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.

Submit your event

---

If you like the work of ClevelandPeople.Com you can contribute to the cause via credit card safely via Paypal. Click on the Donate button below and you can enter any amount. Thanks.

---

Fulbright scholars from Brazil

CCWA is looking for internationally-minded host families for Fulbright scholars from Brazil on February 10-12, 2023. CCWA will be partnering with Ohio University to host 40 Brazilian Fulbright English language instructors in Cleveland for the weekend. All Fulbright scholars speak English. They are here in Ohio for an orientation program and will come to Cleveland to spend a fun “weekend in the city” with host families. Hosts will pick up their Fulbright scholar on Friday, February 10 at Lakewood Park’s Woman’s Club Pavilion, spend a free day exploring the city and engaging in fun cultural activities, and drop their Fulbright scholar back off at Lakewood Park on Sunday, February 12.

The program will begin with a welcome reception at Lakewood Park at 4:00 pm on February 10. If you are interested in hosting a Fulbright scholar, please email Senior Program Officer Andrew Kovach at akovach@ccwa.org.

Carol Leslie Celebrates Robert Burns' Birthday
3 - 4 p.m
Facebook Live

Scots worldwide celebrate the birth of Robert "Rabbie" Burns on January 25th. He wrote hundreds of poems and songs, perhaps the most notable, Auld Lang Syne. Join Carol as she sings some beloved Burns' songs, and reads his poetry, from the land of her birth. There is no charge for this event! Please indicate your interest on the Facebook Event Page where you will also learn how to access the performance.

Lessons from South Africa
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m
SThe City Club of Cleveland
850 Euclid Avenue, 2nd Floor

Lessons from South Africa: Moving Past Polarization and Intense Division in America. At a time when America is facing immense polarization, there are lessons to be learned from other nations that have faced similar challenges. From South Africa to Northern Ireland, other societies have struggled with intense divisions that nearly tore them apart. What solutions worked for countries like South Africa that Americans can consider to reconcile our own divisions? And what does truth and reconciliation look like here in our own country with its own history of colonization and slavery?

Roelf Meyer is known for his role as the South African government's chief representative in the 1993 negotiations to end apartheid and establish a democratic country. He served in the cabinet of former President Nelson Mandela, and later became secretary-general of the National Party. In 1997 he co-founded the United Democratic Movement. Meyer consulted on international peace processes in Kosovo, Myanmar, Northern Ireland, and Rwanda, among others.

Mohammed Bhabha is a former Member of Parliament, qualified attorney, and experienced negotiator. He was part of the African National Congress (ANC) team at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), and later as part of the agreements on the final South African Constitution. Mohammed has worked on transitional and constitutional support projects in Kenya, South Sudan, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Palestine, Bahrain, and Zimbabwe.

More information and register

Scottish American Society Burns Dinner
5:30 PM
SYB Party Center
4157 Hudson Drive, Stow

Greater Cleveland Chinese Chamber of Commerce New Year
5:30 PM
Cleveland Museum of Art

The Greater Cleveland Chinese Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that we will bring our in-person 2023 Chinese New Year Celebration back at the Cleveland Museum of Art on January 27 (Friday), 2023! Guest Speaker: Blaine A. Griffin, President of Cleveland City Council

Special Guest: Shipeng Li, Deputy Consul General from the Chinese Consulate General in New York

Guest Pianist: Yaron Kohlberg, President of Piano Cleveland and Cleveland International Piano Competition

As one of our most significant events every year and a must-attend Chinese New Year Networking Event in town, we prepared performances, private tours with the Chair of Asian Art from Cleveland Art Museum at one of the most distinguished Chinese art collections in the West, cocktail hours with Chinese hors d'oeuvres, and ample networking opportunities with local companies, organizations, and Chinese community leaders. We welcome you to join us to celebrate the year of Rabbit together, which is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity!

9th Annual Burns Night
6 - 10 PM
Market Garden Brewery
1947 West 25th Street

Come release your inner laddie or lassie as we celebrate Scotland's national poet with a night of beer, bagpiping, poetry, & haggis! General Admission $85.25

Buy tickets

Music in the Time of Goya
7 - 9 PM
Praxis Fiber Workshop
15301 Waterloo Rd. Cleveland

CityMusic Cleveland presents Music in the Time of Goya. Free!

Soprano Andrea Walker joins the Baroque ensemble for Spanish-influenced works ranging from lyric-dramatic zarzuela excerpts to a charming Soler harpsichord quintet.

Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration
4:30 PM
Akron Civic Theatre

his year's Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration is happening in the evening on January 28, 2023, in the lobby of the Akron Civic Theatre. There will be food, beverages, and outstanding cultural performances, followed by fireworks outside. 4:30 -- Doors open. 5:30 -- House (seating) opens. 6 -- Performance begins. 7:30 -- Fireworks (outdoors)

Ride METRO fixed-routes FREE to downtown Akron on Saturday, January 28th, 2023 from 2:30 - 10 pm when you show the event flyer (paper or digital) to the bus operator. Call 330.762.0341 for routes and times or visit www.akronmetro.org to plan your trip.

The 2023 Downtown Akron Lunar New Year celebration is presented with support from the Knight Foundation, the City of Akron, Asia Services in Action, the Karen Community of Akron, The University of Akron, NIHF STEM School, Civic Youth Innovation Engagement, Akron Community Foundation, GAR Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, Akron Civic Commons, Akron METRO RTA, and the Akron Civic Theatre.

Cleveland Saxon 50th Anniversary
5 PM
Sachsenheim Hall
7001 Denison, Cleveland

The Cleveland Saxon Dance Group was organized to support the cultural traditions of the Transylvania.

Filippino comedian, JR De Guzman
8 PM
The Agora
5000 Euclid Ave. Cleveland

JR De Guzman is a Filipino comedian, writer and producer, known for being featured on Netflix and Comedy Central. He has appeared in The Comedy Lineup on Netflix (2018), Kevin Hart's Hart of the City on Comedy Central & the winner of NBC's Stand Up.

Cuban-born René Izquierdo Concert
7:30 PM
Plymouth Church UCC
2860 Coventry Road, Shaker Heights

Cleveland Classical Guitar Society Concert. Cuban-born René Izquierdo is a unique artist and passionate educator whose career has been dedicated to inspiring individuals and connecting communities. “My purpose as an artist is to offer a musical experience that will inspire and help us understand what it is we yearn for, so that the music will reveal the inner feelings where words cannot. Since the first time I experienced this reaction at my first live concert as a child, I discovered my own yearning and wanted to be able to make people connect in the same way. This is my life’s work.”.

With over seventy engagements per year, whether as a solo performer, chamber musician, or as a guest soloist with orchestras, René Izquierdo has performed to critical acclaim touring extensively throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah
11 AM and 5PM Saturday, Sunday 7 PM
Asia Plaza
2999 Payne Avenue

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Rabbit. First come, first serve (Sorry, no reservations).

Jewish and Christian Culture in Late Antiquity
7 PM
Donahue Auditorium, Dolan Center for Science & Technology
John Carroll University

A Tale of Two Saffron Growers: Jewish and Christian Culture in Late Antiquity presented by Dr. Noah Bickart,Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Chair in Jewish Studies.

Since the Second Vatican Council, Jews and Christians have engaged in dialogue with one another in ways which seem very new. Yet this is not the first time these two groups encountered one another as equals. In the religious pluralism that defined Sassanian Iraq (224-651 CE), Jews and Christians founded institutions which would guide the religious lives of both communities. The Talmudic academies and the Christian Schools of this period had much in common–pointing to a shared religious landscape and suggesting a framework for interreligious understanding today. For questions or more information, contact the John Carroll University Department of Theology & Religious Studies at trs@jcu.edu or 216.397.4700.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration requested. This program will be recorded and posted to YouTube. It will not be live-streamed.

Flamenco Classes
6:30 PM
Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center
2800 Archwood Ave. Cleveland

Registration is now open for Flamenco Dance Classes for WINTER 2023! Dates: Wednesdays, February 1 - April 26, 2023. COST: Youth (ages 5-12): FREE. Adults/Teens (ages 13+): $30 for the entire series. TIMES: 6:30-7:20 pm: Youth (ages 5-12). 7:30 - 8:20 pm: Adults/Teens (ages 13+)

Register and more info.

Top of Page

Hibernians annual Celebration of St. Brigid and St. Patrick
6:30 PM
West Side Irish American Club
8559 Jennings Road, Olmsted Township

Keeping with Our Tradition, the Hibernians will be the First to Introduce the 2023 Hibernian of the Year and the United Irish Societies Honorees:

Hibernian of the Year John C. Myers
Grand Marshal Michael Coyne
Irish Mother of the Year Brigid Conway
Inside Co-Chair Maureen Cavanaugh
Outside Co-Chair Kevin McDonough

Please contact Pat Lavelle 440-596-8552 or plave31228@gmail.com by January 25, 2023 to make your reservation. Cost remains the same as last year at $65.00.

Dear Ukraine Series
2 PM
Lakewood Public Librart Main Library Auditorium
15425 Detroit Avenue

Lunar New Year Celebration
1 - 5 PM
Solon Center for the Arts
6315 SOM Center Rd.

