Cleveland is a city rich with many different ethnicities, cultures and arts. From the largely celebrated Irish heritage to the city's storied African-American roots, many different people call the city home. Not only can the city claim the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as its own, but there is also an arts initiative in the works. Downtown locales, stadiums, convention centers, restaurants and a waterfront district provide adequate homes for numerous annual festivals, events and other exhibits.
Saint Patrick's Day Parade - The Irish make up the third largest heritage group in Cleveland - and besides, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day - and they show their pride by kicking off a parade downtown with the singing of Irish and American National Anthems. It is then on to the march, parading the streets. The parade takes place on March 17, the traditional day of the St. Patrick's feast. The parade has been happening since 1867 and shows no sign of stopping.
Hessler Street Fair - This fair was started in 1969 during which time much of the area was being bought by institutions of University Circle. The purpose was to raise money to preserve the historic street. After several successful fairs, the street was named Cleveland's first historic landmark in 1975. The festival was subsequently phased out. However, in 1995, the once popular street fair was resurrected and has continued strong since. The free two-day street fair is held in Cleveland's Hessler Road neighborhood in late May each year. Many Clevelanders say it is the unofficial start to the city's summer festival season. The festival includes live music, poetry readings, a variety of food, street vendors and original art.
Parade the Circle - This free event is held annually during June in the University Circle neighborhood. It began in 1990 with just over 100 marchers in front of about 1,000 onlookers. The main attraction of the day is the costumed marchers making their way around Wade Oval. In addition, the event features several live entertainers as well as concerts. 2006's parade consisted of 2,000 marchers and 50,000 spectators. The cost to march in the parade is $5 and marchers must make their own costumes with no written words or logos.
Twins Day - Twins Days takes place in - where else? - nearby Twinsburg on the first full weekend of every August. It has been drawing participants since 1976, and you don't have to be a twin to enjoy the weekend of food, live entertainment and activities. There is a small registration fee and public parking is available. The Fest's website boasts "The Twins Days Festival is open to all multiples - identical, fraternal, young and old, twins, triplets, quads - and their families." While the website does have a wide variety of photos with twins in matching clothes, they also claim by "no, no, no means" is that required. The festival also features a scholarship competition open to all high school seniors.
Taste of Cleveland - Cleveland has been celebrating the annual Bigelow Chevrolet Taste of Cleveland festival for more than 11 years during Labor Day weekend. The weekend includes festivities and food from local chefs, ethnic performers, live music, entrées, specialties and even desserts from more than 30 area restaurants. The days start around noon and last late into the evening, should you be able to last that long after the smorgasbord of food available all day. The admission costs vary every year, but sponsors of the event generally include special deals, freebies and other giveaways that make the day quite a bargain. There is also a ballot process where a top prize is given for the day's favorites.
Kuummba Festival - This annual event takes place the second Saturday of December at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Kuumba - pronounced koo-OOM-bah - means creativity. It is the sixth of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is the African-American celebration of the traditional values of family, community, responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. The actual celebration of Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious, and is not a substitute for Christmas. It is celebrated from December 26 to January 1. Performances in theater arts, contemporary dance or ballet typically make up the live entertainment for the Kuumba festival.
Sources:
http://www.clevelandmemory.org/
http://ech.case.edu/
http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/