3 things to do in Cleveland in July
Members of the Case Western Reserve University community have ample opportunity to celebrate community throughout the summer. Festivals throughout the city honor different traditions, cultures and artforms, showing off some of Cleveland’s hidden gems.
For those looking to engage more with the community in Cleveland this month, we have a few ideas to get you started. Check the Destination Cleveland website for more ideas.
Light Up the Lake
July 4
See the spectacle of fireworks over Lake Erie as Cleveland marks the 250th anniversary of the United States of America on July 4. There are plenty of spots to catch the show, including a watch party with games, crafts, music and more in Voinovitch Park in Downtown Cleveland, and a party at North Coast Yard with food and more from local vendors. Other spots to consider include Edgewater Beach, Flats East Bank Boardwalk, Wendy Park and Whiskey Island and more.
For those who want to avoid extra large crowds, several local suburbs also will host fireworks displays of their own—including Lakewood, Bay Village and Mayfield Village.
BorderLight Theatre Festival
July 8–11
Now in its sixth year, the BorderLight Theatre Festival pushes the boundaries of art with innovative performances on 15 unique stages in the Playhouse Square neighborhood. At its core, BorderLight is fringe—unfiltered, unconventional and full of discovery—alongside a select international program. With 40+ productions—almost half of which are free to attend—from comedy and drama to storytelling and dance to immersive works and experimental gems, you can binge on theatre, explore new ideas and connect with artists from Cleveland, the U.S., and around the world.
This year’s festival will be held July 8–11. Get a preview of what to expect and purchase tickets.
Betterland Festival
July 18
Betterland Festival—formerly All Cleveland Fest—is a celebration of our city. This family-friendly music and arts festival also supports a good cause, with all proceeds going to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. All Cleveland Coffee and Cleveland Vibes organized the event with production partnership with AEG.
The event features music by RubbleBucket, David Murphy's: For My Peeps, Loconti, AJ and the Woods. There also will be food trucks offering an array of tasty bites, a mini market of local vendors, bounce houses and more.
This energetic festival will be held July 18 at Globe Iron. Doors will open at 3 p.m.
General admission costs $45.29 for the fest and access to vendors. For admission to vendor village only, tickets are $13.31. Admission for children ages 12 and under is free.
