ARTS

CUYAHOGA ARTS AND CULTURE GRANTS: Interested in 2027 Project Support funding from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC)? Join us for an informative workshop to learn more about CAC, our Project Support grant, and the upcoming application process and requirements – either virtually, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 3 pm-4 pm, or in person at the Carnegie West Library (1900 Fulton Rd.) on Thursday, May 7, 4 pm-5 pm. To register for a workshop, visit cacgrants.org/grants/events-deadlines. We will start accepting applications in early May, and the deadline to apply is June 25.

THE MOST PROMISING (TMP) is a free creative writing program for teens (ages 13 to 19 years old). Led by Cleveland Arts Prize winner Ali Black, TMP seeks to build some of today’s most promising young writers. The next cohort (10-12 students) will begin in September 2026. Students will meet on a bi-weekly basis, with reading and writing time in between sessions. Each session will last two hours. Meetings will be scheduled on Sundays at Balance Point Studios (3558 Lee Rd. in Shaker Heights) from noon to 2 pm. Apply now at https://tinyurl.com/tmpcle. Questions? Email themostpromisingcle@gmail.com. The deadline to apply is July 6.

STREET STUDIO: This month’s Street Studio will be Saturday, May 23 from 1 pm to 3 pm at St. Paul’s Community Church, 4427 Franklin Ave. All are welcome to share music, poetry, spoken word or to listen in support. Piano, drums, guitar, and microphones provided – as well as coffee and snacks. For more information contact Ian Heisey at heisey2140@sbcglobal.net or Trennell Garrison at sapphire1497@yahoo.com.

COMMUNITY

ADULT SPELLING BEE: Grab some friends and join us for an adult spelling bee for fun, friendly competition and bragging rights! Open to ages 18 and up. Free and open to the public. Saturday, May 16 from 12 pm to 2 pm at the Main Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (525 Superior Ave., in the Social Sciences Department, on the fifth floor of the Louis Stokes Wing).

CLEVELAND 311: To report an issue or request a city service, call 311 or 216-664-2000. You can also report an issue using our revamped web portal by visiting clevelandohio.gov/311. Issues that we can help address include: problems with building and housing, maintenance issues at city-owned cemeteries,      broken benches or equipment at city parks, graffiti removal, illegal dumping, potholes, trash and recycling issues, and issues related to vacant properties.

POLICING COMMITTEE MEETINGS are an opportunity to regularly engage with local Cleveland police commanders and officers to identify problems, learn about available resources, and discuss ways to improve your community. The First District Policing Committee hosts its meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 6 pm at St. Ignatius of Antioch (10205 Lorain Ave.), in the cafeteria. It will host its next meeting on Thursday, May 7. The Second District Policing Committee meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 pm at Bridge CLE at 3389 Fulton Rd. (on the northeast corner of Trowbridge and Fulton). It will host its next meeting on Tuesday, May 12.

EDUCATION

FREE BOOKS: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio mails kids one free book each month until their 5th birthday. Any child in Ohio between birth and age 5 is eligible for the program. To sign up, visit: OhioimaginationLibrary.org.

FREE COMPUTER SKILLS CLASSES: Esperanza, Inc. is offering free computer skills classes through our Tri-C Access Center (3104 W. 25th St, first floor). From beginners to more advanced users, participants will receive hands-on training in essential computer skills that support success in school, workforce pathways, and daily life. Space is limited, so we encourage interested participants to sign up soon. To register or learn more, contact martin@esperanzainc.org or call 216-586-6996.

FREE ENGLISH CLASSES: Aspire Greater Cleveland offers FREE beginner, intermediate and advanced-level English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 am at the Fulton Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (3545 Fulton Rd.). Students must attend an orientation session before beginning classes and must register to attend orientation. Call 833-277-4732 to register.

YOUNG SCHOLARS’ ACADEMY is a free, weekly kindergarten readiness program for children ages 3–6 and their parents or caregivers. Each in-person session offers playful, hands-on learning aligned with Ohio’s Learning Standards and Every Child Ready to Read. Parents are active partners, gaining confidence and evidence-based tools to support literacy at home. Families receive high-quality books, materials, and tips to continue learning together. Wednesdays at the Eastman Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (11602 Lorain Ave). Visit cpl.org/young-scholars-academy for more information, or call us at 216-623-7114.

