"How did it get so late so soon?" Dr. Seuss said it best; time truly flies when you’re having fun. A good day in Cleveland can quickly turn into a fun evening in Forest City. If you find yourself looking for some unique things to do at night in Cleveland, you’re in luck. There are plenty of nighttime experiences awaiting you here in the Best Location in the Nation.

Free Things to Do at Night in Cleveland

Who doesn’t love a good freebie?! If you’re seeking free experiences in Greater Cleveland, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s plenty to see and do without breaking the bank.

1. Wade Oval Wednesdays

• Address: 10820 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: University Circle
• Website: https://www.universitycircle.org
• What to Do: Embrace golden hour in one of Cleveland’s most beautiful districts.

University Circle is among the most beautiful neighborhoods in the U.S., according to Forbes. We couldn’t agree more! On summertime nights, the neighborhood comes to life with music. The fun takes place between June and August each year, and it all happens in a concert series known as Wade Oval Wednesdays. This awesome event stretches until after 8 p.m., and it showcases rock, soul, jazz, and everything in between.

5 Minutes Away: Take in the sights and sounds of Cleveland’s Little Italy before you dig into some authentic cuisine.

2. Lakewood Park Concerts

• Address: 14532 Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Lakewood | Greater Cleveland
• Website: https://www.lakewoodoh.gov/
• What to Do: Catch a show surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors and the sounds of Lake Erie.

Lakewood Park is a real Greater Cleveland gem. This lovely outdoor wonderland has something for everyone, from sports courts to a skatepark and even a museum. Concerts in the park typically take place between June and late August, and they begin after dinnertime. If you miss concert season, don’t stress! You can still catch a lovely sunset at the Solstice Steps or stroll along the Lakefront Promenade, as the park is open late.

10 Minutes Away: Admire the beauty of Lake Erie’s coastline at Wagar Beach in Rocky River.

Honorable Mentions

Looking for more freebies? Don’t worry… there’s so much to do in the area! You'll get so much bang for your buck at these additional spots in Greater Cleveland.

3. Watch the sunset at Rivergate Park

Looking for a dose of beauty? Rivergate Park is a real treat. It’s adjacent to the Towpath Trail, but the park has a vibe all its own. Enjoy the urban greenspace for a bit, then stop by the Cleveland Metroparks’ on-site restaurant (Merwin's Wharf) for a snack.

4. Swing by Cuyahoga Valley National Park

There’s nothing lovelier than a starshower, and there’s no better place to look for shooting stars than CVNP. This national park in Greater Cleveland is open late, and it’s the perfect place to watch the Perseids or Orionids, two spectacular late summer/early fall meteor showers.

5. Soak up the vibe of the Flats

When it comes to nightlife in Cleveland, the Flats offer the peak experience. There are plenty of places in the area that admittedly aren’t free, but it doesn’t cost a dime to chill along the Cuyahoga River and watch as neon reflections dance across the water.

Family Friendly Things to Do at Night in Cleveland

Even kids like nighttime adventures. In fact, after-hours fun might particularly appeal to little ones because it often designates a more relaxed bedtime. Whether you’re looking for fun to work around school and work hours or just looking for a fun way to end a day of staycationing, there are plenty of family-friendly nighttime activities in Cleveland.

6. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

• Address: 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Old Brooklyn
• Website: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo/
• What to Do: Enjoy a late night surrounded by magic at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Most days, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo closes to visitors around dinnertime. After all, the multitude of critters living there have to enjoy a good meal and get a headstart on their nightly beauty routine so they’re ready to entertain visitors the next day. However, the zoo is open late on select occasions (like during the Asian Lantern Festival and Wild Winter Lights). The grounds, which are familiar by daytime, become an exciting new wild world by night.

5 Minutes Away: Chill out with a sweet treat at Bulldog Ice Cream.

7. Scene 75

• Address: 3688 Center Rd, Brunswick, OH 44212 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Brunswick | Greater Cleveland
• Website: https://www.scene75.com/cleveland/
• What to Do: Play arcade games, zip around in bumper cars, and dig into delicious food.

