Lake Erie Folk Fest
2026-02-14 | Case Western Reserve University
The Lake Erie Folk Festival is our love letter to traditional music in Northeast Ohio. Created and produced by the Northeast Ohio Musical Heritage Association, and now in partnership with WRUW-FM, Lake Erie Folk Festival is back on Valentine’s Day – Saturday February 14th on the Case Western Reserve University Campus.
Lake Erie Folk Festival has become Northeast Ohio’s largest winter gathering of the region’s traditional music community, drawing visitors from five counties and three states to Greater Cleveland in the otherwise dark days of February. Visitors come for the great music, the sharing and learning and to be part of a vibrant community.
LEFF features a host of accessible offerings, including all-day jam sessions playing all kinds of traditional music, free community concerts throughout the afternoon, a whole series of workshops to suit a wide range of musical interests, all topped off with a remarkable line-up of national and local bands sharing the stage in the festival’s always-popular evening concert.
There will be music for all ages and abilities — young musicians and those new to the music are all welcome. All daytime festival events take place from 1:00-6:00pm in Thwing Center, and are free and open to all.
The festival’s evening concert will continue its proud tradition of bringing world-class national and regional talent together into a diverse and compelling line-up, which will be back in CWRU’s Harkness Chapel, a space known for warm, intimate and acoustically resonant performances. This year’s featured performers include award-winning and nationally acclaimed banjo player Tray Wellington and his band, local luminaries David Mayfield and Paul Kovac, virtuosic Italian traditional music ensemble All Boara, Blues musician and folk storyteller Afi Scruggs, and students of the Cleveland Institute of Music. Space is limited, but tickets are available at www.lakeeriefolkfest.com.
New this year – LEFF will expand to two days of events, with an opening Friday night swing dance, planned in partnership with WRUW and CWRU’s student Swing Dance and Jazz ensembles. Like all LEFF events, the focus will be on a welcoming and accessible space – dancers of all abilities should feel welcome to join!
For updates and details about Lake Erie Folk Festival, visit www.lakeeriefolkfest.com. For more information about Northeast Ohio Musical Heritage Association, which presents the festival, visit www.neomha.org.

“What We Inherited, What We Can Heal"
2026-02-17 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Toronto)
On February 17, Pasadena Villa Outpatient Cleveland will host “What We Inherited, What We Can Heal,” a public panel conversation featuring Black mental health professionals and community leaders exploring intergenerational healing and mental health. The event is open to the community and welcomes both clinicians and non-professionals.
This meaningful event will highlight the voices, expertise, and lived experiences of Black mental health professionals from the Cleveland community. Panelists will share clinical insight, discuss culturally responsive care, and reflect on the importance of representation and advocacy in mental health spaces. The discussion will be moderated by Executive Director, Anycia Grady, MSSA, LISW-S, and hosted by Community Outreach Liaison, Jocelynn Ray.
Following the panel discussion, attendees are invited to stay for a networking reception—an opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, community members, and advocates committed to advancing mental health equity.

Beloved: Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison
2026-02-18
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Ohio will officially launch Beloved: Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison—a yearlong, statewide celebration honoring the life, work, and legacy of Toni Morrison—with a kickoff event at The Columbus Foundation.

The celebration will open on Toni Morrison Day, Wednesday, Feb. 18, with a kickoff event at The Columbus Foundation at 5 p.m. featuring a conversation between Namwali Serpell and Hanif Abdurraqib. Inspired by Serpell’s new book On Morrison, the conversation will explore Morrison’s lasting influence and why her work continues to matter today. The kickoff event will be live-streamed, opening the conversation to audiences across Ohio and beyond. Register for the livestream at https://bit.ly/OhioCelebratesToniMorrisonKickoff.

The Cleveland Kickoff — On Feb. 18, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Karamu House featuring readings and an open mic (this event follows the livestream of the Columbus event)

About Toni Morrison and her Ohio Connections
Born in Lorain, Ohio on February 18, 1931, Toni Morrison became the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature and a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize. Her eleven novels trace American history through the Black experience—from A Mercy in the 1680s to God Help the Child in the early 2000s—offering readers a journey through time and truth. Her debut novel, The Bluest Eye, is set in her hometown of Lorain; Sula takes place in a fictional Ohio town; and Beloved is set in Cincinnati. This project builds on the state’s declaration of February 18 as Toni Morrison Day and aligns with America250, a national effort commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

About the Project
Beloved: Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison is a yearlong celebration from February 2026 through February 18, 2027 exploring the life, literature, and legacy of Toni Morrison. Led by Literary Cleveland and Ohio Humanities with support from Ohioana Library Association and the Toni Morrison Society, the program will invite all Ohioans to learn about Toni Morrison, read her work, reflect on American history, discuss the themes of her writing, and build connections across the state.

