As summer arrives in The Land, excitement builds for the city’s many seasonal experiences. This year, the Playhouse Square District is alive with energy, offering a fun line-up of special events with some returning favorites. Enjoy our guide to making the most of your summer in the PSQ District!
All That Jazz
The 46th Annual Tri-C JazzFest is taking over the PSQ District from June 26-28. The popular summer event features a dynamic mix of cultures and styles on both indoor and outdoor stages in the PSQ District. Special performances include a swinging centennial nod to Oscar Peterson, featuring the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and Benny Green, and an homage to the enduring duo of Chick Corea and Gary Burton with Taylor Eigsti and Christian Tamburr. For the full list of must-see performances, visit tri-c.edu/jazzfest.
Fringe Takes Center Stage
Now in its 5th year, BorderLight Theatre Festival returns to the PSQ District from July 16-19. More than 40 productions will take place across 16 stages throughout the neighborhood. Performances range from comedy and drama to storytelling, immersive works, experimental gems and series geared toward young audiences.
Good Food + Warm Weather = Patio Season
What better way to enjoy that CLE summer weather than with some patio dining! The PSQ District offers opportunities for guests to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a side of fresh air. This summer, you can dine outside at places like Brel’s, Zaytoon Lebanese Kitchen, Yours Truly, Republic Food + Drink, 1942 Tacos & Tequila, Parnell’s Irish Pub, and Hofbräuhaus Cleveland. And don’t forget to check out one of the PSQ District’s newest venues – Something Good Social Kitchen – located at Playhouse Square Plaza.
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.
Plan a Summer Staycation
Treat yourself to a summer staycation right in the heart of the PSQ District! The Crowne Plaza Cleveland is just a five-minute walk from Playhouse Square’s historic theaters and conveniently located near downtown activities and attractions. And if you are looking for dining options, you can enjoy breakfast and/or dinner and drinks at the hotel’s on-site restaurant, Brel’s.
Your Ticket to Summer Shows
This summer is jam-packed with fun and exciting shows at Playhouse Square. From comedy and live music to Broadway favorites, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Round out your summer plans with tickets to any of these upcoming events:
David Spade: I Got a Feel for It, June 6
Adam Ray is Dr.Phil Live, June 6
Sarah Millican, June 7
North Coast Men’s Chorus Reigning Men, June 14-15
Sex n’ the City, June 15
The Wiggles: Bouncing Balls! Tour, June 17
Hamilton, June 17-July 6
Killers of Kill Tony, June 19
Tri-C JazzFest, June 26-28
Chagrin Arts Presents Blind Injustice, July 11-13
Kimberly Akimbo, July 15-August 3
Piano Days, July 20-August 3
An Evening with Vince Gill, August 2
Piano Men: Generations, August 8
Beetlejuice, August 12-17
RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq the World, August 19
The Notebook, September 6- 27
Gabriel Rutledge, September 12
Free Fun in the PSQ District
This summer, you have two options for exploring the PSQ District without breaking the bank. You can register for one of Playhouse Square’s free public tours. These tours take place every month and are led by our knowledgeable RedCoat volunteers. These history-based tours are 90 minutes long, and registration is required.
You can also learn about the PSQ District through Take a Hike’s free walking tours. This special summer event takes place every Sunday morning throughout June and July. Guides on these interactive tours take you through the unique neighborhoods of Downtown Cleveland, highlighting its architecture, cultural development and historic preservation. Although the tours are free, registration is still required, so make sure to secure a spot!
And don't forget to stop by Downtown Cleveland Inc.'s "Pop-Ups In Playhouse Square Plaza" this June for live music during the lunch hours. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. local artists will be performing in the Playhouse Square District. So grab a meal from your favorite PSQ District restaurant, take a seat and listen to these musicians at Playhouse Square Plaza.