Winterfest 2014

Winterfest, hosted by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, has become the premier holiday celebration in downtown Cleveland. This year's event is packed with festivities and, for the first time, the city's Christmas tree will be lit in U.S. Bank Plaza, across from the sparkling lights of the chandelier in PlayhouseSquare.

Winterfest activities start at 1 p.m. on Saturday with a holiday pop-up shop at PlayhouseSquare, family-friendly entertainment, food trucks and free horse-drawn carriage rides outside the Cleveland Public Library. At 4:45 p.m. the Old Stone Church choir will take to the main stage to perform Christmas songs and choral music. The main event kicks off at 5 p.m. with a concert, lighting ceremony and grand fireworks display at PlayhouseSquare.

Other downtown establishments are getting in to the holiday spirit as well. The Festival of Trees returns to the Allen Theatre and will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Tower City will feature a holiday express train ride, Kringle's Inventionasium and Bruce the Talking Spruce starting at 10 a.m., followed by Toy Soldier and Fairy Godmother Holiday Shows at 1, 3 and 7 p.m.

The Hard Rock Cafe will offer pictures with Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the 5th Street Arcades will host the Cleveland Bazaar, Northeast Ohio's longest-running independent craft show, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. The Ritz-Carlton will feature its annual gingerbread house display in the lobby and the Horseshoe Casino will once again take guests back in time with its Holidays at the Higbee display.

Celebrate the start of the holiday season in Cleveland by spending the day downtown at Winterfest!

Winterfest 2014 hours:
Saturday, Nov. 29 from 1-7 p.m.


For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit Winterfest.

The Cleveland Flea Holiday Market

Suzuran Photography / The Cleveland Flea

The holidays are right around the corner, which means many people have already started their Christmas shopping. If you're looking for unique gifts this year, or want to support local artists this holiday season, stop by The Cleveland Flea's Holiday Market this weekend.

The Cleveland Flea, which began in early 2013, is a monthly pop-up event. The flea has grown to include more than 150 local vendors and artists. At the holiday flea expect to find a huge assortment of items and gifts, from jewelry to clothing to home decor to vintage items.

Expect there to be plenty of food and drinks at the holiday market as well, including holiday cocktails, mulled wine, hot cider and craft beers. Spice Kitchen + Bar will set up a pop-up cafe during the event on Saturday, and Jack Flaps and Luxe Kitchen and Lounge will offer brunch to shoppers on Sunday.

The market, held indoors at 6555 Carnegie Ave. in downtown Cleveland, is free both Saturday and Sunday. Those who want first dibs on items can purchase $25 tickets to a sneak peak party on Friday.

Shop local this holiday season at The Cleveland Flea.

The Cleveland Flea Holiday Market hours:
Friday, Nov. 21 from 5-9 p.m. (tickets required for the sneak-peak party)
Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 23 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, visit The Cleveland Flea.

Crocker Park's Annual Holiday Tree Lighting

The holiday season officially kicks off at Crocker Park this Saturday as the outdoor shopping center hosts its annual holiday tree lighting celebration.

Starting at 3 p.m., a handful of local food trucks will line up on the property to dish out tasty food and desserts. Community group performances will take to the stage beginning at 5 p.m.

Dove Cameron and Ryan McCartan, from Disney's original series "Liv and Maddie" will perform live at 7 p.m. The main event of the evening, an appearance by Santa Claus and the lighting of Crocker Park's 50-foot Christmas tree, will take place at 7:30 p.m.

Following the tree lighting, a spectacular fireworks show will light up the night sky. Crocker Park's stores and restaurants will remain open throughout the event.

Get into the holiday spirit this weekend at Crocker Park!

Crocker Park's annual holiday tree lighting hours:
Saturday, Nov. 22 from 5-8 p.m.

For more information, visit Crocker Park.

Haunted House Highlights: 7 Floors of Hell

7 Floors of Hell is a must-visit for Halloween fans. The haunt, located in Middleburg Heights, has been featured on the Travel Channel, won a handful of awards and been dubbed one of the scariest attractions in the country.

This year 7 Floors of Hell upped the ante by offering 10 (that's right, 10!) brand new attractions for its "World of Nightmares" theme. Every monster imaginable comes to life to terrorize guests in the various houses.

This year's haunted attractions include the Mental Ward, Hillbilly Horror, Zombie Apocalypse, Clowns Domain, Shadows, Killer Theater, BioX, Journey into the Belly of the Beast, Body Snatchers and House of Nightmares.

The thrills aren't limited to the houses. Creatures roam the waiting lines and the Monster Midway, making people scream and run before they even enter the first attraction.

Tickets to this giant-sized haunt are $25 for general admission and $33 for speedpass admission. 7 Floors of Hell is open Thursdays and weekends through Nov. 2.

Prepared to be scared this Halloween weekend by visiting this monstrous World of Nightmares!

7 Floors of Hell hours:
Thursdays and Sundays from 7-10 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays from 7 p.m.-midnight
*Nov. 2 hours are 7-9 p.m.

7 Floors of Hell is located at 19191 Bagley Road in Middleburg Heights. 

For more information, visit World of Nightmares.

Pumpkin carving contest at Bier Markt

Halloween is just two days away, which means it's time to get your jack-o'-lanterns ready! Bier Markt in Ohio City will host its annual pumpkin carving contest tonight.

Any guest who purchases one of the bar's pumpkin beers will receive a free pumpkin to carve at his or her table. The finished pumpkins will be displayed at the bar throughout the weekend so diners can vote on their favorite jack-o'-lantern. The winner will receive dinner for two at Bar Cento.

Grab you friends and show off your pumpkin carving skills tonight in Ohio City!

Pumpkin carving contest hours:
Wednesday, Oct. 29 starting at 5 p.m.

For more information, visit Bier Markt.

Haunted House Highlights: Factory of Terror

What do you get when you combine an abandoned aluminum foundry with mirror mazes, creatures of the night and gory decorations? Ohio's largest haunted house in Canton!

