Upcoming events

Puerto Rican Parade postponed The annual Puerto Rican Parade of Greater Cleveland, which usually occurs the first week of August on Cleveland’s near west side, will not take place this year as the Hispanic Police Officers Association of Cleveland (HPOA), which has helped organize the event since 2018, seeks another group to take over organizing of the event. HPOA hopes to have another group in place in time to host the 2027 event, next August. 

August 1: No Surf Fest 2026 No Surf Fest brings together Ohio’s vibrant independent arts community for an afternoon of live music, local food, and neighborhood connection on Saturday, August 1 from 3 pm to 8 pm at Halloran Park (3550 W 117th St.). The event is free and family friendly, and it will take place rain or shine. For more information, including a full lineup and volunteer opportunities, visit nosurffest.org.

August 1: Cleveland Sand Fest Join us Saturday, August 1 from 8 am to 4 pm at Edgewater Beach for this annual sand festival, featuring a volleyball tournament and an elaborate sandcastle construction competition. Sponsored by the American Institute of Architects, this free event aims to promote public awareness of the role architects play while raising funds for the ACE (Architecture Construction Engineering) Mentor Program, which provides scholarships to high school and college students pursuing careers in these industries. This year’s theme, “Cleveland in the Year 3000,” asks competitors to imagine what our city, and our world, might look like a thousand years from now. New this year: Individual players/sandcastle builders are FREE! (Individuals will be paired with a team or put on a team of other individuals as availability allows. Placement is NOT guaranteed). Visit aiacleveland.com/sandfest for more information.

August 4: Night Out Against Crime Cleveland will participate in the National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, August 4 from 4 pm to 8 pm.  Join us at Steelyard Commons (3447 Steelyard Dr.) for free food and drinks, live music and entertainment, and opportunities to sit inside a fire truck, ambulance, prisoner transport bus, and police cruiser.  Representatives from more than 60 community groups, stores, and restaurants will be on site. Organizers also invite you to leave your porch light on in support of the slogan “Lights on means lights out for crime.”

August 5: Senior Walk, 9 a.m. at Michale J. Zone Recreation Center. Boxed lunch for first 300 walkers. Parking access from W. 65^th Street. To register call Nicole at 664-6152, send an email to Aging@clevelandohio.gov, or register online by visiting Forms.office.com/g/mHiHBkiTu7.

August 8: Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s Utility Assistance Resource Fair in partnership with Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C): 9 a.m. -Noon at Tri-C Metro Campus, 1063 E. 30^th. Call 881-8247 to register. Three copies of the following documents needed for all members of the household (Copy machine available on site): Proof of household gross income; birth certificates, driver’s license or state ID, Social Security card, lease agreement (if a renter), Supplemental Medical Insurance, current electric bill, current gas bill, and current Water and Sewer bills (if applicable).

August 11: LGBTQIA+ Photography Classes Join artist Bridget Caswell (they/she) for a hands-on photography workshop designed for LGBTQIA+ folks of all skill levels. Learn to take better photos using the tools you already have – whether it’s a smartphone or a digital camera. This 2-hour session includes guided instruction followed by a neighborhood photo walk. Come as you are and capture your story. August 11 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the LGBT Community Center (6705 Detroit Ave).  Additional sessions will be held on September 22 and October 9, at the same time and location. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit cpl.org/events.

August 14: Success Fair 2026 The City of Cleveland’s Success Fair will be held on Friday, August 14 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Huntington Convention Center (300 Lakeside Ave). Get connected with more than 200 employers and resources, opportunities from entry-level to senior positions, a legal clinic, veteran resources, and more. The event will also offer free onsite child care, free professional clothing, free haircuts, free professional headshots, free résumé assistance, free school supplies, and more.

August 14: Home Repair Workshop Join Northwest Neighborhoods for a free, family-friendly Do-It-Yourself Home Repair workshop on Friday, August 14 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm at Story Church (9900 Madison Avenue). Come learn how to do basic home repairs from experts. There will be free building crafts for kids. Learn more and register at nwneighborhoods.org/diy-workshop.

August 15: Esperanza’s Back-to-School Celebration Esperanza, Inc. will host its annual Back-to-School Celebration on Saturday, August 15 from 9 am to noon at Max Hayes High School (2211 W. 65th St). Join us for a morning of: FREE backpacks and school supplies for students, community resources and family support services, fun activities, entertainment, and more.