Scene 75 is fun for all ages! This massive family fun center in Brunswick has something for everyone. Virtual reality and laser tag add a futuristic element to the arcade, and old-school offerings like bumper cars and mini-golf will bring back memories. If you decide to swing by without the kids, that’s understandable… there is a bar in the center of the arcade, so you can easily meet up with your grown-up friends for a night of nostalgia.

5 Minutes Away: Catch a movie at the cozy and old-school Hickory Ridge Cinema.

8. Adrenaline Monkey

• Address: 26800 Renaissance Pkwy, Cleveland, OH 44128 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Chagrin Falls| Greater Cleveland
• Website: https://www.adrenalinemonkeyfun.com/
• What to Do: Put your skills to the test at a massive indoor playground that’s fun for kids and adults alike.

Think you have what it takes to be a warrior? You can find out at the Adrenaline Monkey ninja warrior course. This indoor adventure center caters to all ages and ability levels with offerings like a rock wall, arcade, aerial ropes, and obstacle courses. If you’re there with adult friends, swing by the bar on the second floor for small plates and creative cocktails. If you’re there with the kids, it’s totally okay to get competitive. Those little rascals deserve to know who has the best ninja skills in your household.

5 Minutes Away: Play on the playground at Orange Village Park.

Honorable Mentions

Don’t worry… there’s so much more to do with kids in the Cleveland area! Even after hours, there are plenty of places to keep on your radar.

9. Get competitive at Superelectric Pinball Parlor

There’s something irresistible about nostalgic experiences. Superelectric Pinball Parlor is a fun throwback destination and their specialty is, as you may have guessed, pinball. If you fall in love with a game while you’re playing, you can take it home with you. That’s right… most of their games are for sale!

10. Play a perfect game at RollHouse Parma

Who doesn’t love bowling?! Everyone loves a classic game, and it’s made even better when paired with classic Cleveland comfort food. Work your way toward a perfect game as you dig into pierogies and sausage at RollHouse Parma.

Best Nightlife Options in Cleveland

Cleveland may not have the reputation for being an incredible club and pub crawl city, but that just makes this fact a bit of a well-guarded secret. There’s so much nightlife in Cleveland that you almost wouldn’t believe it!

11. The Garden of Eden Sky Club & Lounge

• Address: 2017 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44115 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Downtown
• Website: https://www.thegardenofedenrooftop.com/
• What to Do: Unwind in a hip new club that’s both energetic and verdant.

Looking for a new experience? You’re in luck, because The Garden of Eden is a newcomer to the Cleveland scene. This awesome rooftop bar is wrapped in greenery, and its menu includes heavenly cocktails and small plates that are almost sinfully delicious. This neat business is atop the Metropolitan at The 9, and it’s much more laid back for daytime meals. By night, it’s nothing short of a party paradise.

10 Minutes Away: Watch boats glitter atop Lake Erie’s waves at East 55th Street Marina.

12. Velvet Tango Room

• Address: 2095 Columbus Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Duck Island
• Website: https://www.velvettangoroom.com/
• What to Do: Sip familiar, well-crafted cocktails while listening to some classic jazz.

You may not have heard of the Duck Island neighborhood in Cleveland, but you might know of its legacy. During Prohibition, this neighborhood is where smugglers would "duck" from the law. Today, it’s a great place to seek creative cocktails. Velvet Tango Room is a rich and welcoming environment. Their bartenders treat cocktail crafting like fine art, and the drinks and menu of shareable small bites pair perfectly with their lineup of live music.

5 Minutes Away: Get a taste of Cleveland history at Johnny’s Bar on Fulton, a restaurant that has served the area for over eight decades.

13. Parkview Nite Club

• Address: 1261 W 58th St, Cleveland, OH 44102 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Detroit-Shoreway
• Website: https://www.facebook.com/parkviewniteclub
• What to Do: Soak up neighborhood vibes in a laid-back, long-standing bar.

