Cleveland is a city rich with many different ethnicities, cultures and arts. From the largely celebrated Irish heritage to the city's historical African-American roots, many different people call the city home. Not only can the city claim the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as its own, but an arts movement is in the works. Downtown locales, stadiums, convention centers, restaurants and a waterfront district provide homes for numerous annual festivals, events and other exhibits.

Saint Patrick's Day Parade - The Irish make up the third-largest heritage group in Cleveland - and besides, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day - and they show their pride by kicking off a parade downtown with the singing of Irish and American National Anthems. It is then on to the march, parading the streets. The parade takes place on March 17, the traditional day of the St. Patrick's feast. The parade has been happening since 1867.

EarthFest - This festival that takes place in April at the Metroparks Zoo is one of the most successful Earth day events in the country. The festival features exhibits and demonstrations, as well as many children's activities. You will have the chance to taste some local and organic foods. Don't miss the huge trailer full of aluminum cans for recycling.

Hessler Street Fair - This event was started in 1969 during which time much of the area was being bought by institutions of University Circle. The purpose was to raise money to save the historic street. After several successful fairs, the street was named Cleveland's first historic landmark in 1975. After that, the festival was phased out. However, in 1995, the once-popular street fair was reborn and has continued strong since. The free two-day street fair is held in Cleveland's Hessler Road neighborhood in late May each year. Many Clevelanders say it is the unofficial start to the city's summer festival season. The festival includes live music, poetry readings, a variety of food, street vendors and original art.

Parade the Circle - This free community arts parade is presented annually by the Cleveland Museum of Art in the University Circle neighborhood, which is located in Cleveland's cultural hub. The day-long event celebrates the creative spirit of local residents, and highlights their talents and diversity. It began in 1990 with just over 100 marchers in front of about 1,000 onlookers. The main attraction of the day is the costumed marchers making their way around Wade Oval. In addition, the event features several live entertainers as well as concerts. 2006's parade consisted of 2,000 marchers and 50,000 spectators. The cost to march in the parade is $5 and marchers must make their own costumes with no written words or logos.

Burning River Fest - This festival is set up to teach families about a clean environment while having some fun as well. Local artists and musicians and a variety of local Cleveland foods are featured. Kids will love the face painters, balloon artists and caricature artists. The festival takes place in August at Whiskey Island, which is home to more than 300 species of birds and 20 acres of trees.

Taste of Cleveland - Cleveland has been celebrating the annual Bigelow Chevrolet Taste of Cleveland festival for more than 11 years during Labor Day weekend. The weekend includes food from local chefs, ethnic performers, live music, entrées, specialties and even desserts from more than 30 area restaurants. The days start around noon and last late into the evening, should you be able to last that long after all of the food available all day. The admission costs vary every year, but sponsors of the event generally include special deals, freebies and other giveaways that make the day quite a bargain. There is also a ballot process where a top prize is given for the day's favorites.

Fall Foliage Fest - This October festival in nearby Brunswick at Mapleside Farms is a great family-friendly event. Besides the beautiful view, you can enjoy the horse-drawn carriage rides through the apple orchards. The festival also has an outdoor barbeque, and the kids will enjoy the Harvest Hideout Playground.

Ohio Independent Film Festival - Support national, local and regional filmmakers in November at this festival held at the Cleveland Public Theatre. The cost is $10 per film or buy a festival pass for just $75.

Kuummba Festival - This annual event takes place the second Saturday of December at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Kuumba - pronounced koo-OOM-bah - means creativity. It is the sixth of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is the African-American celebration of the traditional values of family, community, responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. The actual celebration of Kwanzaa is neither political nor religious, and is not a substitute for Christmas. It is celebrated from December 26 to January 1. Performances in theater arts, contemporary dance or ballet typically make up the live entertainment for the Kuumba festival.

Sources:
(http://www.clevelandmemory.org/)

(http://ech.case.edu/)

(http://www.city.cleveland.oh.us/)