The “Rock and Roll Capital of the World,” Cleveland, Ohio has a wealth of cultural treasures and vibrant urban experiences. Its renowned museums, world-class dining scene, and scenic parks allow no shortage of exciting activities for a weekend getaway. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident looking to rediscover the city, Cleveland promises a memorable escape. This article has fun and adventure suggestions to ensure you enjoy your stay in the Rock and Roll Capital of the World, so keep reading to see what you should do if you have one weekend to explore Cleveland, Ohio.
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Taste of Cleveland
We asked local experts for their suggestions to find you the best food and drinks in the city. As you experience Cleveland, make sure to stop by the following recommended spots:
Margaritaville promises a tropical atmosphere ensuring that, “Margaritaville is more than a restaurant; it’s a state of mind. Margaritaville has everything you need to have a good time: Our rooftop bar has patio seating overlooking Lake Erie, live entertainment on select nights, an indoor/outdoor 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar, a family-friendly dining experience combined with an array of island-inspired flavors. Our menu invites guests to unwind with house-made margaritas, frozen boat drinks, and cold LandShark Lager along with signature food items like the Cheeseburger in Paradise, our Southwest Chicken Salad, Hand-Battered Chicken Tenders, and Volcano Nachos. Whichever you choose, our restaurant is the perfect location for a great time while enjoying Cleveland’s waterfront!” says Chris Blatz from Margaritaville.
Danielle McCarthy from Little Birdie Wine Nest states, “Located in Parma, OH, our famous flight offers cold brew, mimosas, sangria, and wine to even moonshine, Italian spritzers, and NA lemonade, have plenty of choices for every palate! We also offer multiple options of grazing boards and other sharables to enjoy with a group or as the perfect date night! Stop in for sips and bites and stay for our variety of events – from our sip&create studio to yoga, to wine tastings and themed brunches, you are sure to have a blast and build community within Little Birdie Wine Nest!”
Destanie from Re: Bar explains that “At Re: Bar, we offer meticulously crafted cocktails, a curated selection of beers & wines, and a delicious menu of elevated bar favorites! We offer live music events with DJs and/or local artists, and nightlife on the weekends that make us the perfect one-stop for all visitors. We’re close enough to Progressive Field that you can get our food to go and bring it with you to a Guardians game, and enjoy while your food is fresh!”
Exploring Cleveland from downtown to the suburbs
When in a new city, exploring all its unique areas is a great way to learn about the culture and its past. Cleveland-born and raised blogger Lauren Oliver notes, “Anyone visiting Cleveland, Ohio needs to pop over to the historic Hingetown neighborhood in Ohio City. Boasting several delicious coffee shops, retail stores, cafes, and workout venues – this special spot has it all for weekend fun in Cleveland! It’s the perfect area to stroll around and take in the sights and has cool places to pop in along the way. Some of my favorite spots are Rising Star Coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up, Harness Cycle for a good cycle burn, Shore Society for all things coastal, and Lekko Coffee for a nice brew and working session!”
Bil Browning Executive Editor for GayCities endorses Lauren’s suggestion as he states, “Hingetown neighborhood is one of the city’s fastest-growing areas. It’s home to trendy restaurants, cute shops, and great bars like Saucy Brew Works and The Hangar. Wander around The City Goods, a collection of local shops housed in quirky rounded metal hangers. The area is also considered to be Cleveland’s first LGBTQ+ neighborhood and the home to many of its queer residents.”
“Explore Medina and its historic square dating back in time to 1818,” says Celiah Aker from Black Cat Books & Oddities. “It is a wonderful place to grab unique bites, explore local businesses, and attend a multitude of events hosted throughout the year. Black Cat Books & Oddities is a local bookstore that houses a wide variety of popular genres in themed, decorated rooms, immersing our readers and truly, bringing books back to life. With an ever-expanding collection of new titles and 10 rooms to explore, you’ll be sure to discover something new every time you visit!”
According to Brady Dindia from Artful, “Every new resident in Cleveland should absolutely check out Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights. You can make a night of it by stopping by Coventry PEACE Campus for their PEACE Pops events where you can grab a snack, check out open studios at ARTFUL, take part in creative writing workshops, and open mic night with Lake Erie Ink. Participate in hands-on art-making activities, catch Robin VanLear and her Art Acts performers bring to life giant puppets, listen to live music, and more! Before you come, you can get your shopping on along Coventry Rd. at places like Made Cleveland, browse the great books at Macs Backs, and have a world-famous milkshake at Tommy’s, or after grab a drink and catch a show at places like the Grog Shop. PEACE Pops is a free, family-friendly event held on the last Fridays of January, April, July, and August and is a quarterly celebration of art and community.”