Hosted by the Cleveland Contemporary Chinese Culture Association, Solon Park & Recreation, and Solon Center for the Arts.

Top of Page

All About Slovenian Folk Costumes
1 - 3 PM
Slovenian Museum & Archives
6407 Saint Clair Avenue Cleveland

Have you ever seen the various costumes of Slovenia and wondered why there are so many different styles? Did you know that there are elements to these costumes that are unique to only Slovenians and some even to their own regions, sometimes specific villages? How does the Slovenian National Costume ("Narodna noša") and stylized Dark Costume ("Crna noša") fit into the context of traditional costuming and how did one outfit come to represent an entire country? What makes national or regional costumes "authentic"? How were these costumes originally used and worn and what did they signal to others in the cultural context of their usage? Slovenian folk costuming and folk dance expert, Dave Antolin, will present an overview of the three original categories of Slovenian costuming: Mediterranean, Alpine, and Pannonian, and show how these different clothing styles differed from one another, evolved and eventually helped to form the the nationalistic movement and form of "Narodna Noša". The seminar will focus on the vast and rich historical clothing culture very few Slovenians actually know. Test your own historic knowledge ... you might even see a few pieces very familiar to yourself.

This event is FREE and open to the public, however we kindly ask that you register to attend. Register and more info.

Top of Page

Kurent Jump
5:30 -10 PM
Slovenian National Home
6409 Saint Clair Avenue Cleveland

The Kurent Jump marks the awakening of the Kurents for Cleveland Kurentovanje festival! The Kurent Jump is traditionally the first time that the Kurents appear in public, with their bells loudly ringing as they dance around a bonfire, initiating the Kurents’ mission of chasing away winter to make way for spring. Doors will open at 5:30PM for this 21+ Adults Only event. Get ready to party with the Chardon Polka Band in the main hall of Slovenian National Home from 6:30PM to 10:00PM. Tavcar's Catering will return this year to provide delicious Slovenian food and treats available for purchase. Don't forget to stop at the cash bar and grab some wine, a beer, or soft drink to wash it down with! We expect that all the singing and dancing should make enough noise to wake up the Kurents around 8PM outside in the courtyard, so bring your winter coats to enjoy this outdoor spectacle.

Buy Tickets and more info.

Top of Page

Lake Erie Folk Fest
Starts 1 PM
Shore Cultural Centre
291 East 222nd St

The seventh annual fest will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at the Shore Cultural Centre, 291 East 222nd St. Free daytime workshops with accomplished instructors for all ages and skill levels will be followed by an evening concert of musicians from near and far. Music fans, culture buffs, and musicians alike will find something to enjoy! Lovers of bluegrass, old time, Irish, blues, ballads and everything in between are invited to participate in LEFF's free workshops, presentations, and concerts from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. There will also be plenty of opportunity for musicians to jam throughout the course of the day at this community event.

The event will cap off with a 7:30 p.m. evening concert featuring the best in local and international talent. - Talisk - Award winning Scottish folk band (photo below)
- Bonnis and the King Trio - Americana, Swing, and Soul
- Hryhory Kytasty Cleveland School of Bandura - Preserving the history and culture of Ukraine's National Instrument
- Liz Bullock Joined by Gavin Coe - Indie folk inspired by blues, soul, and classic folk

All Saturday afternoon workshops and concerts are free and open to the public. Tickets for the evening concert are $15 (advance) and $20 (day of show) with 12 and under free.

Tickets and more info.

Top of Page

Exploring Slovenia by way of Honeybees
1 - 2:30 PM
Online

Tanja Arih Korošec, an Api-Tourism expert based in Maribor, Slovenia will share with attendees the many ways to explore Slovenia's centuries-old heritage of beekeeping -- from learning how to become a beekeeper, to sleeping amongst the therapeutic humming of beehives, to culinary and spa experiences that take advantage of honey products and much more. Attendees will learn how Api-Tourism is impacting the local economy and the bee-keeping community in Slovenia. The topic of this presentation is especially timely as the world is turning a keen eye to Slovenia's robust apiary culture as UNESCO just awarded Slovenia the notable recognition of the country's tradition of beekeeping as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage in December 2022.

Register and more info.

Top of Page

Cooking with Cleveland Kurentovanje: Poticke
7 - 8 PM
Online

Poticke (pronounced po-teach-keh) are soft and delicious walnut rolls that are mini-versions of the traditional Slovenian Potica. Presenter Mark Tomc will show how the smaller size of the Poticke makes them easier and faster to prepare-- perfect for those who are short on time or perhaps a bit hesitant to take on baking a full traditional Potica. This instructional is especially timely as Poticke would make a beautiful contribution at your upcoming Easter celebration.

