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Thank you to everyone who participated in, supported or attended the festival this year!

It was a terrific day and we can't wait to see you next year. Check back in March 2024 for next year's applications or join our mailing list to be notified when they are available. 

20 years of

WATERLOO ARTS FEST

SEPTEMBER 9, 2023

 NOON-7PM

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about

The annual Waterloo Arts Fest takes place in the artistically vibrant Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District in the lakeside neighborhood of Collinwood in Cleveland, OH. Over the past twenty years the festival has grown but it has always remained grounded in community and fresh with local art. For seven hours each year, the Waterloo Arts Fest reminds residents and visitors of the many assets in the Waterloo Arts District, of the incredible potential still to be realized and how wonderful it is to live in a city neighborhood with a great mix of people.

ART

Shop at 90+ local maker booths and visit 8+ fine art galleries throughout the Waterloo Arts & Entertainment District.

MUSIC

There are 7 festival stages with 40+ local bands playing a wide-variety of music, in addition to indoor stages at various District venues.

ACTIVITIES

Throughout the festival you will find creative activities for people of all ages to engage with. There are craft tents, children's play areas, art demos and relaxing spaces to take a break. 

A free shuttle leaves from Jergens, Inc parking lot at 15700 South Waterloo Rd from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.. The shuttle will drop off and pick up at the west end of the festival (Calcutta and Waterloo)

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band schedule

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Activities

ART MAKING 
STREET PERFORMERS

CRAFTS FOR ALL AGES
(Kids Area & near Stages)

RW MAGIC 12-3pm

This master of mesmerizing magic is back!

Button making, mini-canvas art, sun prints, and much more!

GIANT BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLYS 1-3 PM

You can’t miss these giant pollinators on Waterloo

STILT WALKERS 3-5 PM

The elegant and lofty Pick Up Stix grace the festival again

LOOM DEMOS (Blue Windmill Stage)

By Praxis Fiber Workshop

STUDIO TOURS AND COMMUNITY WEAVING  (Praxis Fiber Workshop)

PRINTING DEMOS (156 & Waterloo)

By Zygote Press

PLAY SPACE

NATURAL PLAYGROUND (KIDS AREA)

PAPERMAKING DEMOS (156 & Waterloo)

By Morgan Papermaking Conservatory

Climb, jump, build and make believe!

WALALA BLOX (near Pop Life)

Climb, jump, build and make believe!

FLAG MAKING

With Remember Love Recovery Project 

STORYBOOK MURALS (156 & Waterloo)

Use Dayglo paint to fill in giant sketches by Jacob Sagan (5-7 PM)

REJUVENATE

DALLY IN D'ALLEY (WATERLOO ARTS)

Refresh in the alley with music by The Strangers  + books, Legos and mini-Walala Blox to engage the little ones

GIANT NATIVE FLOWERS

By Karin Hudson & Cleveland School of the Arts

COMPOST DEMO (near E 161 St)

By Rust Belt Riders (4:30pm)

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WHERE TO EAT

Enjoy a variety of food vendors on Waterloo and from all over Cleveland! There is something for everyone including vegan and vegetarian options. 

ARTS DISTRICT VENUES

Doinks Burger Joint

15519 Waterloo Rd

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Smash burgers with sides ranging from fries to Asian inspired spicy pickle salad.

House made seltzers and beer

Vegetarian option

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FEST VENUES

Cinnamon roasted nuts, kettle corn, funnel cakes, lemonade.

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Jamaican bowls and sides

Vegetarian and vegan options

Craft lemonade, boba tea, iced coffee

FULL BAR

Citizen Pie

15710 Waterloo Rd

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Neapolitan inspired pizza from a wood burning oven.

Beer and wine available

Vegan and vegetarian options

Waterloo Cafe Annex

15605 Waterloo Rd

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No food but Beer, wine and soda are avalible.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy our seating area and bring in outside food and drink

Crab cake burger, lobster roll, Hawaiian jerk pork, burger, beef brisket, eggplant fries, chicken tenders, tater tots

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Real food, made from plants. Locally sourced ingredients. Loaded toasts on fresh baked sourdough, salads, soups.

Fully vegan

Sausage sandwiches, jerky, smokies, and pickles

Ritual Juicery

15619 Waterloo Rd

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Ritual juicery is 100% organic and plant based. Cold pressed juice and healthy food options offered.