ELECTION

PRIMARY ELECTION: Polls will be open from 6:30 am until 7:30 pm on election day, Tuesday, May 5. Please note that, due to recent changes in Cleveland’s ward map, your polling location may have changed. To check your polling location, visit boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/voters/get-your-voting-information. You must have a valid ID to vote in Ohio.

EVENTS

THE CLEVELAND ASIAN FESTIVAL, an annual celebration of Northeast Ohio’s diverse and rich Asian culture, returns to Cleveland’s AsiaTown neighborhood. The event features live entertainment including cultural performances and demonstrations on our two outdoor stages, a World Marketplace of 100+ vendors and exhibitors, local restaurants and food trucks, free health screenings at our Health Pavilion, free activities, free games, an Asian Pop Dance Cover competition, a trivia challenge, and awesome mascots. May 16 – 17, 11am – 7pm, rain or shine! Free parking available at CSU, at the E. 24th & Payne Lots. No pets allowed. Visit clevelandasianfestival.org/2026 for more information.

CLEVELAND MARATHON: This annual event returns to downtown Cleveland and the near westside on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17. The 5k, 10k, and kids run will be on Saturday, followed by the full and half marathons on Sunday. To register for the races, learn how to get involved, or see info about road closures, visit clevelandmarathon.com.

SENIOR DAY: The Cleveland Department of Aging will present the 36th annual Senior Day on Wednesday, May 20 at Cleveland Public Hall (500 Lakeside Ave). Programming begins at 10 am with an information fair, followed by lunch at noon and entertainment at 12:30 pm. All seniors are invited to this free event. For more information, call 216-664-2833 or visit clevelandohio.gov/aging.

ENVIRONMENT

NATIVE SEED LIBRARY: Visit the Native Seed Library at The Book Nook at the West Side Market (1979 W. 25th St.) on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm to pick up free native seeds for your garden or landscape. These regionally appropriate plants support pollinators, biodiversity, and a healthier Northeast Ohio ecosystem.

RIVERSWEEP: Join Canalway Partners, dozens of other community groups, and hundreds of volunteers on Saturday, May 2 from 9 am to 11 am for this annual litter clean-up, to help keep garbage out of our beloved rivers and lake. Various clean-up sites are located along the Cuyahoga River and its tributaries. To pick a location and to sign up to volunteer, visit canalwaypartners.com. Volunteer spots are limited. When you arrive at your chosen clean-up site, the site leader will greet you with an event t-shirt and provide cleaning supplies and further instructions. Please only register at one location. Registered volunteers will receive an email invitation to a Thank You Party after the clean-up event. Don’t forget to RSVP to the party! Questions? Contact Canalway Partners at 216-520-1825.

FOOD

SENIORS FARMERS MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM: The Ohio Department of Aging is proud to provide older Ohioans convenient access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, fresh-cut herbs, and raw honey through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). SFMNP participants will receive a $50 benefit — redemption runs until November 30, 2026. Availability varies according to growing conditions, the time of year, and your location. Individuals age 60 or older with incomes within 185% of the federal poverty level i.e. $29,526 or less for a one-person household; $40,034 or less for a two-person household and $50,532 or less for a three-person household. The application period is open until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026. Applications are now available online on the Homegrown Benefits website, at: http://portal.homegrownbenefits.com/apply/ohio

HEALTH

THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION has a free, 24/7 hotline that offers support for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Translators are available. “My ALZ Journey,” our free mobile app, provides step-by-step support, tailored tools and trusted information to make early-stage planning easier for newly diagnosed people and their care partners. Call our hotline at 800-272-3900, or dial 711 to connect with a telecommunications relay service for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing or speech impaired.

COMMUNITY WELLNESS CLINICS: Cleveland Clinic will hold a series of wellness clinics, featuring basic screenings and health talks, on the second Thursday of each month at the community room at CentroVilla25 (3140 W. 25th St). Screenings: 1 pm – 3 pm, Health talk and enjoyable activity: 1:30 pm – 3 pm. Our next two talks will be “Prioritizing Women’s Health” on May 14 and “Mental Health and Wellness” on June 11. Contact Janice at 216-973-2717 or gonalj5@ccf.org to schedule a screening – or just walk in!

MOMSFIRST: Are you pregnant? Do you live in the city of Cleveland? The MomsFirst program can help you learn how to deal with the stress that comes with being a parent; connect you to resources for housing, education, and healthcare; teach you how to keep your baby safe; and find birth control options that work for you. To enroll, visit momsfirst.org or call 216-664-4194.

