Arts + Culture
Cleveland's collection of world-class arts institutions would be a boon for a city of any size. For nearly a century the Cleveland Museum of Art has served as one of the finest galleries in all the land, recently made all the better thanks to a just-completed $350-million transformation. Rubbing shoulders with the museum for the past 100 years has been the Cleveland Orchestra, which delights fine-music fans at home-base Severance Hall. Toss in the Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland Institute of Music, Playhouse Square, Cleveland Public Theatre, Museum of Natural History, Cleveland International Film Festival, the Rock Hall, live-music clubs, and funky galleries too numerous to name, it is clear that art, indeed, lives here.
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For 25 years, Inlet Dance Theatre has embraced a mission of "using dance to further people." Inlet founder Bill Wade reflects on the philosophy that shaped the company, its nationally touring productions, and its commitment to community-centered artistry as they prepare for a Cain Park celebration.
The handcrafted displays, interactive exhibits, live performances, and cultural experiences at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Asian Lantern Festival create a colorful summer tradition. FreshWater writer and photographer Elizabeth Hille captures the event in a 22-photo essay—highlighting this year's most memorable scenes.
At Cleveland Public Theatre's monthly Dark Room sessions, unfinished scripts come to life through volunteer readers and audience feedback—giving playwrights a collaborative space to refine new work while building a creative community.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and partners will host the sold-out eighth annual "A Taste of Black Cleveland: The Food Showcase 8.0" tonight at Rocket Arena, featuring tastings from 28 Black-owned restaurants, chefs, caterers, dessert makers, and food trucks while celebrating Cleveland's Black culinary community.
Go beyond the glowing displays at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Asian Lantern Festival and get to know the artisans from Zigong, China, whose centuries-old craft combines handmade tradition with modern technology to create one of the city's most popular summer experiences.
Artist Jordan "Wongface" Wong's new public art installation "Welcome Home," transforms the side of Siam Cafe into a neighborhood gateway and a vibrant celebration of AsiaTown's culture, history and future with symbols and messages.
The BorderLight Theatre and Fringe Festival returns to Playhouse Square with more free programming, stronger partnerships with Cleveland artists, and a lineup of international productions that aim to bring new audiences together through theatre, music, dance, and performance.
In his forthcoming graphic novel "The Dissidents," Cleveland author John "Derf" Backderf explores the true story of the artists and writers behind "The Masses," a radical magazine targeted during World War I for its anti-war views. Through meticulous research and vivid illustrations, Backderf examines a century-old battle over free speech, political repression, and dissent that continues to resonate today.
The new "Supergirl" movie arrives in CLE Friday, and the Siegel & Shuster Society will host a special screening at the Capitol Theatre, hold talks with "Supergirl" writer Mariko Tamaki, and a companion event at the Maltz Museum's "Icons in Ink: The Jewish Comics Experience" exhibit.
One South Euclid is celebrating he unveiling of artist Olivia Oltmanns' "Grow Together" landmark mural in the city's Mayfield-Green district. The nonprofits is gearing up for a summer of engagement through Food Truck Park events, the return of Recess Rewind, and programs designed to connect residents with resources and each other.
Three new exhibits opening June 20 at The Sculpture Center feature site-responsive works by Noelle Choy, Jacklyn Brickman, and Malena Grigoli. Through various media, the artists explore memory, place, belonging, and the unseen forces that shape everyday life—inviting visitors to reconsider the histories and relationships embedded in the world around them.
The 15th International Horror Hotel Film Festival returns to Northeast Ohio this weekend with more than 175 selected films and scripts, special guest Dan O'Shannon, new events like Filmmaker Bingo and a costume competition. Be sure to catch four days of film screenings, networking, and celebrations of independent horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and action filmmaking.
More than 1,700 people gathered beneath Playhouse Square's iconic chandelier earlier this month for Fashion Talks Foundation's first outdoor runway show. The event featured designers from Northeast Ohio and beyond, student work, community honorees, and a celebration of the organization's mission to support emerging and underrepresented voices in fashion.
A public art initiative will bring eight new murals and installations by seven artists to Cleveland Heights later this summer. Led by Heights Arts, in partnership with local artists, businesses, and LAND studio, the $250,000 project aims to strengthen the city arts districts' identities, celebrate local creativity, and create a more welcoming, vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike.
Rust Belt Photo Collective's new exhibition, "Touched," brings together 55 works by Northeast Ohio artists exploring intimacy, memory, nature, longing, and human connection. Curated by Richard Holmes, the show opens June 12 at Gallery East and invites visitors to reflect on the moments, people, and experiences that touch their lives.
Downtown Canton’s June First Friday returns to its artistic roots with Chalk the Walk, gallery visits, live music from The SpYder Stompers, food trucks, and a new initiative designed to connect visitors with the city’s growing arts and culture scene.
Valley Arts Center's Art by the Falls returns this weekend, June 6 and 7 with more than 150 artists from across the country, live music, food vendors, family activities, and more at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills. The annual festival is one of Northeast Ohio’s largest celebrations of art and creativity.
The Garden Club of Cleveland in May transformed donated and upcycled flowers into a large-scale public art installation on Wade Oval in University Circle, inviting visitors to take photos, create bouquets, and take home blooms during its first-ever Flower Flash. Two more events are planned later this year.
Lake Erie Ink marked the 10th anniversary of its Teen Book Project with the launch of this year’s anthology, "Lights, Camera, Action," compiled by student writers from Ohio schools. The annual initiative gives teens the opportunity to publish their works, collaborate with peer editors, and discover the power of sharing their voices.
Acclaimed horticulturist and author Abra Lee will visit Cleveland Botanical Garden on May 16 to discuss the overlooked contributions of Black gardeners, farmers, and growers and the lasting impact of their work on American horticulture and agriculture.