August 15: Community Block Party at Story Church Join Story Church (9900 Madison Avenue) on Saturday, August 15 from 12:30 to 3:30 pm for a Community Block Party. Enjoy food, a bounce house, games, arts and crafts, story time, face painting, haircuts for children, live entertainment, community resources, and more. This event is funded by the Cudell-Edgewater Neighborhood Project Fund.

August 16: Tri-CLE Tri-CLE will return on Sunday, August 16 with a triathlon and multisport races at Edgewater Park and along the Shoreway (Route 2). Please expect road detours that day. For more information, visit rockrollrun.com.

August 22: Street Studio This month’s Street Studio will be Saturday, August 22 from 1 pm to 3 pm at St. Paul’s Community Church, 4427 Franklin Ave. All are welcome to share music, poetry, and 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. Please note that there will be no Street Studio in September.

August 23: SEA Fest 2026 Join the Westside Block Party on Sunday, August 23 from noon to 8 pm at Edgewater Park (lower level) for the 2026 Southeast Asian Festival (SEA Fest) to celebrate the cultures, stories, food, music, art, and traditions of Southeast Asia right here in Cleveland. Experience authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, cultural performances, live music and entertainment, local artists, makers, and community vendors, interactive activities for all ages, and storytelling, heritage, and community connection. This event is free and all are welcome! This event is funded by the Cudell-Edgewater Neighborhood Project Fund.

August 29: Kentucky Gardens Summer Concert Series, W. 38^th and Franklin. Free Ice Cream. Free Live Music. 1-3 p.m.

All Summer Long: Free Concert Series and more

Arts in August

Arts in Augustexposes the people of Cleveland to the beauty and influence of the arts. This year, Ohio Contemporary Ballet (formerly Verb Ballets) and Cleveland Shakespeare Festival will be offering free performances in Lincoln Park on select weekends this month. Learn more at experiencetremont.com/featured-events/arts-in-august.

Cleveland Metroparks Summer Concert Series

There’s still time to take in a free concert in the Cleveland Metropark’s Summer Concert Series, at one of its six waterfront parks, including these dates at Edgewater Beach: August 6 (featuring Prince cover group The Prince Project), and August 27 (featuring blues group The Jimmy’s Band). Please note that all concerts at Edgewater are on Thursdays, from 5 pm to 8 pm. For a full list of dates and locations, visit clevelandmetroparks.com/concerts.

Downtown Summer Music Series

Downtown Cleveland Inc. will bring free live music to public locations around the downtown area throughout the summer. To see a full list of dates, locations, and performers, visit downtowncleveland.com/summer-music.

Jefferson Rocks

Enjoy free live music, food, and entertainment every Wednesday night in August at Jefferson Park (W. 132nd and Lorain Ave). The opening acts start at 6:30 pm, and the main acts start at 8 pm. August 5: Bronx Country (Opener: Eraserhead), August 12: Colin Dussault (Opener: Rob Samay), August 19: Disco Inferno (Opener: Circus), and August 26: Carlos Jones (Opener: DJ Kazy).

Wade Oval Wednesdays: University Circle will host free concerts every Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm all summer long. The remaining concerts are: August 5 featuring Son Gitano (a Latin fusion orchestra), August 12 featuring the Quenton Rubin Band (a Funk/Rock/Blues band), and August 19 featuring Da Land Brass Band (a Jazz/Funk/Hip-Hop group). Visit universitycircle.org/wow for more information.

Free community resources

August 1: School Supply Giveaway at Story Church Join Story Church (9900 Madison Avenue) on Saturday, August 1 from 10:45 am to 12:45 pm for a School Supply Giveaway. While supplies last, students in grades K-12 will receive a backpack and a box of school supplies based on the Cleveland Metropolitan School District school supply lists. Students must be present to receive supplies.

August 15: ESPERANZA BACK TO SCHOOL CELEBRATION: Saturday August 15, 9 a.m. – noon, at Max Hayes High School, 2211 W. 65^th Street. Free backpacks and school supplies! Games – Activities – Music – Resources. One backpack per child present with parent or guardian.

