The Most Important Food and Drink Festivals Coming to Cleveland This Summer

Masthead 5K & Brewfest

1261 Superior Ave., 216-206-6176, (June 29)

Boat race, boat race, boat race! This combined 5K (or 1.5 mile) race and drinking event allows you to indulge in beer selections from 15+ breweries without feeling guilty.

Photo via bobthealmost/Instagram

Summer Breeze Jazz & Wine Festival

600 N Aurora Rd., Aurora, 330-995-0200, (July 6)

Come for the wine and stay for the jazz. This summer fest will be headlined by Midwest SAX, with performances from FunkyardX, The Williams Project Band and The Cavor Project Band.

Photo via sarahmcdmoore/Instagram

Taste on the Lake

Edgewater Park, 216-635-3200, (July 7-8)

With offerings from 12 local chefs, showcases from seven artists and performances from eight bands, get more than just a taste at this two-day festival at Edgewater Park.

Photo via clemusiccity/Instagram

Farmfest

8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, 440-256-2122 (July 12-13)

Held at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, this free admission festival offers something for the whole family. Craft and food vendors will serve BBQ and ribs, with wine and beer offerings from Debonne Vineyards and Double Wing Brewery. Kids can enjoy plenty of farm activities, including but not limited to cow milking, wagon rides, ice cream making, border collie sheep herding demonstrations and meet-and-greets with barnyard animals.

Photo via WikimediaCommons

Serbfest

6306 Broadview Rd., Parma, 216-856-2601, (July 13-14)

With offerings such as spit-roasted lamb and pig, ?evaps, sarma, gibanica and Serbian beer and wine, this weekend festival presents the essentials of Serbian cuisine. Folklore dancers, a “kolo” circle, live entertainment and activities for children will also spice up the event.

Photo via bgskinner/Instagram

Sunflower Wine Festival

Depot St., Rocky River, 216-727-3511, (July 13)

Be sure to appoint a designated driver before attending this summer fest -- with wine and beer gardens, as well as street cash bars, the booze will be plenty to go around. Partygoers can also enjoy local bites and live music from Ed Purcell, Sunset Strip and Mary’s Lane.

Photo via linz918/Instagram

Tequila Fest Cleveland

1055 Old River Rd., (July 13)

If your idea of a good time entails tequila and tacos, don’t miss Cleveland’s 8th annual Tequila Fest. Held at the Flats East Bank overlooking the river, this event offers over 50 tequila samples, as well as a full bar, food trucks, food vendors and live music. (July 13)

Photo by Emanuel Wallace

Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival

19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Hts., (July 19-21)

With hand-rolled pretzels, custard, Irish soda bread, kettle corn, corned beef sandwiches and more, this celebration of Irish culture is a must for foodies everywhere.

Photo from Scene archives

Taste of Tremont

2406 Professor Ave., (July 21)

Experience the best of Tremont’s culinary scene at the 16th annual Taste of Tremont street festival. The street fest will offer a chance to sample the cuisine of Tremont’s famous restaurants, while feasting your eyes on the art and culture of the neighborhood. The best part: admission is free, so bring the fam.

Photo from Scene archives

Christmas Ale in July

2516 Market Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4404, (July 25)

Get your holiday spirit on this summer at Great Lakes Brewery’s Christmas Ale in July. Festivities include a patio pig roast, a display of adoptable dogs and photo opportunities with brewer santa. One fresh-brewed batch of Christmas Ale will be tapped in the morning and served on a first come, first serve basis.

Photo from Scene archives