About the 2025 Festival
The theme of the 2025 Cleveland Humanities Festival is APPETITE. Feast. Famine, Ambition. Desire. Craving. Appetite is both a bodily state and an emotive force. As we celebrate the 10th year anniversary of the CHF, we will explore the multifaceted ways that humanistic inquiry has engaged this theme. What do we hunger for in our personal and civic lives? How does longing shape the human psyche? How have artists and makers explored the role of appetite in creative production? What metaphors of appetite resonate across diverse time periods and cultural milieus? How will AI and new technologies impact our collective appetites for knowledge? These questions and more will be addressed by Cleveland area arts, cultural and educational organizations through a series of public events in the spring of 2025.
Food, Appetite, and our Sense of Place: from Wild Rice to Chicken Nuggets to Blue Cheese made with AI
April 9, 2025
4:30 PM Tinkham Veale University Center Ballroom A 11038 Bellflower Road Cleveland, OH 44106
Thirst for Knowledge: The Florist of Millionaires’ Row
April 9. 2025
7:00 PM Cuyahoga County Public Library Fairview Park Branch 21255 Lorain Road Fairview Park, OH 44126
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zanner
April 10, 2025
10:00 AM Rocky River Public Library 1600 Hampton Road Rocky River, OH 44116
A poignant memoir about growing up Korean American, losing her mother to cancer, and finding solace in food. Read this heartfelt exploration of grief, identity, and the power of cultural connection and come join the discussion at our long-running book group’s new morning meet-up time.
This event is sponsored by Rocky River Public Library and is free and open to the public.
Register HERE.
Shucked: A New Small-Town Musical in a Big-City Medium
April 10, 2025
7:00 PM Cuyahoga County Public Library Strongsville Branch 18700 Westwood Drive Strongsville, OH 44136
Join Music Historian Stephanie Ruozzo to explore Shucked, a “corny” new musical redefining Broadway. With a score blending country, folk, and blues, Shucked challenges traditional Broadway norms and broadens its appeal across class, geographical, and racial lines, giving marginalized voices a modern stage.
Grown-Up Book Fair
April 12, 2025
10:00 AM Rocky River Public Library 1600 Hampton Road Rocky River, OH 44116
Join us in celebrating the end of National Library Week by reliving the nostalgia of visiting a school Book Fair! Take home free books, crafts, and other fun giveaways. Available while supplies last.
This event is sponsored by Rocky River Public Library and is free and open to the public.
Food and Culture: Healthy Cooking Made Simple with Vel Scott
April 16, 2025
11:00 AM Cuyahoga County Public Library Warrensville Heights Branch 4415 Northfield Road Warrensville Heights, OH 44128
Cooking Vareniki (Ukrainian Pierogis)
April 16, 2025
2:00 PM Cuyahoga County Public Library Olmsted Falls Branch 8100 Mapleway Drive Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
You’ll see step-by-step how to assemble and cook this traditional Vareniki (Ukrainian pierogis). In this hands-on program you will build your Vareniki, choose fillings, learn to fold and crimp this Ukrainian favorite using premade dough discs. You will leave with Vareniki ready to be cooked at home. Registration required. Supplies limited.
The event is sponsored by Cuyahoga County Public Library.
Film Screening and Discussion: Breaking Bread Together: Immigrant Foodways and their Contribution to our Community
April 16, 2025
5:30 PM Cleveland State University Idea Center Building 1375 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115
Put Spring in your Step, Cleveland!
April 16, 2025
7:00 PM Cuyahoga County Public Library North Royalton Branch 5071 Wallings Road North Royalton, OH 44133
Discover Northeast Ohio's best urban and rural trails with hiking expert Diane Stresing! Explore scenic spots, historical trails, and hidden gems within 60 miles of Cleveland. Perfect for hikers of all levels.
Book sale and signing to follow.
This event is sponsored by Cuyahoga County Public Library and is free and open to the public.
Registration required. Register HERE.
Hungry for Knowledge: A Student Research Symposium
April 17, 2025
11:00 AM Mastery School of Hawken 11025 Magnolia Drive Cleveland, OH 44106
This event is sponsored by the Mastery School of Hawken.