Experience Cleveland this Labor Day Weekend!
Summer in the city is one-of-a-kind. This summer especially, our bustling Cleveland radiated growth, excitement, promise, and an endless list of things to do.
Ready for one last hurrah? As you bid farewell to the summer, or greet fall with opens arms, be sure to get out and experience all that Cleveland has to offer this Labor Day weekend.
1) Watch the 2016 Cleveland National Air Show
The roar over the shore is a jam-packed festival of flying and fun for the entire family. Watch as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, USAF F-35 Lightning, and USAF F-22 Raptor soar over you and make awe-inspiring maneuvers; get a glimpse inside military, vintage, and commercial aircraft; get a picture in the cockpit; help pack a parachute; visit the U.S. Air Force Performance Lab for an interactive experience; and enjoy the countless other air show activities.
When: September 3-5, 2016
Where: Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland, OH 44114
For tickets and more information, visit: http://www.clevelandairshow.com/
2) Indulge in Good Food, Beer, and Fun at Cleveland Oktoberfest
Cleveland Oktoberfest – Northeast Ohio’s largest annual outdoor festival – is an authentic 4-day German Festival that boasts an abundance of beer, food, and fun activities, including a 5k run, wiener dog races, a microbrew competition, a Miss Oktoberfest contest, a German Strongman competition, musical performances, events for children, and much more.
When: September 2-5, 2016
Where: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 East Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
For tickets and more information, visit: http://www.clevelandoktoberfest.com/
3) Cheer on the Cleveland Indians All Weekend Long
Grab your friends and family, a baseball mitt, and your ball cap, the Indians kick off a 3-game series against the Miami Marlins on Friday, September 2nd, and begin a 4-game series against the Houston Astros on Labor Day. Check out the promotions each night:
Friday, September 2nd: Sugardale Dollar Dog Night
Saturday, September 3rd: Carlos Baerga Jersey
Sunday, September 4th: Kids Run the Bases
When: September 2-5, 2016
Where: Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario St, Cleveland, OH 44115
For tickets and more information, visit: http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/schedule
4) Get Your Knowledge on at the Great Lakes Science Center
Through Labor Day weekend, the Great Lakes Science Center’s hands-on Sports Arena exhibit will get you moving and learning about the science of sports. Also, from Saturday, September 3rd to Monday, September 5th, the Science Center is hosting two airshow viewing events:
The Air Show Deck Party on the Mather lets you view the air show from the best deck in Cleveland.
The Air Show Family Picnic will be located on the Center’s terrace that overlooks North Coast Harbor, providing you with a front row seat to all of the action.
When: September 2-5, 2016
Where: The Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114
For tickets and more information, visit: http://www.greatscience.com/plan-your-visit/hours-and-admission.aspx
5) Visit Cleveland’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) for FREE
Wander, think, discuss, gain a new perspective, and get inspired at the ever-changing MOCA. With free admission for all visitors on the first Saturday of every month, this Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to have a new experience by yourself or with your family.
When: Saturday September 3, 2016
Where: The Museum of Contemporary Art, 11405 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, OH 44106
For more information, visit: http://mocacleveland.org/
6) Take a Hike Around the Gateway District
On Saturday, September 3rd, grab a coffee, strap on your walking shoes, and take a hike around the Gateway District in downtown Cleveland. Not just exclusive to September 3rd, this historic walking tour meets every Saturday at 10AM in the Arcade. During the tour, you’ll learn about the Gateway District’s incredible architecture, such as The Arcade and the 5th Street Arcades, East 4th Street, historic dime stores, the transformation of the Garfield Building, the story of Rose’s Folly, and much more.
When: Saturday September 3, 2016
Where: The Gateway District tour meets inside the Arcade on the Euclid side, 401 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114
For more information, visit: http://www.clevelandgatewaydistrict.com/history/heritage-tourism/
7) Take a Hike Around the Canal Basin Park in the Flats
If you can’t make the Gateway District tour, or you’re simply hungry for more Cleveland history and sites, take a tour of the Canal Basin area in the Flats on Sunday, September 4th. This walking tour meets every Sunday at 10AM at the Flat Iron Café and steps off to learn about Cleveland’s early days, including tales of Moses Cleaveland, the Cuyahoga River, our beautiful bridges, the B&O Rail Station, and plans for a 25-acre park and extension of the Towpath Trail.
