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Today's Family Magazine

University Circle celebrates the fall season with YAY! Fall Fun

University Circle Inc. (UCI) is excited to announce YAY! Fall Fun, a new one-day festival.  This exciting fall celebration will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 1–6 PM at Wade Oval.  This year’s festival will feature a range of free activities and educational experiences, food vendors, and live entertainment.

“We’re excited to bring the community together for a day of fall-themed fun at YAY! Fall Fun.  This event offers something for everyone, from the costume parade and petting zoo to interactive educational zones for kids.  It’s a great opportunity for families to relax, enjoy the season, and create lasting memories right here in University Circle,” said Heidi Clevinger, chief marketing & experiences officer at UCI.

Event highlights include:

  • Costume parade: Families can showcase their creativity in their favorite costumes. Those who register in advance will receive a swag bag filled with delightful fall surprises.
  • Petting zoo: Enjoy interactive fun with a variety of friendly animals.
  • Face painting: Kids can get their faces painted by a variety of artists, including some from the Cleveland Institute of Art.
  • Rock wall climbing: Guests can test their strength at the University Circle Police Department rock wall.
  • Educational zones: Four interactive areas designed to engage and educate families and kids K–8.
    o STEM Zone: Hands-on science experiments and creative activities
    o Arts & Culture Zone: Live performances and artistic endeavors
    o Discovery Zone: Activities focused on nature and history
    o Play Zone: An open-air area with games and activities for all ages

The event will end with a screening of the Halloween classic Hocus Pocus, starting at 4:30 PM.

YAY! Fall Fun will also feature participation from local institutions and organizations, including The Music Settlement, NASA Glenn GVIS, the Hathaway Brown Robotics Team, Food Strong, Cleveland Metroparks, 10K Movement, The Cleveland Orchestra, The Cleveland Museum of Art, and Sears think[box] all who will provide engaging activities and performances throughout the day.

“We are so excited for our first YAY! Fall Fun Festival,” said Sheffia Randall-Nickerson, Chief Engagement & Collaboration Officer at UCI. “It is a great way to deepen our commitment to our neighbors and community members while also offering fun learning experiences for youth and families through arts and culture activities and partnerships.”

Admission to YAY! Fall Fun is free, but registration for the Costume Parade is recommended. 

For more information and to register for the parade, visit them online at universitycircle.org/yayfallfun.