What’s hot this summer in Cleveland

Cleveland, Ohio is having a breakout summer.

The city takes a starring role in the upcoming “Superman” film while the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame brings Saturday Night Live history to life.

Special events offer visitors new opportunities to discover unexpected, surprising urban adventures.

Add diverse new culinary offerings, miles of lakefront and trails plus a jam-packed calendar of festivals, and it’s clear: Cleveland offers a summer experience that’s anything but expected.

Cleveland’s Pop Culture

From internationally acclaimed exhibits to music legends, Cleveland is embracing the spotlight as a must-visit destination for pop culture lovers. As the “Superman” film soars onto screens, the city invites visitors to explore its many connections to the iconic superhero, from filming locations to the homes of creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The Cleveland Museum of Art adds to the cultural momentum with two offerings: Takashi Murakami: “Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow” (May 25–Sept. 7) is an expanded version of the celebrated exhibition from The Broad in Los Angeles featuring never-before-seen works inspired by the Cleveland museum’s own renowned collections; and the acquisition of “Fata Morgana,” a rare marble masterpiece by Giambologna.

Across town, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame dives into television history with “SNL: Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of Music.” This exhibition brings Studio 8H to life through immersive experiences, rare performance footage and iconic costumes. And at Blossom Music Festival (July–September), the Cleveland Orchestra balances classical artistry in an eclectic lineup featuring Cyndi Lauper, Neil Young, The Black Keys and Cynthia Erivo.

Additional arts and culture highlights on display this summer include:

Cleveland Museum of Natural History – Wildlife Photographer of the Year (through Oct. 26): The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is the first in the U.S. to host this world-renowned exhibit showcasing 100 award-winning images highlighting animal behavior, diverse ecosystems and the impact of humanity on the natural world.

Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (moCa) – Clotilde Jiménez: “Shapeshift” (June 27-Jan. 4, 2026): Marking the most extensive presentation of Clotilde Jiménez’s work to date, this exhibition features newly commissioned pieces alongside previously unseen drawings and process materials. Works span throughout Jiménez’s career, including early works from his time at the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Kelli Connell: “Double Life” (June 27-Jan. 4, 2026): This exhibition presents a project that Kelli Connell has been working on for over 20 years with one model, a poetic study of our interior life. Connell’s works reflect complex moments in life, exploring how the way we treat ourselves shapes how we connect with others.

The Sculpture Center – Edra Soto: “La Casa de Todos | Everyone’s Home” (through July 19): Reflecting on her own migratory experience, Edra Soto celebrates the experience of finding and creating a home. The multifaceted exhibition weaves together stories of migration and honors Cleveland’s Latinx community.

Outdoor Adventure in Cleveland

Long known for its rock roots and industrial edge, Cleveland is emerging as one of the Midwest’s most surprising urban outdoor playgrounds. The city’s lakefront location offers sweeping views and breezy adventures, from paddleboarding on Lake Erie to biking the Towpath Trail. This popular cycling route will welcome several additional miles this summer as it looks to complete its 101-mile path this year, adding to the route that begins in Cleveland’s Flats neighborhood. Lakefront parks provide easy access to beaches, forests and trails – many just minutes from major attractions. Whether kayaking on the Cuyahoga River or catching a summer sunset at Edgewater Park, Cleveland’s urban outdoor scene combines city energy with natural beauty.

Summer events include:

Cuyahoga Valley National Park 50th anniversary (through end of 2025): The only national park in Ohio — and one of the few adjacent to a major metro — celebrates its 50th anniversary with a yearlong lineup of events, including a national speaker series and the free, family-friendly “Rhythm on the River” summer concert series. Plus, local favorite Mitchell’s Ice Cream is offering a special flavor to sweeten the milestone: “Cuyahoga Valley Crunch.”

Dragons Landing at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (July 5-Aug. 24): The outdoors meets fantasy as zoogoers marvel at 20 animatronic dragons – including a 100-foot-long ‘ice and fire’ dragon – when they take over the Waterfowl Lake during this family-friendly experience.

Blazing Paddles Paddlefest (July 18-19): Once a symbol of environmental crisis, the Cuyahoga River now hosts one of the city’s most spirited summer events. The seventh annual Paddlefest will turn the river into a festive, high-spirited racecourse. Launching from its new home at Music Box Supper Club, the event features races, relaxed paddles, live reggae and Caribbean fare.

Cleveland Botanical Garden celebrates Japanese Garden’s 50th anniversary (though Sept. 1): A hidden oasis within the city’s cultural hub, Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Japanese Garden turns 50 this summer. The commemorative exhibit “Between Water and Stone” offers visitors serene strolls, interpretive displays and insights into the art of traditional Japanese garden design.

The North Coast Yard (through September): A new pop-up waterfront park in Downtown’s North Coast Harbor is increasing access to the city’s lakefront. Through September, visitors can get active at the pickleball courts or skate park, enjoy local flavors from food trucks and a weekend bar, or simply take in the waterfront views.

Late summer in The Land

As the days get shorter, Cleveland turns up the volume with a unique lineup of festivals and events. Late summer in The Land is packed with can’t-miss celebrations and high-energy fun. August kicks off with the Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade & Cultural Festival (Aug. 2–3), a weekend-long celebration featuring delicious food, live music and, of course, the lively parade.

Next, follow the aroma of fresh pasta and pastries to Little Italy’s Feast of the Assumption (Aug. 14–17), where culture, tradition and art fill the historic neighborhood.

Sports fans can rally at Tennis in the Land (Aug. 16–23), a WTA 250 tournament and the final stop before the U.S. Open. The competition is part of a larger story unfolding in Cleveland, where the city is quickly becoming a national leader in elevating women’s sports. With the recent opening of The W Sports Bar, the city’s first women owned and focused sports bar, and the announcement of a WNBA team returning in 2028, Cleveland is building real infrastructure around visibility and equity in women’s athletics.

Visitors can celebrate Labor Day the Cleveland way. Cleveland Oktoberfest (Aug. 29–Sept. 1, Sept. 5–6) brings beer steins, bratwurst and wiener dog races to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, while the Cleveland National Air Show (Aug. 30–Sept. 1) takes to the skies with high-flying thrills from the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.

To learn more: www.thisiscleveland.com

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