The Factory of Terror utilizes 160,000 square feet of space for an hour-long haunted house experience. Many visitors have exited the haunted house mid-way through, too scared to make it to the end.

The haunt features five different attractions. Guests start at the Asylum, filled with deranged patients and the first mirror maze ever constructed in U.S. haunted houses. Next is the Industrial Nightmare, featuring dangerous pieces from the original factory used to attack victims. Make it out alive and visitors are faced with another maze in the pitch-black Labryinth of Darkness. The Massacre on Mahoning is up next, which takes a treacherous journey through the former mansion of Mr. Terniz, the founder of the factory. Legend is that Mr. Terniz moved in to the factory to keep a close watch on his workers, but after experiencing a mental breakdown he went on a killing rampage and built his own personal cemetery confined within the walls of his mansion. Finally, guests will venture into the House of Nightmares, filled with blood, guts, gore and nightmarish creatures.

Tickets cost $26 for general admission and $36 for FASTpass admission. The haunt is open weekends through Nov. 1.

Ready to see if you can conquer this massive haunted house? Then head over to Factory of Terror this Halloween -- if you dare!

Factory of Terror hours:
Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m.-midnight
Sundays from 6-9 p.m.

Factory of Terror is located at 4125 Mahoning Road in Canton.

For more information, visit Factory of Terror.

Halloween is right around the corner, which means haunted houses are popping up all over the city. Over the next couple weeks, I'll be highlighting some of the creepiest, ghoulish and most sinister haunted houses Northeast Ohio has to offer.

Haunted House Highlights: Haunted Prison Experience

The Ohio State Reformatory, more commonly known as the Mansfield Reformatory, is a historic prison and a notoriously haunted building in Ohio. Stories abound of tortured spirits and ex-guards who remained trapped within the prison walls.

With once inhumane conditions and brutal treatment of prisoners, it's no surprise that Mansfield Reformatory is one of the most haunted places in the state.

The Mansfield Reformatory begins a truly haunted experience each fall as the Haunted Prison Experience takes shape inside. During the 45-minute haunt, guests will explore the darkened cellblocks and hallways while experiencing in-your-face thrills from actors and animatronic monsters. Spooky lighting and a spine-tingling soundtrack complete the haunted experience.

Who knows, maybe you'll even encounter an actual ghost during your haunted house journey!

Tickets cost $18 per person or $28 for a speedpass, which allows you to jump to the front of the line. Guests must be 13 years or older to enter. The haunt is open through Nov. 1. 

Haunted Prison Experience hours:
Thursdays from 7-11 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m.-midnight
Sundays from 7-10 p.m.
*Gates open at 6 p.m., box office opens at 6:30 p.m.

The Ohio State Reformatory is located at 100 Reformatory Road in Mansfield.

For more information, visit Haunted X.

Halloween is right around the corner, which means haunted houses are popping up all over the city. Over the next couple weeks, I'll be highlighting some of the creepiest, ghoulish and most sinister haunted houses Northeast Ohio has to offer.

Haunted House Highlights: Carnival of Horrors

A large majority of people have a phobia of clowns. I'm definitely one of them. From their ghoulish makeup to their menacing smiles, clowns are enough to give you nightmares.

If you're ready to face your fear of clowns, or you're just a glutton for punishment, head to Blossom Music Center for its annual Carnival of Horrors.

Carnival of Horrors offers four haunted attractions. Guests start out at the Fun House, which is brimming with creepy clowns, then move on to the Wicked Woods where they're handed only a flashlight to help light their path. If you make it out of the woods, you'll venture into the Insane Asylum where the inmates run wild, and finally into the Freakshow in 3D Terrorvision.

Tickets purchased online cost $20 for general admission and $24 for a speed pass admission, which allows you to skip to the front of the line at each attraction. Tickets purchased at the venue cost $21 for general admission and $25 for a speed pass. The haunt is open weekends through Nov. 1.

Carnival of Horrors hours: 
Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 p.m.-midnight
Sundays from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
*Nov. 1 hours are 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Blossom Music Center is located at 1145 W. Steels Corner Road in Cuyahoga Falls.

For more information, visit Carnival of Horrors. 

Halloween is right around the corner, which means haunted houses are popping up all over the city. Over the next couple weeks, I'll be highlighting some of the creepiest, ghoulish and most sinister haunted houses Northeast Ohio has to offer.

Haunted House Highlights: Nightmare in the Wilderness

The woods are a common setting in horror movies. As nighttime falls and fog rolls in, you never know what may be lurking around the trees up ahead. A haunted house in Lodi has utilized the eerie setting of the woods and combined it with a local urban legend to create Nightmare in the Wilderness.


As the legend goes, about 150 years ago the Smith family once lived in an old farm house situated on an apple orchard near Medina. A stranger appeared in town one day and was drawn to the Smith house. The next morning, the family, and the stranger, were all found dead. The family and the stranger were buried in a forest just past the apple orchard. Although the Smith house has since been torn down, till this day apparitions can be seen roaming the forest and forsaken orchard.

After being told this ghostly story, visitors at Nightmare in the Wilderness are taken on a 1/2 mile hayride out into the haunted forest and left to fend for themselves. More than 80 beasts, clowns, monsters and surprises await along the Psycho Path. If you survive the trail, a wagon will take you back to the Apple Cabin for some much needed refreshments and treats.

The haunt has been in business since 1993. Many of the dedicated actors have been working at the haunted house for more than seven years, allowing them to perfect their costumes, makeup and scares!

Tickets cost $17 for adults and $12 for children. Children ages 5 and under are free. The haunt accepts cash only! Nightmare in the Wilderness is open Fridays and Saturdays through Halloween.

Nightmare in the Wilderness hours:
Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 p.m.-midnight

Nightmare in the Wilderness is at 7665 Lafayette Road in Lodi.

For more information, visit Nightmare in the Wilderness.

Halloween is right around the corner, which means haunted houses are popping up all over the city. Over the next couple weeks, I'll be highlighting some of the creepiest, ghoulish and most sinister haunted houses Northeast Ohio has to offer.

