups and the less fortunate.

Admission to the festival is free.

Kirtland Kiwanis Strawberry Festival hours:
Thursday, June 13 from 6-11 p.m.
Friday, June 14 from 6-11 p.m.
Saturday, June 15 from noon-11 p.m.
Sunday, June 16 from noon-6 p.m.

For more information or directions visit Kirtland Ohio.

Shoes 'n Brews

Ready to drink for a good cause?

Glenwillow Grille in Solon will host the first ever Shoes 'n Brews fundraiser this Thursday. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Peach's Neet Feet. Started in 2011, the non-profit organization donates hand-painted shoes to children with disabilities or children who are fighting serious illnesses. Each pair of shoes is customized to reflect that child's interests and passion.

Six area artists will be selling their artwork at the event with a portion of the proceeds going toward Peach's Neet Feet. Jonah Koslin, an original member of the Michael Stanley band, will give a special performance and the Sugarcreek Acoustic duo will provide live music throughout the night. The event will also include a raffle and silent auction, with prizes such as a private dinner and brewery tour at Great Lakes Brewing Co. and original artwork by local artists up for bid.

Tickets for the event are $25 each and include a raffle ticket, appetizers and one Great Lakes Brewing Co. beer or glass of select wine.

Shoes 'n Brews hours:
Thursday, June 13 from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

To purchase tickets, call the Glenwillow Grille and ask for Jen at 440-786-0100 or email catering@glenwillowgrille.com. For more information visit Peach's Neet Feet.

24th Parade the Circle

Photo courtesy beckcenter.org.

University Circle's biggest and brightest event of the summer is coming to Wade Oval this Saturday.

For more than 20 years, the Cleveland Museum of Art has been hosting the annual Parade the Circle. The event brings together art, music and live entertainment for all ages.

The highlight of the event is the parade that kicks off at noon at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Hundreds of participants will be dressed in intricate costumes and colorful masks. Unique artwork will come alive as puppets, floats and stilt-dancers make their way along Wade Oval. The theme for this year's parade is Sol de Luna Nueva, or Sunshine of the New Moon.

After the parade be sure to stick around the neighborhood for more activities. Local businesses will set up booths and offer a variety of workshops. Four bands will provide live entertainment on the Kulas Stage throughout the day, and numerous food vendors will be selling lunch and dessert. All of the area's museums will be open on Saturday.

Can't make it to the parade? Check out the parade's livestream at clevelandart.org. with encore showings all weekend.

The parade and activities are free and open to the public. Parking is available at the Cleveland Museum of Art for $10.

Parade the Circle hours:
Saturday, June 8 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information or directions, visit Cleveland Art.

Side note:This post marks my 100th post as a blogger for Days of Youth. I'd like to give a special thanks to everyone who continues to read my blog. I hope you continue to read and please share with your friends!

Little Italy Art Walk and Venetian Carnival

Cleveland's historic Little Italy neighborhood is gearing up for this month's art walk and adding a special twist this time around.

Art walks take place on weekends throughout the year and provide the boutiques and restaurants that line Mayfield Road with a chance to showcase their products and services. This month's art walk will be no different.

Many of the boutiques and art galleries located in Little Italy are bringing in artwork and jewelry made by nationally recognized artists for this weekend only. The neighborhood's restaurants, many of them family-owned, will offer wine and food specials. Most stores will offer extended hours through the weekend.

New to this year's art walk is the addition of a Venetian Carnival. Mayfield Road and Murray Hill will be filled with period Venetian masks and costumes depicting the historic Venetian Carnival that takes place each year in Venice, Italy. Visitors will be able to take part in the carnival by making masks or helping to paint a special community mural.

This cultural art festival is free and open to the public. Valet parking begins at 5 p.m. on Friday and will be available throughout the weekend.

Little Italy Art Walk and Venetian Carnival hours:
Friday, June 7 from noon-9 p.m.
Saturday, June 8 from noon-9 p.m.
Sunday, June 9 from noon-6 p.m.

For more information or directions visit Little Italy Cleveland.

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.

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.

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.

Cleveland International Film Festival

The 37th annual Cleveland International Film Festival kicks off tonight at 7 p.m. at Tower City Cinemas. This year's festival is bigger than ever before, with more than 180 features and 165 short films playing on the theater's screens.

The film festival, which is held each spring in downtown Cleveland, strives to bring international and local films to the wider audience. The first festival was held in 1977 and each year has slowly garnered more attention. Last year's festival saw 85,000 people pass through its doors.

Dozens of films are played throughout the day on numerous screens. The films span all genres and topics, and often push the artistic boundaries of traditional films. The theme for this year's festival is "Be the Applause."

