Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
Ethnic and Cultural Events

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45th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Concert
7 PM
Severance Music Center

This year’s program takes the audience on a journey through the life of civil rights leader and author Coretta Scott King, the wife of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The music selections depict her growth as an accomplished soprano and activist, who used music to inspire, uplift, and mobilize people during the Civil Rights movement and beyond.

More information and free tickets.

CMA Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
CMA Ames Family Atrium

Join us on Monday, January 20, when the Cleveland Museum of Art opens its doors for a free daylong celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Explore how the moving passages of Dr. King’s writings and speeches shed light on the museum’s collection and create a work of art inspired by his legacy. Free; No Ticket Required

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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Martin Luther King Jr. Day
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Join us to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with free admission, performances, and activities throughout the Rock Hall. Share your dreams on the "I Have a Dream" Wall, Level 0, Dr. King's "I Have a Dream Speech" on a loop in the Forest City Theatre, Don Cornelius' "Soul Train" all day in Foster Theater, Protest sign making, Level 0, 10 AM-1 PM

Performances on the Indoor PNC Stage featuring: 11-11:30 AM Rainey Dance Performance
12:30-1:30 PM Fleshman Singers
2-3 PM Esther Fitz

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Exhibit about Albanian Besa
Lakewood Public Library
15425 Detroit Ave. Lakewood

When post-World War II Europe found itself devastated by the loss of its Jewish population, Albania was the only country to boast a larger number of Jews than it had prior to the Holocaust. Over 2,000 Jews from Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Poland and Serbia were hidden in the homes of Albanian Muslim families during the war. Norman Gershman, an American photographer fascinated with these stories, traveled to Albania and Kosovo to chronicle the tales of the righteous Albanians and their devotion to and dedicated practice of Besa, an Albanian Code of Honor. Besa means “to keep the promise” and is a fundamental guideline of life.

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Maltz Museum MLK Celebration
11 am to 5 pm
Maltz Museum
2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood

Join us for this free, all-day celebration commemorating iconic civil rights leader, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and everyday citizens who fought against discrimination. Explore the Museum and experience our latest special exhibition, all while enjoying hands-on activities on this family-friendly day!

11 am – 5 pm
Kids and families can enjoy fun hands-on activities throughout the day. Everyone is welcome to explore the Maltz Museum’s special exhibition, DEGENERATE! Hitler’s War on Modern Art, see the treasures and ritual objects in The Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery, and share in the Jewish immigrant experience that makes up An American Story.

11:30 am & 3:30 pm
Beverly Lloyd and Kwanza Brewer of the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers share civil rights stories.

1 pm – 3 pm
Watch filmmaker Larry Dubin’s landmark documentary, A Lawyer Made In Heaven: The Virgil Hawkins Story. Mr. Hawkins paved the way for black students to enter Florida State University’s Law School. Following the film, share in a discussion led by Larry Dubin. Seating is limited, please arrive early.

“A Lawyer Made In Heaven: The Virgil Hawkins Story” is about the life of Virgil Hawkins as a one-man civil rights movement in the 1950’s and beyond. His initial actions preceded the great achievements of Dr. King. The Hawkins story begins in 1949 when at age 49, he applied to the segregated University of Florida Law School and was deemed “qualified but denied admission based upon his race.” With love in his heart toward everyone, Hawkins fought many battles in both the Florida and the United States Supreme Courts over many decades thereafter. Like Dr. King, Virgil Hawkins changed the racial landscape in this country.

Kid's Flamenco
6:30 PM
Julia de Burgos
2800 Archwood Ave.

FREE Flamenco Dance Classes for Kids. Get ready to stomp your feet and twirl to a vibrant new rhythm! Join us for Kid’s Flamenco, a flamenco dance class for children aged 5 to 12, led by Alice Blumenfeld of Abrepaso Flamenco. Explore the dynamic world of Flamenco, learning basic rhythms, footwork, and choreography. Students will have the opportunity to perform at the spring celebration, Feria, on April 27th!

