Let's connect Ohioans to arts, nature, movement, and social activities as a pathway to better health — working alongside healthcare providers, community organizations, and the people we serve.
Social prescribing is a model of care delivery that enables health professionals to formally prescribe non-clinical community activities, including the arts, movement, nature, and volunteering, to improve patient health and wellbeing, often at minimal patient cost.
Rather than relying solely on medication or clinical interventions, social prescribing recognizes that many factors affecting health are social in nature: loneliness, lack of purpose, financial stress, and disconnection from community. A trained link worker or social prescriber helps connect individuals to the right activities and organizations in their local area.
The model originated in the United Kingdom, where over 3,000 social prescribing link workers now operate within the NHS. It has since spread globally, with growing adoption across the United States. Ohio is poised to lead the way.
Known as "Arts on Prescription," this includes painting, singing in choirs, attending theater, or taking craft classes to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Connecting people to exercise groups, walking clubs, or dance classes to improve physical health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions.
"Green social prescribing" involves gardening, conservation volunteering, or nature walks to boost mental health and increase connection to the environment.
A core tenant that fosters community by connecting people to lunch clubs, support groups, or community centers to reduce isolation and loneliness.
Enabling people to contribute to their community, which improves self-esteem, sense of purpose, and mental health outcomes.
Assisting with non-medical needs like housing, debt, or unemployment that are major drivers of poor health outcomes.
A typical social prescribing journey begins when a healthcare provider identifies that a patient's health concerns have significant social or lifestyle components. Rather than (or in addition to) a clinical referral, the provider connects the patient with a link worker, a trained community navigator who takes time to understand the person's needs, goals, and interests.
The link worker then connects the patient to appropriate community activities: an art class at a local museum, a community garden, a singing group, a men's shed, or a walking group. Follow-up support ensures the individual is settling in and benefiting from the activity. The result is a more holistic model of health that treats the whole person.
Our mission is to enhance social prescribing across Ohio by scaling a model that connects healthcare with community to address loneliness, chronic disease, and the social determinants of health.
The Ohio Social Prescribing Collaborative exists to advance and scale social prescribing practices across the state of Ohio by educating healthcare professionals, mapping community assets, building referral infrastructure, and convening stakeholders from health, arts, community development, and policy sectors. We believe that health is shaped by where and how people live, and that community is the best form of medicine.
Train healthcare workers, social workers, and community navigators in social prescribing principles and referral practices.
Build a comprehensive asset map of Ohio's arts, wellness, nature, and social programs available for prescription.
Create referral pathways and link workers who bridge clinical care and community resources.
Champion policy changes that support social prescribing reimbursement and infrastructure at state and national levels.
Collect and share data on outcomes so the evidence base for Ohio social prescribing continues to grow.
Develop replicable models that can spread across all 88 Ohio counties, from urban centers to rural communities.
The evidence base for social prescribing has grown substantially over the past two decades, with robust findings from the UK, Canada, Australia, and increasingly the United States.
Ohio faces outsized challenges that social prescribing is uniquely positioned to address: high rates of opioid-related mortality, persistent rural health disparities across Appalachian Ohio, an aging population in many communities, and decades of deindustrialization creating social and economic fragmentation.
At the same time, Ohio has extraordinary assets: world-class arts and cultural institutions in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati; Federally Qualified Health Centers serving rural communities; robust community health worker infrastructure; and a network of universities, hospitals, and nonprofits ready to collaborate.
The Ohio Social Prescribing Collaborative is the connective tissue: the organization that brings these assets together with a shared framework, shared language, and shared ambition to make social prescribing a standard part of how Ohio delivers care.
We are building the infrastructure for social prescribing to scale across Ohio through several interconnected initiatives.
Developing and delivering curriculum to physicians, nurses, social workers, community health workers, and care coordinators across Ohio. Our training introduces social prescribing principles, teaches practitioners how to identify patients who would benefit, and provides practical tools for making community referrals. We are currently reaching out to medical schools to explore opportunities to embed social prescribing education into existing curricula and continuing education frameworks.
Status: Curriculum development phase. Reaching out to medical schools.
Building a comprehensive, publicly accessible database of community assets across all 88 Ohio counties that can serve as destinations for social prescriptions: arts programs, cultural institutions, nature spaces, volunteer opportunities, community centers, gardening programs, fitness groups, and more. The asset map will be integrated into clinical workflows and accessible to link workers statewide.
Status: Initial dataset live. Ongoing community submissions accepted. County-by-county outreach underway.
Hosting roundtables bringing together healthcare providers, arts organizations, policymakers, public health officials, community organizations, and people with lived experience of social prescribing. Roundtables will survey local needs, celebrate innovations, align stakeholders, and build the political will needed for systemic change.
Status: Monthly Zoom convenings underway. Roundtables planned for Fall 2026.
Working with Ohio legislators, the Ohio Department of Health, foundations, and Medicaid/Medicare partners to explore reimbursement models for social prescribing link workers and community referral services. Drawing on models from the UK NHS, Canadian Health Authorities, and pilot programs in California and Massachusetts. Goal: create a sustainable funding stream so social prescribing link workers can be embedded in clinical practices statewide.
Status: Stakeholder mapping in process. Initial legislative conversations underway.
Specifically focused on building bridges between Ohio's arts organizations and the healthcare system. Working with museums, performing arts organizations, community arts centers, and artist-run programs to develop health-partnered programming and referral protocols. Goal: make arts-based social prescriptions a routine and accessible option for Ohio clinicians and patients.
Status: Partnership conversations with Playhouse Square, Cleveland Museum of Art, and regional arts councils underway.
