Annual Programming and Event Sponsorship

Downtown Cleveland is downtown’s development and advocacy corporation. We are the only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to championing the heart of Cleveland itself—downtown. We work from the sidewalk to the skyline and everything in between to improve safety, enhance public spaces, and advocate for walkable development.

We program downtown’s parks and public spaces with music, food trucks, and activities year-round to create an environment that is safe and inviting. A vibrant core attracts people, jobs, and investment, which are essential to sustaining Cleveland’s momentum.

Signature Seasonal Activations

Celebrations in the City

Light Up the Lake Fireworks

Voinovich Park | Friday, July 4th

The rockets’ red glare returns Friday, July 4th as the City of Cleveland lights up for Independence Day! The brilliant 20-minute display takes place on Lake Erie from the Port of Cleveland’s Dock 20 and will illuminate the city skyline and will be viewable all across town.

Estimated Attendance: 3,000

Fall Fun Days

Voinovich Park + Public Square | October 4 +18

Taking place at both North Coast Harbor’s Voinovich Park and Public Square, our two annual Fall Fun Days are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Activities include pumpkin painting, crafts, lawn games, festive snacks, and more.

Combined Daily Impact: 600

WinterLand

Public Square | Saturday, November 29

November 29, 2025 is Downtown Cleveland, Inc.’s annual WinterLand Tree Lighting Festival. This beloved Cleveland event brings thousands together to kick off the holiday season and is one of Northeast Ohio’s largest seasonal attractions. Join us in illuminating Public Square with breathtaking fireworks, live entertainment, and dazzling holiday lights.

There are many different levels of support available, as this event truly takes a village to produce.

Food Truck Series

Downtown Cleveland hosts a summer-long food truck series extending weekdays from May through September. Workers, residents, and visitors enjoy diverse cuisine options coupled with live local music at different downtown parks and plazas. This daily programming throughout downtown’s public spaces elevates the already vibrant culture of the core and encourages people to return to the office. Event sponsorships are available for each of the 5 weekdays.

Reference the slider below for dates.

  • Memorial Monday

    Location: Fort Huntington Park (W. 3rd and Lakeside)

    Dates: 20 total (May 5-September 29)

    Estimated Weekly Attendance: 300/week

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Public Square Concert Series

Public Square | July-September

The Public Square Concert Series is Downtown Cleveland’s full band, evening summer concert series on the Square. Grab your family or friends, a drink from the bar, and listen to high-energy local bands on summer nights under the city skyline.

Estimated Attendance: 3,000

Summer Programming at the Public Square Hospitality Kiosk

Public Square

The hospitality kiosk provides programming and information to visitors on a daily basis, including games and recreational activities for free play. Time to get downtown, get outside, and get ready to play!

This activation will be programmed out of our brand new hospitality kiosk slated for completion in May 2025.

Expected Daily Impact: 100 visitors

Kickboxing on the Square

Public Square | June-September

Grab a pair of gloves and shuffle your way to the lawn of Public Square! Whether you’re just learning to strike or have been bobbing and weaving for a while, you’ll be sure to have fun at this all ages, multi-level kickboxing class!

Estimated Attendance: 25/ event

Namaste on Public Square and Voinovich Park

Public Square + Voinovich Park | June-September

What’s better than outdoor yoga in Downtown Cleveland? FREE outdoor yoga in Downtown Cleveland! Downtown will be hosting local yoga instructors from studios throughout the Land for the Namaste Yoga series.

Expected Attendence: 50/event

Sketch the Square

Public Square | June-September

Try your hand at sketching and water colors! Supplies and instructions are provided as well as other experienced sketchers nearby to give you tips and encouragement.

Sessions are led by Jeff Suntala, a lifelong Greater Clevelander, watercolor artist and avid sketcher. He produces an annual Cleveland Watercolor Calendar every year and heads the Cleveland Urban Sketchers group, the local chapter of the worldwide Urban Sketchers organization.

Estimated Attendance: 100/ event

Snow Days

Mall B

When downtown gets enough snowfall to cover the grass, the Snow Days pop-up occurs on the slope of Mall B, in the heart of Downtown Cleveland. Residents and locals should follow our social media accounts for updates.

Expected Attendence: 50/event

Annual Meeting

We proudly host hundreds of free events throughout the year, offer complimentary ambassador services, and advocate for policies that drive investment and improve the quality of life in our city’s core. The Annual Meeting is one of our key fundraising events, helping us sustain the work we do year-round to benefit all who live, work, and visit downtown Cleveland.

City Advocates Tuition Sponsorship

The goal of the City Advocates program is to build a vibrant coalition of Downtown champions who will support our mission; to create an inclusive 24/7 global city and welcoming beacon of talent that weaves downtown districts and surrounding neighborhoods into a seamless urban fabric.  Throughout the nine-month program, participants gain a greater appreciation for our community’s assets, understand the complexity of the challenges it faces, and learn to become part of the solutions that drive change.

Sponsorship dollars will be dedicated to the cost of the program, defraying the cost of tuition for those who would otherwise be unable to participate.

Green Team + Corporate Volunteers Program 

The Downtown Green Team helps keep Downtown’s public spaces spruced-up and beautiful, while helping out with various downtown events. Consisting of resident volunteers, the group assists in downtown beautification efforts and community experiences. Examples of Green Team initiatives include planting and pruning, trimming, painting, litter removal, infrastructure audits, hospitality greeters, event volunteers, and more.