Downtown Cleveland Spring Bucket List
By Ian Meadows
April 17, 2025
Spring has sprung in downtown Cleveland, and with the changing seasons comes an exciting lineup of outdoor events, fun programs, and unique experiences!
As the flowers bloom and the temperatures rise, check out all 10 of these fun happenings in DTCLE this April and May – and there are even more than just these!
1. Watch the Illuminate CLE Light Show at Public Square
Public Square
Stick around downtown after dinner, a game, or show, and check out downtown’s newest attraction! Transforming Public Square into an immersive outdoor art installation, Illuminate CLE is a 6-minute show with light projections on surrounding buildings and sidewalks synced to an upbeat soundtrack. This immersive experience runs nightly at the top of every hour, from dusk until 11pm.
2. Enjoy Lunchtime Food Trucks and Live Music
Multiple Locations Downtown
Downtown Cleveland, Inc.’s Food Truck Series is back and better than ever! Food trucks are rolling into five iconic downtown spaces starting May 1st. From 11:30am-1:30pm every weekday from May through September, you can enjoy tasty bites while relaxing to live music. Your lunch breaks are about to get a lot more fun – and delicious!
Memorial Monday: Mondays at Fort Huntington Park (Lakeside and W 3rd)
Food Truck Tuesday: Tuesdays at Public Square (Rockwell and Ontario)
Walnut Wednesday: Wednesdays at Perk Plaza (E 12th and Walnut)
Truck Stop Thursday: Thursdays at One Cleveland Center (St. Clair and E 9th)
Free Stamp Friday: Fridays at Willard Park (Lakeside and E 9th)
See the full lineup here, including weekly food truck schedules.
3. Step Into Tower City Center’s Enchanted Spring Garden
Tower City Center (230 W Huron Rd)
Image credit: CLE With Kids
On weekends through May 11th, stop by Tower Court inside Tower City Center to be immersed in the enchanted Spring Garden. Enjoy festive photo moments, floral crafts and more fun for the whole family! While you’re there, don’t miss the VR Lost Crystals Boat Ride Adventure too – a FREE virtual reality experience!
Saturdays: 11am – 7pm
Sundays: 12pm – 5pm
4. Watch a Cleveland Guardians Game
Progressive Field (2401 Ontario St)
Cleveland and baseball almost go together as well as peanut butter and jelly. Check out the new renovations at Progressive Field, like the Terrace District beer and food hall, and soak up the beautiful views of downtown from the stadium. Grab a hot dog (or two), a cold beer, and cheer on the Guards to victory!
5. See a Show at Playhouse Square
Playhouse Square – Multiple Venues
The nation’s 2nd largest performing arts district is home to a variety of entertaining performances this spring! Grab a bite to eat before the show, and enjoy a captivating experience in Playhouse Square’s beautiful and historic theaters.
Upcoming shows at various venues around the district include the following:
Shucked (April 22th – May 11th at the Connor Palace Theatre; part of the KeyBank Broadway Series)
Noises Off (April 25th – May 18th at the Helen Theatre; a Greater Lakes Theater production)
Fiddler on the Roof (April 26th – May 25th at the Allen Theatre; a Cleveland Play House production)
Romeo & Juliet (May 16th – May 17th at the Mimi Ohio Theatre; a Cleveland Ballet production)
6. Feast at Delicious Restaurants on Cinco de Mayo
Various Locations Downtown
Who doesn’t love mouth-watering tacos and refreshing margaritas on Cinco de Mayo?! Downtown Cleveland’s extensive collection of local businesses includes some of the most delicious Mexican restaurants in the city. Head downtown on Monday, May 5th, and support these establishments for a fun and festive night out (and every other day of the year, too)!
A few suggestions include 1942 Tacos and Tequila in Playhouse Square, Masa & Agave Cantina in the Erieview District (featured in the image above), Nuevo Modern Mexian & Tequila Bar in North Coast Harbor, Agave & Rye and Camino in the Warehouse District, and Barrio Tacos, Blue Agave, and Ohio City Burrito in the Gateway District.*
View, sort, and filter all downtown restaurants here!
*(Confirm days and hours of operation with individual businesses.)
7. Relax by the Public Square Splash Pad
Public Square
You know spring is here when Public Square’s tables are out and the splash pad is on! Whether you are brown bagging it or enjoying takeout from a local restaurant, grab your lunch and relax by the water. Soak up the sights and sounds of the city while relaxing in downtown’s central gathering space!
8. Celebrate 100 Years of the Cleveland Public Library - Main Library
Cleveland Public Library – Main Library (325 Superior Ave)
Fall down a rabbit hole of curiosity and adventure at Cleveland Public Library as they mark 100 years of discovery at the Main Library Downtown! Enjoy food, entertainment, giveaways, and whimsical activities inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
Family Activities: 10am - 4pm
TechCentral Grand Opening: 10:15am
Historical Marker Unveiling: 11:45am
Garden Party and Cake: 12:15pm
9. Brunch With Mom on Mother’s Day
Multiple Locations Downtown
Give Mom the special celebration she deserves by treating her to brunch in downtown on Mother’s Day - Sunday, May 11th! Whether she has a favorite restaurant to dine at or you want to try something new and unique, there are a variety of elevated restaurants and experiences for her to enjoy.
Consider booking one of Lady Caroline’s Mother’s Day Cruises (with Brunch and Early Dinner options), or dining on special brunch buffets and specials at Alley Cat Oyster Bar, The Burnham Restaurant, Collision Bend Brewery, Fahrenheit (featured in the image above), Hofbräuhaus, and more!
Restaurants listed under the “Date Night” category on our website might be helpful for additional ideas.
10. Rock Out to a Concert
Various Locations Downtown
It’s no secret that the birthplace of Rock & Roll is home to some pretty epic concerts and live music performances. With beloved bands and iconic venues to enjoy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this spring.
2025 Browns Draft Party Featuring Journey
April 24th
Huntington Bank Field (100 Alfred Lerner Way)
Reggae Fest at North Coast Harbor
Two Days: May 24th and May 25th
Voinovich Park (800 E 9th St Pier)
May 28th
Huntington Bank Field (100 Alfred Lerner Way)
Various Concerts at House of Blues (featured in the image above)
Upcoming performances include Neon Trees, Magdalena Bay, Saint Motel, IDKHOW, and more.
308 Euclid Avenue
Various Concerts at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
Upcoming performances include Teddy Swims, October London, Wallows, and more.
2014 Sycamore St
Various Concerts at Globe Iron
The newest live music venue opening soon in the West Bank of the Flats! Upcoming performances include Mushroomhead, The Damned, The Wrecks, Shakey Graves, and more.
2320 Center St
As always, stay up-to-date on all the latest downtown events and information at DowntownCleveland.com, follow along with Downtown Cleveland, Inc. on social media, and sign up for our email newsletter!