Cleveland State University Theatre and Dance Spring Dance Concert
2026-02-20 - 2026-02-22 | Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44115, United States
Cleveland State University’s (CSU) Department of Theatre and Dance will host its spring dance concert Feb. 20–22 at Playhouse Square’s Allen Theatre. A celebration of form, motion and creative collaboration, the concert offers a fresh perspective on contemporary dance in Cleveland.
Under the direction of Michele Ainza, CSU director of dance, the concert will feature performances by the CSU Dance Company and include original works choreographed by students, faculty and guest artists.
CSU’s School of Music will perform the opening piece, “Set and Reset,” with musical direction by Katalin La Favre.
In alignment with CSU’s mission, the annual concert centers around student learning opportunities while bridging ties with the community. Students are active participants in the creative process of choreography, performance and production.
Tickets are $5–$20 and can be purchased at playhousesquare.org, by calling 216-241-6000 or in person at the State Theatre Ticket Office. Walk-up tickets are also available one hour before showtime at the Allen Theatre Complex.
Visit csuohio.edu/theatredance for more details.

Cleveland Auto Show
2026-02-20 - 2026-03-01
The Cleveland Auto Show (CAS) runs Feb. 20 thru March 1 at the International Exposition (I-X) Center, 1 I-X Center Drive, Cleveland. For more information about the show, visit www.clevelandautoshow.com

CIM Black Student Union Benefit Concert
2026-02-22 19:00 - 22:00
Sunday, February 22, 2026
7:00 PM
Cleveland Institute of Music – Mixon Hall
Presented by the CIM Black Student Union, this special concert features dynamic performances by CIM students, faculty, and guest artists, highlighting the artistry and innovation of Black and Brown classical musicians and composers. More than a performance, this evening serves as a powerful celebration of Black excellence and the enduring impact of these artists on classical music.

Ticket Information
Free | $25 suggested donation
All proceeds go to the Black Student Union’s Student Assistance Fund, which provides emergency funds for our students. The fund helps with essential expenses such as travel, competition fees, instrument repairs, and other costs that often create barriers for young musicians pursuing their art.

Municipal Murder: The Final Pitch
2026-02-26 18:45 - 21:00, 2026-03-05 18:45 - 21:00 | Cleveland History Center
Step up to the plate for a night of mystery at the 1948 Cleveland Baseball Banquet! With players, fans, and reporters all rubbing elbows, someone’s swinging for more than just a home run… and a shocking “strikeout” could change the game forever. Will you catch the culprit, or will this case be a total foul ball?
Ticket includes:
one drink, charcuterie, full museum access and parking.

"Conscience" at Darl Center for the Arts
2026-02-27 - 2026-03-01 | Darl Center for the Arts
The Darl Center for the Arts has announced its next stage production, Conscience, a play by Joe DiPietro centering on the political rivalry between Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith and Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy. The play, based on true events, focuses on Smith, a trailblazer in American politics who remained a voice of reason amid the Red Scare.
“After a successful west coast run, we are thrilled to welcome our friends, RKP Productions from Anchorage, Alaska, to the Darl Center,” says the arts center executive director, Darl Schaaff. “The play is often quite funny and always insightful and increasingly relevant.”
Tickets are $35. The dates and times of the one-weekend-only event are as follows:
February 27, 7:30 p.m.
February 28, 1:30 pm and 7:30 p.m.
March 1, 1:30 p.m.

Les Délices’ performances of “La Diosa”
2026-02-28 16:00 - 20:00 | Heights Theater, 2781 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights
Featuring acclaimed soprano Estelí Gomez in 17th & 18th century music from Latin America.
PERFORMANCES
Sat Feb 28 @ 4:00pm | Heights Theater, Cleveland Heights
Sun Mar 1 @ 7:30pm | Inlet Dance @ Pivot Center, Cleveland
Mar 27-Apr 26, 2026 Virtual Concert On-Demand

Les Délices’ Pivot Center performance of “La Diosa”
2026-03-01 19:30 - 22:30 | Pivot Center, 2937 W 25th St, Cleveland