Tickets for the films cost $12 for members and $14 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased online (until 11 p.m. on the day before the screening), by phone (877-304-3456), or in person at the festival box office (located in the lobby of Tower City Cinemas). Day of show tickets are only available for purchase in person at the box office.

The Cleveland International Film Festival runs from April 3 to April 14.

For more information about the festival, or to view a complete list of films being screened, visit Cleveland Film.

Mambo Italiano at La Dolce Vita

What's better than dining in Little Italy? Dining then taking a free salsa dance lesson!

La Dolce Vita in Little Italy is combining their love of food and dancing into a special one-night event on Saturday, March 30. The event will feature a free salsa lesson at 9:30 p.m., with live music and entertainment to follow starting at 10 p.m. The restaurant will also offer drink specials: whenever the song "Mambo Italiano" is played, all drinks are buy one get one free.

The event is free and open to the public.

La Dolce Vita is located at 12112 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, OH 44106 at the corner of Mayfield and Murray Hill. For table reservations, call 216-721-8155.

Irish Coffee Workshop at Market Garden Brewery

St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, which means this is the perfect time to start perfecting those Irish beverages.

A special collaboration between Fresh Fork Market, Rising Star Coffee and Market Garden Brewery is giving the community the opportunity to learn some new recipes and taste some soothing Irish Coffee.

The workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12 at Market Garden Brewery (right next to the West Side Market). The workshop will teach participants the art of making Irish Coffee and allow them to taste test three different versions of the beverage, ranging from traditional to an Italian twist to one made with local whiskey. Light food and pastries will also be available for participants to nibble on while sipping their coffees.

The fee for this workshop is $20 per person. Space is limited, so reservations are recommended. Reservations are available online or by calling 216-621-4000.

Start the St. Patrick's Day celebration early with this festive workshop!

Irish Coffee Workshop hours:
Tuesday, March 12 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

For more information, or directions to Market Garden Brewery, visit Fresh Fork Market.

Rubber City Beatlefest 2013

Calling all fans of The Beatles! Hop in your cars and head to Akron this Saturday for an event like no other.

Akron Civic Theatre will be transported back in time to the 1960s this weekend for Rubber City Beatlefest. The event features performances from three Beatles tribute bands: The ReBeats, Hard Days Night and Revolution Pie. Numerous vendors will have items on sale, including '60s memorabilia, vinyl records and rock 'n' roll photographs.

Beatlefest kicks off at 6:45 p.m. with the concert beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets start at just $15.

Rubber City Beatlefest 2013 hours:
Saturday, March 9 from 6:45 p.m.-midnight.

For more information about this event, visit Akron Civic Theatre.

Kurentovanje Slovenian Winter Festival

The Kurent, pictured above, is a supernatural
creature in Slovenian culture believed to chase
away winter and usher in spring.

East Cleveland is home to a large and thriving Slovenian population. The Slovenian culture is being spread to the masses this Saturday as part of the Kurentovanje Winter Festival.

Kurentovanje (pronounced koo-rahn-toh-VAHN-yay) is a popular winter festival in Slovenia. The Kurent, the central figure of the carnival, is believed to chase away winter and usher in spring with its supernatural powers.

The Slovenian National Home, St. Clair Superior Development Corporation and Sterle's Country House have partnered together to bring Kurentovanje to downtown Cleveland this year. Starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, children and their families can stop by the Coppertop building on St. Clair Avenue to make crafts and costumes for the parade.

The parade, a highlight of the festival, will kick off at 1 p.m. and stretch from St. Vitus Church on Lausche Avenue to the Slovenian National Home on St. Clair Avenue. The parade will feature people in traditional Slovenian dress, as well as polka music and live entertainment.

After the parade, spend some time browsing through the local storefront businesses in the neighborhood. Many of the stores will be offering samples of ethnic foods, wine and desserts. Visitors can try their hand at bocce ball or watch live performances. Make sure to also check out Cleveland Flea, a new open market featuring artists and collectors from the Cleveland area.

The shopping ends at 6 p.m., but the party is just beginning! Visitors are encouraged to attend the after party at Sterle's Country House, a traditional Slovenian restaurant located on East 55th Street. Sterle's will be offering ethnic cuisine, drinks and a polka party.

The festival is free and open to the public. Experience the culture of Slovenia without ever leaving Cleveland -- and try out a polka while you're at it!

Kurentovanje Slovenian Winter Festival hours:
Saturday, Feb. 23 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sterle's after party lasts from 6 p.m.-11 p.m.

For more information about the event or directions, visit Kurentovanje Festival.

Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week 2013

Foodies, get your forks and knives ready! Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week is kicking off tomorrow night, and this year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

This is the sixth year that the Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) has hosted Restaurant Week. The event features three-course prix-fixe dinner menus priced at $30, along with $15 lunch specials at some of the best restaurants in Northeast Ohio. This year's event will last for two weeks, instead of the typical one, to make sure diners have even more time to sample some of the best cuisine in Cleveland. Many local bars are also participating in Restaurant week, offering deals on their signature cocktails.

This year's Restaurant Week also has a theme -- Pierogi Power. Pierogi have become nothing short of a staple food item in Cleveland. Because of this, many of the restaurants participating in Restaurant Week have created their own signature pierogi that will be offered on their menus during the two-week event.

To officially kick off Restaurant Week, DCA is hosting "Go Fourth and Polka" on Friday, Feb. 22 from 4-6 p.m. The celebration takes place on East 4th Street in downtown Cleveland during happy hour with DJ Kishka providing live polka entertainment.

Parking is usually somewhat of a nightmare downtown, but DCA is working hard to make finding a parking spot for the participating restaurants as easy as possible. Several downtown parking facilities will be offering $2 parking to all diners who show a Restaurant Week parking voucher.

Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week starts Friday, Feb. 22 and runs until Sunday, March 3. Diners are encouraged to make reservations ahead of time, either by calling the restaurant or using Open Table.

For more information or to view a list of participating restaurants, visit Restaurant Week.

Brite Winter Festival

What do Clevelanders like to do on a cold, snowy Saturday in February? Travel to Ohio City's Market District for an outdoor art and music extravaganza.

Brite Winter Festival is Cleveland's annual outdoor winter music and art festival. Now in its fourth year, the festival is bigger than ever with 48 bands performing on six different stages. Many of the bands are local, while others travel to Cleveland specifically for this festival.

Art exhibits from the Cleveland Institute of Art, Ingenuity Fest and the Cleveland Museum of Art will be on display outdoors near the main stage. A highlight of last year's festival included the "Great Wall of Light," a 30-foot-long mesh fence filled with lights added by festival-goers.

Attendees can take a break from the music and have some fun playing winter-themed games, including skeeball and cornhole. A number of the area restaurants and bars will also be having drink and food specials.

The event is completely free and open to the public. The outdoor stage is located at West 26th Street and Bridge Avenue. Other stages are inside Loren Naji Studio Galleries, Campbell's Sweets Factory and the Cleveland Hostel.

Brite Winter Festival hours:
Saturday, Feb. 23 from 5 p.m.-1 a.m.

For a line up of bands, a list of artists and games, or a festival map, visit Brite Winter Festival.

Winter in the Village

It's been cold and icy these past few weeks in Northeast Ohio. Many of us have chosen to stay inside our warm homes instead of bracing the cold. But for some people, especially ice carvers, this is the best time of the year.

Ice carvers from Elegant Ice Creations will take center stage during Winter in the Village. This annual event, hosted at Legacy Village, allows ice carvers to show off their skills. A variety of ice carving demos will take place, and ice carvers will go head-to-head in a speed carving competition.

The event is free and open to the public. All activities will take place outside on a stage between Bar Louie and California Pizza Kitchen. Make sure to warm up after the event by stepping inside some of the shops and restaurants at Legacy Village.

Winter in the Village hours:
Saturday, Feb. 9 from 1-6 p.m.

For more information, visit Legacy Village.

The Great Big Home and Garden Show

Whether you're in the process of buying your first home, or trying to redecorate your current house, the Home and Garden Show is a must-go event.

More than 100 exhibitors will be present during the show, from landscaping to home entertainment to organization and storage. Exhibitors will provide a wealth of resources and information to attendees, as well as live demonstrations and samples.

In addition to exhibitors, the show will feature a variety of special highlights. Petitti Garden Centers will host daily seminars about gardening in Northeast Ohio. Perrino Builders will be showing off their "Dream Home," a 4,000-square-foot house with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a mudroom and a three car garage. A 2,000-square-foot "Dream Basement" will also be on display, built by Custom Remodeling and Design.

A number of celebrities will also make guest appearances during the week, including Peter Walsh from "Extreme Clutter," Chris Crary from "Top Chef," and Matt Fish, owner of Melt Bar and Grilled.

The Great Big Home and Garden Show will take place at the IX Center from Saturday, Feb. 2 to Sunday, Feb. 10. Adult tickets cost $14, senior (65+) tickets cost $10, tickets for children ages 6-12 cost $5, and tickets for children 5 and under are free. Parking is available at the IX Center for a fee of $8 per vehicle.

The Great Big Home and Garden Show hours:
Monday-Friday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

For a complete list of exhibitors, a map of the event, or special discounts, visit Great Big Home and Garden.

Winter Wine Tasting at Sushi Rock

What better way to spend a cold, wintry Weekday in January than sampling fine wine and exquisite cuisine?