Starts: January 21st and Ends: April 22nd (with a final performance on April 27th) Tuesdays | 6:30 – 7:20 PM

British American Chamber of Commerce Passport Professionals
5:30 - 8 PM
Terrestrial Brewing Company
7524 Father Frascati

We’re thrilled to invite you to the next Passport Professionals event on Thursday, January 23, at the vibrant Terrestrial Brewing Company. This casual yet engaging gathering offers a fantastic opportunity to network with like-minded professionals in the international business community. Whether you’re looking to make new connections or catch up with old friends, it’s a relaxed environment to exchange ideas and build relationships. Best of all, the event is completely free! Feel free to bring a friend and make the most of this great evening.

Scottish American Society Annual Burns Supper
Doors open at 5:30pm
The Center
4157 Hudson Drive, Stow OH

11th Annual Burns Night
6 pm
Market Garden Brewery
1849 West 24th Street

Don your tartans and raise a glass to Robert Burns! Reserve your spot today — it’s an unforgettable evening not to be missed. Enjoy bagpipes, poetry, haggis, and craft beer in a festive homage to Scotland’s beloved Bard. A small batch brew of our beloved Wallace Tavern Scotch Ale will be available on draft.

Czech Club

Irish American Club ES 47th Anniversary
7 PM
Irish American Club East Side
22770 Lakeshore Blvd. Euclid

Flamenco Story Circle
2 PM
Julia de Burgos
2800 Archwood Ave.

Do you have a story about flamenco to share? Or are you curious to learn how others connect with it? This Story Circle is an informal space to share experiences, challenges, and personal moments with flamenco as a student, professional, or simply an admirer. It’s an open invitation to connect through personal stories and discover the impact flamenco has had on each of us. Join us for Abrepaso Flamenco’s Story Circle on January 26th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center in the Artist House. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

From 1945 to 2025: Why Does the World Still Hate Us?
7 PM
inside B'nai Jeshurun Congregation
27501 Fairmount Boulevard, Pepper Pike.

Kol Israel Foundation to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27 with panel discussion featuring Holocaust Survivor, uncle of fallen IDF soldier, and professor. This year marks eight decades since the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Kol Israel Foundation (KIF) will commemorate the occasion on International Holocaust Remembrance Day by addressing a pressing question: Is Jewish life as dangerous now as it was during the Shoah? The program will be moderated by KIF Education Director Lindsay Friedman, who authored the book, Not Even a Number, which chronicles her grandmother's internment at Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Panelists are: Louise Gips. Gips, a Holocaust Survivor and KIF Lifetime Director, spoke in 2023 at Gov. Mike DeWine's Yom Hashoah commemoration in Columbus. There, she presented testimony about how she and her late husband, Harry, survived the Holocaust.

Stuart Spiegel. Spiegel is the son of a Holocaust Survivor from Czechoslovakia and the uncle of a Cleveland-born IDF soldier who fell in battle defending Israel last January.

Cathy Lesser Mansfield. Mansfield, a Case Western Reserve University professor who teaches a course on "Holocaust and the Law," is the founder of The Sparks Fly Upward Foundation, which provides education about the Holocaust, genocide, and tolerance. She is also the composer and librettist of The Sparks Fly Upward opera, which follows one Christian family and two Jewish families from Berlin through the Holocaust.

The United Nations General Assembly established International Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2005. January 27 was chosen to correspond with the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, but the commemoration is intended to remember and honor all Holocaust victims.

"This year marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, yet many lessons of the Holocaust remain unheeded as antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment rage across the globe," said Hallie Duchon, KIF Education Director. "Kol Israel's program will examine the connections between the Shoah and today's world while attempting to determine steps we can take to improve the social climate." A question-and-answer period will follow the panel discussion.

The program is offered free of charge and is open to the public, but registration is required at kifcle.org/events. For more information, call 216-831-3754.

Pierogi Week
Various

Get ready for Cleveland Pierogi Week—a seven-day celebration of the city's love for Polish dumplings! Each participating restaurant will serve up their unique take on the pierogi, from signature classics to secret menu creations and exciting new twists. Download the Cleveland Pierogi Week app and let the adventure begin! This event is sponsored by Market Garden Brewery. Enjoy one of our craft brews at participating locations.