Cleveland Restaurant Week
2026-03-02 - 2026-03-14
Big news on the Cleveland Independents’ front! The organization of locally owned, independent restaurants is not only celebrating its twentieth anniversary but also announces its eighteenth Cleveland Restaurant Week, March 2-14.
While other independent restaurant organizations have fallen by the wayside, Cleveland Independents continues to come on strong. The upcoming Cleveland Restaurant Week will, once again, promote three-course, $39++ menus from some of Northeast Ohio’s best and most influential restaurants.
“This is truly a milestone for Cleveland Independents. The organization has managed to stay strong despite the COVID Pandemic, rising food costs and changes in administration. Our members, like Clevelanders, are a hearty, strong group of talented people who are determined to succeed. We are proud of our organization and so thankful for the many people who have supported us over the years,” says Laurie Torres, owner of Majorca Restaurant (recently nominated for a James Beard Award in the Hospitality).

From Ohio to Broadway
2026-03-05 17:00 - 19:30
Celebrate the March America 250-Ohio theme, “Ohio Entertains: Music & Entertainment,” with a special evening of music, history, and hospitality at The Hickories. Begin the evening with a buffet dinner catered by Fligner’s, followed by “From Ohio to Broadway,” a musical program presented by Bette Lou Higgins. An engaging local entertainer and historian, Bette Lou brings together music and narration to highlight Ohio writers and composers whose works have made their way to the Broadway stage. Hear more about the significant role Ohio has played in shaping American musical theater. Dinner will be served beginning around 5:00 PM and the program will start around 6:00 PM with the evening concluding around 7:00, making it an ideal weeknight outing. Reservations are $25 per person and must be made in advance. Click here to RSVP. To learn more about Bette Lou and the programs that she offers, visit www.edenvalleyenterprises.org. This presentation is part of LCHS’s America 250 Speaker Series.

“Welcome to Collinwood” Screening & Discussion
2026-03-12 17:30 - 21:00 | Cleveland History Center
“Welcome to Collinwood” is among the earliest works by Cleveland natives, Joe and Anthony Russo. See scenes set throughout authentic Cleveland neighborhoods and appearances from stars you may know including William H. Macy and George Clooney.
Following the film, hear from those in the film industry about how the Russo brothers and other Clevelanders have made it big in the film industry going from Collinwood to Hollywood.
Admission is Free but registration is required as space is limited. Admission includes access to all museum galleries at the Cleveland History Center, including featured exhibit “Hollywood on the Cuyahoga: Northeast Ohio and the Movies” presented by PNC Bank. Arrive early to enjoy the exhibition before the film.

Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade
2026-03-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Downtown Cleveland
This year’s parade starts at the intersection of Superior Avenue and E. 18th Street. The procession will travel southwest down Superior to West Roadway. The festivities will continue northwest on West Roadway before going northeast on Rockwell Avenue. The parade will end at the intersection of Rockwell and Ontario Street.

Eid al-Fitr celebration at Cleveland Public Library
2026-03-21 12:00 - 15:00 | Eastman Campus of CPL, 11602 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44111, United States
The Cleveland Public Library’s Impact and Belonging Department would like to invite you to join us on March 21, 2026, for a Community Eid celebration. The celebration includes food, entertainment and activities!

Hoops 4 Hunger basketball game
2026-03-27 17:15 - 20:00 | Green Road Gym
Cuyahoga DD’s Hoops 4 Hunger basketball game is this Friday, March 27. The Cuyahgoa DD staff team, the Sharks, will face off against the Special Olympics State Champion Cuyahoga Rockets.
Details:
Where – Green Road Gymnasium, 4329 Green Rd, Cleveland, OH 44128
Time – Doors Open at 5:15p, Tip-Off at 6:30p
Admission – $5.00

We will have a concession stand, 50/50 raffle, and more!

CIFF 50
2026-04-09 - 2026-04-18
Tickets and passes are on sale now. CIFF50 Streams – online access to the Festival’s biggest and best AFTER the initial run – begins April 19 and continues through April 26.

