The Clifton Arts & Musicfest marks the one day of the year when Clifton Boulevard isn't a leadfoot's drag strip. Since 1986, the heavily traveled street has been shut down for the the daylong fest, which draws upwards of 40,000 spectators, who browse and shop for original paintings, ceramics, and textiles from 125 artists.
"That first year, we thought people would come and buy and leave," says Anita Brindza, director of the Cudell Improvement Corp., which sponsors the fest. "But we've found out that people meet there, have lunch and a bottle of wine, and spend the day" amid the gauntlet of hip eateries and coffeehouses that line Clifton.
Under a tent near the West 117th Street intersection, guests cast ballots for a juried art show called Going for Baroque. Polka and jazz bands play all day on a stage set up at West 112th Street. "It's an opportunity to enjoy the ambiance [of the neighborhood] without the raging traffic," says Brindza. The Clifton Arts & Musicfest starts at 10 a.m. Saturday on Clifton Boulevard between West 112th and West 117th streets. Admission is free; call 216-228-4383. -- Cris Glaser
Father Knows Beast
It's Dad's day at the zoo.
6/13 - 6/14
After participating in the activities that the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has lined up for Father's Day -- a classic car show, interactive golf and complimentary massages at Dad's Den, and the Cavs Caravan basketball-skills station -- be sure to take a gander at the informative signs located at the wildlife exhibits, pointing out daddy animals' parenting abilities. Who knew that a sea horse mother's eggs hatch inside the father's pouch? Dads can also offer up tips to Trojan, the slender-horned gazelle that recently became a father to twin males. Father's Day at the zoo (3900 Wildlife Way) takes place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dads get in free; regular zoo admission ($9 for adults, $4 for kids) applies otherwise. Call 216-661-6500 for more information. -- Michael Gallucci
Circle of Life
University Circle's annual festival celebrates the arts.
SAT 6/14
This year's Parade the Circle Celebration takes the theme Spring Among Stones, adapted from Gabriel García Marquez's short story, "The Handsomest Drowned Man in the World." But don't let that scare you away. University Circle's annual arts festival is one of the city's most joyous and colorful gatherings, with an afternoon of crafts, songs, stories, and plays. It's a "community arts treasure," says artistic director Robin VanLear. Parade the Circle takes place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the parade starts at noon at the Cleveland Museum of Art (11150 East Boulevard). Admission is free; call 888-262-0033. -- Michael Gallucci
Beer and the Arts
SAT 6/14
The Great Lakes Brewing Company becomes an interactive gallery tonight for the Edge 3-D, a showcase of music, fashion, and visual arts. Highlights include the break-dancing outfit Caution Crew, an urban fashion show by the Art of Fashion, and dance music from turntablists Shut 'Em Down! Live music will range from punk and reggae to classical and jazz; food and drinks are also included. The Edge 3-D starts at 8 at Great Lakes (2516 Market Avenue). Tickets are $35 to $50; call 216-561-5005. -- Diane Sofranec
