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.