Register and more info.

Top of Page

Learn to Dance the Traditional Slovenian Polka & Waltz
6 - 8:30 PM
Slovenian National Home
6409 Saint Clair Avenue Cleveland

Get your dancing shoes and learn to polka in this fun, beginner-friendly lesson led by the Cleveland-based Slovenian folk dance group, Folklorna Skupina Kres. Beginners and those with little or no dance experience are welcome! Attendees will learn the basics of how to dance to classic Slovenian polka & waltz. Thereafter, a live band will play and attendees can practice their new moves on the dance floor and socialize with others. Attendees should be a minimum of 16 years old and arrive wearing comfortable dance shoes. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and pizza will be available for purchase. Free Parking is available behind Slovenian National Home.

Buy Tickets and more info.

Top of Page

Plecnik’s Ljubljana
7 - 9 PM
Slovenian Museum & Archives
6407 Saint Clair Avenue Cleveland

The Slovenian Museum and Archives is honored to present the exhibition “Plecnik’s Ljubljana,” which explores how Slovenia’s most important architect transformed the country’s capital city from the 1920s to the 1950s. Jože Plecnik, who had designed significant projects in Vienna and Prague, used Ljubljana as a laboratory for his unique vision, which combined elements from classical Greek and Roman architecture with affordable materials like cement slabs and old stones. He highlighted the city’s existing charms, emphasizing its connection to the Ljubljanica River and designing streets, squares, parks, bridges, and major buildings that created a new identity for the capital and answered the needs of its citizens.

This event is FREE and open to the public, however we kindly ask that you register to attend. Register and more info.

Top of Page

11th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje Main Festival and Parade
10 AM - 5 PM
Slovenian National Home
6409 Saint Clair Avenue Cleveland

The main festival day of the 2023 Cleveland Kurentovanje will kick off with the Fifth Annual 5k Kurent Dash at 10 a.m. The celebration continues with a parade at Noon featuring cultural and local organizations, groups of masquerading friends and the highlight of the day, the Kurenti. Following the parade revelers will enjoy free musical and cultural performances, authentic food and drink, kids crafts and much more.

This year’s Cleveland Kurentovanje, will be celebrated mainly OUTDOORS, in the same vein as much of the festival in Ptuj, Slovenia – Kurentovanje’s city of origin. Attendees should dress like they’re tailgating for a Browns game in the Muni Lot, going sledding at the Toboggan Chutes, or preparing to party outside all day in whatever weather Cleveland may bring to our festival. Participants are also encouraged to dress in costume of any kind to celebrate in the Mardi Gras tradition. The main hall will reopen with limited activities and the lower hall will be transformed into a Children’s Village.

Free! More info.

Top of Page

Lithuanian Independence Day Celebration

Polka Hall of Fame and Museum Sweetheart Ball
2 - 6 PM
Willoughby Eagles Hall
37299 Euclid Avenue

Treat your sweetie to 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 Willoughby Eagles Hall in Willoughby, Ohio, Sunday, February 19, 2023. Enjoy four hours of the finest polkas, waltzes and pop tunes in a ballroom setting, 2:00 to 6:00.

Explorations for Clarinet, Strings and Piano
7 - 9 PM
Praxis Fiber Workshop
15301 Waterloo Rd. Cleveland

CityMusic Cleveland presents The Visionary Clarinet. Free!

Klezmer, classicism and Jewish melodies swirl together in Golijov’s epic work The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind, performed by clarinetist Daniel Gilbert.

Brasil Guitar Duo Concert
7:30 PM
Plymouth Church UCC
2860 Coventry Road, Shaker Heights

Cleveland Classical Guitar Society Concert. The Brasil Guitar Duo, hailed by Classical Guitar magazine for its “musicianship and technical virtuosity,” is equally at home on a classical or a world-music series or performing a concerto with orchestra. Joăo Luiz and Douglas Lora met in Săo Paulo as teenage guitar students and their successful partnership of over twenty years results from their innovative programming— which features a seamless blend of traditional and Brazilian works—leading to a busy global touring schedule and a growing catalog of critically acclaimed recordings garnering two Latin Grammy nominations.

The duo actively strives to expand the repertoire for two guitars, with Lora contributing works of his own and Luiz arranging both classical and Brazilian music. Appearing frequently in diverse non-traditional spaces, the Duo combines a broad repertoire of classical guitar duos (Bach, Sor, Scarlatti, Rameau, Debussy, etc.) with such traditional Brazilian dance forms as choro, samba, maxixe, and baiăo.