Haunted House Highlights: Bloodview

Halloween is right around the corner, which means haunted houses are popping up all over the city. Over the next couple weeks, I'll be highlighting some of the creepiest, ghoulish and most sinister haunted houses Northeast Ohio has to offer.

First up, a personal favorite of mine: Bloodview.

The scares at Bloodview begin the moment you step foot outside your car. A handful of actors course through the waiting lines, scaring countless customers who are waiting to go inside the first house. I've even seen people chased throughout the parking lot!

Bloodview is built and staffed by The Legion of Terror, the world's oldest improvisational horror acting, makeup and special FX production company. You won't find any cheap masks at this haunted house. Each actor designs and perfects his or her own character, complete with clothing, wigs and special effects makeup, to make you scream.

Bloodview is an interactive haunted house, which means the actors may touch you. To keep things interesting, the haunt puts on a different theme each weekend (The Witch Trials are this weekend, followed by The Zombie Hordes and finally All Hell Breaks Loose). Bloodview is comprised of three attractions: The Gorehouse, the outdoor Haunted Wooded Path and finally the Main House.

Bloodview also is fully nonprofit. The actors are all volunteers and the Broadview Heights Lions Club, which sponsors the haunted house, donates profits to charity. 

Admission is $20 on Fridays and Saturdays and $10 on Sundays. The haunt is open until Nov. 1.

Bloodview Haunted House hours:
Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m.-midnight
Sundays from 8-10 p.m.

Bloodview is located at 1010 Towpath Trail in Broadview Heights.

For more information, visit Bloodview.

Halloween Town

With Halloween two weeks away, parties and celebrations are in full swing! PlayhouseSquare is getting in the festive spirit by hosting its first Halloween party for families this Saturday.

Families and children are encouraged to dress up in their best costumes and head downtown for the Halloween Town celebration. Guests will enjoy Halloween crafts, spooky photo-ops, apple cider, cookie decorating and raffle prizes.

Tickets cost $8 per adult, $14 per child or $40 for a family four-pack. All proceeds benefit community engagement and education programs at PlayhouseSquare.

Don't miss out on this frighteningly good time!

Halloween Town hours:
Saturday, Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to noon

For more information, visit PlayhouseSquare.

Goblins in the Garden

It's finally October, which means Halloween season is in full swing! The Holden Arboretum in Kirtland is kicking off the festivities this weekend with its 2014 Goblins in the Garden.

The family-friendly (and dog-friendly!) event will include trick-or-treating, cornstalk mazes, leaf trails, face painting, wagon rides and live entertainment. Children, parents and their four-legged friends are encouraged to dress up in their spookiest costumes.

The event also will feature Scarecrow Row, filled with dozens of scarecrows decorated by local schools and organizations.

The event costs $20 per car for nonmembers and $10 per car for members. 

Get in the Halloween spirit and take a drive out to Holden Arboretum this weekend! 

Goblins in the Garden hours:
Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information, visit Holden Arboretum.

NEOCycle Night Ride

Northeast Ohio's cycling culture has grown dramatically in recent years. Many neighborhoods have added bike lanes to main roads and organizations that promote bike culture and alternative methods of transportation continue to pop up across the city.

To celebrate Cleveland's cycling culture, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission will host a special Night Ride this Saturday as part of NEOCycle, the city's first weekend-long urban cycling festival.

The Night Ride will begin at Edgewater Park and take bikers on a journey down the Cleveland Memorial Shoreway through Gordon Square, Battery Park and the North Coast Harbor neighborhood, before returning to Edgewater Park. Riders will take in spectacular views of the sunset and the Downtown Cleveland skyline.

Each participant will receive a Micro Sport Headlight and a flashing LED light. All riders must wear helmets and follow bike laws.

The full ride costs $35 per person while the half tour costs $30. Online registration closes at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25. On-site registration will be available at Edgewater Park from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Prior to the race, riders can participate in several contests, including the Glow and Roll bike decoration contest, Wacky Wheels costume contest and #ThisIsCLE outfit contest. Contests will be judged between 6 and 7 p.m. at Edgewater with winners being announced around 7:30 p.m.

After the race, be sure to hang out at Edgewater Park for drinks and live music!

NEOCycle's Night Ride hours:
Saturday, Sept. 27 from 6-11 p.m.

For more information or to view a complete schedule of events for the festival, visit NEOCycle.

 

Whiskey Island Brew-B-Q

Fall is right around the corner but there's still one last chance to soak up the summer sun this weekend at Whiskey Island!

Hosted by Great Lakes Brewing Co., the Whiskey Island Brew-B-Q will feature some of the area's tastiest BBQ, interactive booths, food trucks, a corn hole tournament and a Great Lakes Beer Tent with a special collaboration beer available that day brewed by Great Lakes and Fifty West Brewery.

Local bands Billy Likes Soda, The Jimmy Jack Band and The Spazmatics will perform live throughout the afternoon.

Tickets start at $15 and children aged 10 and under are admitted for free. Proceeds benefit the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland.

Soak up the last rays of summer on the lakefront with Whiskey Island Brew-B-Q!

Whiskey Island Brew-B-Q hours:
Saturday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

For more information, visit Whiskey Island.

2014 Cleveland National Air Show

One noticeable thing missing from Labor Day weekend last year was the sound of jets and planes flying through the sky in downtown Cleveland. Fortunately, the Cleveland National Air Show is back in action this year!

The air show features a variety of acts, including the U.S. Army Golden Knights Precision Parachute Team, vertical takeoff of the British Aeroxpace Sea Harrier, an L-39 Albatross jet demonstration and the Shockwave jet truck that spews fire. The famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels will close out the show each day.

If you want to sit near the action, tickets for Burke Lakefront Airport are $23 for adults or $16 for children aged 6 to 11 at the gate. Children ages 5 and under are admitted for free. You can also check out the show for free from multiple locations downtown, such as the plaza of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the grounds near the Great Lakes Science Center and the East 9th Street pier.

