As temperatures rise in Cleveland, so does the anticipation for some of The Land’s favorite summer activities. And this summer, the Playhouse Square District is bustling with special events. Audiences will be delighted by the return of the Pop-Ups at US Bank Plaza and beloved summer festivals. Check out our five picks for fun throughout the PSQ District.
Pop-Ups at US Bank Plaza
Take the opportunity to enjoy the lovely weather while listening to live, local musicians at US Bank Plaza. Grab lunch from your favorite PSQ District restaurant or pack your own to eat outside with the backdrop of local melodies.
Pop-Ups at US Bank Plaza take place every Tuesday and Thursday from June through September. This free event, which is a part of Downtown Cleveland’s Summer Music Series, takes place from noon-1:30 p.m.*
*No event June 25, July 4, July 23 or July 25
Take a Hike Tours
Want to learn more about the history of the PSQ District? Take a Hike is offering free walking tours of the district every Sunday at 10 a.m. throughout June and July. Guides on these 90-minute interactive tours take you through the unique neighborhoods of Downtown Cleveland, highlighting its architecture, cultural development and historic preservation. And guests might even meet some historical figures from Cleveland’s past along the way! Even though tours are free, registration is required. If you miss out on one of these summer tours, have no fear. Self-guided tours of the PSQ District will be available from October-December.
Tri-C JazzFest
The 45th Annual Tri-C JazzFest swings into the PSQ District from June 20-22. Featuring an array of award-winning artists from the legendary Charles Lloyd to the amazing Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa to reigning vocal queens Cécile McLorin Salvant and Ledisi, audiences are sure to be blown away by performances both on the Playhouse Square stages and under the Playhouse Square chandelier. These creatives push the boundaries– advocating for social change and exploring the worlds of Broadway and Hollywood through their spectacular performances.
BorderLight Theatre Festival
The BorderLight Theatre Festival is a cross cultural arts festival located in the heart of the PSQ District. Featuring both free and ticketed events, this event aims to “present innovative theatre that inspires, builds cross-cultural understanding, and celebrates the diversity of the human experience.”
This year there will be performances from local and Indigenous artists, as well as national touring artists and international pieces– some of which originated at the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival. BorderLight Theatre Festival takes over Playhouse Square July 24-27, with tickets going on sale in June.
Dining on District Patios
From a cool brew at an Irish Pub to authentic Lebanese food, The PSQ District caters to all its guests with fresh food and fresh air out on the patios. This summer you can visit the patios of venues like Zaytoon Lebanese Kitchen, 1942 Tacos & Tequila and the Biergarten at Hofbräuhaus Cleveland. Don’t forget that the patio at Parnell’s Irish Pub is open even with construction on Euclid Avenue!
For more information on dining in the district visit Playhouse Square’s Hotel & Dining Guide or visit the PSQ District social media pages (@psqdistrict) on Instagram and X.