Fall will soon be upon us!
It’s time to savor the rest of the warm weather before the leaves start changing! Read on for our top picks for what to do in the city this month, from lanterns to trendy tacos and one very special Parisian café.
1. Head to the Asian Lantern Festival
The popular Asian Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has been extended throughout September. You can walk through it every Thursday through Sunday from 6:30pm to 10pm, or drive through on Wednesday, September 15. More information can be found here.
2. Head to a stunning candlelit concert
A stunning series of indoor and outdoor candlelit concerts will take place across Cleveland this September, including Jazz of the 1960s on September 9 and Bach to Beatles on September 15. You’ll hear beautiful music in historic settings around Cleveland while supporting local musicians — what could be better?
3. Try these trendy tacos
Birria tacos have taken social media by storm this summer. Luckily, Cleveland’s Hola Tacos has the delectable birria de res on the menu, along with succulent quesabirria quesadillas perfect for cheese-lovers.
4. Have a unique gourmet experience at Dining in the Dark
This unique experience involves stepping inside a restaurant blanketed in darkness and being served a sublime three-course meal. Your remaining senses will be enhanced by the darkness, creating a uniquely ‘amplified’ sensory experience. Intrigued? Tickets are available here, but hurry — they’re selling fast!
5. Head to Cleveland Oktoberfest
Despite the name, Cleveland’s Oktoberfest is held in September! From September 3-6 and from September 10-11, to be exact. This year’s festival will include live music, fireworks, food, Wiener dog races, the Miss Oktoberfest pageant, and the nation’s largest (55-foot-long!) glockenspiel. You can find more information here.
6. Escape to Paris at Le Petit Triangle Café
The reviews are in: this Ohio City café will make you feel like you’ve travelled to Paris. In typical Parisian café style, this spot aims to be more than just a crossant-and-coffee stop: it’s meant to be an extension of your living room that seamlessly transitions from breakfast to lunch to after-dinner drinks, and back again.
7. Watch the Cleveland Air Show!
This year’s Cleveland Air Show will take place throughout Labor Day weekend on September 4-6 at the Burke Lakefront Airport. This annual event boasts three days of impressive aerial displays featuring the US Air Force Thunderbirds including acrobatics and parachuting. There’s also entertainment for guests on the ground, including the chance to get up close with impressive aircraft.
8-12. Spruce up your feed with Cleveland’s most Instagrammable desserts
From beer-infused donuts to lactose-free rainbow boba, you’re sure to find unique treats on our super-photogenic dessert roundup!
13. Check out the Waterloo Arts Fest
On Saturday, September 11 from noon to 7pm, the Waterloo Arts Fest will bring a variety of local music, art vendors, food trucks, and interactive art to the Waterloo Arts and Entertainment District. Head to Waterloo Road between E. 161st St and Calcutta Ave to join in on the fun.
14. Try out some of Cleveland’s best sushi in a unique underground location
This hidden sushi spot serves up unique and authentic rolls underneath Dante in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood. Spring for the omakase and a Japanese-inspired cocktail for the full experience.
15. Jam out at Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland
Tri-C JazzFest will make its in-person return on September 11 and 12 at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. Check out the lineup here.
16. Play tourist!
Cleveland has plenty of history and things to explore, whether you’re a local or a brand-new resident. Try out a guided tour like this one, which leads guests through the downtown’s many public art highlights like the Free Stamp and Sky Blossoms, if you’re looking for structure, or take a walk out of your normal routine to read plaques, do some Googling, and learn about the wonderful city of Cleveland.