Arts + Culture

Journey through history: Mural celebrates Canal Basin Park's past, present, and future
A 4,000-square-foot mural by artist Kelle Schwab was unveiled at Canal Basin Park in during Cleveland History Days in late June. The artwork depicts the city's evolution from an industrial center to a recreational destination, blending historical scenes with modern-day imagery of the Towpath Trail.
International Horror Hotel Film Festival brings blood, screams, and karaoke this weekend
The 14th annual International Horror Hotel Film Festival will take over the Crowne Plaza Cleveland Airport this weekend with four days of independent horror, fantasy, and sci-fi film screenings, along with industry expert lectures, competitions, and networking opportunities.
​Setting the stage: Beachland Ballroom marks 25 years of music, friends, and Collinwood advocacy
The Beachland Ballroom, a cornerstone of Cleveland's music scene, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Founded by Cindy Barber and Mark Leddy, the venue has become a cultural hub and Collinwood advocate—hosting performances and promoting neighborhood revitalization.
Magical allure: Preparing to celebrate the snowy owl at Parade the Circle
The Cleveland Museum of Art's 33rd annual Parade the Circle is this Saturday, June 14. Artists and volunteers have been working for weeks to create masks, puppets, and floats for The free event showcases intricate artwork, music, dance, and community spirit.
Cleveland Institute of Art’s senior art show features President’s Traveling Scholarship winners
The Cleveland Institute of Art's graduating seniors recently showcased their capstone projects in a public exhibition, featuring more than 112 works across various disciplines. Six outstanding students were awarded the President's Traveling Scholarship, highlighting innovative projects in various media.
Pride in the CLE photos: Celebrating social equality, acceptance, and respect for all
Clevelanders showed their true colors on Saturday at the Pride in the CLE 2025 march and celebration, organized by the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. Thousands of people gathered downtown to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community. The event featured a march through the city streets, followed by a festival with food trucks, vendors, and live entertainment.
Assembly for the Arts opens applications for Creative Impact Fund grants
Assembly for the Arts has opened applications for its 2025 Creative Impact Fund grant program, offering unrestricted funds to 30 Cuyahoga County artists. Now in its third year, the program will award $5,000 to career artists, with the goal of promoting artistic growth and impact in Northeast Ohio.
Hanif Abdurraqib headlines story slam to help fund Cleveland’s writing future
Literary Cleveland is hosting "A Lit Summer Night: Story Slam Fundraiser" its free community programming and Inkubator Writing Conference. The event features personal stories inspired by Rita Dove's work, with performances by notable writers and poets, as well as live music, appetizers, and a silent auction.
Creative inspiration: Lake Erie Ink, CSU host Teen Writers' Symposium in a variety of genres
The Teen Writers' Symposium, organized by Lake Erie Ink and Cleveland State University's English Department, is designed to inspire young writers with interactive workshops, panel discussions, and meet-and-greets with acclaimed local and regional authors. The event will cover various genres including poetry, fiction, fantasy, and graphic novels, and a chance to connect with like-minded peers.
Drink for half price and listen to the Bossa Nova King of NEO at Heights Arts’ ARTbar tonight
Heights Arts, a nonprofit gallery in Cleveland Heights, is hosting an ARTbar concert featuring guitarist and vocalist Moises Borges tonight, Thursday, April 24. The event combines live Bossa Nova and Samba music with art and cocktails, offering attendees a chance to explore the gallery's latest exhibition, "Regional Perspectives," showcasing works from nine Northeast Ohio artists.
Renewal of spirit: Innovative photography gallery, listening room opens at 78th Street Studios
Cleveland artist Jason Toth has opened a new gallery and listening room at 78th Street Studios, combining high-end audio with Toth's hyper-colored immersive photography installations. The space creates a unique experience for art lovers and audiophiles alike.
[Book]mark the calendar: Your complete guide to Indie Bookstore Day in Northeast Ohio
Northeast Ohio's bookstores will celebrate the 12th annual Independent Bookstore Day this Saturday April 26. Eighteen local bookshops will participate in the nationwide event, offering a range of activities including author readings, signings, giveaways, and a region-wide bookstore crawl.
Taking Polish traditions to the streets: Celebrate the 15th annual Dyngus Day in Gordon Square today
Cleveland's 15th annual Dyngus Day celebration, a Polish cultural festival held on Easter Monday is taking over the Gordon Square Arts District, Gordon Green, and surrounding areas today. The event features polka music, Polish food, contests, and various festivities spread across multiple venues and closed streets.
The winners of Cleveland International Film Festival 49
The 49th Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF49) concluded with recognizing its award winners and exceptional independent filmmaking across various categories. The festival screened 300 feature and short films from 60 countries, distributed a total of $134,500 in cash prizes.
Western Reserve Historical Society Library reopens to the public this week after September 2023 fire
The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) Library will reopen this Thursday after an 18-month closure from a September 2023 fire. Swift action by WRHS staff and collaboration with restoration experts Belfor Property Restoration and The Conservation Center allowed for a total restoration.
From addiction to center stage: Y-Haven residents shine in ‘Roots Through Ruin’ at CPT
YMCA of Greater Cleveland and Cleveland Public Theatre are collaborating for the 26th year on the Y-Haven Theatre Project, which allows Y-Haven residents to share their stories of addiction, recovery, and hope in the upcoming original play, "Roots Through Ruin."
The projectors are rolling: CIFF49 kicks off with record crowds and new features, with more to come
The 49th Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF49) kicked off at Playhouse Square last Thursday, March 27.The 10-day festival features 300 films from 60 countries. Special events, workshops, and community engagement programs are also planned, with closing night events on Saturday, April 5.
Western Reserve Historical Society joins elite group with national museum accreditation
The Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, joining an elite group of only 3% of U.S. museums to receive this recognition. The rigorous accreditation process highlights WRHS' commitment to excellence in education, collection stewardship, and community engagement.
Making a mark: Cleveland teens design warm-up shirts for Charge's final home game
A group of 10 teenage designers recently participated in a graphic design clinic as part of the Cleveland Cavaliers' "Bigger than Basketball" initiative. The students designed warm-up shirts worn by the Cleveland Charge, the NBA G League affiliate of the Cavs, during their final home game of the season.
A new chapter: For the first time in 90 years, we know the Anisfield-Wolf finalists
The Cleveland Foundation announced the finalists in the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards for the first time in its 90-year history. Ten books addressing racism and cultural diversity have been selected in four categories. The winners will be revealed in April, with additional celebrations planned for Cleveland Book Week in the fall.