The West Side Market is a beloved public market in Cleveland, OH, showcasing the city’s culinary scene since 1912. This historic market is a hub of local flavors and community spirit. Visitors can stroll through its iconic indoor market hall, adorned with stunning architecture, and explore a diverse set of vendors offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and international delicacies. The West Side Market is a cultural landmark where generations of Clevelanders and visitors alike gather to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of this vibrant marketplace.
Fresh air explorations to try this weekend in Cleveland
There is nothing like an outdoor escape enjoying the fresh air. As humans, we return to our roots by spending time with nature. Local photographer Mackenzie Romagni puts it best when she says, “One of my favorite things about Cleveland is the proximity to the water and all the great beaches in Northeast Ohio. One of my go-to spots is Huntington Beach in Bay Village. It’s a great spot for kiddos—they can play at the beach, hit the playground, and grab a snack from The Noshery or an ice cream cone from Honey Hut. As a family photographer, I also love the sunsets and variety of landscapes at Huntington Beach. You get the beautiful beach, lush vines, and greenery, and the unique texture of the rocky jetties—it is truly the perfect setting for fun-filled family beach sessions!”
Portrait photographer Mya Kacvinsky agrees with Mackenzie when she suggests, “Every new Cleveland resident needs to explore the nature surrounding the city, Cleveland is nicknamed the Forest City for a reason! Cleveland has so many parks to explore, including Ohio’s very own national park: Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Cuyahoga Valley is nestled right in between Cleveland and Akron and makes a perfect day adventure, hiking, biking, riding on the train through the Cuyahoga valley scenic railroad, and exploring the small towns that surround the park are some of the many things you can do. My personal favorite is hiking the trails, Cuyahoga Valley has over 125 miles of trails to hike and there’s always something new to explore and see.”
Matt Ashton from Lekko Coffee points out that “Cleveland is lucky to have such a beautiful resource as the Cleveland Metroparks. Keeping and maintaining an “emerald necklace” around the region, these parks are available for anyone to enjoy year-round.” Cleveland Cookie Dough supports Matt’s statement when it says, “There’s nothing like summer in the land so go enjoy watching the waves roll in or the sunset at Edgewater Park! It’s a great place for kiddos and has a brand-new jungle gym.”
In the University Circle District of Cleveland, The Cleveland Botanical Garden offers an escape into the world of plants and nature. Since 1930, this 10-acre garden has showcased a stunning variety of gardens, from Japanese gardens to vibrant tropical rainforests. The garden hosts themed gardens, such as the Hershey Children’s Garden and the Glasshouse featuring exotic plants from Madagascar and Costa Rica. Additionally, the Botanical Garden hosts educational programs, special events, and seasonal exhibits, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts and families.
For sports fans, there is no better place to visit in Cleveland than the Progressive Field. Located in downtown Cleveland, it is home to the Cleveland Indians baseball team and a centerpiece of the city’s sports culture. Opened in 1994, this modern stadium offers an unforgettable experience for baseball fans with intimate seating, state-of-the-art amenities, and stunning views of the city skyline. Fans can cheer on the Indians during Major League Baseball games while enjoying dining options and unique entertainment features, including the iconic toothbrush-shaped scoreboard. Progressive Field celebrates the excitement of America’s pastime and serves as a gathering place where fans create lasting memories.
For a more hands-on experience, Ty Smith of the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio proposes, “If visiting Cleveland, Ohio during the fall, winter, or spring months, and you like to fish, then you definitely need to take time to explore Steelhead Alley. The renowned freshwater fighting fish that the area is named after certainly lives up to its long-standing reputation. Some of the best steelhead fisheries in the world are located in the Cleveland, Ohio area; i.e., Rocky River, Chagrin River, and Cuyahoga River. With Lake Erie serving as a surrogate ocean to these once anadromous fish, “flourish” is the word that comes to mind. And be warned, once you latch into one, you too will be hooked.”
If eager to explore more of the water Cleveland has to offer, then finding a local tour is the best choice. According to Kyle Nickel from Cleveland Vibes, a digital media company focusing on creating Cleveland content visitors should, “step aboard BrewBoat and discover a memorable way to celebrate, unwind, or simply enjoy a night out in Cleveland. It’s definitely a unique way to spend an evening with friends or celebrate a special occasion. The crew really makes the experience — they’re super friendly and go out of their way to ensure you have a great time.
The views along the waterfront are stunning, and the atmosphere is relaxed. We loved being able to connect our own music via Bluetooth and having coolers stocked with ice for our drinks was a nice touch.
Active adventures for your weekend in Cleveland
Cleveland, “The Rock and Roll Capital of the World,” is often said to be the birthplace of rock and roll. Music has been a part of Cleveland in the past and will continue to be in the future. Local Photographer Yevhen Gulenko noted that if you “love music and culture, you’ve got to check out Cleveland’s hidden gem: Opera Night at La Dolce Vita in Little Italy. Picture this: an evening filled with stunning opera and Broadway performances, all hosted by the amazing Julie Anna Gulenko. It happens twice a month, and you get to enjoy it all while indulging in a delicious five-course Italian dinner.”
For a deep look into Cleveland’s musical past, The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame hosts its music history and cultural significance. This iconic museum has celebrated the legends of rock and roll, honoring their contributions with immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and artifacts. Visitors can explore the evolution of rock music from Elvis Presley to The Beatles, and beyond. A visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a journey through music history and a celebration of the artists who have shaped the soundtrack of generations.
The music scene spreads into local fun activities such as bingo. In the words of Brianna from Last Call Trivia, “For a Sunday Funday filled with music and prizes, visit Punch Bowl Social to play Music Bingo, hosted by Last Call Trivia. Each Music Bingo game’s playlist explores a specific theme, like “Girl Groups” or “Songs of the Summer,” designed to excite your curiosity as you listen to music from a variety of genres and decades. You can play Music Bingo at Punch Bowl Social from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm every Sunday beginning July 7th. Last Call Trivia hosts dozens of trivia, feud, and music bingo games each week at bars and restaurants all across Cleveland. Visit lastcalltrivia.com to see the full schedule of games and explore the options in your new neighborhood.”
Known for its music history but not its super past Cleveland has a secret identity. Cleveland Public Library’s marketing coordinator Dawnn Fann explains, “Any new (or old) resident of Cleveland deserves to know that they now live in the birthplace of the first widely-known superhero – Superman! Friends Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster brought Superman to life in the Glenville neighborhood of Cleveland in 1933. Check out the semi-permanent exhibit that features selections from Mike Curtis’ Collection of Superman Memorabilia – donated to Cleveland Public Library in 2016. Mike Curtis, Arkansas native, comic aficionado, and writer for the syndicated comic strip Dick Tracy, spent more than forty years amassing an extensive Superman memorabilia collection. It includes thousands of comics, posters, toys, packaging, clothing, photographs, and more, some dating back to 1939.”
When visiting new places making new friends is a great feeling. People are great, but what about furry friends? We have found the perfect place for you to meet some new fur pals. “affoGATO is Cleveland’s only cat cafe! In our cafe, we have a variety of locally sourced coffee, tea, espresso, and more! In our cat lounge, guests can make online reservations to enjoy their drinks, and cuddle and play with rescue cats from the Cleveland APL. If you fall in love, you can even adopt—we’ve found homes for over 1,200 cats so far!” shares Mandy from affoGATO Cat Cafe.
If you have your own furry pal then fear not – we have the best suggestion for you both.
Eric from Taps & Tails, an outdoor and indoor dog park with a bar notes, “We know Cleveland, Ohio, weather can be harsh on dog owners. However, that doesn’t excuse us dog lovers from taking care of our pups! At Taps & Tails, you can exercise and hang out with your dog in a social, comfortable setting while grabbing a drink or a bite to eat.”
Music festivals are fun but what if we introduced you to a juicer type of festival? That’s right, “Cleveland Pickle Fest® is Back! The 6th annual festival focused on everything pickles comes to downtown Cleveland’s Mall C, Saturday, September 21, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Enjoy live music, pickles, pickle-flavored food and drink, pickle-eating contests, and more. This yearly event is brought to you by Greater Cleveland Volunteers. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.clevelandpicklefest.com,” comments communications manager Robert Harrison.
To help you understand art and culture, Cleveland has museums ready for you to explore. The Cleveland Museum of Art showcases a diverse collection spanning thousands of years and cultures. Founded in 1913, the museum hosts an array of artworks, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. Visitors can explore its galleries, featuring works by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso. With its commitment to art education and community engagement, the Cleveland Museum of Art offers a cultural experience for visitors of all ages.
David Kowalski, event logistics coordinator for 78th Street Studios describes the studio as, “the largest art and design complex in Northeast Ohio, featuring 170,000 square feet of art galleries, artist studios, performance spaces, and music recording studios. Primarily known as an attraction for fine art, 78th Street Studios has quickly become an incubator for businesses in the fields of product design, publishing, music, special events and is home to the monthly THIRD FRIDAY Art Walks.”