When: Sunday September 4, 2016
Where: The Canal Basin Park tour meets outside the Flat Iron Cafe at 1114 Center Street, Cleveland, OH 44113
For more information, visit: http://www.clevelandgatewaydistrict.com/history/heritage-tourism/
8) Catch a Movie Under the Stars at the U.S. Bank Plaza for FREE
A part of Playhouse Square’s Summer Movie Series, the Minions movie will be playing on Saturday, September 3rd at 8:30PM in the U.S. Bank Plaza. This PG rated event is FREE, and is the perfect night to pack fold-up chairs, blankets, tasty snacks, and bring the whole family out to experience a balmy Cleveland evening and a movie under the stars.
When: Saturday September 3, 2016
Where: U.S. Bank Plaza, located in the area bordered by Euclid Ave., E. 14th Street and Huron Road
For more information, visit: http://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/summer-movie-series-at-us-bank-plaza-goosebumps-minions
9) Catch Some Rays at Edgewater Park
Relax by the water, play in the grass, or grill out in a picnic shelter. Providing beautiful views of Lake Erie and Downtown Cleveland, Edgewater Park is a great way to soak in the last moments of summer in Cleveland. A lifeguard will be on duty at Edgewater Beach from 11AM-7PM all weekend long. Picnic shelters must be reserved ahead of time.
When: September 3-5, 2016
Where: Edgewater Park, located between the Memorial Shoreway (Route 2) and Lake Erie
For more information and to reserve a picnic shelter, visit: http://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/Main/Aquatics1/Edgewater-Beach-2.aspx
10) Rent a Paddleboard or Kayak and Set Sail on the Great Lake Erie
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at paddleboarding or kayaking, there’s no time like the present. Two experienced companies here in Cleveland offer rentals, classes, excursions, and tours for individuals and groups looking for a fun-filled day, a quiet evening, or an extended trip on the lake. Beginners to experienced paddlers are welcome.
When: September 3-5, 2016
Where:
41° North Coastal Kayak Adventures is located in the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation, 1500 Cleveland Metro Park Dr. Lakewood, OH 44107
SUP Cleveland is located at Edgewater Beach, located between the Memorial Shoreway (Route 2) and Lake Erie
For more information and to book your fun, visit either: http://kayak41north.com/ or http://www.supcleveland.com/home.html
11) Visit All Three Newly-Installed ‘Cleveland’ Script Signs
Want to remember your Labor Day Weekend spent in Cleveland? Snap a photo of the city skyline, or take a selfie, with all three Cleveland script signs. Find one atop Edgewater Park, one in North Coast Harbor, and one at the Abbey Avenue overlook near the new I-90 Innerbelt Bridge.
12) Get Your Cardio on Via Hoop Dance for FREE
Described as, “It’s like Zumba, but better,” cardio hoop dance is sure to get your blood pumping and your weekend started right. A limited number of hoops will be provided free of charge if you aren’t a seasoned hula hooper and don’t own one outright. P.S. Don’t be bashful. Hoopers of all levels are welcome.
When: Friday September 2, 2016 at 11AM
Where: U.S. Bank Plaza, located in the area bordered by Euclid Ave., E. 14th Street and Huron Road
For more information, visit: http://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/cardio-hoop-dance
13) Get Your Pop Music Fix at the 2016 Honda Civic Tour, featuring Demi Lovato & Nick Jonas
Experience two of the world’s most popular performers on one stage at the 2016 Honda Civic Tour: Future Now Show.
When: Friday September 2, 2016
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, 1 Center Court Cleveland, OH 44115
For more information and tickets, visit: http://www.theqarena.com/events/detail/demi-lovato-nick-jonas-160902
14) Birds, Beasts, Brats & Beer at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Meet the Museum’s animal ambassadors and enjoy a 21 and over party in the new Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden as you learn about the importance of animal enrichment, encounter birds of prey up close, and see training and enrichment demonstrations throughout the evening.
When: Friday September 2, 2016
Where: Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive Cleveland, OH 44106
For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.cmnh.org/calendar/birds-beasts-brats-beer
15) Join the 102nd Annual Celebration of the St. Rocco Festival for FREE
Enjoy a slew of delicious italian food, like italian sausage, lemon ice, pasta, lasagna with homemade sauce and meatballs, gelato, and the infamous Zeppole, and wash it all down with wine and beer. With carnival rides, games, casino, instant bingo, live bands, and a greasy pole competition, the festival provides all the fixins’ for some weekend fun.
When: September 1-5, 2016
Where: St. Rocco Festival, 3205 Fulton Road Cleveland, OH 44109
For more information, visit: http://www.stroccocleveland.org/Festival-201
We want to know what you’re up to! Be sure to document your Labor Day Weekend in CLE and tag Engage! Cleveland on Facebook and Instagram.