The best things in life are free, indeed, and our monthly "Free Stamp" feature rounds up all of the free #CLE events that get our "stamp" of approval. Got a free event you want us to include? Drop us a line here.
Nuts for Walnut Wednesday
Lunch is about to get a lot more fun as downtown's weekly food truck fest revs up for another summer. Walnut Wednesday starts tomorrow, May 8, and continues every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through September 4 in Perk Plaza. Along with the usual selection of food trucks, pop-up shops from local retailers will also be featured this year. See the list of participating trucks here.
Totally bazaar
On Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11, the first-ever Euclid Community Bazaar will feature 20+ local small businesses and vendors. Antiques, toys, jewelry, baked goods, and more will be available for purchase, and concessions/snacks will be on hand, along with a local henna artist. The event runs from 4 to 8 p.m. both days—click here to learn more.
This event's got Moxie
Join Moxie Studio for the Moxology: Art & Design mixer on Friday, May 10, from 6 to 10 p.m. A networking event aimed at the creative, marketing, and business communities, the mixer will feature a pop-up art gallery with Maria Neil Art Project and local artists, as well as works from Cuba's Havana Biennial Art Festival. A live DJ will be spinning soul music, and there will also be refreshments and a raffle. More details here.
Clean sweep
In the House
Curious to check out The Green House, Euclid's coworking space/event venue? You're in luck: The Green House is hosting an open house event on Wednesday, May 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Appetizers, beverages, and live music will be provided, along with door prize drawings. Photographer Jen Hearn will also be shooting professional headshots for just $20/person. Learn more here.
Art with heart
On Thursday, May 16, the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve will host a free reception for "EVAC: Experiencing Veterans & Artists Collaboration," a show which unites veterans from all generations and branches of the military with artists who interpret their stories. As part of an ongoing effort to be more eco-conscious and combat single-use plastics in gallery settings, attendees who bring a reusable glass will be entered into a raffle to win local, original art (given away that night). The night will officially begin at 5:30 p.m. and conclude at 8:00 p.m.
Hang with the Village people
University Settlement will be hosting a “homecoming weekend” from May 16-18 to celebrate Slavic Village's past, present and future. Legendary soul singer Lou Ragland will headline the festivities alongside an all-star revue of local talent for an epic dance party on Friday, May 17. Other free events include an outdoor movie, a "Rebuilding Community" forum, and a neighborhood cleanup. For more information, click here.
Body talk
On Friday, May 17, Circle of Renewal will host "Women Celebrating Women: A Gathering & Discussion on Representation and Body Positivity," a discussion led by photographer and Cleveland Badass creator Jen Hearn. Everyone is encouraged to view her empowering portraits, which aim to spark conversation about radical self-love and sisterhood. Held at Shore Cultural Centre, the event will include small discussion groups and the chance to participate in a photoshoot. To register or learn more, click here. (Registration is recommended.)
Vegging out
Plant-based comfort food? Yes, please. The Cleveland VegFest takes place on Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Huntington Convention Center (300 Lakeside Ave. E). Though admission is free, a $5 donation is suggested. Along with local vegan food vendors, the event will feature a cruelty-free marketplace, vegan art gallery, cooking demos, kids' activities, and more. Check it out here!
Art appreciation
Come see local artist Anthony Van Rooy's first solo exhibition in over a decade at Tremont's 818 Studios. (A native Clevelander, Van Rooy is a 1992 graduate of the Cleveland State University Department of Fine Arts.) The gallery is open for viewing every Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., and the exhibition is on display through Thursday, May 16, when there will be a free closing reception.
Honoring Cleveland’s diversity
In celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage month, the annual Cleveland Asian Festival will once again take over AsiaTown on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19. Celebrate Asian culture with live entertainment, a world marketplace, and free AsiaTown tours on Lolly the Trolley. Other highlights include a "Faces of Chinatown" photo exhibit and "Colors of Asia" fashion show. Festivities will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 7 p.m. both days; both admission and parking are free. Get all the info here.
Saturday funday
On Saturday, May 25, The Harvard Square Center will host its annual Fun Day Festival. THSC is a non-profit organization that aims to provide programs, resources and rental space to local civilians. Celebrate its fifth year of service with food, music, and fun at Gawron Park (between 136th Street and Harvard Avenue) from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Dana Shugrue is a graduate of John Carroll University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Media and Professional Writing. She is a full-time Content Specialist at Budget Dumpster, and part-time freelance writer for FreshWater Cleveland. When she’s not writing, you can catch Dana taking a run through the metros or sipping a latte at her favorite local coffee shop.