CLEVELAND — Maybe it's the mild winter (so far), maybe it's the occasional blooming bud you see on a walk, or maybe it's just being a regular Clevelander who's ready for some sunshine! Either way, folks around Northeast Ohio have a lot to look forward to, come springtime. Below are 10 things to try when the weather breaks.
1. Maple Sugaring
One of the best things to do in Northeast Ohio in the springtime, is Maple Sugaring! The Cleveland Metroparks has been hosting guests for the past 40 years in the Maple Grove Picnic Area. You take a self-guided hike through the sugarbush, see how the syrup-making process works, then sample the delicious syrup!
Dates and Times:
- Saturday, Mar 18, 2023, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Sunday, Mar 19, 2023, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
More information on Maple Sugaring in the Cleveland Metroparks, HERE.
You can also learn more about the Ohio Maple Madness Tour, HERE.
2. Visit Baby Animals:
Spring is the time of year to see some cute baby animals, as many of them will be born at various zoos and sanctuaries across the U.S.
Locally, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo provides updates when a new baby is born, HERE.
And, get ready an explosion of cuteness this spring at Lake Metroparks Farm Park. We're talking baby goats, pigs, cows, etc. In fact they constantly update the new arrivals HERE on their Instagram page.
You can also follow along with the latest activities at the Farm Park, on their website.
3. Blooming Springtime Flowers
One of the most beautiful signs of spring is a blooming flower. And, with our Cleveland Metroparks system, there is no better place to check them out during spring months. Below are some suggestions to view the colorful flowers, courtesy of the Cleveland Traveler.
- Brookside Reservation – 100 Yoshino cherry trees burst into bloom usually in late April/early May.
- Bedford Reservation – In early May, you can find thousands of Virginia bluebells near Hemlock Creek Picnic area and Tinkers Creek.
- Rocky River Reservation – The Hauser Wildflower Garden near the Rocky River Nature Center is a great spot to wildflowers like violets, bloodroot, and trout lily.
- Brecksville Reservation – Grab the whole family and walk the Wildflower Loop trail. That's where you'll see various wildflowers from March-June.
- North Chagrin Reservation – The Scenic Loop Trail is a great spot to see lots of blooming wildflowers.
For more information on the Cleveland Metroparks, or how to get to each place listed above, click HERE.
4. Visit Holden Arboretum
As one of Northeast Ohio's outdoor gems, Holden Arboretum, in Kirtland, is the perfect place to visit in the springtime. It's open rear-round, but the outdoor gardens Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden, Murch Canopy Walk and the Kalberer Emergent Tower, are the stars March through May.
For more information on Holden Arboretum, click HERE.
5. Celebrate Dyngus Day
Dyngus Day, celebrated every Monday after Easter, follows the Polish holiday of Pączki Day in February. Dyngus Day normally celebrates the ending of Lent in the Catholic Church, but in Cleveland, it's open to everyone.
In fact, Cleveland does it big, with tons of good food, mostly of Polish-American tradition, and a huge party on Gordon Square. In fact, a description on the organizer's website says the bash includes "all the polka, paczki and piwo you can handle!"
When: April 10, 2023
Time: 10:00AM – 8:30 PM
Where: Gordon Square Arts District & Around Town
5400 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102
For more information on Dyngus Day in the CLE, click HERE.
6. Head to a Festival
When it comes to festivals, Cleveland does it right. And, the best news? Most of them start in springtime, right when you're itching to get outside. Below are some festivals to check out soon.
Cleveland Asian Festival
"A grassroots festival that highlights Cleveland’s AsiaTown, Diversity, and Asian Culture in Northeast Ohio."
- ClevelandAsianFestival.org
When: Saturday, May 20 through Sunday, May 21
Time: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Where: E 27th St. and Payne Ave.
For more information on the Cleveland Asian Festival, click HERE.
Tremont Greek Festival
"You don't have to be Greek to enjoy our festival, but you need an appetite for delicious Greek Food and pastries, Greek beer and wine."
- TremontGreekFest.com
When:
- Friday May 27, Noon-Midnight
- Saturday May 28, Noon-Midnight
- Sunday May 29, Noon-Midnight
- Monday May 30, Noon to 8 p.m.
Where:
2187 West 14th, Cleveland 44113
(Corner of West 14th and Fairfield in Tremont)
For more information on Tremont Greek Fest, click HERE.
Cleveland International Film Festival
"Founded in 1977, the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) is a leader in helping the world discover the power of the film arts to educate, entertain, and celebrate an inclusive human experience. Drawing more than 100,000 film enthusiasts annually, CIFF is an Academy® qualifying festival, and one of seven Resident Companies of Playhouse Square."
-ClevelandFilm.org
When:
Wednesday, Mar 22, 2023 - Sun, Apr 9, 2023
Time: Various showtimes
For more information on the Cleveland International Film Festival, click HERE.
7. Take Cleveland Cycle Tour
Get a fun, up-close glimpse at Ohio City, Tremont or Downtown Cleveland while pedaling on a traveling platform! It's called Cleveland Cycle Tours and it's a great activity for newbies in town, or for a group outing.
When:
Various times
Where:
2061 Gehring Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
For more information on Cleveland Cycle Tours, click HERE.
8. Catch a Guardians Game
What's better than a spring-time ball game at Progressive Field? The Guardians will host their home opener this year as they take on the Seattle Mariners for the first of a three-game set.
When:
Friday, April 7
Time:
TBD
More information, schedule, and tickets, HERE.
9. Take a Wine Tour
From Geneva, to Grand River Valley, to Canton, to Cleveland. Northeast Ohio is a sweet spot for wineries. Specifically, in Madison, where you'll find top-of-the-line places such as Laurentia Vineyard & Winery, Grand River Cellars, and Debonné Vineyards. And, great news: If you don't want to drive, there are plenty of limo bus companies that offer wine tours, like this one.
For more information on the wineries in Ashtabula County, click HERE.
10. Take in a Concert
You know it's really springtime in Northeast Ohio when you hit up a headlining concert. This spring, you can catch a lot of famous artists in action. See below for just a few of the big names making stops in our area.
John Mayer
When:
March 25 @ 7:30 p.m.
Where:
Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
More information, tickets and times, HERE.
Lil Wayne
When:
April 28 @ 7 p.m.
Where:
House of Blues
More information on tickets and times, HERE.
Lizzo
When:
May 12 @ 8 p.m.
Where:
Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
For more information on tickets and times, click HERE.
Blink 182
When:
May 16 @ 7:30 p.m.
Where:
Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
For more information on tickets and times, click HERE.
John Mellencamp
When:
May 25 & 26 @ 8 p.m.
Where:
Connor Palace
For more information on tickets and times, click HERE.
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