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Latin Social Dance
6 - 8 PM
Julia de Burgos
2800 Archwood Ave.

Become part of the Latin Social Dance family at Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center! We're looking for new students, ages 12-18, to learn traditional dance, salsa, and bachata this season in our youth performance group.

Celebration of St. Brigid and St. Patrick
Starts with Mass at 4:30 PM
West Side Irish American Club
8559 Jennings Rd. Olmsred Township

76th India Republic Day Celebration
6 PM
Signature of Solon Country Club
39000 Singature Drive, Solon 44139

FICA team is excited to host 1st event of 2025. Please join us for an unforgettable 76th Republic Day Celebration filled with national pride and unity. On this auspicious occasion of Republic Day, we invite you to be a part of our patriotic gathering. Join hands and raise the flag of patriotism as we celebrate the remarkable Republic Day of India. Enjoy the evening with a live musical performance, professional dance, and live DJ, and applaud the FICA Award winners of 2025.

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SHANO's Robtert Burns Dinner
5:30 PM
Villa Croatian in Eastlake

The Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio is holding its annual Robert Burns Dinner and Dance on Feb. 1, at the Villa Croatian in Eastlake. The festivities include performances by the Red Hackle Pipes and Drums, the Heather Belles Highland Dancers, and ceilidh dancing to the music of Plaid Sabbath. Included with the dinner will be Scottish shortbread donated by Walkers Shortbread, a promotional sampling of single malt scotch from Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery, and two Scottish-style beers on tap from Brick and Barrel Brewery in Cleveland. Tickets are $60 for adults/$30 for children, with discount for tables of 8, 9, or 10, and can be ordered at bit.ly/neoburns25, by calling 440-479-6618, or scanning the QR code on the flyer. Tickets must be ordered by Jan. 25. Highland attire is encouraged, but by no means required.

Lunar New Year Celebration
See below
Asia Plaza
2999 Payne

The Lunar New Year or Spring Festival is one of the most celebrated holidays in Asia and many Asian-American communities throughout the United States.

2025 is the Year of the Wood Snake. The Lunar New Year begins on Wednesday, January 29th, and celebrations typically last 15 days. The snake is the sixth sign in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, and each year is represented by an animal. The snake is associated with wisdom, elegance, charm, and transformation. People born in the Year of the Snake are considered intuitive, strategic, and intelligent.

Saturday, January 25, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Asian Lunar New Year Celebration, Cleveland Public Library, 4th Floor, 325 Superior Ave. Children and parents are welcome to join us to learn some Lunar New Year traditions and the culture of the color red. A performance of a traditional Chinese musical instrument “Pipa” by a young player will be presented to the audience. Other activities include singing a New Year song, making paper snakes for the Year of Snake, and more.

Tuesday, January 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Lunar New Year: Scintillating Snakes, Clark-Fulton Learning Center, 3545 Fulton Rd. Celebrate Lunar, or Chinese, New Year with us! Learn about this exciting holiday, then make a snake-emblazoned tote bag.

Wednesday, January 29, 4-5:00 p.m. Year of the Snake, 14000 Kinsman Rd. Celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Snake by making a fun paper chain snake craft.

January 29, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Cooking for Lunar New Year, 100 E Orange St, Chagrin Falls. Learn to cook steamed veggie dumplings to celebrate Lunar New Year. This will be a hands-on class where we’ll prepare and sample what we cook as a group. RSVP

Friday, January 31st, 7 p.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Snake. RSVP at 216-696-6556.

Saturday, February 1 & Sunday, February 2, 10-4 p.m. 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Snake, Asia Plaza, 2999 Payne Ave., Cleveland, Ohio. Free Admission, Free Parking. Sponsored by Margaret W. Wong & Associates, OCA Greater Cleveland, Destination Cleveland, Cleveland Asian Festival, Medical Mutual, Asian Services In Action, AsiaTown Cleveland, ClevelandPeople.Com, FreshWater Cleveland, and Erie Chinese Journal.