Festival Dates: April 9-18, 2026

Festival Locations:

Playhouse Square | 1511 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115
CSU School of Film & Media Arts | 1375 Euclid Ave 6th floor, Cleveland, OH 44115
Cedar Lee Theatre | 2163 Lee Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

CIFF50 Film Guide: Available online noon, March 2 at www.clevelandfilm.org

Masters of American Music series: Ray Charles
2026-04-22 20:30 - 22:00 | Visible Voice Books, 4601 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland
Roots of American Music (ROOTS) continues its Masters of American Music series with a tribute to Ray Charles on Wednesday, April 22 at 8:30 p.m. at Visible Voice Books.
This live music series blends performance with storytelling, bringing the legacy of influential artists to life in an intimate setting. More than a concert, Masters of American Music offers a window into ROOTS’ mission in action—connecting communities through music while exploring the people and stories that shape America’s musical traditions.
Modeled on the organization’s work in classrooms and community spaces, each performance reflects the same approach ROOTS brings to its educational programming: engaging audiences through history, culture, and sound. Supporters can see firsthand how ROOTS uses music as a tool for connection, learning, and inspiration.
ROOTS’ impact extends far beyond the stage. Programs like Blues is the Backbone—which reached 775 students across 16 schools this past year—bring this work directly into Northeast Ohio classrooms, ensuring young people have access to America’s musical heritage. While distinct from the performance series, these programs share the same purpose: using music to educate, inspire, and build community.
Masters of American Music debuted in March with a tribute to Memphis Minnie featuring ROOTS Founder Kevin T. Richards, alongside Kari Rutushin and Dallas Coffey. This second installment marks an exciting continuation of the series and reflects a new chapter for ROOTS—one that invites the public to experience its mission in a new, more visible way.
The April performance features vocalist Evelyn Wright and pianist Joe Hunter interpreting the music of Ray Charles—one of the most groundbreaking figures in American music, known for classics like “What’d I Say,” “Georgia on My Mind,” and “Hit the Road Jack.” Wright’s powerful voice, rooted in gospel and soul, paired with Hunter’s dynamic piano style grounded in jazz and R&B, brings both the musical brilliance and emotional depth of Charles’s work to life.
The community is invited to this one-night celebration on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Visible Voice Books. Admission is $15 at the door, and proceeds support ROOTS’ music education and community programs across Northeast Ohio.
Beautiful music, a meaningful mission, and a great night out all in one place!

U.S. Navy STEM Engagement, Veteran Hike
2026-04-26 09:00 - 16:00
The U.S. Navy will join Northeast Ohio leaders, students, and veterans for a day of STEM engagement and outdoor community connection on Sunday, April 26, including a visit to the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio STEM Center of Excellence and a group hike at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
The visit brings Navy leadership into the region as part of National Parks Navy Week, a nationwide initiative celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary and strengthening connections between Sailors and the communities they serve.
STEM Center Visit and Student Engagement
WHEN: 9:00 AM – 11:45 AM (ET)
WHERE: Girl Scouts of North East Ohio STEM Center of Excellence at Camp Ledgewood
6751 Akron Peninsula Rd, Peninsula, OH
WHO:

Rear Adm. Tracy Hines, U.S. Navy
Jane Christyson, CEO, Girl Scouts of North East Ohio
Local students, board members, and community partners

DETAILS: Rear Adm. Hines will tour the STEM Center of Excellence and receive a briefing on its programs before working directly with students on coding and robotics activities. Sailor participation will support students as they work toward earning STEM badges.

Towpath Trail Community Hike
WHEN: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (ET)
WHERE: Boston Mills Visitor Center
6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula, OH
WHO:

Rear Adm. Tracy Hines
Dr. Saira Ismail
National Park Service Rangers
Local veterans

DETAILS: Rear Adm. Hines will join park rangers and veterans for a guided hike along the Towpath Trail, an approximately three-mile route within Cuyahoga Valley National Park, highlighting the connection between service, wellness, and public lands.
WHY: National Parks Navy Week brings Sailors to communities across the country through outreach, education, and service. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, events like these reflect a shared commitment to leadership, learning, and connection—right here in Northeast Ohio.

"Bite by Bite" Guided Tasting
2026-04-29 18:00 - 19:15 | Cleveland Public Library – Main Library, Downtown, 325 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH, United States
Enjoy a unique tasting experience with award-winning author Aimee Nezhukumatathil. As you sample flavors, Aimee will guide you in a writing prompt to spark creativity and reflection. Together, we’ll explore how food and language can inspire new ways of seeing and storytelling.

Conversation with Aimee Nezhukumatathil at City Club
2026-04-30 11:30 - 13:00 | City Club of Cleveland
Join us at the City Club for The Power of Food, Memory, and the Joy of Being Present: A Conversation with Author & Poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil. The forum will be available in person and via livestream, and will be recorded and shared on the City Club website.

