Cleveland and Northeast Ohio
Ethnic and Cultural Events

If you have annual events and/or know the date of future events, please send them now and we will post. That will assist other groups in their planning so there are not too many conflicting events.

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Kindland Leadership Awards
5:30-7:30 PM
Cleveland City Hall Rotunda

Polish Gorzkie Zale and Benediction Service
6 PM
St. Columba Cathedral
154 W Wood Street, Youngstown

For generations, Gorzkie Zale was a cornerstone of Lent at Polish-founded parishes worldwide, including St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish on Youngstown’s South Side. Following the closing of those churches, this meaningful service was unavailable locally until PolishYoungstown revived it in cooperation with St. Columba Cathedral. The 45-minute bilingual (Polish & English) service offers Scripture-based reflections, traditional Lenten hymns, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. It represents not only a spiritual observance, but also the preservation of a significant part of Youngstown’s Polish Catholic heritage.

Czech Easter Bread ("Mazanec") for sale.

Who doesn't remember the smell of fresh baked goods from Mom's kitchen at Easter? Mazanec or houska is a sweet dough with golden raisins and almonds baked into a round loaf with a cross cut into the top. DTJ will again be selling the traditional Czech Easter bread by order only. Cost is $15.00 for a 2# loaf. Orders must be in by March 26th and can be picked up March 29th. Call 440-543-8494 to place orders.

Italian Film Festival USA
Strosacker Auditorium on the CWRU campus

Save the Dates. More details to follow. Plans are underway for the 22nd national edition of ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL USA and the 19th year of hosting the Festival in Cleveland, at CWRU - Ohio's only location! Once again in April 2026 we will share recent, acclaimed Italian films at Cleveland premieres in Strosacker Auditorium on the CWRU campus.

THURSDAY March 26
TUESDAY March 31
THURSDAY April 2
MONDAY April 6
WEDNESDAY April 8

More Information

MotivAsians Spring Networking
6 - 8:30 PM
Metroparks Acacia Shelter
26899 Cedar Rd.

St. Andrew Eastern Orthodox Church Fish Fry
5 - 7 PM
16029 MaplePark Drive
Maple Heights

St. Mary's Collinwood Fish Frys
3 - 7 PM
St Mary of the Assumption
15519 Holmes Ave., Cleveland

Dinners: Baked cod for $17; fried, hand-breaded ocean perch, shrimp, crab cake or combo meals (choice of two: fried fish, shrimp or crab cake) for $15. Mac and cheese dinner, $9. Soup of the day, $5. Dinners and combo meals include fries, slaw or applesauce, homemade Apple Strudel and coffee or tea. Cash only. Handicap accessibility. Takeout available. Info: 216-761-7740, Fry time: 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent, excluding Good Friday (February 20 to March 27).

Romanian Fish Frys
5 - 8 PM
St Mary Romanian Orthodox Cathedral
3256 Warren Road, Cleveland

Jim Craciun says these are the best!

More Info

Italian Heritage Night at the Charge
7 PM
Cleveland Public Hall

St. Casimir Palm Sunday Pancake Breakfast
12:30 -2 PM
St. Casimir Church
8223 Sowinski Ave. Cleveland

Mass at 11:30 AM.

Slovenian Palm Sunday Dinner
12:30 -2 PM
St Vitus Church
6022 Lausche Avenue, Cleveland

An annual parish event since the 1960s, this year's Palm Sunday benefit dinner will be from 10:30AM-to-12:30PM. A sit-down or take out dinner event. Cost is only $20 adult and $15 for child 12 years old or younger. Menu consists of roasted chicken or roast beef with Slovenian style soup and potatoes along with a great salad, side veggie dish, roll/butter and side pastry dish. Net proceeds to benefit the parish endowment trust established in April 1989. A grant for $1,000 will also be provided to St. Paschal Baylon Helping Hands Ministry (SPBHHM), a religious entity operated by Catholic lay individuals to provide basic food products, clothing, hygiene type products and other such items to homeless in primarily the city of Cleveland. SPBHHM also is one of the parishes that does the actual work of providing for meals at St. Augustine on the near west side of Cleveland. This is in line with a number of the corporal works of mercy as well as one of the main themes in Lent: providing alms for individuals in real need.