Job and employment training

FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS NEEDED: Family Child Care Providers play a vital role in supporting local families by offering safe, nurturing, high‑quality childcare directly from their homes. The Cuyahoga Department of Health and Human Services provides guidance, training, and ongoing support throughout the licensing process to ensure providers feel confident and prepared. Here’s how residents can get started: Complete a brief interest form to begin the licensing process, gain immediate access to our introductory video “Overview on Family Child Care Licensing Services,” and learn what it takes to become a licensed provider in Cuyahoga County. Visit https://bit.ly/FamilyChildCareProvider to get started.

Housing and utilities

FREE WINDOW SCREEN REPAIR by the Open Windows Ministry of the Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland. Second event will be Saturday, August 22 at 6515 Bridge Ave. 9 am to 1 pm. We will replace the screen material in aluminum/wood window screen frames or doors. If you cannot make it to the event, you can drop off screens any Tuesday at the Mission from 11 am to 3 pm, or call 216-961-6968 ex 12 and leave a message to arrange a drop off time. We will contact you for pick up upon completion. DONATIONS APPRECIATED. All money raised goes to support this ministry and The Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland. www.nehemiahmission.org

SUMMER COOLING PROGRAM: Step Forward’s Summer Cooling Program helps income-eligible Cuyahoga County residents with payment of an electric bill or the purchase of a fan/air conditioning unit to help ease the burden caused by summer heat. The program is offered from July 1 to September 30. The program provides a one-time benefit per cooling season to Cuyahoga County residents who are at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (at or below $52,500 for a family of four) and who meet at least one additional eligibility criteria: a household member who is age 60 or older; a household member has a documented medical condition verified by a licensed medical professional who is qualified under Ohio law to write prescriptions; or a household’s electric utility has a disconnect notice, has been shut off, needs transferred or new electric service is being established for the household. To learn more or to start the application process, visit stepforwardtoday.org/summer-cooling-program.

Health

CAREGIVER RELIEF PROGRAM: The Jan and Josephine Castora Family Caregiver Relief Programs pays for non-medical in-home care services to help caregivers of people with dementia or Alzheimer’s provide daily care for their loved ones. Funding is available to help you take a break! The program is for caregivers who currently do not have the means to pay nor have other support to provide a break. The services are provided by authorized home care agencies. Questions? Email caregiverreliefprogram@alz.org, call 216-206-8389, or visit alz.org/cleveland/carerelief. 

HELP ME GROW, an initiative of the Ohio Department of Health, offers free home visits to pregnant mothers and parents of young children. Our caring and professional visitors can help you plan a healthy pregnancy, share tips to help keep your child healthy and safe, answer your questions, and help you find resources that meet your needs. To learn more or to sign up for this voluntary program, visit helpmegrow.org/HomeVisiting.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL: Proper disposal of hazardous chemicals from your home has never been easier in Cuyahoga County. As a resident, you can turn in unwanted products at a free collection held in your community. The City of Cleveland has a drop off the first Friday of every month at the Division of Waste Collection city garage (5600 Carnegie Ave). This month’s event will be August 7. Hours are 9 am-3 pm. No latex paint, please! For more information, including a full list of what can and can’t be dropped off, call the Cleveland Service Department at 216-664-2397, or visit cuyahogarecycles.org.

Environment

NATURE IN MY BACKYARD is a certification program that provides you with the tools you need to help support wildlife in your own backyard. There are two paths to certification. You can follow our step-by-step guide on your own or you can begin by scheduling a free garden visit with members of our team. Garden visits are scheduled May 1 through October 31, as weather and the growing season allows and will take place rain or shine, unless the weather is severe. The visit will last approximately 90 minutes. We will tour your yard and help you identify invasive species, make recommendations about how to remove them and recommend what native plants would do well in your growing conditions. To schedule a visit or learn more, visit natureinmybackyard.ohionativeplants.org.

Politics and community meetings

FOOD BANK COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS: Join the Greater Cleveland Food Bank at the site of its upcoming West Side Community Resource Center (9830 Lorain Ave.) for one of our community engagement sessions. Learn about the new resource center, set to open in early 2027, and share your voice to help shape a welcoming center. Upcoming sessions on Wednesday, August 12 and Wednesday, September 23, both from 5 pm to 6:30 pm.