Improper Frames at CMA's Transformer Station
2026-05-01 - 2026-07-25 | Transformer Station
In partnership with Cleveland Print Room, the Cleveland Museum of Art presents Improper Frames at Transformer Station, the museum’s satellite location in Ohio City’s Hingetown neighborhood. On view from February 14 through May 10, 2026, this free exhibition brings together artists and photographers working through Cleveland’s internal boundaries, partial views, and shifting frames. Their works engage a city recently rendered legible through a comprehensive property inventory, classifying and evaluating land across the city. The exhibition features work by Amber Ford, Jon Gott, Michael Indriolo, Da’Shaunae Marisa, Vivica Satterwhite, and Alejandro Vergara, and is curated by Theodossis Issaias.

Cleveland Jazz Orchestra revisits Woodstock
2026-05-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center, 1855 Ansel Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
On Friday, May 1, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra will perform a jazz-infused version of the seminal music festival: Woodstock. For its final concert of the season, the CJO will lead Clevelanders on a magical, mystery tour of Woodstock classics. Jazz greatly influenced many of the musicians synonymous with the music festival that set the bar for decades to come.
The evening at the Maltz Performing Arts Center features the full CJO brass band reinterpreting Santana, Sly Stone, Jimi Hendrix, and Credence Clear Water Revival. Arrangements by Artistic Director Paul Ferguson will feature solos by trumpeters Jack Schantz and Scott McKee; trombonist Chris Anderson; saxophonists Brad Wagner and Chris Burge. Local luminaries Jackie Warren, Aidan Plank, Dan Bruce, and Dustin May will round out the percussion section.
Joining the CJO is Clevelander and Tony Award® Nominee Mary Bridget Davies. Davies received rave reviews and a Tony nomination for her tribute to Janis Joplin, “A Night with Janis Joplin”. The CJO is proud to accompany her on such songs as, “Piece of My Heart” and “Try a Little Harder”. Ferguson will also arrange the jazz accompaniments for the Joplin selections. “Mary Bridget Davies sang with the CJO about 8 years ago at a private party and she was outstanding. I’ve been wanting to do a concert like this for several years—it connects beautifully with the many styles of jazz we try to cover with the CJO.”
The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra regularly premieres new jazz compositions at its concerts. This final concert of the 25-26 season will include a work by bassist Aidan Plank. “The name of my new piece is ‘Billy’,” Plank offered, “is a tribute to Billy Strayhorn. This will be the first time the CJO has performed the work, and the piece is featured on my upcoming album “Where We Started” which will be released on Hidden Cinema Records on April 24, 2026.”
The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra is Northeast Ohio’s premier jazz voice since 1985. Through inventive arrangements and original music, the CJO brings audiences the best jazz they’ve ever heard and the best jazz they’ve never heard. We are celebrating our 41st season.
For more information please contact Theresa Lesh, Cleveland Jazz Orchestra Managing Director. To purchase tickets contact the Maltz Performing Arts Center box office or visit: https://bit.ly/CJO2526Woodstock.

"Jitney" at Treelawn Social Club
2026-05-05 19:00 - 21:30 | Treelawn Hall
On May 5 and 6, Powerful Long Ladder Theatre Company (PLL) in partnership with Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) will present a Black-Italian production of August Wilson’s play “Jitney.” The play will be performed in the theater space at the Treelawn Social Club in the Waterloo Arts District.
When: MAY 5-6, 2026 , 7 pm
Where: The Treelawn Hall
15335 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, OH 44110
There will be projected English supertitles during the Jitney performances.
Run Time: 2 hours 20 minutes. 15 minute Intermission.

"Jitney" at The Treelawn
2026-05-06 19:00 - 21:30

Community Festival and Walk
2026-05-09 08:30 - 17:00
The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio (DCNEO) invites you, your family, and your neighbors to join us at the DCNEO Community Festival & Walk on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Formerly known as Walk, Rock, Roll & Run, this year’s event returns to the Great Lakes Science Center with a renewed focus on what matters most: connection, community, and the simple belief that everyone deserves to belong.
In addition to the Walk, there will be family-friendly interactive activities on the plaza as well as free admission to the Great Lakes Science Center (day of the event only) and discounted admission to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Event Details

When: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Where: Great Lakes Science Center (601 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44114) • Time: 8:30 a.m. (Walk begins)
Cost: FREE and open to the public

While the event is free, those looking to deepen their impact can start a walking team to fundraise. Whether it’s a group of coworkers, a faith community, or just a band of friends, your contributions ensure DCNEO’s programs remain accessible to youth and organizations throughout our region. These programs:

Equip students and educators with leadership skills.
Strengthen workplaces through inclusive dialogue.
Foster deep community connections across all lines of identity.

For further information, visit our website –
https://diversitycenterneo.org/events/communityfestivalandwalk/

2026 Ingenuity Bal: Daydreamery
2026-05-09 19:00 - 2026-05-10 00:00
The annual Ingenuity Bal is a whimsical gala unlike anything else in town, supporting Ingenuity’s year-round programming. Once known as the Bal Ingenieux, the event pays homage to Cleveland’s exclusive arts club that dominated modernist arts in the city from the 1910s until the 1940s. The Kokoon Club’s annual “Bal Masque” challenged artistic norms with the most unconventional parties around.
On May 9, Ingenuity Bal 2026: Daydreamery will kick off Ingenuity’s festival season with performances, art, participatory experiences and more to celebrate hope, progress and the shared dreams of our creative community, while celebrating the vast tapestry of ideas and perspectives that make us special.
Enjoy delightful snacks and cocktails while mingling and dancing with IngenuityLabs members, Ingeneers, Ingenuity Board Members, and the rest of the eclectic Ingenuity family and friends. Dress up, dress down, wear a mask or a costume inspired by the theme…let your daydreams run wild!

Lakewood Spring Hike & Bike Week
2026-05-11 - 2026-05-15
Students in preschool through fifth grade across Lakewood are invited to participate in Spring Hike & Bike Week, taking place May 11–15. This citywide initiative encourages families to incorporate walking and biking into their daily trip to school.
Hike & Bike is a collaborative effort between the City of Lakewood, Lakewood City Schools, and Bike Lakewood. Elementary school PTAs and PTOs are also encouraged to support and promote participation within their school communities.
The initiative is open to all preschool through fifth grade students across Lakewood, including those attending public and private schools.
Walking and biking to school can support improved attendance by helping students arrive on time, focused, and ready to learn. Increased participation also contributes to reduced traffic congestion near schools and greater visibility of students walking and biking in the community.
Organizers recognize that families may face barriers to participation, including scheduling challenges and safety concerns. Events like Hike & Bike Week are intended to build participation over time by increasing awareness, visibility, and community support for active transportation.
Families interested in participating are encouraged to plan ahead, connect with neighbors, and review safe walking and biking practices.
Additional resources are available to support participation, including a Walk Audit Toolkit and the City of Lakewood’s “Report a Problem” form for reporting infrastructure concerns such as problematic sidewalk conditions, non functioning pedestrian signals, and roadway maintenance issues.
For more information, visit: https://www.bikecleveland.org/bike-lkwd/hike-bike/2026/04/

" Embrace: Poetry That Undresses the Silence" Book Launch
2026-05-15 18:00 - 20:00
Readers, writers, and lovers of contemporary poetry are invited to an intimate evening of storytelling, reflection, and artistic expression as four poets celebrate the release of Embrace: Poetry That Undresses the Silence.
The event will take place Friday, May 15 from 6:00–8:00 PM at The Vault at Metropolitan 9, located at 2017 East 9th Street in downtown Cleveland.
Embrace, a collaborative collection by authors Lori Bellman, Chrissy Costa, Renée Kogler, and Erika Roman Saint-Pierre, explores themes of identity, womanhood, sensuality, healing, and self-expression. Written from diverse cultural, racial, and personal perspectives, the collection offers contemporary poetry that moves between vulnerability and strength, intimacy and independence, inviting readers to reflect on shared emotional and cultural experiences.
Guests will step into a warm and inviting atmosphere designed to celebrate creativity and connection. Set against the swanky backdrop of The Vault, the evening will immerse attendees in poetic storytelling, vivid imagery, and artistic conversation that honors the complexity and power of women’s voices.
The evening begins at 6:00 PM with a signature welcome cocktail and time to mingle with fellow creatives and poetry enthusiasts. Guests will then experience a curated program including:

Intimate readings of selected poetry by the authors of Embrace
A champagne toast celebrating the release of the book
Panel discussion and author Q&A
Book signing and author meet-and-greet
Complimentary tapas and canapés

This immersive literary gathering invites guests not only to hear poetry, but to feel the stories behind the words—moments that move between tenderness and power, raw honesty and fierce independence.
