August is the last full month of summer, but there are still plenty of summertime activities happening around Cleveland in August.
This month is perfect for getting outside and soaking up the summer sunshine, and there is no shortage of ways to do that. From sporting events to festivals to fairs, here are the best things to do in Cleveland this August.
Weather in Cleveland in August
Like July, August is a very hot month in Cleveland. The average daily high temperature is 80° F while the average daily low is 67° F, but you can usually count on some humidity to make it feel hotter. You can expect rain on average 7 days this month.
With mostly sunny skies in August, don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water if you’ll be outdoors.
Top 10 Things to Do in Cleveland in August
1. Go to Browns Training Camp
When: Various dates in August
Where: CrossCountry Mortgage Campus, 76 Lou Groza Blvd, Berea
Fall and football season are just around the corner, which means it’s time for training to begin. You can get a chance to see the Browns, Cleveland’s NFL team, train and prepare for the upcoming season at Training Camp.
Held on various dates throughout August, Training Camp is a great event for football fans of all ages. Attendees are able to watch training occur, as well as shop for Browns merchandise and participate in themed events.
Some of the themed days at Training Camp include Superheroes Day, Military Appreciation, and Taste of Cleveland.
Tickets are available on the Cleveland Browns website, though note that they’re currently sold out for 2023 (put it on your list for next year!).
2. BorderLight Fringe Festival
When: Thursday, August 3 – Saturday, August 5, 2023
Where: Playhouse Square
BorderLight Fringe Festival is an annual performing arts festival held in the Playhouse Square district of Cleveland. Over the course of three days, there are more than 130 performances across six different venues.
The performances include plays, musicals, dance performances, cabaret shows, improv, performance art, and more.
You can purchase individual tickets to shows for $12 (concession price) or $15 (standard price.) An all-access pass is also available for $200.
3. Vintage Ohio Wine Festival
When: Friday, August 4 & Saturday, August 5, 2023
Where: Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd, Kirtland
Another event coming to Cleveland in August is the Vintage Ohio Wine Festival. This outdoor festival offers attendees the chance to sample wines from local Ohio wineries, as well as enjoy food, live music entertainment, artisans, and shopping.
Tickets are $37 if purchased in advance and $42 at the door. Admission includes wine samples from all wineries present at the festival.
4. Lakewood Arts Festival
When: Saturday, August 5, 2023
Where: Downtown Lakewood
Lakewood Arts Festival is an annual festival held in Downtown Lakewood, right next to Cleveland. This free festival is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
You can enjoy browsing the booths of local artisans and shop for unique handmade gifts. There will also be live music in several locations around Lakewood, as well as local food vendors.
5. Visit a sunflower field
When: All month long
Where: Various location
Nothing says summer quite like sunflowers in bloom. Late summer is the best time to see sunflowers, with most in the Cleveland area blooming between early August and mid-September (although some may bloom as early as mid-July, or as late as early October).
There are several great sunflower fields near Cleveland where you can admire the sunny yellow blooms and take photos. Some sunflower fields also allow you to pick your own sunflowers to take home with you.
6. Country Fest
When: Saturday, August 5, 2023
Where: Geauga County Fairgrounds, 14373 N Cheshire St, Burton
Country Fest is a great event for country music lovers this August. Tickets are only $25 right now (going up to $35 if purchased the day of) and that includes a full day of country music at the Geauga County Fairgrounds near Cleveland.
Five live country bands will be playing throughout the day, and there will also be local food trucks, craft beer, wine, and more.
7. Feast of the Assumption
When: Saturday, August 12 – Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Where: Holy Rosary Church, 12021 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Cleveland this month, don’t miss the Feast of the Assumption. This Catholic holiday commemorates Mary being taken into Heaven, and it’s celebrated for four days in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood.
The holiday kicks off with a Mass at Holy Rosary Church, but the following festivities are what really draw the crowds. Everyone is welcome to participate in the celebration, which includes Italian foods, desserts, live music, and rides for young children.
8. Cuyahoga County Fair
When: Tuesday, August 8 – Sunday, August 13, 2023
Where: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights
If you’re looking for a fun summer activity near Cleveland, don’t miss the Cuyahoga County Fair. Located less than half an hour from Downtown Cleveland, this annual fair is a week-long event featuring rides, games, food, entertainment, and fun for the whole family.
Tickets range from $10 to $12, and active duty military members get in free. Children 3 and under also receive free admission.
Another fair in the Cleveland area is the Geauga County Fair. It kicks off on Thursday, August 31, and runs through Labor Day.
9. Tennis in the Land
When: Saturday, August 19 – Saturday, August 26, 2023
Where: Nautica Entertainment Complex, 2014 Sycamore Street, Cleveland
For tennis enthusiasts, don’t miss Tennis in the Land this August. This women’s professional tennis tournament serves as a warm-up tournament for the US Open and many of the biggest names in tennis compete.
Tickets for individual matches are available for as little as $10, while ticket packages for multiple games are also available.
Tickets are available on the Tennis in the Land website.
10. Cleveland Garlic Festival
When: Saturday, August 26 & Sunday, August 27, 2023
Where: 13111 Shaker Square, Cleveland
One of the most unique things happening in Cleveland this month is the Cleveland Garlic Festival. It’s the annual fundraiser for the North Union Farmers Market, and it’s a lot of fun.
You can expect delicious garlic-themed food and events including the Garlic Grill Off and Miss Garlic 2023 competitions, along with live music, entertainment, and kids’ activities.
What are you most excited for in Cleveland in August?
Amanda was born and raised in northeast Ohio, and has always been a fangirl of her home state. Now, she’ sharing her love of the Cleveland area with the world, highlighting all the best things to do, see, and eat in the CLE. She’s been running Cleveland Traveler since January 2019.
What a wonderful article! You have done a great job of showcasing the fun and exciting things that Cleveland has to offer in August. I was especially interested in the BorderLight Fringe Festival and the Lakewood Arts Festival. They sound like a lot of fun and a great way to experience the culture and art of Cleveland. I can’t wait to check them out!