Don't miss this Cleveland Labor Day weekend tradition!

2014 Cleveland National Air Show hours:
Saturday, Aug. 30 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 31 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 1 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
*No entry/re-entry after 3 p.m.

For more information, visit Cleveland National Air Show.

Smoke on the Water Labor Day Festival

Music Box Supper Club is the newest addition to The Flats in downtown Cleveland. Located next to Shooters, the restaurant/music hall hopes to showcase some of the best national touring musicians and local musicians on its two stages.

This weekend, the Music Box will celebrate its recent opening and the long weekend with the Smoke on the Water Labor Day Festival.

Starting Friday, the venue will be serving up some tasty BBQ while hosting performances by a variety of bands throughout the weekend, including Cats on Holiday, the JiMiller Band, Backstage Politics and the Joe Moorhead Band, among others. Admission is free all weekend.

Celebrate Labor Day weekend by relaxing by the water at Music Box Supper Club!

Smoke on the Water Labor Day Festival hours:
Friday, Aug. 29 from 7 p.m.-2 a.m.
Saturday, Aug. 30 from 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Sunday, Aug. 30 from 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
Monday, Aug. 31 from 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
*Dining begins at 4 p.m. Aug. 29 and 11 a.m. Aug. 30, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1.

For more information or directions, visit Music Box Supper Club.

Salute: A Toast to Taste

Wine and beer lovers won't want to miss this event!

Since relocating to the East Bank of the Flats last year, Lago Restaurant and Wine Bar has been hosting various events to encourage the community to check out their new location. Their newest event, Salute, celebrates food and drink.

Guests will enjoy an array of top European wines and craft beers. Each wine and beer has been carefully paired with one of eight tasting stations, featuring delectable bites created by Lago's chefs. It all takes place on Lago's veranda where guests can enjoy beautiful views of the sunset and Downtown Cleveland's skyline.

General tickets cost $40 and include 16 drink tickets and complimentary paired appetizers. VIP tickets are $60 and include drink tickets, complimentary paired appetizers as well as access to a special VIP area with additional high-end wines and beers.

Salute: A Toast to Taste hours:
Saturday, Aug. 23 from 8 p.m.-midnight

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Salute.

116th Feast of the Assumption

www.davidschwartzphoto.com

The Assumption of Mary is an important holy day for Catholics around the world. For the last 116 years, Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood has been celebrating this feast day with a weekend-long festival.

The 116th Feast of the Assumption kicks off Aug. 14 with rides, games and food at Holy Rosary and vendors lining Mayfield and Murray Hill Roads. The festivities continue into the weekend with live music, strolling entertainment, special sales at local stores and plenty of Italian food and dessert!

The actual holy day, Aug. 15, will include a solemn mass at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church, followed by a massive procession through the streets. The procession is truly a sight to behold, with thousands of locals, many dressed in traditional Italian costumes, carrying a giant statue of Mary up and down Little Italy. The feast closes on Sunday with a final candlelight procession at 9:30 p.m. and fireworks at Tony Brush Park.

You don't want to miss out on one of Cleveland's longest running summer festivals!

116th Feast of the Assumption hours:
Thursday, Aug. 14 from 6-11 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 15 from noon to midnight
Saturday, Aug. 16 from noon to midnight
Sunday, Aug. 16 from noon to 11 p.m.

For more information, visit Historic Little Italy.

Drink & Dazzle - GG9 Celebration

The 2014 Gay Games 9 kick off in Cleveland this Saturday, Aug. 9 with an opening ceremony at 7 p.m. To get everyone in the celebratory mood, PlayhouseSquare will host a happy hour beginning at 3 p.m.

Guests will receive a complimentary glass of champagne during the "Drink & Dazzle" happy hour as they socialize with athletes, singers and supporters of the Gay Games in the State Theatre lobby. The GE chandelier will be shining bright outside at East 14th Street and Euclid Avenue where visitors are invited to take a selfie.

Admission is free.

Drink & Dazzle - GG9 Celebration hours:
Saturday, Aug. 9 from 3-6 p.m.

For more information, visit PlayhouseSquare.

Burning River Fest

In 1969, the Cuyahoga River infamously caught on fire. While most of the nation still makes jokes about this incident, Clevelanders have decided to embrace it and spread awareness of eco-consciousness by hosting the annual Burning River Fest.

The Burning River Fest, which takes place tomorrow and Saturday, highlights environmental issues affecting the Great Lakes region and the Cuyahoga River ecosystem. The two-day event will include more than 25 performances by local bands, food demonstrations, performance artists from the Cleveland Museum of Art's Parade the Circle, interactive displays from environmental groups and a special batch of Great Lakes Brewing Co.'s famous Christmas Ale.

Tickets cost $15 at the gate. Children aged 12 and under are admitted for free. This is a cash only event.

Proceeds from the fest benefit the Burning River Foundation, a local nonprofit organization that provides resources for the sustainable future of local waterways.

Take in spectacular skyline views of Downtown Cleveland while learning how to preserve our local environment at Burning River Fest!

Burning River Fest hours:
Friday, July 25 from 6-11 p.m.
Saturday, July 26 from 6-11 p.m.

For more information or directions, visit Burning River Fest.

12th annual Taste of Tremont

Tremont has become known as a hub for trendy restaurants. From the casual Grumpy's Cafe and Prosperity Social Club to the upscale Lolita and Parallax, Tremont offers something for everyone.

With so many restaurants it can be hard to visit them all. Thanks to the Taste of Tremont this Sunday, people can sample food from all of the restaurants in one afternoon!

The Taste of Tremont has become one of Northeast Ohio's must-visit summer festivals, with around 30,000 people attending every year. Each vendor has some affiliation with Tremont and will be selling food, drinks and desserts to customers. Admission is free; guests pay each food vendor separately.

Besides food, the festival will feature a beer and wine garden and live music throughout the neighborhood. Many of the local stores will offer special discounts and sales through the duration of the event.