Fully vegan

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Vegetarian, Vegan and Flexitarian food options plus Smoothies

Six Shooter Coffee

15517 Waterloo Rd

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Coffee, tea and seasonal specials, plus food ranging from sweet to savory, including grab & go sandwiches, wraps and salads.

Vegan options

SS&W Boardwalk

16011 Waterloo Rd

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Variety of beer and liquor options plus appetizers, salads, sandwiches, wraps and burgers.

Vegetarian options

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Full bar inside. Beer and beverage garden outside.  Special Fest menu available inside and out

Ribs, chicken, Polish boys.

Bottled water and can soda

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100% plant based food truck that puts a vegan spin on all of the favorites including the Big Mac parody, crunch wrap parody, and an assortment of other tasty treats.

Fully vegan

The Family of Love

Pulled pork sandwiches, beef hot dogs, chips.

Lemonade, soda and water

Custard, Ice Cream and Sorbet, hand scooped and served in cake cones, waffle cones 

and 5 ounce plastic cups

Hot & Fresh Mini Donuts plus freshly brewed coffee and cold brew coffee

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alcohal options
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vegetarian options
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vegan options

District galleries

Framed Gallery

15813 Waterloo Rd

Kink Contemporary

15515 Waterloo Rd

Praxis Fiber Workshop

15301 Waterloo Rd

William Busta Projects

15517 Waterloo Rd

Brick Gallery and Art Shop

16021 Waterloo Rd

Maria Neil Art Project

15813 Waterloo Rd

Article Gallery 

15316 Waterloo Rd

Waterloo Arts

15605 Waterloo Rd

Azure Stained Glass

15602 Waterloo Rd

Deep Dive Art Projects

423 E 156th St

Brick Gallery and Deep Dive will not be open during the fest but be sure to check them out during Walk All Over Waterloo!!

FAQ

  • Why should someone come to the Waterloo Arts Fest?
    The Waterloo Arts District is home to the Beachland Ballroom and a plethora of art studios, galleries, shops and eateries. For those curious about this lakeside creative community, the Waterloo Arts Fest is the perfect time to visit and see why so many artists and art lovers are eager to live and work here.
  • What is the date and time?
    September 9, 2023 from Noon until 7pm
  • Where does the event take place?
    The Waterloo Arts Fest takes place in the Waterloo Arts and Entertainment District of North Collinwood, which is in the northeast corner of the city. Festival stretches ½ mile on Waterloo Rd from Calcutta to E 161st Street.
  • How much does it cost?
    There is no fee to enter the event and enjoy the many stages of music and interactive art activities for all ages and street performers. A variety of food and drink is available for purchase from area vendors, food trucks and district venues and visitors will enjoy shopping from local artists and merchants.
  • Is there ADA parking?
    For anyone with mobility challenges, there is free parking in the attended lot at Lucknow and E 156th St.
  • What part of the street is closed and at what time?
    Waterloo Rd will be closed from Calcutta Ave to E 161st E 156th will be closed from Lucknow to Calcutta Ave The street closes at 7 am on Saturday, September 9 and will reopen at 10 pm. Cars must be moved off of the street and by 7 am. Shasta Court will become a two-way drive during the festival.
  • Are dogs allowed at the festival?
    Dogs are welcome to attend with their owners if they are well-behaved and leashed.
  • Can I bike at the festival?
    We would love for you to bike to the festival but please walk the bike while in the festival grounds. There is attended bike parking at the parking lot at Lucknow and E 156th as well as other non-attended bike racks throughout the event.
  • Where do I park?
    We have a free shuttle which leaves from Jergens, Inc parking lot at 15700 South Waterloo Rd. The shuttle will drop off and pick up at the west end of the festival (Calcutta and Waterloo) There is also street parking throughout the surrounding neighborhood.
  • Where is the Info Booth?
    The Info Booth is just east of E 156th St on Waterloo Rd
  • Who do I contact if I lost my child?
    Come to the info booth at E 156th St and Waterloo Rd
  • What if I have a medical emergency?
    We have EMT at the event near the intersection of E 156th St and Waterloo Rd.
  • Who do I contact if I have a different question?
    Please email info@waterlooarts.org or call 216-692-9500.

 “IT’S MY FAVORITE DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. SEEING SO MANY PEOPLE COME OUT AND CELEBRATE, ALIVE WITH SMILES AND CULTURE!”

thank you to our generous sponsors

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Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email us at info@waterlooarts.org

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