Make a mini-float for the mini-parade at Cleveland Museum of Art's Community Arts Center.The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) 2026 Parade the Circle on Saturday, June 13 is just a week away, anticipation is building for one of Cleveland's most beloved annual arts traditions.

For family members who just can’t wait any longer, CMA is hosting events at both the museum and the Community Arts Center, housed in the PIVOT Center for Art, Dance, and Expression, 2937 W. 25^th Street in Ohio City.
Family FUN
First, this Sunday, June 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., staff at the Community Arts Center will launch CMA’s first Family FUNday: Mini Parade with artist Michelle Littlejohn.

Littlejohn is a Cleveland-based independent artist and illustrator. She creates illustrations and products inspired by the little moments, big emotions, and everyday adventures of life as a mom of five, where inspiration is never in short supply.

Littlejohn’s online shop, Vanilla Star Art and Café, features stickers, miniatures, and other whimsical creations inspired by family life and everyday adventures.

Parades are special events that highlight culture, identity, and community voice through the creation of floats, costumes, displays, and, often, marches. So, to get into the parade mood, CMA Community Arts Center manager Raymond Rodriguez and CMA community arts director Jordan Jiménez will host free artmaking activities.

Creators of all ages can design and build hand puppets artist Susie Underwood at Puppets in Play.Rodriguez says there will be three different art activities to choose from. “You do not need to bring anything, other than your Mini float if you had built it previously,” he says. “If you haven't, you are welcome to build one from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.”

However, Jiménez says help is there for those who still need to build their mini-floats.

“An assortment of sculptural and upcycling materials are provided,” she says. “And participants will have the opportunity to witness and appreciate the larger-than-life floats that are in their final stages at the Community Arts Center for the June 13 Parade the Circle.

“All ages, skill levels, and abilities are welcome to join us, as always,” Jiménez adds.

Join in the fun as participants parade around the PIVOT Building in anticipation of Parade the Circle. The parade starts at 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and reservations are not required.

Puppets in Play
Then, on the day of Parade the Circle, step right up and march into a world of imagination! After the parade, step behind the scenes of the spectacle and into the magical world of puppetry.

The creativity continues after Parade the Circle concludes, visitors can step behind the scenes of the spectacle and into the imaginative world of puppetry during Puppets in Play, a lively, hands-on experience for both young creators and grown-ups who can design and build their own hand puppets along with featured artist Susie Underwood.

Participants will be surrounded by a dazzling display of parade puppets and larger-than-life creations from past years of Parade the Circle. Let their movement, color, and personality spark your own puppet’s story.

Parade the Circle: Puppets in Play on Saturday, June 13, runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Ames Family Atrium. The event is free and open to the public.