A typical February evening on the West Bank of the Flats is pretty quiet.  Not so much during Brite Winter.  The nonprofit festival brings together people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds, allowing them to discover new music and art, enjoy their community, while helping them to embrace the cold winter months.  

Spanning 16 years, three locations, tens of thousands of guests, hundreds of bands and artists, and temperatures as low as 8 and as high as 69 degrees—Brite Winter is the premier Cleveland event between New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day and a showcase for northeastern Ohio’s artists, musicians, and creative culture. 

The festival features three outdoor stages, a heated art and performance tent, fire pits, local food and beverages, and more.

This year's event takes place Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 1–11 p.m. with some indoor activities beyond that.  Kid-friendly programming is concentrated from 1-4 p.m.

Tickets start at $12.  Kids under 12 get in free and can accompany their grownups into all ticketed spaces.  Kids must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Brite makes an effort to be more accessible to people with mobility impairments with accessible parking, restroom facilities, and viewing platform for the main stage.

Doggies are welcome!  They must be leashed and you need to pick up their poop, of course, but your very good boys and girls are welcome and sure to have a good time as well.

For a list of entertainment and to purchase tickets, visit their website at www.britewinter.com.

~Photo credit: Dan Miller