19 Jan 2026
WHAT'S NEW IN CLEVELAND IN 2026
Major cultural expansions, America250 celebrations and a growing food scene make Cleveland a must-visit destination for the coming year
With the American Midwest continuing to have a moment among culture-seeking travellers, 2026 promises to be a landmark year for Cleveland. Major museum expansions, fresh arts programming and a central role in America's 250th birthday commemorations position the city as one of the US's most compelling urban breaks
Affordable, easy to navigate and packed with inventive culture, Cleveland offers a distinctly American experience away from the usual gateways.
Key Attraction Expansions
Two of Cleveland's signature attractions will unveil major expansions in 2026
- The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame £135million (US$175m) expansion
Opening in autumn, adding 50,000 square feet to its lakefront home. The project preserves architect I.M. Pei's iconic glass pyramid while introducing new exhibition galleries, a performance venue accommodating 800 to 1,000 guests and indoor and outdoor public gateways that connect visitors directly to Lake Erie. A new, accessible community park will enhance the museum's role as a global gathering place.
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – Primate Forest
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will debut the first phase of its £92 million (US$120m) Primate Forest in 2026. The zoo's most significant expansion in over a century, the immersive new habitat will showcase orangutans and other primate species in next-generation environments designed for conservation, education and wellness.
Accessible Cleveland
As part of its commitment to belonging and inclusive travel, Destination Cleveland recently launched a partnership with Wheel the World. To help ensure visitors can explore with confidence. An initial list of hotels, attractions and experiences that provide verified accessibility is now available on both ThisisCleveland.com and WheelTheWorld.com.
Cleveland Marks America's 250th Birthday with Culture, Creativity and Community
Cleveland's industrial legacy, cultural depth and creative energy make it a meaningful place to reflect on where the country has been and where it's heading as the nation celebrates America250.
will anchor local programming with exhibitions and events that link the nation's founding to the innovators, artists and everyday Clevelanders who helped shape modern America. Visitors can explore stories of aviation, design, music and immigration that reflect both Cleveland's identity and the broader American experience.
Cleveland will be in the spotlight as part of the America 250 celebrations with the statewide Trails and tails program featuring real life stories from residents. Visitors can learn about Cleveland's role in shaping U.S history, past, present and future.
The Ohio Air & Space Trail will showcase Cleveland's role in flight and aerospace innovation, while the Ohio Creativity Trail will celebrate Cleveland as a center of art, fashion and music. Outdoor offerings will weave America250 into Cleveland's landscape, with the Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail drawing visitors to the city's waterfront and Murals Across Ohio adding new public art that turns Cleveland neighborhoods into open-air storytelling spaces.
Arts & Culture Highlights in Cleveland for 2026
Cleveland's arts scene is gearing up for a year of memorable exhibitions and a reimagined festival that gives visitors a new way to explore one of the city's most eclectic and authentic neighbourhoods.
- The Cleveland Museum of Art marks its 110th anniversary with a lineup of special programming, including Renaissance to Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses running to Feb. 1. The exhibition traces five centuries of Italian fashion, showcasing more than 100 iconic garments and accessories from design houses such as Versace, Valentino and Ferragamo.
- Brite Winter On 21 February, Cleveland's beloved winter arts festival relocates to a six-block stretch of independent galleries, studios and live-music venues — combining outdoor installations, fire pits and performances for a truly offbeat urban experience.
Cleveland's passionate sports culture ramps up for 2026
Progressive Field home of the Cleveland Guardians is entering the final phase of its £155million (US $200m) renovation, bringing new seating, concourses and food concepts.
Waterfront Developments Take Shape
Cleveland's waterfront development continues to progress
- The Cuyahoga River, recently designated a National Water Trail, highlighting Cleveland's notable environmental turnaround. Visitors can explore the winding river by kayak, bike or the new Cleveland Water Taxi, which links entertainment areas along the river.
- Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center will open in spring 2026, providing year-round public access and sailing programs at the Cleveland Metroparks' 55th Street Marina. The Centre will also offer dining, a rooftop deck and an overlook tower offering expansive views of Lake Erie.
- Mandel Community Trail (Summer 2026) will make it easier than ever for visitors to move between attractions on Cleveland's downtown lakefront and nearby east side recreation amenities
Ohio City Culinary Evolution
Cleveland's dining scene is gaining momentum, with the Ohio City neighborhood becoming a hub of change – welcoming innovative restaurants, creative collaborations and international flavors that reflect the city's diverse residents.
- West Side Market undergoes a £55m (US$70m) transformation, preserving its 1912 heritage while adding outdoor dining, upgraded amenities and a reimagined mezzanine.
New Hotel to Bring Modern Luxury and Boutique Flair to Downtown Cleveland
- AC Hotel by Marriott opening in 2026 inside the restored 1896 New England Building with 141 modern rooms
To keep up to date on new developments and activities, please visit www.thisiscleveland.com or follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.
For further information contact:
Phil Watt, GECTR Anna Watt, GEC TR
Phil@gectr.co.uk anna@gectr.co.uk
07946 600408 07815 898995
ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland's destination marketing and management organization. The private, non-profit organization's mission is to stimulate economic growth by attracting people and connecting them to experiences that illustrate Cleveland's diversity, creativity and contagious passion. In 2024, visitation increased for the fourth straight year to 18.6 million visits, with visitor spending infusing a record-high $6.9 billion into the local economy. For more information, visit www.thisiscleveland.com