Stanley Kuhar writes"Slovenia is a land of contrasting geographical landscapes. But it does not have areas where palm trees can grow. For Palm Sunday, therefore, bundles, known in Slovenian as butarice, or (meaning olive branches) were created to be brought to a church for a blessing. Butarice can be made at home but were discouraged by former Slovenian Communists as a sign of a practicing Catholic. Slovenians who emigrated to the USA, and elsewhere, however, continued the tradition to create these colorful bundles in Saturday Slovenian Schools, such as at St. Vitus or St. Mary The Assumption Parishes in Cleveland, Ohio. It is also known, however, that each region in Slovenia had a slight variance in the creating of butare. In the Dolenjska Region, butare were made from branches from different shrubs, such as hazel, elderflower, wayfaring tree and Cornelian cherry. Most are made from three branches. The other greenery and plants bound into bundles include the following: evergreen (called žimberc or žingrec), a wreath, representing Christ's crown of thorns, hazel wort (a flower with kidney shaped leaves and brown and purple flowers), representing source of life, boxwood, a symbol of protection (of roofs and houses) against storms, and juniper, symbol of suffering. Ivy (branches) could also be used, with larger leaves and many berries to make beautiful bundles. The top of the bundle can be decorated with daffodils and forsythia flowers. The branches and the greenery are usually bound together with a white ribbon. The ribbon has no special role other than its aesthetic appearance.

The many regions in the Republic of Slovenia allow many distinct and unique customs, including specialty food or baked goods. My late mother-in-law, Jozica Benedik (nee Kristanc) was from the Gorenjska Region. She was for a number of years the cook in St. Vitus Parish Rectory. On and around each Easter season, she would make a specialty dish from the Gorenjska Region known as "prata (or budl)." In essence, these would be the leftover food products, especially meat that could not be consumed each Friday during the liturgical season of Lent and then to be used as one of the first foods on Easter. This food, along with other food items, would have to first be blessed on Holy Saturday. Jozica specially made enough prata, as well as other items, for the members of the choir of the "Early Resurrection Mass, 7:00 AM," who would often stay to sing at the next Easter Sunday Mass. After her passing, my wife Marge, continued this tradition for our household as well as the choir members and staff at St. Vitus."

The Children’s Librarian Who Made a Difference
3 PM
Lakewood Main Public Library
15425 Detroit Avenue Lakewood

Although the incarceration of Japanese Americans during the war is a painful chapter in American history, there are many beautiful stories that come from this troubling time, one of which involves a children’s librarian at the San Diego Public Library, Clara Breed. Miss Breed, a graduate of Western Reserve University School of Library Science located in Cleveland, Ohio, later became the City Librarian and Director and of the San Diego Public Library.

More Information

Polish Gorzkie Zale
3 PM
Nativity B.V.M Church
418 W. 15th Street, Lorain

Cleveland Opera Concert
4 PM
Plymouth Church UCC
2860 Coventry Rd., Shaker Hts

Civic Academy Lunch & Learn
Noon = 1 PM
Virtual - Zoom

Global Cleveland cordially invites you to attend our first Civic Academy Lunch & Learn. This free webinar is open to anyone interested in learning more about civic life in Northeast Ohio. The topic will be: The Board of Elections & the Voting Process. This a free, virtual Lunch & Learn event for community members who want clear, trustworthy information about civic life in Northeast Ohio — including new citizens, long-time residents, and anyone looking to better understand how to engage locally. Learn how to register, where to vote, what’s on the ballot, and what to expect on Election Day. Featuring Mike West, Outreach Manager at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. FREE – Registration Required

Dyngus Day Cleveland 2026
10 AM - 8 PM
Detroit Ave. and at Gordon Green

Cleveland, the wait is over! Tickets for Dyngus Day Cleveland 2026 are available NOW. Celebrate with us on Monday, April 6th, 10AM - 8PM on Detroit Ave. and at Gordon Green, with: Live music on the Street Stage and behind Gordon Green
Authentic Polish food, pierogi, and paczki
Refreshing piwo and dancing all day
Fun contests like Pierogi Eating and Miss Dyngus Day
Pussy willow and squirt gun shenanigans

New this year - Dyngus Day Cleveland 2026 is bringing a whole new shopping experience with our Willow Walk, tucked into a charming courtyard. Explore a mix of unique and local vendors offering everything from handmade crafts and artisan foods to one-of-a-kind gifts and treasures for the whole family — even your furry friends!

Grab your tickets today and be part of Cleveland’s biggest Polish celebration!

Tartan Day Celtic Celebration
10 AM - 2 PM
Cleveland Public Library Main Library
525 Superior Ave., Cleveland

For additional information

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Tartan Day Celebration
7 - 10 PM
Diamond Match Party Center
8 4th St NW, Barberton

Aye, it’s time to don the tartan— Ohio Scottish American Society Tartan Day is calling! Come celebrate Scotland’s rich heritage with a lively evening full of tradition, laughter, and guid company. Expect hearty food and fare, whisky tastings, music and entertainment, quizzes to test yer wit, and plenty of camaraderie—with storytelling and celebration woven through it all. Early Bird Pricing: $35 through March 20 | $40 after. Tickets are ready and waiting. We’d be fair chuffed to see you there.

Deutscher Musik Verein Jägerfest
Doors open at 5 PM
German-American Cultural Center - Leanau Park
7370 Columbia Rd. Olmsted Township

Indoor Oktoberfest in the Spring. Not a concert but, a fun, festive event. Except for Covid, this has been an annual event since 1994.

