sparx city hop

September 15 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. www.downtowncleveland.com/sparx Sparx City Hop is an annual arts event that gives Cleveland residents and visitors the opportunity to dig deep into the city’s neighborhoods while traveling on bike, foot or trolley. At various stops throughout the city, participants will experience the city’s art and culture scene by visiting numerous artists’ studios and galleries.
 
Now in its 10^th year, Sparx City Hop has hit its stride and is growing year after year. This year’s participation by artists and galleries has increased by nearly 20 percent over last year.
 
“Sparx is the perfect opportunity to get a taste of Cleveland history, along with all that the city’s arts and culture scene has to offer,” says Joe Marinucci, president and CEO of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance. “There’s no arguing that Cleveland is booming, so this is truly a great time to experience our vibrant and unique neighborhoods.”
 
There are four different routes this year that attendees can use to "hop" through Cleveland neighborhoods. Trolley routes will take passengers to the Campus District, Art Quarter and AsiaTown, Ohio City, and Tremont. As riders travel on trolleys, Sparx tour guides will share interesting facts about art, architecture, culture, history, and the city’s culinary scene.
 
To board the trolleys, City Hop participants must first pick up a wristband, available at each of the trolley stops.
 
In addition to the trolley rides (and walking), participants can also hop aboard rented bikes from the Bike Rack (or bring your own wheels). Pick up a map and cruise one or all of the Sparx routes at your own pace. If you prefer a guided bike experience, group tours of the Campus District will depart from the Bike Rack at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
 
Trolley routes, schedules, participating artists and galleries, and day-of-event details are available at www.downtowncleveland.com/sparx.