Cleveland Oktoberfest returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds Friday for six days over two weekends. The popular event offers German traditions, beer, food, live music, and plenty of new attractions.

Originally published in October 2024. Since 2017, The Literacy Cooperative has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to send free books each month to local children. Working with local groups like Heights Family Foundation, United Way, and the Bruening Foundation, as of October 2024, the groups have now distributed two million books.

Noblewins LLC, 2026 Cleveland Chain Reaction winner, is giving retired wind turbine blades a second life as functional public art. Founder and CEO Brian Donahue shares how a problem he spotted in the renewable energy industry led to an innovative Cleveland business — and ultimately a $40,000 first-place prize.

The African American Heritage and Cultural Celebration returns to Cleveland after nearly 25 years, bringing music, history, and culture to the Cleveland History Center . This year’s celebration also honors Cleveland hip-hop pioneer Kevin “MC Chill” Heard, marking 40 years since he became the first Cleveland solo act to sign with a national record label.

The Heights Music Hop returns the weekend of Aug. 28 through 30 with its biggest lineup yet: 90 bands performing at 46 venues across four Cleveland Heights districts: Cedar Fairmount, Noble, Cedar Lee, and Coventry. From rock-and roll and funk to line dancing and Nepalese music to silent films with live piano accompaniment and late-night performances, the free three-day festival offers a little something for everyone.

“Icons in Ink: The Jewish Comics Experience” at the Maltz Museum celebrates Cleveland's Jewish creators who have shaped the comics industry—from Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joel Shuster to contemporary artists and writers like Harvey Pekar and Terri Libenson. There's still time to explore the collection, listen to podcasts, and catch a screening of "Captain America: The Winter Soldier."

Rock the Block will get South Euclid Food Truck Park pumping when it returns for its 12th year on Aug. 21 and 22 with 17 bands on three stages, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and local vendors. The free festival brings the community together while showcasing the businesses and community of Downtown South Euclid.

Run Your City Cleveland returns to Edgewater Park this fall for its third season, offering a free six-week running program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Led by Cleveland State University student-athletes, the program combines running, team activities, and mentorship to help local youth build confidence, resilience and healthy habits.

Cleveland’s population has fallen 60% from its peak over the past 75 years, while city officials have spent decades trying to attract new businesses. As thousands of baby-boomer business owners approach retirement, Richard T. Herman presents a strategy to preserve the successful businesses already here: Create a succession pipeline that prepares immigrant, minority, and first-generation entrepreneurs to acquire existing companies and connect them with financing and support from organizations already serving the region.

Every transplant tells two stories—one of hope and one of extraordinary generosity. As Lifebanc prepares for its annual Gift of Life Walk & Run on Aug. 23, transplant recipients Griff Hill and LaShawn Taylor, living donor Freeman Mahone, and CEO Katie Payne share why organ donation saves lives, strengthens communities, and should be part of every family's conversation.

One World Day returns to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens on Sunday, Aug. 30, celebrating its 80th anniversary with cultural performances, international food, a naturalization ceremony, and special America 250 programming that highlights the immigrant stories that shape the nation.

Literary Cleveland has announced the schedule for its 12th annual Inkubator Writing Conference Sept. 9 through 12, with more than 75 hours of free programming,  acclaimed authors, and keynote speaker Colson Whitehead. Part of Cleveland Book Fest, the conference includes workshops, panel discussions, networking events, and the year-long Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison celebration.

For 25 years, 78th Street Studios has evolved from a former industrial warehouse into one of Cleveland's premier creative hubs. Owner Dan Bush reflects on creating a community where artists, entrepreneurs, and makers continue to find inspiration, collaboration, and a place to belong.

Ten years after its dramatic redesign, Cleveland's Public Square has emerged to be the vibrant gathering place planners envisioned. As Downtown Cleveland, Inc. celebrates the anniversary, leaders are looking ahead with expanded programming, continued improvements, and a long-term vision of keeping the city's "living room" active year-round.