What’s hot in Cleveland in 2026

With the “Midwest moment” in travel predicted to continue next year, Cleveland will welcome visitors with major attraction expansions, vibrant new arts programming and a focus on the area’s central role in the nationwide America250 celebrations.

Whether arriving by car, airplane or rail, travelers can discover new exhibits, innovative public spaces and events that showcase the city’s culture, creativity and community spirit.

Two of Cleveland’s signature attractions will unveil major expansions in 2026. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will open its highly anticipated $175 million expansion next fall, adding 50,000 square feet to its lakefront home. The project preserves architect I.M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid while introducing new exhibition galleries, a performance venue accommodating 800 to 1,000 guests and indoor and outdoor public gateways. A new, ADA-accessible community park will enhance the museum’s role as a global gathering place.

In the Old Brooklyn neighborhood, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will debut the first phase of its $120 million Primate Forest in 2026. The zoo’s most significant expansion in over a century, the new habitat will showcase orangutans and other primate species. Guests can explore the high-tech CrossCountry Mortgage Forest Gallery and get an up-close look at animal care.

As part of its commitment to belonging and inclusive travel, Destination Cleveland recently launched a partnership with Wheel the World. To help ensure visitors can explore with confidence, an initial list of hotels, attractions and experiences that provide verified accessibility is now available on both ThisisCleveland.com and WheelTheWorld.com. 

Cleveland marks America’s 250th Birthday

Cleveland’s industrial legacy make it a meaningful place to reflect on where the country has been and where it’s headed as the nation celebrates America250.

The Cleveland History Center will anchor local programming with exhibitions and events that link the nation’s founding to the innovators, artists and everyday Clevelanders who helped shape modern America. Visitors can explore stories of aviation, design, music and immigration that reflect both Cleveland’s identity and the broader American experience.

The city will also be in the spotlight as part of the statewide America250 celebration, the Ohio Trails & Tales program. The Ohio Air & Space Trail will showcase Cleveland’s role in flight and aerospace innovation, while the Ohio Creativity Trail will celebrate Cleveland as a center of art, fashion and music.

Outdoor offerings will weave America250 into Cleveland’s landscape, with the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail drawing visitors to the city’s waterfront and Murals Across Ohio adding new public art.

Arts & Culture

Cleveland’s arts scene is gearing up for a year of memorable exhibitions and a reimagined festival that gives visitors a new way to explore one of the city’s most eclectic and authentic neighborhoods.

The Cleveland Museum of Art marks its 110th anniversary with a lineup of special programming, including Renaissance to Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses through Feb. 1. The exhibition traces five centuries of Italian fashion, showcasing more than 100 iconic garments and accessories from design houses such as Versace, Valentino and Ferragamo.

On Feb. 21, Cleveland’s signature Brite Winter festival moves to the Waterloo Arts District, turning six blocks of galleries, studios, restaurants and venues into an immersive landscape of music, art and fire. Thousands of visitors can explore outdoor installations and performances, making it a unique way to uncover Cleveland’s creative energy.

Cleveland new game-day excitement in 2026

Cleveland’s deep-rooted sports culture gives visitors a distinctive way to experience the city on game day. In 2026, fans can be part of the action in fresh ways. Progressive Field is entering the final phase of its $200 million renovation, adding upgraded seating, improved concourses and enhanced concessions. New viewing and gathering spots such as Tom’s Watch Bar and Urban Meyer’s Pint House will bring additional energy to the Gateway District, home of Progressive Field and Rocket Arena. Additionally, construction continues on Cosm, an immersive entertainment venue scheduled to open in 2027, while the WNBA returns to Cleveland in 2028.

Waterfront developments take shape

Cleveland’s waterfront development continues to progress. The Cuyahoga River, recently designated a National Water Trail, highlights the city’s notable environmental turnaround. Visitors can explore the winding river by kayak, bike or the new Cleveland Water Taxi, which links entertainment areas along the river.

On Lake Erie, the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center will open in 2026, providing year-round public access and sailing programs at the Cleveland Metroparks’ E. 55th Street Marina. The new Mandel Community Trail will make it easier than ever for visitors to move between attractions on Cleveland’s downtown lakefront and nearby east side recreation amenities, such as the new sailing center and the Lakefront Nature Preserve.

Construction continues at Irishtown Bend, a transformative 25-acre greenspace that will link the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail to Lake Erie when completed in 2027. The project will add a major urban park to Cleveland’s growing portfolio of outdoor destinations upon expected completion in early 2029.

Ohio City culinary evolution

Cleveland’s dining scene is gaining momentum, with the Ohio City neighborhood becoming a hub of change – welcoming innovative restaurants, creative collaborations and international flavors that reflect the city’s diverse residents.

Anchoring the development is a $70 million transformation at the historic West Side Market. New outdoor dining space, updated amenities and a makeover of the market’s mezzanine space will welcome a new generation of food lovers. Nearby, the Ohio City Farm’s Cuyahoga Kitchen incubates immigrant-owned restaurants. Concepts like Furahi Congolese Cuisine and The Pierogi Bucket blend global flavors with Cleveland comfort food.

Local chefs continue to make their mark across the neighborhood. Noble Beast Brewing will open an indoor-outdoor Biergarten featuring European-inspired fare.

Meanwhile, the nationally recognized team behind the successful Downtown restaurant Cordelia will introduce a new concept in Ohio City’s Hingetown district. Hereafter, led by StarChefs “Rising Star Bartender” Gabriela Holzer, joins a thriving corridor of independently owned businesses along Lorain Avenue in Ohio City. The intimate location will offer minimalist cocktails and small plates. With these openings and expansions, Ohio City is a must-visit destination for food lovers in 2026.

New Hotels

Cleveland’s visitation growth is driving downtown hotel development. In 2026, the historic New England Building will reopen as the AC Hotel by Marriott, featuring 141 modern rooms in the restored 1896 structure. The Marriott Tribute Hotel and W Hotel will follow in 2027, adding boutique and luxury options to the city’s lodging scene.

To keep up to date on new developments and activities, visit www.thisiscleveland.com

Related News Stories:  Grapevine, TX: What's hot in fall and winter     What's hot in Minneapolis in 2025     What's new in New Smyrna Beach, Florida     What's new in Bentonville, Arkansas in 2025     Wales holiday park operator in administration     Zimbabwe Zambezi Cruise & Safaris launches a trip on the Zambezi ...     Agoda reveals Asia cities travellers return to most     What's new on Route 66 in Arizona     Grapevine's historic Palace Theatre celebrates milestone     Florida Huddle 2026 coming to Orlando