Sushi Rock in Beachwood is hosting a Winter Wine Dinner this Wednesday, Jan. 30. Five delectable courses will be served to diners and each course will be paired with a wine to complement the meal. For those averse to sushi -- don't worry! Raw fish is not on the menu. All five courses can be enjoyed for just $35 per person.

The menu for the evening is as follows:

Irony, Chardonnay, California paired with mixed field greens with dried cranberries, raisins and roasted almonds drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette

The Whip, blend (Sauvignon Blanc/Semillion/Viognier), California paired with a lobster bisque

Sokol Blosser, Pinot Noir, Oregon paired with grilled lamb chops and a lemon truffle oil

Tamas, blend (Cabernet/Petite Sirah/Barbera), California paired with a tenderloin medallion and a sake soy reduction

Capasaldo, Prosecco, Italy paired with "loukoumades" (fried dough puffs) topped with walnuts and local honey

Space for the evening is limited, so reservations are recommended. Reservations can be placed by calling 216-378-9595.

Sushi Rock Beachwood is located at 2101 Richmond Road Beachwood, OH 44122.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events

Martin Luther King Jr. was an extraordinary orator, influential leader and a true visionary. Due to his great achievements, we observe an official holiday every third Monday in January in honor of Dr. King. Since it's an official holiday, many of us will have the day off from school and work. If you're looking for a fun way to spend MLK Day this year, check out some of the events below.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast Celebration. This is the 13th year that the Marriott Hotel in downtown Cleveland has hosted this celebration. This year's keynote speaker will be Cleveland Browns linebacker James-Michael Johnson. For ticket information, call 216-229-0306 no later than noon Sunday. 7:30 a.m.

Great Lakes Science Center. Free admission all day. OMNIMAX rates still apply. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. Free admission, musical performance and a screening of the award-winning play "A Conversation After a Funeral." 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cleveland Museum of Art. Free admission, family-friendly activities and the opening of the new interactive gallery, Gallery One. 11 a.m.

Cleveland Botanical Garden. Free admission to the public. 1-4 p.m.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The Rock Hall will offer free admission for the 12th straight year. A continuous screening of the "I Have a Dream" speech will take place inside the Foster Theater. A handful of live bands will perform on the main stage, including the Distinguished Gentlemen of the Spoken Word, all-female band Women in the Spirit, cover band Tra-la-la, Antioch Spiritual Arts Choir, R&B artist Diamond Carter and multi-platinum artist Bobby V. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Tribe Fest 2013

Even though opening day isn't for a few more months, the Indians are celebrating baseball season early this year with a new event, Tribe Fest.

This is the first year the Indians will be hosting Tribe Fest. The two-day event is designed as a way to connect fans with the players on the team and give them exclusive access to the field and its facilities. Activities will include youth baseball clinics, tours of the Indian's clubhouse and indoor batting cages, and a chance to meet players on the team, including Vinnie Pestano, Jason Kipnis, Carlos Santana, Lonnie Chisenhall and manager Terry Francona.

Tribe Fest will be held at Progressive Field. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 years old and under.

Tribe Fest 2013 hours:
Saturday, Jan. 19 from noon-6 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 20 from noon-6 p.m.

For more information about this event, visit Cleveland Indians.

Cleveland Ohio Bridal Show

With a new year comes new beginnings. For many women, the new year is the start of wedding planning season. Planning an entire wedding can be a daunting task. Fortunately for future brides in Northeast Ohio, wedding planning has been turned into a fun, entertainment-filled weekend.


The Cleveland Ohio Bridal Show is taking over the I-X Center this Saturday and Sunday. The bridal show is a one stop shop for brides. The show will feature more than 100 exhibitors, ranging from jewelery vendors to caterers to flowers. Exhibitors will set up tables throughout the event, showcasing their products and services.

Besides exhibitors, the bridal show will feature a number of special events. Fashion shows will take place on both Saturday and Sunday with models showcasing the newest fashion for brides and grooms. A gallery of reception table ideas will showoff centerpieces, china and linen. Local bakeries will have their wedding cakes on display and the most luxurious limos will be featured in limousine row. If you get tired and feel like you need a break during the event, stop by the Umbrella Lounge, sponsored by Event Source, for a cocktail and specialty food items.

This is the largest collection of all things bridal, so don't miss out on this exciting weekend!

Tickets for each day are just $10 per person. Parking is available in the I-X Center lot for $8.

Cleveland Ohio Bridal Show hours:
Saturday, Jan. 12 from 2-8 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fashion Show hours:
Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and 5::30 p.m.
Sunday at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

For more information about the event, or directions to the I-X Center, visit Today's Bride.