You can’t get much more classically Cleveland than Parkview Nite Club. This long-standing Cleveland club is a haven for musicians, and its vintage surroundings are part sports bar, part blues club. While the vibe is familiar and friendly, the real star of the show here is the homemade food. Dig into local favorites like pierogies and fish fries while enjoying live music.

10 Minutes Away: Stock up on sweets at Caribe Bake Shop.

Honorable Mentions

Looking for more nighttime fun in Cleveland? No worries at all… there’s more to see in the area! You can keep the adventure going at these spots:

14. Get your groove on at FWD Day + Nightclub

There’s so much fun awaiting you at Forward! This outdoor club and concert venue is unlike anything else in The Land. You’ll find yourself entertained by world-class performers alongside the Cuyahoga River in an open-air venue that has really broken the mold.

15. Relive the glory days at 16-Bit Bar+Arcade

There’s something irresistible about nostalgia. At 16-Bit Bar+Arcade in Ohio City, you can relive the glory days. The vibe is downright retro, and you’ll find all your favorite old-school arcade games in their lineup.

Where to Eat & Drink at Night in Cleveland

Cleveland is a true foodie paradise. There’s such a great variety of food here! From cultural cuisine to cherished American classics, even the pickiest of eaters will find something delicious here. However, when it comes to late-night bites, there are a few places that truly stand out.

16. Mahall's 20 Lanes

• Address: 13200 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Lakewood | Greater Cleveland
• Website: https://www.mahalls20lanes.com/
• What to Do: Dig into pub grub before or after you catch a local show.

For many Clevelanders, Mahall’s is a cherished landmark. This familiar, locally-owned concert club and bowling alley has a vibe that’s unbeatable. Dig into delicious menu options like their famous fried chicken, bar nachos, or sliders, then work your indulgence off in the bowling alley. On select nights, live performances by local bands bring an entirely different vibe to the other half of the club. There’s a great variety of genres welcome here, so you never know what will be happening during your next visit!

10 Minutes Away: Angelo’s Pizza is just a 10-minute walk up the road, and it’s well worth it! Treat yourself to some of the best pizza in Lakewood.

17. Touch Supper Club

• Address: 2710 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Ohio City
• Website: https://www.touchsupperclub.com/
• What to Do: Drink, dance, and dine in a long-standing Ohio City favorite.

When night falls, Ohio City’s foodie scene heats up. Things are especially irresistible at Touch Supper Club. Part restaurant, part bar, and part nightclub, this spot truly has it all. Options like chicken and waffles and Bloody Marys will tickle your taste buds while the dance floor and live performances beckon. If you’re lucky enough to catch their food truck, you can also enjoy well-crafted street food off-site, but nothing beats their brick-and-mortar location.

5 Minutes Away: Embrace a more tropical vibe at the energetic and welcoming Porco Lounge & Tiki Room.

18. TOMO Sushi & Hibachi Restaurant

• Address: 1293 W 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Downtown
• Website: https://tomohibachiandsushi.com/
• What to Do: Treat yourself to some sushi or creative hibachi in a massive restaurant.

If you’re a foodie, you won’t be able to resist Cleveland’s largest hibachi restaurant. This four-floor entertainment center has a hibachi restaurant, but it also has two different lounges upstairs. Chill at the bar or dance the night away in a space that’s colorful and energetic. The best part? While you’re dining downstairs, you likely won’t hear any of the excitement upstairs. Transition seamlessly from an intimate dining setting to a colorful environment full of movement.

5 Minutes Away: Try local brews at Noble Beast Brewing Company.

Honorable Mentions

No matter the hour, there’s always something to eat in Cleveland! There are more late-night local favorites waiting to satisfy your cravings, and each has a flair that’s uniquely its own.

19. Snack and relax at The Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar

Dueling piano bars can’t be beat. At The Big Bang, live dueling pianos are the star of the show. This Flats East Bank club plays your requests all night long, and they serve up appetizing small plates that will keep you energized and ready to dance.

20. Enjoy a classically Cleveland atmosphere at Johnny's Downtown

If you’re a fan of Johnny’s on Fulton, you have to check out their sister restaurant downtown. The food is as delicious as you’d expect, but this Warehouse District eatery hides a secret… it’s located inside an 1860s building that once housed a general store.

