5 Events to Catch in Cleveland This August
If you’re wondering about a quick trip for Labor Day, put Cleveland on your radar.
August is one of the best months to visit the city. Not only does it offer the perfect weather for enjoying Cleveland’s urban outdoors (think relaxing on Lake Erie’s beaches, paddleboarding the Cuyahoga River, exploring Cuyahoga Valley National Park and cycling or hiking miles of lakefront and park trails) but the city’s cultural calendar is full of travel-worthy events and celebrations.
Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade & Cultural Festival (Aug. 2-3)
Honoring over 50 years of cultural pride, unity and community resilience, Cleveland’s Puerto Rican Parade & Cultural Festival is a weekend-long celebration at MetroHealth Medical Center’s Quad Park. All are invited to enjoy live music, delicious food, performances, cultural showcases, kid-friendly activities and, of course, the lively parade.
Feast of the Assumption (Aug. 14-17)
Spanning five blocks in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood – recently named one of the best in North America – the Feast of the Assumption is a beloved annual celebration of Italian food, culture and community. In addition to traditional religious celebrations, pizzas, pastas and more, the neighborhood’s eclectic art scene shines with local vendors and live music throughout the festival.
Tennis in the Land (Aug. 16-23)
Cleveland’s premier women’s sporting event, Tennis in the Land, returns to the Nautica Entertainment Complex this summer for its fifth year. The final stop before the U.S. Open, the WTA 250 tournament will welcome 32 of the world’s top women’s tennis players for a week of elite competition. The event also features live music, food trucks and beer gardens set against the backdrop of the Cuyahoga River with stunning views of Downtown.
Cleveland Oktoberfest (Aug. 29-Sept. 1, Sept. 5-6)
For two consecutive weekends, the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds transform into a giant German biergarten filled with food, music, beer and fun – from wiener dog races to beer stein-holding competitions.
Cleveland National Air Show (Aug. 30-Sept. 1)
Ranked among USA Today’s top air shows, the Cleveland National Air Show at Burke Lakefront Airport is a Labor Day Weekend tradition now in its sixth decade. More than 100,000 spectators are expected to gather along the Lake Erie shoreline to witness the action as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels put jet fighters through a choreographed performance at high speeds. The event includes fun for the whole family, including a range of food, crafts and aviation-related exhibits.
And don’t forget to check in with Studio West 117, Cleveland’s LGBTQ+ precinct, which has a variety of summer activities and events, including lots of drag shows, dance parties, karaoke, drag bingo, trivia nights, RuPaul watch parties, summer leagues, sports such as pickleball, rock climbing, fitness classes, and cooking, gardening, creative classes and more.