12th annual Taste of Tremont hours:
Sunday, July 20 from noon-8 p.m.

For more information, visit Taste of Tremont.

The Beat UPTOWN

Summer is the perfect time to explore the city and discover all that Cleveland has to offer. To encourage people to visit Uptown, located in the heart of Cleveland's University Circle, a new happy hour event will kick off this Thursday, July 10.

The Beat UPTOWN is a free summer concert series at the corner of Mayfield Road and Euclid Avenue that runs through Aug. 28. The event features live music selected by music aficionados at the Beachland Ballroom. The first performer in the series is Texas-based songwriter Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers.

Local food trucks will line the streets to dish up food and dessert to guests. Uptown businesses also will offer special deals, including $5 admission to MOCA Cleveland, $5 happy hour yoga at Cleveland Yoga, $5 wraps at Wrapz Pita Bar and happy hour specials at ABC the Tavern.

Bring a blanket, chair and some friends and enjoy free entertainment this summer in Uptown!

The Beat UPTOWN hours:
Thursday, July 10 from 6-9 p.m.
Repeats every Thursday through Aug. 28.

For more information, visit The Beat UPTOWN.

2014 Fourth of July Fireworks

Not sure when your community is hosting a fireworks display this year? Want to view fireworks on more days than just July 4? Check out this list of Independence Day fireworks, compiled by WKYC, to view Fourth of July celebrations near your neighborhood.

Wednesday, July 2
Cleveland: July 2 (10 p.m.) at Public Square (Cleveland Symphony Star Spangled Spectacular) and July 4 (10 p.m.) in The Flats
Elyria: July 2 (9:55 p.m., festivities run 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., rain date July 3) at West Park, 1200 Foster Ave.

Thursday, July 3
Avon Lake: July 3 (dusk) at Weiss Field, 33401 Webber Road
Bratenahl: July 3 (dusk) at Village Park
Chardon: July 3 (dusk, rain date of July 5) at Chardon High School
Cuyahoga Falls: July 3 and 4 (dusk) at Blossom Music Center, 1145 West Steels Corners Road
Independence: July 3 (dusk) at Elmwood Park, 6963 Selig Drive
Medina: July 3 (dusk) at Medina High School, 777 E. Union St.
North Ridgeville: July 3 (dusk) at South Central Park, 7565 Avon Belden Road
Oberlin: July 3 (dusk, rain date of July 5) at the Oberlin Sports Complex (Splash Zone), 225 W. Hamilton Road
Wellington: July 3 at Lorain County fairgrounds

Friday, July 4
Akron: July 4 (9:45 p.m.) at Lock 3 downtown, 200 S. Main St.
Alliance: July 4 at Silver Park, 2930 S. Union Ave.
Ashland: July 4 (dusk) at Community Stadium, 1441 King Road
Aurora: July 4 (9:45 p.m.) at West Pioneer baseball fields
Avon: July 4 at All-Pro Freight Stadium
Bay Village: July 4 (9:45 p.m.) at Cahoon Memorial Park
Berea: July 4 (10 p.m.) at Coe Lake
Canton: July 4 (dusk) at 800 McKinley Monument
Cleveland: July 4 (10 p.m.) in The Flats
Cuyahoga Falls: July 3 and 4 (dusk) at Blossom Music Center, 1145 West Steels Corners Road
Geneva-on-the-Lake: July 4 (10 p.m.) Al Mraz Drive
Lakewood: July 4 (9:30 p.m.) at Lakewood Park
Lorain: July 4 (10 p.m.) at Black River Landing
Mentor: July 4 (9:30 p.m.) at the Civic Center, 8600 Munson Road
North Canton: July 4 (dusk with festivities all day) at Hoover High School Memorial Stadium parking lot
Olmsted Falls: July 4 (10 p.m.) at Olmsted Falls Middle School
Sandusky: July 4 and 5 (10 p.m.) at Cedar Point
Solon: July 4 (dusk) at Solon Community Park, 6679 Som Center Road
Strongsville: July 4 (10 p.m.) at 16000 Foltz Industrial Parkway
Westlake: June 29 (10 p.m.) at Crocker Park and July 4 (dusk) at Clague Park, Clague Road and Hilliard Boulevard
Wickliffe: July 4 (dusk) at Coulby Park, 28730 Ridge Road
Willoughby: July 4 (9:45 p.m.) at South High School
Wooster: July 4 (10 p.m.) at Burbank/Oldman Road soccer field

Saturday, July 5
Hudson: July 5 (dusk) at Barlow Farm Park, 2100 Barlow Road
Huron: July 5 (10:15 p.m.) at the boat basin
New Philadelphia: July 5 (10 p.m.) at Tuscora Park, 151 Tuscora Ave. N.W.
Orrville: July 5 (10:15 p.m.) at Orr Park
Portage Lakes: July 5 (dusk) at Mason's Point over Turkeyfoot Lake at Portage Lakes State Park
Sandusky: July 4 and 5 (10 p.m.) at Cedar Point

Sunday, July 6
Auborn-Bainbridge: July 6 (dusk) at Kenston High School (enter from Snyder Road)
Fairport Harbor: July 6 (dusk) at Fairport Harbor Lakefront State Park beach

Star-Spangled Spectacular

The Fourth of July isn't until Friday, but downtown Cleveland is getting a jump start on the celebration by hosting the 25th annual Star-Spangled Spectacular tomorrow, July 2.

Since 1990, The Cleveland Orchestra has performed a free community concert filled with patriotic favorites and popular classical repertoire. The concert usually attracts around 80,000 people to Public Square.

This year's event starts at 5 p.m. with a pre-concert festival featuring food trucks and patriotic videos on jumbotron screens. The concert will take place at 9 p.m., followed by a dazzling fireworks display to light up the downtown Cleveland skyline.

The entire event is free and open to the community. For those who can't make it downtown, the concert will be broadcast live on 90.3 WCPN and 104.9 WCLV.

Star-Spangled Spectacular hours:
Wednesday, July 2 from 5-11 p.m.