Best Entertainment Venues to Visit in Cleveland

Looking to rock out in the home of rock and roll? These awesome entertainment venues in Cleveland will bring music, comedy, and all sorts of other performances to The Land. No matter which you visit, you’re almost guaranteed to have a blast!

21. Agora Theater & Ballroom

• Address: 5000 Euclid Ave #101, Cleveland, OH 44103 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Downtown
• Website: https://www.agoracleveland.com/
• What to Do: Enjoy an incredible performance in a century-old Cleveland landmark.

It’s no secret that the Agora is one of the more storied landmarks in Cleveland. Back in 1913, it started life as a movie theater, and it eventually went on to host a radio station. Prior to the Agora occupying this space, two other Cleveland venues operated under that name. Today, its two different rooms offer distinct vibes for different types of shows. The bigger half often hosts massive stars, while the smaller bar is perfect for local performers to put on an intimate show. This venue is always a good time!

5 Minutes Away: Enjoy delicious drinks at Château Hough Vineyards and Winery.

22. Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica

• Address: 2014 Sycamore St, Cleveland, OH 44113 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Flats West Bank
• Website: https://www.jacobspavilion.com/
• What to Do: Soak up the vibe of the West Bank in a waterfront venue.

The vibe at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica is unbeatable! This waterfront venue in the Flats is a whole entertainment complex rolled up in one unique venue. While music is its most popular offering, its tennis shows are always energetic, and they offer an alternative to more traditional Cleveland sports like baseball and football. The open-air venue operates rain or shine, so just come prepared if you’re catching a show here… you never know what the Cleveland weather is going to do!

5 Minutes Away: Feeling lucky? You’ll want to swing by the 24-hour JACK Cleveland Casino.

23. Grog Shop

• Address: 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44106 | Video Tour
• Neighborhood: Cleveland Heights | Greater Cleveland
• Website: https://grogshop.gs/
• What to Do: Catch a show in one of the area’s more intimate venues.

When it comes to cozy, Grog Shop does it best. Since 1992, this awesome local venue has aimed to offer shows nearly 365 days a year. From local acts to touring bands, all sorts of performers have taken center stage at this Cleveland Heights venue. Their bar is stocked with local brews and, of course, liquor, so you can pick the perfect drink to pair with the show you’re catching. From reggae to rock, there’s something for everyone coming to this awesome local venue.

5 Minutes Away: Sample all sorts of local wines at CLE Urban Winery.

Honorable Mentions

Cleveland is a dream for fans of the performing arts. If you’re looking for more entertainment, then these additional locations belong on your Cleveland bucket list.

24. Soak up the elegance of Playhouse Square

Welcome to the second-largest theater district in the United States. This stunning Cleveland district is one of the city’s most unique neighborhoods, and it has a fascinating history. You see, Playhouse Square was constructed over a period of just 19 months in the 1920s. Just a few decades after its construction, it was even threatened with demolition. Fortunately, the community had the foresight to preserve the neighborhood. Today, its 11 theaters put on incredible performances, but each has its own story to tell.

25. Rock out and vibe out at The Foundry

Once upon a time, petite performance venues fueled the Cleveland music scene. Today, The Foundry in Lakewood keeps the vibe alive. This cozy venue and bar also has food to keep you fueled, including vegan-friendly cauliflower wings.

26. Laugh your socks off at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre

Craving a giggle or two? You’ll find this and more at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre! This cool venue hosts stand-up acts, with the spotlight shared between traveling acts and local performers. Since 1986, this 21-and-over venue has served up some of the funniest moments in Cleveland history.

There is no shortage of nightlife in Cleveland! Which of these destinations is your favorite? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

If you're looking to expand your local bucket list, you'll want to check out our best things to do in Cleveland series to make the most of daylight hours too!

Discover the Best Things to Do in Cleveland:

Ultimate Guide: The 27 Best Things to Do in Cleveland

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