A Little Backstory…
Before 2016, I prided myself on not leaving my Eastside neighborhood. Many times, I would proudly tell people that I could do everything without leaving the Shaker Heights/Beachwood city limits. I rarely went downtown, definitely didn’t NEED to go to the west side and had no idea where Little Italy was located, nor how to get to Edgewater…but then I make a drastic choice… I quit my job looking for more. I just walked away and set out to design a new life for myself and my kids.
So as 2019 comes to a close, I have chosen to look back at all of my adventures, the people I’ve met and favorite places since that faithful day I said I quit in this series I’m calling The Recap.
How Black Girl in CLE started (a quick refresher)
After leaving my job I did odd jobs while I tried to figure out my next move. One faithful summer day I was working a brunch in Glenville, making fruit cups to be exact and took photos of a beautiful day and event in the city. I shared it on Facebook and almost immediately, the comments poured in, “where is this event, I wish I had known about it, is this event going to happen again?” That moment laid the framework of Black Girl in the CLE.
Since then, the writers of Black Girl and I have crisscrossed across the area, produced events and met so many of our readers and followers. In this blog, I am going to share with you some of my FAVORITE annual events in the area.
Me with Kellee Smith at the Gather in Glenville brunch while I was making those infamous fruit cups. To me this photo represents closing one chapter and the beginning of a new idea that becomes Black Girl in the CLE
Annual events I love:
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Yuri’s Night: Dress in Science…what does that even mean?? That was my 1st reaction to The Great Lakes Science Center annual event Yuri’s Night. While I have gotten good at putting together a good science-themed costume, the most enjoyable part of this party is being able to play in the science center without those pesky kids (sorry kids we love you but we want to play too.) Although I’m not sure if it’s returning this year, it’s definitely a can’t miss.
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Jump Back Ball: For me, the last Saturday night in February belongs to Playhouse Square. This FUNdraiser is an open bar party with live bands and other entertainment on the stage and throughout the State Theater. This event is one of my favorite events of the year and it helps raise money for schools to be able to afford to bring kids down for field trips to Playhouse Square.
Jump Back Ball a (mostly) annual event for me and the family
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Karamu’s House 2nd Line Parade and Sneaker Ball: OMG! A party in a cemetery?!?!?! This CRAZY idea has somehow become the coolest experience I have ever attended. Karamu House has already set the date for the 2020 event which will take place July 25th at the Lakeview Cemetery and I can’t wait.
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Solstice at CMA: This event ALWAYS sells out. Every year I make it a point to give my additional tickets to someone who has never attended. In return, I ask that they write about the experience and share it with you. While the date for Solstice has not been released yet, now is a great chance to become a member so that you’ll have early access to tickets.
Here are some of the blogs that have been written by us on Solstice;
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Blockland Solutions: This event is only 2 years old but I thoroughly enjoy it. Maybe because either I’m a closet tech nerd or because I like to be in spaces where new innovations are being inspired. Learn more about the Blockland Solutions Conference
Read about Blockland:
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Film Festivals– In my world Cleveland has 2 major film festivals. The Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) in the Spring and the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (GCUFF) in the Fall.
I spend hours trying to work out my schedule to squeeze in as many films as possible and always sad when they are over. It’s so much fun and freeing to catch a midday film while most people are at work. I also enjoy seeing people who I know should be at work at the midday screening.
The dates for GCUFF haven’t been announced yet, but CIFF will take place from March 25th- April 5th in 2020. Hopefully, we’ll get to give away tickets again this year so stay tuned.
Cleveland International Film Festival website
Our 1st film festival post, with our 2nd logo
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Parade the Circle– I have watched the annual event come across my social media post for YEARS always vowing to catch it next year. This annual event is a must for me….and the family…mainly me (I have been know to leave the family to make sure I get a good spot to watch the festivities). Oh and don’t forget to bring a chair (somehow I always forget).
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Caramel Revue– An all African- American burlesque and drag show. If you’ve never been to a burlesque show I highly recommend you start with this one. Remember to bring cash to tip the performers. Thanks to those who lend me cash to tip the performers.
Taken at Parade the Circle
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Ohio State Fair- I always knew there were great performances at the state fair but after attending I learned there is SO much more. While not in Cleveland, I look forward to the trip to Columbus every year with my family. When I say fun for the whole family, even my grumpy teenagers look forward to going each year. The 2020 state fair is set to begin July 29th. Learn more about the Ohio State Fair.
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Refined– An all Ohio alcohol festival. To me, it’s the winter, inside version of Vintage with more kinds of drinks. While I don’t party much at this event, since I’m the one usually pouring drinks it’s a great event to people watch, dance, and drink away an afternoon. It’s also a great event to volunteer (the stories people tell you as you pour drinks get so better as the event rolls along, so that’s an added bonus for me). Learn more about Refined
Hopefully we’ll get invited back this year, if not, then I’ll hang out and drink up with all of you
Honorable Mentions: Key Bank Broadway Series announcement, Pride in the CLE, Cleveland Auto Show and Night Market