20 fun things to do during summer 2024 in Cleveland (2024)

CLEVELAND — Summer is officially here!

The Cleveland area offers plenty of fun events for both adults and the family. While soaking in the warm weather, 3News has compiled a list of 20 things you must check off your bucket list this summer.

This list offers something for everyone to do this summer in Northeast Ohio.

Check out 3News' must-do summer bucket list below:

Cheer on the Cleveland Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians have been off to a red-hot start as the team continues to sit atop the standings in the American League Central. If you want to have some fun at the ballpark, the corner of Carnegie and Ontario is the place to be. A full schedule of games at Progressive Field can be found HERE.

Attend a concert at Blossom Music Center

Concert season is officially underway, and Blossom Music Center is welcoming some of the biggest names in music. The outdoor venue in Cuyahoga Falls offers a unique background for entertainment.

A full list of concerts at Blossom Music Center can be found HERE.

Kayak on the Cuyahoga River

Located in downtown Cleveland on the West Bank of The Flats, Great Lakes Water Sports offers kayak rentals during the summer.

Check out the Cleveland Asian Lantern Festival

For the seventh year, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is featuring its Asian Lantern Festival. The festival includes colorful light displays, "culturally inspired cuisine," and acrobatic performances every hour. It begins on Friday, July 5, and runs on evenings, Tuesday through Sunday, until Aug. 25.

Go hiking at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

If you are looking to take a hike, Northeast Ohio has the perfect place. Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers 125 miles of trails, ranging from nearly level to more challenging trails.

Go to a drive-in movie theater

If you want to catch a movie this summer, bring your family and friends to one of Northeast Ohio's drive-in movie theaters.

Below is a list of drive-in theaters in Northeast Ohio:

Visit a beach in Northeast Ohio

If you are looking to soak up some sun or cool off on a blazing-hot day, be sure to check out some of Northeast Ohio's gorgeous beaches. A list of must-visit beaches near Cleveland can be found HERE.

Watch 4th of July fireworks at Portage Lakes

This year's fireworks show will take place on Saturday, July 6. In addition, Portage Lakes will hold a boat parade on July 6 at 1 p.m. The fireworks display is also the largest privately funded show in Northeast Ohio.

Eat locally-made ice cream

Nothing is better than an ice cream cone during the heat of summer. Next time you crave a sweet treat, be sure to check out some local ice cream favorites in Northeast Ohio.

Ride the roller coasters at Cedar Point

If you want to get in some thrilling fun this summer, Cedar Point in Sandusky is the place to be. The must-do destination is home to 68 rides, including world-class roller coasters, thrill rides and kids' rides. If thrill rides aren't for you, you can also soak up the sun at the Cedar Point Shores water park.

Try a new patio or rooftop restaurant

Cleveland is home to many delicious restaurants with patios or rooftops offering a unique view. If you want to indulge in a mouthwatering meal outside or enjoy a co*cktail this summer, one of Cleveland's many patio or rooftop restaurants is a MUST!

Watch the sunset from Lakewood Park

Lakewood Park offers some of the best sunset views in Northeast Ohio. The Solstice Steps give visitors scenic views of sunsets over Lake Erie and Cleveland's skyline.

Attend WWE SummerSlam

WWE SummerSlam is taking over Cleveland for the first time since August 1996. This massive event is expected to bring fans from across the country to Cleveland. In addition to SummerSlam, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse will host Friday Night Smackdown on Aug. 2, with fan and community events planned for the days leading up to and following SummerSlam.

Visit the Great Geauga County Fair

Ohio's oldest fair, the Great Geauga County Fair, is returning for its 202nd year. The annual event will take place Labor Day weekend, Thursday, Aug. 29- Monday, Sept. 2. The weekend will feature rides and games for all, grandstand entertainment, food, horse shows, and more.

Go on a wine tour in Northeast Ohio

If you're looking for a short day trip, gather your friends and head to Geneva. Ohio Wine Country offers more than 20 wineries across Ashtabula and Lake counties.

Attend the 'Shawshank' 30th Anniversary

Movie lovers, this one is for you! The Shawshank Redemption will be commemorated on Aug. 9-11, 2024, at the film's shooting locations in Ashland, Upper Sandusky and Mansfield.

See a free concert at Rock Hall

Each summer, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland hosts a summer concert series. This year, artists including Sleater-Kinney, All Time Low and Boys Like Girls are scheduled to perform. A list of performances can be found HERE.

Check out The Feast in Cleveland's Little Italy neighborhood

Each year, Little Italy hosts a four-day street festival leading up to the Feast of the Assumption on Aug. 15. The festival features food and drinks for all, as well as music and fun.

Attend the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week festivities in Canton

Pro football's greatest legends will return to Northeast Ohio as the Hall of Fame pays tribute to the newest class of inductees for their talents and contributions to the game. Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week is filled with something for everyone. Aside from the enshrinement ceremony and Hall of Fame Game, the weekend will offer a fashion show, aCarrie Underwood concert, a parade and family fun festivities at Hall of Fame Village.

Watch the Cleveland Air Show

You can enjoy the final blast of summer in Cleveland with a Labor Day Weekend tradition like no other. The Cleveland Air Show will feature three days of aerial thrills featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, military jet demonstrations, gravity-defying aerobatics, parachuting and more on the shores of Lake Erie.