7 things to do around Cleveland this spring
With temperatures beginning to rise around Cleveland, members of the Case Western Reserve University community likely look forward to trading snow boots and structured layers for sunnier skies and longer days.
Today (March 20) marks the first official day of spring, and Cleveland has no shortage of ways to celebrate the season.
Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, hoping to discover a new hidden gem or simply looking for a reason to step outside and enjoy the fresh air, here are seven things you can do around Cleveland to make the most of spring. Need more ideas? Discover seven more activities you can do around the city.
1. Explore the third best arts district in the nation.
Named the third best arts district in the nation by USA TODAY, University Circle boasts numerous world-renowned museums, historic landmarks and scenic green spaces. Take a self-guided art walk through the galleries at the Cleveland Museum of Art or explore contemporary exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland. For a seasonal highlight, visit the Cleveland Botanical Garden to see more than 3,000 orchids during its Western-themed exhibit, Orchid Rodeo, on display through April 5. Prefer fresh air? Take a stroll through nearby green spaces such as Rockefeller Park, Fine Arts Garden or Wade Oval.
2. Experience immersive, multi-sensory live music performances at the Maltz Performing Arts Center.
Looking for a relaxing and unique musical experience? Visit the Maltz Performing Arts Center for an immersive live performance. The venue regularly hosts candlelight concerts presented by Fever, where audiences sit surrounded by candlelight while listening to string interpretations of music inspired by artists and pop culture favorites—from ’90s hip-hop, Metallica and Coldplay to themes from The Lord of the Rings film series and Bridgerton. You can also hear performances by ensembles such as the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and the Case/University Circle Symphony Orchestra.
3. See the newest exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Music and history lovers can head downtown to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to explore new and returning exhibits, including “Paul McCartney and Wings,” which will open early May. As the first-of-its-kind at a major museum, this exhibit will feature an extensive collection of never-before-displayed artifacts—from instruments played in Wings’ recording sessions and in concert performances and handwritten lyrics to clothing worn by the band, original artwork and unseen photography. Additional exhibits on display include “SNL: 50 Years of Music,” “Revolutionary Women in Music” and “The Music of 1984.”
4. Engage in the maple-sugaring process.
Celebrate one of Northeast Ohio’s classic spring traditions by visiting the Case Western Reserve University Farm for Maple Syrup Day, which will take place March 21. During this event, attendees can watch the maple-tapping process, learn how sap is transformed into syrup and enjoy maple-inspired treats. Participants also have the opportunity to learn how to make their own syrup at home with help from the Farm Food Program.
5. Release stress with puppy yoga.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted way to de-stress this spring, consider signing up for a puppy yoga session. Hosted by Puppies & Yoga, these classes combine gentle movement with time spent alongside playful puppies roaming the room. Each 75-minute session includes 45 minutes of all-level flow yoga followed by 30 minutes of puppy playtime.
6. Explore the wonders of space at Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s planetarium.
Step into the cosmos at the Shafran Planetarium and Mueller Observatory, located inside Cleveland Museum of Natural History. This immersive theater offers a chance to explore planets, stars, black holes and the mysteries of the universe through visual presentations that make astronomy come alive. You can also travel back in time with Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s “3D Movie: Dinosaurs of Antarctica” exhibit for a look through the Permian and Jurassic periods.
7. Participate in spring cleaning opportunities.
Get a fresh start this season by participating in community cleanup events and volunteer programs, such as Cleveland Metroparks Drop-in Service Days. These projects typically run between April through October and last up to three hours. Have new or gently-used furniture and clothing taking up space? Consider donating these items to Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Cleveland Furniture Bank, Another Chance of Ohio and other local drop-off locations.