What’s the word, Cleveland? As we move into fall, we encourage our readers to continue to send community events our way. Halloween and Thanksgiving will be here before we know it, so feel free to share what you think we should know. Let’s take a look at free events in Cleveland this week.

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Fresh Fest Cleveland

Fresh Fest Cleveland returns to Rid-All Farm on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event will include live music performances, food trucks, health and wellness workshops, kids’ activities, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts and more. Free parking is available, and a complimentary shuttle will continuously run between the designated parking lots and Fresh Fest throughout the day. Tickets are not required, but advance registration is encouraged. Rid All Farm is located at 8129 Otter Ave. For more information, including where to park, volunteer opportunities or to register for the event, click here.

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Waterloo Arts Fest

Collinwood presents the Waterloo Arts Fest, taking place on Saturday, Sept. 14, from noon to 7 p.m. This family event will include more than 90 art vendors, live music, craft tents, food trucks, children’s play areas, live art demonstrations, community resources and more. A complimentary shuttle running from Jergens, Inc.  will drop off attendees at the west end of the festival. Dogs are welcome to attend, as long as they are on a leash and well behaved. The festival will take place at 15605 Waterloo Rd. For the schedule of events and additional parking information, click here.

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History in Their Hands, Black Photographers in Cleveland, Ohio, 1968-Present

The Western Reserve Historical Society presents History in Their Hands, Black Photographers in Cleveland. This interactive experience will feature photos from the 1960s till now that showcase the highs and lows of the Black experience in our city.

Gina Gayle, is one of the featured photographers along with her late father, the late James Gayle. She says she is proud to see her father’s legacy continued through the photo exhibit. 

“My dad was a photographer my entire life and I didn’t become a professional photographer until he passed away,” Gayle said. “It’s a full circle moment because I didn’t get to work with him professionally and people have been asking to have access to his collection since he passed.”

Gayle encourages the community to check out the exhibit, as it adds another layer to the rich Black history that Cleveland has.

“When we go to museums and cultural places, we often don’t see ourselves. Our community is in there. That’s what my father was striving to do while he was here.”

Studio portraits, family and community events, political activism, music and more will be on display. The first exhibition for the society’s African American History Gallery will run from now until August 2025 at the Cleveland History Center, located at 10825 East Blvd. For more information, click here.

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Hispanic Heritage Month Concert

Enjoy a free community concert to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. The music of Las Sirenas Mariachi Band and Sammy DeLeon y su Orquesta will be featured along with DJ IamYulissa, who will be providing music for participants to groove to on the dance floor. This free concert will take place at Severance Hall, located at 11001 Euclid Ave. For more information, click here.

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Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.