Cleveland's 'Light Up the Lake' Returns with Fireworks Family Fun and Free Events on the Waterfront

CLEVELAND, OH — Downtown Cleveland, Inc. announced its expanded Light Up the Lake celebration for this year’s Fourth of July, with a full slate of family activities, food vendors and live entertainment culminating in Cleveland’s signature fireworks show over Lake Erie. The event, presented by Minutemen Family of Companies with additional support from Circle K and the City of Cleveland, will take place at two North Coast Harbor locations.

“Downtown Cleveland, Inc. is going bigger and brighter for the Fourth of July,” officials stated in the event announcement released June 11. Both watch parties are scheduled from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., giving attendees multiple options to enjoy the festivities leading up to the fireworks.

At Voinovich Park, Downtown Cleveland, Inc. will host a family-friendly event featuring interactive activities such as face painting by Faces and Fun Entertainment, balloon art from Balloon Vibes, crafts from Crafty Fun World Entertainment, stomp rockets and candy airplane crafts from the Women’s International Air and Space Museum. DJ Smillz will provide live music, and food options will include Carter’s BBQ, The Original Steaks & Hoagies, Kona Ice Truck and CLE Cotton Candy. The event will also feature a SUPERMAN-themed experience celebrating the return of Warner Bros.’ iconic character, including giveaways, photo opportunities and family activities.

Simultaneously, North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation will host its watch party at North Coast Yard, offering a variety of food and drink options such as Sundae Skool Bus, Franks ‘N Shakes, Happy Camper Lemonade, Shaved Ice Express and an onsite bar. Entertainment at this location includes DJ RED-I and performances by the Crooked River Circus. Attendees can participate in games and activities including 4-Square Pickleball, giant yard games, tricycles, hula hoops and two gaga ball pits. Rollin’ Buckeyez will also operate a pop-up roller skating rink with free skate rentals for both youth and adults. Vendors such as the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and NEOstem will provide free giveaways throughout the evening.

Visitors are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating on the lawn or picnic tables. The fireworks show, presented by Minutemen Family of Companies, will conclude the evening. In the event of inclement weather, updates will be provided via Downtown Cleveland’s social media channels. The rain date for fireworks is set for Saturday, July 5.

For those unable to attend in person, Channel 43 will broadcast the fireworks live.

Downtown Cleveland, Inc. continues to focus on strengthening the city’s urban core, providing community impact and enhancing the downtown experience through events like Light Up the Lake. The City of Cleveland emphasized its ongoing commitment to improving services and outcomes for residents, businesses and visitors as part of this initiative.

North Coast Harbor, the event’s waterfront location, serves as a central destination connecting the lake to downtown Cleveland with landmarks including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Center and Cleveland Browns Stadium. North Coast Yard, a temporary public space adjacent to Browns Stadium, is part of a larger vision for equitable waterfront development outlined in the North Coast Master Plan.

The Minutemen Family of Companies, headquartered in Cleveland since 1968, includes multiple HR-related businesses such as Minutemen HR Management Services and Minutemen Staffing. The organization has grown into one of the largest private employer service companies in the country.

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