Spring Polka Party
Doors open at 5 PM
St. Mary Magdalene Byzantine Catholic Church
5390 West 22Oth St. Fairview Park

Polish up your dancing shoes, bring your family and friends, and join us for a joyful evening of polka fun at St. Mary Magdalene Byzantine Catholic Church in Fairview Park. Dance the night away with live music from The Chardon Polka Band and The Denis Malnar Band! Enter the polka contest sponsored by the Cleveland Polka Association! Enjoy ethnic food, beer, beverages, and raffles throughout the evening! Presale tickets are available now! Purchase Tickets and More Information.

Slovenian Mixed Chorus Korotan
Doors open at 3 PM
St. Mary's Parish Hall
15519 Holmes Avenue, Cleveland

The Slovenian Mixed Chorus Korotan presents its annual spring concert at St. Mary's Parish Hall 15519 Holmes Avenue, Cleveland 44110 on Sunday, April 19, 2026. Doors to the hall will open at 3:00 PM. The performance will begin at 3:30 PM. Admission is $15.00 for adults, but children in high school and younger are free of charge. Tickets can be purchased at the door, with table seating on a first come, first served basis. Standard refreshments will be available for purchase. Music for dancing after the show will be provided by John Gorshe and friends. All are cordially invited to attend.

Cleveland International Hall of Fame
Doors open at 5 PM
Windows on the River

The 501(c)(3) non-profit Cleveland International Hall of Fame was established in 2010 to permanently recognize those individuals who have made a significant and lasting contribution to our multicultural city and region and to inspire a new generation of leaders. Each year about 100 worthy nominations of candidates are accepted and with input from previous inductees of the CIHF, the class is selected. The 2026 Class consists of:

• Andy Chakalis (Greek community - first Greek! Hellenic Preservation Society and Greek Cultural Garden)
• Aklilu Demessie (Ethiopian - Ethiopian Cultural Garden and community leader)
• Andy Fedynsky (Ukrainian - Ukrainian Museum and Archives Director )
• Catherine Jorgensen McCutcheon (Norwegian - first! Started the Norwegian and broader Scandinavian groups))
• Le Nguyen (Vietnamese - decades as City of Cleveland Asian Liaison)
• Lucy Torres (Puerto Rican - decades as City of Cleveland Hispanic Liaison)

The 2026 Class will be inducted at a dinner ceremony at Windows on the River on Tuesday April 21, 2026. Doors will open at 5:00 PM for cocktails (cash bar) and networking and the event will begin promptly at 6 PM. Russ Mitchell from WKYC-TV will be Master of Ceremonies and there will be other media coverage as well. Attendees will include politicians, civic leaders, ethnic community leaders, media and friends and families of the inductees.

More details and tickets

Gypsy Fantasy Co
7:30 PM
Slovenian National Home
6417 St Clair Ave.

Audiences are invited to experience an unforgettable evening of passionate, virtuosic music rooted in the Roma traditions of Eastern Europe. The spectacular Gypsy Fantasy Concert comes to Cleveland on Saturday evening, May2nd in a beautiful, historic setting. The concert features a collaboration between Cleveland's Harmonia and Pittsburgh-based Gypsy Stringz with special guest cimbalom-player Alex Udvary from Chicago. The lineup includes two prímás violinists, two cimbaloms, soulful vocals, as well as tamburica musicians and more. This will be an evening of Gypsy-style music from all over the Carpathian Basin: Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and neighboring regions.

Polish Constitution Day
Parade at 2PM
5839 Ridge Rd. Parma

More Info coming

Eastern European World Music Camp
Warner Concert Hall - Oberlin

More Info

Liszt Concert in Hungarian Garden
6 PM
Hungarian Cultural Garden
East Bld. Upper Level

Each year the Hungarian Cultural Garden puts on a free performance for the community featuring the music of Franz Liszt and others. It is produced by Vera Holczer-Waroquet from the Aurora School of Music and features a Grand Piano.

More to come.

Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds

Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival. 2026 Gate, VIP & Whisky Tasting Tickets on Sale Now! 49th Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds June 26-27, 2026.

Purchase advanced tickets

Opera in the Italian Cultural Garden
6 - 7:30 PM
Italian Cultural Garden
990 East Blvd. Cleveland

Beautiful music from Opera, Broadway & Italian songs. The Cleveland Opera & Cleveland Ballet Theater in the enchanting Renaissance Garden.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW - (sells out each year). Reserved Seating in Front of Stage $33.00

Lawn area Free admission Free Wine Tastings: Little Italy Wines. Questions, please call: 216.916.7780. Free parking - Restrooms on site. Michael White School lot - Parkgate Ave. near garden. Family friendly - bring a picnic! This free performance is presented as part of the Italian Cultural Garden Foundation's "Viva! La Cultura Italiana" cultural series.

80th Annual One World day
11 AM - 6 PM
Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Stars of Summer/b>
Cleveland Cultural Gardens