The Visionary Clarinet/b>
7:30 - 9:30 PM
The Temple Tifereth-Israel
26000 Shaker Boulevard Shaker Heights

CityMusic Cleveland presents Explorations for Clarinet, Strings and Piano. Free!

Dive into the rich sonic universe of clarinet, strings and piano in this contemporary program, featuring a new work by composer and jazz bassist Gregg August.

St. Patrick's Day Parade
1:04 PM
Superior Ave.

Save the Date - More info to come. Congratulations to the 2023 United Irish Societies Honorees: Grand Marshal: Michael F. Coyne, Mother of the Year: Bridget Conway, Inside Co-Chair: Maureen Cavanaugh, Outside Co-Chair: Kevin McDonough

The theme of the Parade is A Salute to Irish-American Athletes.

The Visionary Clarinet/b>
7:30 - 9:30 PM
Lakewood Congregational Church
3649 E 65th St., Cleveland

CityMusic Cleveland presents Explorations for Clarinet, Strings and Piano. Free!

Dive into the rich sonic universe of clarinet, strings and piano in this contemporary program, featuring a new work by composer and jazz bassist Gregg August.

The Visionary Clarinet/b>
7:30 - 9:30 PM
Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus
1375 W Clifton Blvd, Lakewood

CityMusic Cleveland presents Explorations for Clarinet, Strings and Piano. Free!

Dive into the rich sonic universe of clarinet, strings and piano in this contemporary program, featuring a new work by composer and jazz bassist Gregg August.

The Visionary Clarinet/b>
4 - 6 PM
St. Noel Catholic Church
35200 Chardon Rd., Willoughby Hills

CityMusic Cleveland presents Explorations for Clarinet, Strings and Piano. Free!

Dive into the rich sonic universe of clarinet, strings and piano in this contemporary program, featuring a new work by composer and jazz bassist Gregg August.

David Russell Concert
7:30 PM
Plymouth Church UCC
2860 Coventry Road, Shaker Heights

Cleveland Classical Guitar Society Concert. Grammy-award winning classical guitarist David Russell is world renowned for his superb musicianship and inspired artistry, having earned the highest praise from audiences and critics alike. In recognition of his great talent and his international career, he was named a Fellow of The Royal Academy of Music in London in 1997.

David Russell spends his time touring the world, appearing regularly at prestigious halls in main cities, such as New York, London, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Madrid, Toronto or Rome. Concert-goers everywhere are in awe of his musical genius and inspired by his captivating stage presence. His love of his craft resonates through his flawless and seemingly effortless performance. The attention to detail and provocative lyrical phrasing suggest an innate understanding of what each individual composer was working to achieve, bringing to each piece a sense of adventure.

Cleveland International Hall of Fame Inductions
6 PM
Windows on the River



Save the Date - More info to come

The 2023 Class consists of:

• Pierre Bejjani - Lebanese and Middle Eastern communities
• Patricia Dowd - Irish
• Joyce Mariani - Italian
• Councilman Mike Polensek - Slovenian
• Sudarshan Sathe - Indian
• Mayor Georgine Welo - Serbian

Holocaust Remembrance: WWII-Era Jewish composers
7 - 9 PM
The Temple Tifereth-Israel
26000 Shaker Boulevard Shaker Heights

CityMusic Cleveland presents Holocaust Remembrance: WWII-Era Jewish composers. Free!

The Pantheon Ensemble performs lesser-known music by early 20th-century Jewish composers, including a work for strings written in Terezín and Weinberg’s monumental Piano Quintet.

Holocaust Remembrance: WWII-Era Jewish composers
7 - 9 PM
Praxis Fiber Workshop
15301 Waterloo Rd. Cleveland

CityMusic Cleveland presents Holocaust Remembrance: WWII-Era Jewish composers. Free!

The Pantheon Ensemble performs lesser-known music by early 20th-century Jewish composers, including a work for strings written in Terezín and Weinberg’s monumental Piano Quintet.

Clarinet Dialogues
7 - 9 PM
The Temple Tifereth-Israel
26000 Shaker Boulevard Shaker Heights

CityMusic Cleveland presents Clarinet Dialogues. Free!

From a whimsical musical depiction of the Tour de France to the melodic mastery of Mendelssohn, this concert for two clarinets and piano is both virtuosic and delightful.

Cleveland Asian Festival
6 PM
AsiaTown - 30th and Payne

Save the Date - More info to come

Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds

Save the Date - More info to come

Top of Page

Stars of Summer
Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Save the Date - More info to come

One World Day
6 PM
Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Save the Date - More info to come

Top of Page