PROJECT WHITE BUTTERFLY: Looking for support for a substance abuse disorder? If you are ready to stop using now, call Project White Butterfly at 216-727-8725 (Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm), or for 24-hour assistance, call Project SOAR at 440-502-0020. Visit projectwhitebutterfly.org for more information.

LEGAL ISSUES

BILINGUAL IMMIGRATION AND WAGE THEFT CLINIC: Join the Northeast Ohio Worker Center and attorney José Juárez for a free legal clinic for workers and immigrants in our community, in Spanish and English. Clinics are held monthly, either virtually or in person. This month’s session will be on Saturday, May 2. Call or text 216-258-0924. Details will be given after registration.

LEGAL AID BRIEF ADVICE CLINIC: Have a legal question?  Legal Aid has answers! Visit this Brief Advice Clinic at the Fulton Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (3545 Fulton Rd.) on Saturday, May 16 to chat with an attorney about a problem related to money, housing, family, employment or other issues. This clinic is first come, first served, no appointments needed. (Only questions on civil legal issues, not criminal problems). Please bring all important paperwork with you. Intake hour is from 10 am to 11 am. In the meantime, Legal Aid is open 24/7 online at lasclev.org, or you can call Legal Aid for help during most business hours at 888-817-3777.

LEGALWORKS AT THE LIBRARY: LegalWorks is a non-profit organization that provides legal consultation and assistance for qualified, low-income youth and adults in underserved communities. Areas of assistance focus on legal issues that prevent people from moving forward in their lives, including expungements, sealing records, obtaining certificates of qualified employment, clearing outstanding warrants, restoring driving privileges, and other select legal matters. Assistance is available at the Fulton Branch of the Cleveland Public Library (3545 Fulton Rd.) on Tuesdays from noon to 3 pm. By appointment only! Register at legalworksneo.org or call 216-623-6969. We can arrange other meeting times if needed.

RECREATION

FREE ADMISSION TO THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM: Every Saturday and Sunday, since January 25, 2025, residents of the City of Cleveland, East Cleveland, Brooklyn, Euclid, Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, and Warrensville Heights can receive FREE admission to the newly renovated Cleveland Museum of Natural History, thanks to the generous support of the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation. To receive free admission, reserve tickets on our website and present proof of residency at the Welcome Desk on the day of your visit. Proof of residency should include an address in one of the eligible cities and can be any of the following: a current Ohio driver’s license or state ID, a utility bill or bank statement, a medical insurance statement, a lease agreement or mortgage statement, or a paystub or W2. (Mandel Community Days give you access to everything covered by a general admission ticket.) To learn more or to reserve your tickets, visit cmnh.org/visit/mandel-days.

FREE MONDAYS AT THE ZOO: Every Monday, the zoo is FREE for residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township. To confirm your residency, bring your driver’s license or state ID or a current utility bill with your Cuyahoga County or Hinckley Township address along with a photo ID.

SLOW ROLL CLEVELAND: Slow Roll is a weekly, leisurely paced mass bike ride through the nooks and corners of our city. Our 10-mile rides each Monday night throughout the warmer months attract hundreds of riders of diverse backgrounds and experience levels. We’re fully supported by Slow Roll’s one and only Squad: a crack unit of yellow-shirted volunteers who keep the ride safe and running smoothly each week. Upcoming events include May 4 in Ohio City, May 18 in Kamm’s Corners, June 8 in Detroit-Shoreway, and June 22 in Old Brooklyn. Visit slowrollcleveland.org for more information.

UTILITIES

FREE HEAP COURSE: OneHope NEO (3202 Fulton Rd.) offers a free, 45-minute HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) course to help our neighbors lower their utility costs, on Wednesdays at 12:30 pm and Thursdays at 5 pm. You must be on time and must preregister on our website. To register for an upcoming workshop and see a list of documents you need to bring, visit onehopeneo.org/events. (Please note: these workshops will help you fill out a HEAP application with our guidance. We do not process HEAP applications.)

HEAP SUMMER CRISIS PROGRAM is accepting applications now thru September 30. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Summer Crisis Program is a one-time benefit that can help pay electric utility bills (up to $500), purchase air conditioners or fans, or repair central air conditioning units during the summer months. For more information and to see if you qualify, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov.