Happy Memorial Day Weekend!!

Thank god this weekend is three days long.  Not only do we need the reprieve from a tough week, but this is THE weekend for the best fests.  Not to mention that most outdoor pools open tomorrow, which means plenty of poolside lounging.

But back to the good stuff: There are two major festivals this weekend.  Both are happening from Friday to Monday, which gives all of you ample time to check them out.

Blossom Time Festival - Chagrin Falls Park off Main Street
*this fest is so much more than an ongoing carnival, check out the link below for detailed schedules!
Link: Blossom Time Official Page

Tremont Greek Fest - Annunciation Church (Corner of West 14th and Fairfield in Tremont)
Link: Tremont Greek Fest Official Page
Check back by Monday for complete posts about each of these!

Hessler Street Fair

When: May 19 & 20, 2012; 11am til dusk

Where: Hessler Street (off of Ford) in University Circle

Who: Public; all ages

Cost: Free!

The Hessler Street Fair, for me, marks the beginning of all the summer festivals.  It is always on a weekend in late May, and for as long as i've been going there has never been even a drop of rain.

Individual stands line the small, brick road, and range from your average street food (and some sweet treats!) to hand-made jewelry to palm reading and henna tattoos.  The overall theme is very hippie and bohemian.  You'll see a lot of tie-dye and bright colors.  At the end of the street there is always a band playing on a small stage with an open area for dancing and whatnot.  Along the street there are individual violin and guitar players and even your occasional open poetry mic.

This street fair is really great for finding locally-made, unique products.  Commonly sold products include jewelry, clothing, photographs, paintings, etc.  They also have stands for Henna tattoos, 5 minute chair massages, and in the past i've gotten my palm read.  Hessler isn't known as much for its food scene; however, it does cater well to its overheated fair-goers with ice cream and lemonade stands.

For the kids they have this whole grassy area set up off the street with magicians, balloon-makers and arts and crafts.

Hessler is definitely one of my favorites and I highly recommend checking it out

Helllloo Cleveland, Welcome to Summer

These past few days of 80 degree weather have been a reminder that summer really has arrived.  And we all know good times come with good weather.

...But ever notice how people are so quick to tell you that Cleveland is so boring and there's never anything to do?  Well the goal of this blog is to convince you otherwise.  Throughout the summer i'll be blogging about all the fun (and free!) events that are happening around the city.  And maybe by Labor Day you'll be convinced of how many things there really are to do around here.

A preliminary list of events...

1. Hessler Street Fair (May 19-20)

2. Blossom Time Festival - Chagrin Falls (May 25-27)

3. Greek Heritage Festival (May 25-28)

4. The Centennial of the West Side Market (June 2)

5. Parade the Circle (June 9)

6. Great Lakes Burning River Fest (July 21-22)

7. Warehouse District Street Festival (August 5)

8. Feast of the Assumption - Holy Rosary Church (August 15-18)

9. Taste of Cleveland (early september)

And more weekly happenings too!