When you say art, we say Cleveland! This summer, things are going to get pretty artsy up in the Land. From July through August, the city will come alive with outdoor concerts, public art installations, special exhibitions, and plenty of opportunities to get involved in the local arts scene.
Assembly for the Arts is spearheading the Summer of Arts initiative, which aims to promote and celebrate the incredible arts scene in Cleveland. Assembly for the Arts guides advocacy and access and work to create a thriving arts and creative community. But there are plenty of other organizations and businesses getting involved too. After all, this is Cleveland – we know how to show our art love!
Art aficionados and those who appreciate a good Instagram post can all find something to love in Cleveland’s Summer of Arts. But with so many events happening, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the top five events you won’t want to miss.
So, mark your calendars and get ready for a summer full of art and love in greater Cleveland!
Cleveland Top 5 Summer Events
Cleveland is home to picturesque museums, talented musicians, and charming art galleries. It has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its art, yet it is constantly innovating and changing with the times. Cleveland’s Summer of Arts events reflect this spirit of creativity and progress perfectly.
Here’s what to keep an eye out for this summer.
#1 The Lighthouse Immersive Cleveland
Based in Little Italy, this magnificent art space may as well be called the “beacon of light” for all things art in Cleveland. The Lighthouse Immersive is a hub for creativity, and it’s hosting several events throughout the summer.
You’ve probably already seen or heard of the immersive Van Gogh exhibit that art enthusiasts have been raving about. You know, the ultimate blockbuster experience designed and conceived by Massimiliano Siccardi?
If you haven’t, let us be the first to tell you – it’s a must-see. The exhibit features over 500,000 cubic feet of monumental projections animating Vincent van Gogh’s works. As you wander through entrancing, moving images that highlight brush strokes, detail, and color, you’ll truly feel like you’re walking right into his world – it’s that realistic.
The Lighthouse Immersive is home to the incredible Van Gogh exhibit and many others, like the Art of Banksy! So if you’re looking to get your art fix this summer, make sure to add the Lighthouse Immersive to your list!
#2 78th Street Studios
Up next, we have 78th Street Studios. Dripping in history, this former 1905 automotive factory has been transformed into a haven for artists and creatives. It’s now a mecca for all things art, fashion, and food — one of the most popular stops on any art lover’s tour of Cleveland.
78th Street Studios is the largest art and design complex in Ohio, and it’s home to over 60 artists and creative businesses. You can find everything from publishing to music, special events, and even product design all under one roof.
And if that’s not enough to get you excited, 78th Street Studios is also home to a special event, THIRD FRIDAYS. On the third Friday of every month, over 50 venues within 78th Street Studios open up simultaneously to present intriguing visual exhibits, ambient music, mouthwatering cuisine, and pop-up vendors.
You can always access 78th Street Studios from Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm. Stay updated on all their events by following them on social media or checking out their website.
#3 CAN Triennial
CAN you imagine a summer without the CAN Triennial? We sure can’t.
CAN stands for “Collective Art Network.” It’s a citywide celebration of contemporary art, and it’s set to happen from July 8th, 2022 – August 31st, 2022. That’s right, over a month of non-stop art action!
During the Triennial, a team of curators will put together approximately a dozen exhibits that range from examining place and location to mocking ideas of culture and politics. This year’s event focuses on the theme You Are Here, a notion that is particularly relevant in today’s world. It reflects on presence and regret. It’s set to be an enlightening and thought-provoking experience — one that you definitely won’t want to miss.
Each exhibit will be hosted in a different venue throughout Cleveland, so make sure to check CAN’s website for updates.
#4 Events and Performances at the Beck Center
We don’t have a cool line to start this one off with, so we’ll just tell you flat out: the Beck Center is another can’t miss spot for art lovers this summer.
The Beck Center is a world-class theater and arts education facility located just west of Cleveland, in Lakewood, Ohio. It’s a non-profit organization dedicated to providing everyone access to the arts.
Beck offers a wide variety of events and performances throughout the year, ranging from musicals and plays to art exhibits and classes. And their summer lineup is no exception.
This summer, you can catch theater performances of Bugsy Malone, Snow White, Lizzie the Musical, and The Legend of Georgia McBride, amongst many others. You can also check out their art exhibits, which feature both local and national artists. If you’re a fan of Hispanic culture, then LatinUs theater also hosts events at its own independent theater. Check out their website for more information.
If you’re visiting Cleveland before August 21, 2022, you’ll also be able to catch special events like the famous annual Beck Center for the Arts Visual Arts Faculty Exhibition 2022. It’s free and open to the public, so you definitely have no excuse to miss it!
#5 Piano Cleveland
Ah, the sweet sound of the piano. The way the keys flow together to create a melody that can touch your soul. It’s one of the most beautiful things in the world, and Cleveland is home to some of the best piano players out there.
From July 24th to August 14th, 2022, you can catch Piano Days CLE as they celebrate the piano in all of its forms. This three-week festival features stellar performances, musical comedy, citywide pop-up concerts, and fun social events; it’s the perfect way to spend a summer day.
Check out Piano Cleveland for more information on these and other events.
That’s a Wrap
That’s it for our guide to the top art events happening in greater Cleveland this summer! We hope you have a blast exploring all that this beautiful city has to offer.
Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know! And don’t forget to check out our other Cleveland guides for more things to do in the Land.
Until next time, art lovers!