For more information, visit The Cleveland Orchestra.

Lake Erie Winefest

Geneva-on-the-Lake is typically a fun summer destination for Northeast Ohioans looking to get away for the weekend. This weekend, Geneva-on-the-Lake is providing additional incentive to leave the city for a few days by hosting the 2014 Lake Erie Winefest.

Geneva has become known as wine country and some of the finest local wineries will have their wines available this weekend at the wine festival. About 15 wineries will provide samples of wine plus bottles for purchase at the Lake Erie Winefest. Tickets come with 25 tasting tickets plus a program guide to help you navigate the sea of wines available.

For an additional $5, guests can purchase a wine tasting adventure to learn how to taste wines, why clarity matters and what different aromas and tastes signify. Guests can select their own "wine adventure," choosing between dry, sweet or fruit wines as part of a special tasting wheel.

Besides wine, the festival also will feature artwork by local crafters and artists, as well as a selection of food.

Adult tickets cost $25. Designated driver tickets and tickets for those under 21 are available for $10. Wine adventure tickets cost $5 with the purchase of an adult admission ticket.

The festival takes place at "The Landing" Lakefront Market Place, adjacent to the Old Firehouse Winery on Lake Road.

Celebrate the official start of summer by sampling some of the finest wines Northeast Ohio has to offer!

Lake Erie Winefest hours:
Saturday, June 21 from 1-8 p.m.
Sunday, June 22 from 1-8 p.m.

For more information, visit Geneva Landing.

25th annual Parade the Circle

Photo courtesy clevelandart.org

Cleveland is home to a thriving arts community. To celebrate the arts and the creative spirit of the city, the Cleveland Museum of Art will host the 25th annual Parade the Circle and Circle Village tomorrow, June 14.

Parade the Circle began in 1990 as a trial run for the Cleveland Museum of Art's 75th anniversary in 1991. The parade featured about 125 paraders its inaugural year. Twenty-five years later, the parade now includes about 1,500 participants walking before a crowd of more than 75,000 people.

The parade brings University Circle to life with giant floats, towering stilt-walkers, bright costumes, colorful puppets and unique artwork. National and international artists travel to Cleveland every summer to participate in the annual parade.

Following the noon parade, Circle Village will offer family-friendly activities, entertainment and food until 4 p.m. on Wade Oval.

The parade begins and ends at the Cleveland Museum of Art, moving counterclockwise along Wade Oval and East Boulevard. Parking is available at the art museum and at surrounding lots.

Free trolleys will transport guests to University Circle from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Pick-up/drop-off locations are the Capitol Theatre on West 65th Street and Detroit Avenue and The Music Settlement on Magnolia Drive and Mistletoe Drive.

Both the parade and Circle Village are free and will take place rain or shine!

Parade the Circle and Circle Village hours:
Saturday, June 14 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Parade begins at noon

For more information or directions, visit Cleveland Art.

Edgewater LIVE

Ever since the Cleveland Metroparks took over managing the Lakefront Reservation last summer, Edgewater Park has looked better than ever. To encourage the public to visit and use the new and improved park and beach, the Metroparks are kicking off a new summer series tonight called Edgewater Live.

The event will feature food trucks, live music, cocktails, paddleboarding and a free yoga session from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Local pop/rock band The Breakfast Club will perform tonight.

Guests also are welcome to bring their own food and a blanket to watch the sunset over the Cleveland skyline.

The series will continue every Thursday night through Aug. 14. If you haven't been to Edgewater in years, this is the perfect chance to revisit the beach and see all that it has to offer! 

Edgewater Live hours:
Thursday, June 12 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 

For more information, visit Cleveland Metroparks.

Taste of Lakewood

Looking to fill your stomach and sample food from some of Cleveland's most popular restaurants? Then head over to Madison Park in Lakewood this Sunday for the 11th annual Taste of Lakewood.

Hosted by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and Cleveland Magazine, this is the first year the festival will be held outside. About 30 restaurants from Cleveland and Lakewood will have a variety of food for sale. Restaurants include Melt Bar and Grilled, Jammy Buggars, Around the Corner, Barrio, Angelo's Pizza, Deagan's Kitchen + Bar and many others.

A number of local and high school bands also will perform throughout the afternoon and a beer and wine tent will be open to all those 21 years and older.

Admission to the festival is free and food is pay-as-you-go. VIP tickets are available for $50 and include a reserved parking spot, a Taste of Lakewood t-shirt, a reserved seat in a VIP tent and $10 in drink tickets.

Not all vendors will accept credit cards, so be sure to have some cash on hand!

A portion of the proceeds from the festival will fund Lakewood chamber's annual high school scholarship program, which assists college-bound high school seniors at St. Edward and Lakewood High Schools. 

Taste of Lakewood hours:
Sunday, June 1 from 1-7 p.m.

For more information, visit Taste of Lakewood.

Art in the Village

Summertime is synonymous with art festivals here in Cleveland, and this weekend is no exception. Drive on over to Legacy Village in Lyndhurst this Saturday and Sunday for the 24th annual Art in the Village art festival!

More than 100 of the nation's most talented artists will line the sidewalks of Legacy Village displaying their work. Each year the artists are hand selected by an independent panel of judges based on quality and diversity.

Besides artwork, several local bands will take to the stage Saturday and Sunday afternoons to perform songs ranging in genre from jazz to rock to acoustic funk. Families can stop by the children's area to watch their little ones create their own artwork to take home.

Wine lovers will be able to get in on the action too. The Ohio Wine Producers Association will host a special wine tasting from noon to 6 p.m. both days of the festival. Guests can sample and purchase wine from five Ohio wineries.

Admission and parking are both free. Stores and restaurants at Legacy Village will be open during the festival.

Art in the Village hours:
Saturday, May 31 from noon-8 p.m.
Sunday, June 1 from noon-6 p.m.

For more information, visit Art in the Village.

Cleveland Foundation Day on Wade Oval

Looking for last-minute plans this Memorial Day weekend? Head to University Circle tomorrow, May 24 for a variety of free activities, courtesy The Cleveland Foundation.

The Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Western Reserve Historical Society will offer free admission to all guests during normal hours this Saturday. For the first time ever, the history museum also will offer free admission to its planetarium.

The Cleveland Museum of Art, which is always free, will offer free tickets to the Van Gogh "Repetitions" exhibit.

Besides free admission, there will be free family-friendly activities taking place throughout the day, including live animal shows at the history museum, scavenger hunts at the Botanical Garden and five-generation family tree charts at the historical society.

The Cleveland Foundation is providing these free activities for its centennial celebration. Every month this year the foundation will give a gift to the community.

Cleveland Foundation Day on Wade Oval hours:
Saturday, May 24 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, visit Cleveland Foundation.

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

Memorial Day weekend is typically viewed as the unofficial start to summer, and what better way to kick off summer than with juicy ribs and live music!

The 2014 Marc's Great American Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival returns to Jacob's Pavilion at Nautica in the Flats this weekend. The four-day event combines grilling, food and music to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend.

Dozens of local vendors will be grilling up their best selection of ribs throughout the weekend. The Marc's Amateur Grilling Competition will allow up-and-coming chefs to display their skills. New to the festival this year -- all vendors will be accepting cash and credit cards as payment rather than tickets.

The weekend also will be jam-packed with live entertainment. Local bands Disco Inferno and The Spazmatics will take to the stage Friday, May 23 for back-to-back sets. Music legend Joan Jett and The Blackhearts will perform Saturday, May 24 while a personal favorite of mine, Taking Back Sunday, will fittingly play on Sunday, May 25. Southern rock/country band Blackberry Smoke will close out the festival on Monday, May 26.

Friday is dollar day with all general admission only $1! Admission from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday is free and kids aged 12 and under are free all weekend. Cook-off entertainment is free with paid admission, but limited reserved seating for Joan Jett and Taking Back Sunday is available through Live Nation.

Regular adult general admission is $8 and will be available for purchase at the cook-off box office during festival hours.

The RTA will continue to offer "Rib Lovers" free rides on all RTA Rapid Transit Rail Lines, courtesy of Live Nation, Jacobs Entertainment and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. 

Marc's Great American Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival hours:
Friday, May 23 from noon-11 p.m.
Saturday, May 24 from noon-11 p.m.
Sunday, May 25 from noon-11 p.m.
Monday, May 26 from noon-8 p.m.

For more information, call the festival hotline at 216-622-6558 or visit Marc's Rib Cook-Off.

Hessler Street Fair

Warm weather has finally arrived in Northeast Ohio, which means it's time to kick off the summer festival season! One of the most anticipated festivals, the Hessler Street Fair, will take over University Circle this weekend.

The Hessler Street Fair dates back to 1969 when it debuted as a giant block party. Over the decades the event evolved into a full-blown festival.

Dozens of vendors will line historic Hessler Street selling items ranging from jewelry to photography to henna body art. Plenty of food vendors will be on hand, as well as a selection of nonprofit organizations. Local bands will perform throughout the afternoon on Saturday and Snday.

Families with children are invited to stop by adjacent Harmony Park for kid-friendly activities including face painting, balloon animals, pony rides and a kids marketplace.

The fair is free and will take place rain or shine.

Hessler Street Fair hours:
Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m.-dusk
Sunday, May 18 from 11 a.m.-dusk

For more information, visit Hessler Street Fair.

Dazzle the District

Playhouse Square is the second largest theater complex in the U.S., second only to Broadway in NYC. The theater district has undergone major renovations over the last couple decades, from restoring the interior of each theater to its former glory to reconfiguring the Allen Theatre in collaboration with Cleveland State University.

Now, Playhouse Square is preparing to make history with the lighting of the world's largest chandelier this Friday during its Dazzle the District event.

The event celebrates the completion of Playhouse Square's $16 million renovation project, which includes retro signage inspired by the 1920s-era roots of the theater district, gateway arches, outdoor seating with a fire pit and permanent stage for concerts, and digital signage. The focal point of the renovation is the GE Chandelier, which is suspended from a 44-foot high steel structure over the intersection of East 14th Street and Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland.

Dazzle the District kicks off at 5 p.m. with happy hours, food specials and live music on U.S Bank Plaza. American pop band Hot Chelle Rae, known best for their song "Tonight Tonight," will perform a free community concert at 8:30 p.m. The event culminates with the lighting of the chandelier at 9:30 p.m., followed by a second performance by Hot Chelle Rae.

Local bars and restaurants will be open for the duration of the event. Dazzle the District is free and open to the community.

Don't miss this historic moment in Cleveland history!

Dazzle the District hours:
Friday, May 2 from 5-11 p.m.

For more information, visit Dazzle the District. 

Cleveland Foundation Day at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Cleveland Foundation, the world's first community foundation, is celebrating its centennial this year. To encourage the community to join along in the centennial celebration, each month The Cleveland Foundation is providing a small gift to the community. This Saturday, take advantage of the April centennial gift with free admission to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and RainForest.

The zoo and rainforest will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 26. This is the first free weekend day to all visitors at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in almost 20 years.

Since Earth Day was on Tuesday, special programming and activities will be held throughout the day at the zoo and rainforest with a sustainability and conservation theme. Programming includes recycled bag art sculpture, Nature Discovery ridge tours, a rhino conservation display and the Great Lakes Erie Boat Float made from recycled materials.

To keep with the theme of sustainability, visitors are encouraged to walk, bike, carpool or take public transit to the zoo.

Cleveland Foundation Day at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo hours:
Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The zoo is located at 3900 Wildlife Way in Cleveland. The RainForest is adjacent to the zoo.

For more information, visit Cleveland Metroparks.

Geauga County Maple Festival

Spring has finally arrived in Northeast Ohio, which means maple syrup season is in full swing! To celebrate, Geauga County will host the 85th annual Maple Festival this Thursday through Sunday.