Saturday, February 1st, 11:00 a.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Snake. It’s first come, first serve. (Sorry, no reservations.)

Saturday, February 1st, 7 p.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Snake. RSVP at 216-696-6556.

Sunday, February 2nd, 11:00 a.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Snake. It’s first come, first serve. (Sorry, no reservations.)

Sunday, February 2nd, 12 noon Lion Dance at Asian Town Center, E. 38th Street, Cleveland, OH. Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a traditional lion dance by the Kwan Family Lion Dance team at the main entrance on E. 38th St., Asia Food Co., and throughout the shopping center. Free event, Free Parking in lots A, B, & C.

Sunday, February 2nd, 7 p.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Snake. RSVP at 216-696-6556.

Saturday, February 8th, 7 p.m. Chinese New Year Lion Dance at Li Wah. Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Snake. RSVP at 216-696-6556.

Saturday, February 15, 12-2 p.m. Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival Celebration, 4th Floor, 325 Superior Ave. Celebrate the Lunar New Year and Lantern Festival with an Asian-style square dance performance and more.

Saturday, February 15, 12-5 p.m. Lunar New Year Celebration 2025, Solon Recreation Center, 35000 Portz Pkwy, Solon. Join the City of Solon at Solon Community Center. Activities include musical and artistic performances, creative crafts and games for kids, organization booths, and more. 12:30 PM – 1 PM – The Kwan Family Lion Dance.

Saturday, February 15, 3:30 p.m. Downtown Akron Partnership 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration, Akron Civic Theater.

More and Updated Information

Hungarian Love Literature Lecture
2 PM
Cleveland Hungarian Museum
The Galleria, 1301 East 9th Street

LOVE is in the air in the Museum, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Hungarian literature beautifully conveys the universal emotions of love, in all its intensity and complexity. From blissful heights of joy to the depths of longing and despair, love can consume and torment the soul! Mártha Pereszlényi-Pintér will dvelve into the world of Hungarian Love Literature and explore romantic love themes and its unique qualities, and share some wonderful examples. This lively and interesting talk will be in English.

Hungarian Dinner
12:30 PM
St. Emeric Church
1860 West 22nd.

Ninth Annual Lake Erie Folk Festival
10:00 a.m - 5:30 p.m.
Thwing Center on the CWRU Campus
11111 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

Lake Erie Folk Festival has been a cornerstone of Northeast Ohio's traditional music community, drawing visitors from five counties and three states to Greater Cleveland in the otherwise dark days of February. Visitors come for the great music, the sharing and learning and to be part of a vibrant community.

Plans for this year's festival include all the free daytime workshops, performances and the incredible jam sessions that have made the event so popular. The "Ohio Track," will be back and even better this year, as well as a new program track curated by student and community team members at WRUW 91.1. There will be music for all ages and abilities -- young musicians and those new to the music are all welcome!

The festival's evening concert will continue its proud tradition of bringing world-class national and regional talent together into a diverse and compelling line-up. This year, NEOMHA is proud to be presenting both Showman and Coole, of Lonesome Ace String Band fame, and Ireland's own David Howley, widely known as one-third of the trio We Banjo 3. Tickets for the evening concert are expected to sell out this year.

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Tablao Flamenco
7 - 9 PM
The Bop Stop
2920 Detroit Ave, Cleveland

Witness live flamenco in Cleveland as Madrid-based pianist Alex Conde joins Abrepaso Flamenco for an intimate tablao performance. The up-close setting of the Bop Stop puts you right in the heart of the action, where you'll experience the spontaneity between the piano, voice, dance, and percussion that makes flamenco such a powerful art form. Conde's fusion of jazz and flamenco piano creates a rare musical conversation with vocalist Marija Temo, dancer Alice Blumenfeld, and percussionist Patrick Duke Graney that you won't want to miss. This collaboration captures the essence of a traditional Spanish tablao—where flamenco thrives in its most natural setting—while having a contemporary take on the art form. The intimate atmosphere allows you to feel every rhythm, witness each gesture, and be moved by the emotion that emerges when these accomplished artists perform together. Whether you're a longtime flamenco fan or new to the art form, this evening promises the kind of authentic, spontaneous performance that can only happen when exceptional artists gather together to share their passion for flamenco.

