Memorial Day Events Beyond Cleveland

Music and Memorials beyond Cleveland

Getting a head start to your long weekend and the official start of summer? The weather is certainly giving way to a beautiful weekend of sunshine, highs in the ’70s and only a slight chance of rain/thunderstorms.

Here are some great ways to spend your weekend with family and friends beyond Cleveland.

Westside Market – Ohio City – shop for fresh grilling meats, veggies and other produce, pastries & baked goods and new plants to put in pots or your garden. Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, & Sat 7am – 5pm.

National Rib Cook-Off – Berea – taste some of the best ribs in the country. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Hours: Saturday, 12pm -11pm, Sunday, 11am – 11pm, Monday, 11am -9pm. Price for admission – Friday – FREE, Saturday- Monday – $5.

The Thirsty Camel – Mentor on the Lake – Saturdays, hear some of the best local bands. Bring a few friends, have a couple drinks & jam to the newest up-and-coming bands. Hours: Saturdays, starting at 930pm. This Saturday, jam to the rhythms of Faction.

Firehouse Sports Bar & Grille – North Royalton – Features $1.50 22 ounce domestic drafts and well-drinks everyday Mon – Fri from 2pm – 7pm.

Cleveland Critical Mass – Public Square (ok, so it’s not beyond Cleveland) – No, it’s not a band; it’s a group of about 50 or so bike riders, skateboarders and roller bladers who get together every last Friday of the month and ride. What for? There are several reasons – peaceful protests (against oil consumption for one), exercise, assert bicyclists right to the road, or just for fun. Hours: Every last Friday of the month, meets at Public Square in front of the Terminal Tower, 6pm, leave 630pm. (If you’re in the vicinty at this time, beware of this Critical Mass & give way to these riders.)

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad & Thomas the Tank Engine – Kids will love this childhood favorite train and will have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hat. Let the kids have their fun this weekend, and parents can enjoy a relaxing 35-minute train ride while the little ones are entertained. Hours: Saturday – Monday, get all the boarding information and times at the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad website.

Memorial Day Parade – Broadview Heights – Starts at 11am at The Crossings shopping center and heads south to the Community Center. Bring your lawn chairs and park them along the route. Salute your fellow veterans and say a prayer for those still serving abroad and on U.S. soil.