Geauga County's festival is the oldest maple syrup festival in the United States. It was founded in 1926 to market Ohio maple syrup in competition with Vermont syrup. More than 15,000 people attended the first festival and since then the event has become an annual tradition.

The free four-day event in Chardon Square includes arts and crafts, live entertainment, bathtub races, a lumberjack competition, tug of war contests, pageants, rides and the acclaimed maple syrup/candy contest.

A grand parade will be held at 3 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday while Pancakes in the Park, an all-you-can-eat affair, will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday (cost is $8 per person).

Chardon Square is located at Route 6 and Route 44 in Chardon. A free shuttle bus service from Sheetz Plaza to Chardon Square will be available Saturday and Sunday.

Geauga County Maple Festival hours:
Thursday, April 24 from noon-10 p.m.
Friday, April 25 from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday, April 27 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

For more information or a complete schedule of events, visit Geauga County Maple Festival. 

2nd annual Cleveland Kurentovanje

Photo courtesy Cleveland Kurentovanje

The St. Clair-Superior neighborhood was once a thriving hub of Slovenian life, filled with Slovenian businesses, churches and restaurants. Recently there has been a movement to restore some of the culture to that neighborhood. Last year a group of community members organized the first ever Cleveland Kurentovanje and the festival returns this Saturday.

Kurentovanje is the most popular carnival event in Slovenia and has been celebrated for more than 50 years. More than 100,000 people typically attend the two-day celebration. The main figure of the carnival, the large and fuzzy Kurent, is believed to chase away winter and usher in spring.

Ten Kurents will be featured in this year's parade, which kicks off at noon at St. Vitus Church on Lausche Avenue and ends at the Slovenian National Home on St. Clair Ave. The parade will include polka music, marching bands, dance groups and people dressed in traditional clothing from Eastern Europe (visitors also are encouraged to dress in costume!) Prior to the start of the parade, stop by Collective Upcycle Boutique, 6202 St. Clair Ave., to enjoy some krofi, or Slovenian donuts, and coffee.

The party moves to the Slovenian National Home after the parade where guests can enjoy ethnic food, wine, beer and live music. The Slovenian Museum and Archives, along with local businesses, will be open all afternoon.

The after party takes place at Sterle's Country House on East 55th Street starting at 6 p.m. The Joey Tomsick Orchestra will perform live polka music until 10 p.m. and the bier garden will be open throughout the day. Come out and enjoy some schnitzel, a shot of Slivovitz and polka the night away!

Cleveland Kurentovanje hours:
Saturday, March 1 from 11 a.m. to midnight

For more information, visit Cleveland Kurentovanje.

Brite Winter

Cleveland has experienced a brutal winter this year. With below freezing temperatures and snow storms, most people would rather stay inside than venture out into the cold.

But there's another group of people living in Cleveland who want us to embrace the cold. And their idea has caught on, as thousands of people are expected to spend Saturday afternoon and evening outdoors for the Brite Winter festival.

Now in its fifth year, Brite Winter was created by a group of friends who realized there wasn't much to do in Cleveland during the wintertime and wanted to make a change. The festival celebrates music and art and helps to build a sense of community.

More than 70 local bands will perform on 10 stages throughout Ohio City. A variety of food trucks will be on site serving up warm food and drinks to fight the chill, and all local businesses will be open during the festivities. Local artists and galleries, as well as the Cleveland Institute of Art, will have creative and interactive artwork on display. There will also be a number of games on hand for guests of all ages, including skeeball, plinko and foosball.

A staple of Brite Winter each year is the Great Wall of Light. The wall, which stretches throughout Ohio City, is a collection of lamps, neon lights and lanterns that glows after the sun sets. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lights to add to the wall. At the close of each festival the lights are saved and stored to be used again the following year.

If that's still not enough to convince you to spend the day outside during Cleveland winter, the entire event is free!

Brite Winter hours:
Saturday, Feb. 15 from 4-11 p.m.

For more information or maps of the festivities, visit Brite Winter.

Cleveland Winter Beerfest

It's freezing in Northeast Ohio (and most of the country), which means it's time to drink some libations to warm us all up! Cleveland must've had the same idea, since this weekend the city is hosting the inaugural Cleveland Winter Beerfest.

Held at the newly opened Cleveland Convention Center in downtown Cleveland, the beerfest will feature about 325 craft beers from 90 breweries across the country. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Music Education Society of Ohio, which supports Jazz Youth Education programs, the Big Joe Duskin Music Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to produce as many in-school music presentations as possible, and the Ohio Craft Brewers Association.

Regular admission tickets cost $35 advance or $45 day off (cash only) and include 25 samples plus a 5 oz. souvenir acrylic mug. VIP tickets cost $45 advance or $55 day of (cash only) and include 25 samples, a souvenir mug, early entry to the festival and access to specialty beers. Designated driver tickets also are available for $20.

The event is expected to draw more than 5,000 people so get your tickets early!

Cleveland Winter Beerfest hours:
Friday, Jan. 31 from 7:30-11 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 1 from 7:30-11 p.m. (VIP admission at 6:30 p.m. both days)

For more information, visit Cleveland Winter Beerfest.

Today's Bride Bridal Show

Calling all brides!

For the last 25 years, Ohio's own Today's Bride Magazine & Shows has been hosting the ultimate wedding planning event. The show returns to the I-X Center this Saturday and Sunday.

More than 250 Northeast Ohio wedding professionals and vendors will have booths set up at the show. Brides-to-be will be able to request information, compare quotes and taste delicious samples from caterers and cake designers. Bridal fashion shows will take place both days, spotlighting the latest trends and styles of wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and tuxedos.

A pop up bridal salon will allow guests to search through a huge assortment of wedding dresses, all up to 50 percent off.

Tickets start at $10 and can be used for either day of the show. Parking costs $8 per vehicle.

Get a jump start on wedding planning and spend the day exploring all things bridal!

Today's Bride Bridal Show hours:
Saturday, Jan. 18 from  2-8 p.m.
Sunday, Jan, 19 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, visit Today's Bride.