Sweetheart Ball
2 - 6 PM
American Croatian Lodge
34900 Lake Shore Boulevard

Waltz away your winter blues with an afternoon of dancing and romancing as the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame presents the annual Sweetheart Ball, featuring the music of Frank Moravcik and Linda Hochevar at the American Croatian Lodge in Eastlake, Ohio, Sunday, February 16, 2025. Treat your sweetie four hours of the finest polkas, waltzes and pop tunes in a ballroom setting from 2:00 to 6:00. Frank and Linda will put you in the mood with their melodies. Sandwiches, beverages and treats are available. Your Hall of Fame hostess Sharon Staiduhar has surprises in store for lucky couples. You may even go home a winner.

Advance ticket, $12 through the Polka Hall of Fame, 605 East 222nd Street, Euclid, Ohio, next to Euclid City Hall. Open Wednesday and Saturday from 9:00 to 2:00. $15 at the door. For table reservations, call (440) 679-1420. 18 and under free. Order by phone, (216) 261-3263. On-line at PolkaShop@aol.com.

IACES Green Season
Various
Irish American Club East Side
22770 Lakeshore Blvd. Euclid

Cleveland Kurentovanje
10:00 a.m - 5:30 p.m.
Slovenian National Home
6417 St. Clair Ave.

Cleveland Kurentovanje (koo-rehn-toh-VAHN-yeh) a Slovenian-infused Mardi Gras carnival celebrates its 13th year on Saturday, March 1, with a grand parade and festival. The festival celebration revolves around the iconic Kurenti – ancient, mythological creatures believed to banish winter and herald the arrival of spring with their mystical powers. This free event boasts live music across three stages, authentic culinary delights, beverages, and an expansive "Children’s Village", offering free crafts and engaging activities for our youngest festival-goers.

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Maslenitsa
Noon - 5 PM
Sherwin-Gilmour Party Center
5947 Mayfield Rd.

The Russian Cultural Garden is thrilled to invite you to the main spring celebration of the year — Maslenitsa 2025! We are hard at work preparing an exciting program that will bring you lots of joy and bright emotions! Get ready for fun and engaging games, dances, and songs for both children and adults. Delicious treats are on the way — traditional Russian dishes like pancakes, meat, dumplings, and more!

What is Maslenitsa, and how did our ancestors celebrate it? Maslenitsa is an ancient Slavic festival symbolizing the farewell to winter and the arrival of long-awaited spring. It’s a time for joy, unity, and celebration! Burning the effigy of winter, sledding, feasting on pancakes, and playing traditional games were all integral parts of this festival that warmed people’s hearts in those distant days. Let’s create a cheerful spring mood together! Spend the day with us and celebrate the season in style

Ukrainian guitarist Marko Topchii
7:30 PM
Maltz Performing Arts Center
1855 Ansel Rd.

Ukrainian guitarist Marko Topchii makes his Cleveland debut. His prodigious achievements are exemplified by more than 100 awards worldwide in international classical guitar competitions, including 55 first prizes. The most recent first prize is the Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition, perhaps the most important guitar competition in the world. Marko’s tours have taken him to Carnegie Hall in New York, Yamaha Ginza Hall in Tokyo, Salle Cortot in Paris, Grand Hall of the Kyiv Philharmonic, and Grand Hall of Liszt Academy in Budapest, among others. Don’t miss the chance to hear this incredible musician in concert!

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2025 Cleveland St. Patrick's Day Parade
1:04 Step Off
Superior Ave through downtown

Save the Date!

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Cleveland International Hall of Fame Inductions
TBA

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Cleveland Asian Festival

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Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival
TBA

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Lithuanian Song Festival
Cleveland Music Hall

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