Explore programs and organizations across Ohio that can serve as destinations for social prescriptions. Hover a pin to preview, click to visit the program website. Filter by type below.
📍 Know a program that should be on this map?
All 33 programs on the map, listed alphabetically. Click any name to visit.
Our monthly gatherings bring together the Ohio Social Prescribing community for updates, presentations, and open conversation. Zoom links are sent exclusively to mailing list members. to receive access.
Monday, June 15 · 2:00 PM ET · Online via Zoom · Community Connection Session: Bring a Friend + SP Refresher
🔒 Zoom links are sent to mailing list members only. to receive meeting access and reminders.
Roundtable Planning, Mini-Pilot & Steering Committee
Fiscal Sponsorship and Networking
Social Prescribing Day Activities
Goal review, website & asset map feedback, roundtable planning, working group formation, education initiatives
Founding discussion: overview of social prescribing, introductions, collaborative formation
🔑 Meeting ID: 922 8697 2335 · Passcode: 681837
Recordings and notes are shared with mailing list members only.
Social Prescribing USA hosts regular webinars and events on topics spanning lifestyle medicine, arts and health, community of practice, and the growing US social prescribing movement. Past recordings are available in their library. They also maintain a catalog of partner events and welcome submissions from organizations hosting relevant programming.
View Events →National Organization for Arts in Health annual gathering for arts and health practitioners.
Learn More →Interactive map and report visualizing the full landscape of organizations working to address social isolation and loneliness across the US.
Explore →Two referral tools in one: a curated catalogue of year-round resources and a living calendar of upcoming programming and events.
Social prescribing connects people to community-based activities and resources that support health, wellbeing, and social connection. This guide is built around two kinds of resources — ones you can access any time, and ones that are time-specific. Together they form a growing map of what Cleveland has to offer.
A curated catalogue of year-round resources available in Cleveland. These are the reliable resources that can be accessed any time, such as museums, movement classes, community centers, parks, and essential support services organized by category.
A living calendar of special events and time-limited programming, updated quarterly as new opportunities are identified. Clickable event cards include dates, times, locations, transit info, and accessibility notes, so you have everything needed to make a referral or plan a visit. Always confirm details with the hosting organization before attending.
These are the ongoing, free or low-cost programs available any time of year. Think of these as the infrastructure of social prescribing in Cleveland: steady, accessible, and always open.
About this page: These are free and low-cost community resources available year-round in Cleveland. Select a category below to explore. For time-specific events, visit the ·
Ohio's largest monthly art walk, held the third Friday of every month, 5–9pm. Over 60 galleries, studios, and creative businesses open their doors simultaneously in a two-block industrial complex at the west end of the Gordon Square Arts District. Live music, guest artisans, food, and a free, all-welcome atmosphere. Consistently voted Cleveland's Best Arts Event since 2011. Dogs and well-behaved children welcome.
When: Third Friday of every month, 5–9pm
Address: 1300 W. 78th St, Cleveland (Gordon Square)
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 22 Detroit Ave bus to W. 78th St
Accessibility: Wheelchair lift available by request; email 78thstreetstudios@gmail.com in advance · Building spans multiple levels; some areas more accessible than others
Parking: Free in the main lot off W. 80th St
Art House is a community arts center in the Brooklyn Centre neighborhood dedicated to making art accessible to everyone. Their Friends and Family Open Studios (FFOS) program is held the third Saturday of each month, 1–3pm, and is free and open to all. Each session offers a multi-generational art workshop exploring different cultures through hands-on art making. Art House also offers affordable studio classes year-round for youth, families, and adults, with no-cost free art class days offered periodically.
FFOS When: Third Saturday of each month, 1–3pm · Free
Address: Near Pearl Rd and W. 25th, Brooklyn Centre neighborhood
Transit: RTA 51 Pearl Rd bus
Accessibility: Commitment to accessible, welcoming space for all ages, income levels, and backgrounds · Contact Art House for specific accommodations
One of the few world-class art museums in the country with free general admission every day. The permanent collection spans 5,000 years of global art across 61 galleries. Special exhibitions may carry a separate ticket cost, but the core museum and the Ames Family Atrium are always open and free. ArtLens Gallery reopens July 2026 with new interactive technology experiences.
Hours: Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun 10am–5pm · Wed and Fri 10am–9pm · Closed Mon
Address: 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland (University Circle)
Transit: HealthLine to East Blvd · RTA Red Line to University Circle · Free Neighborhood Shuttle during WOW! Wednesdays
Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible · Wheelchairs available at entrance at no cost · Assistive listening devices available · Sensory-friendly programming offered periodically
Seniors: Members 65+ park for $2 and receive free coffee every Tuesday
Guided Tours
Free volunteer docent-led tours of the permanent collection offered Tuesday–Sunday at 11:00am and 1:00pm. No registration required, just show up at the information desk. Free.
The CMA's Community Arts Center, located at 2937 West 25th Street in the Pivot Center, offers a variety of programs for groups and individuals of all ages. Open for drop-in Friday 2:00–7:00pm and Saturday–Sunday 10:00am–5:00pm. Group visits Monday–Friday by appointment.
Phone: 216-707-2483
Volunteer Opportunities
The CMA offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, from the information desk to leading tours to helping with their monthly event MIX. Volunteering is a meaningful way to connect with arts, community, and purpose.
Contact: volunteer@clevelandart.org
The Mandel Community Days program offers free admission on Saturdays and Sundays for residents of Cleveland, East Cleveland, Brooklyn, Euclid, Garfield Heights, Maple Heights, and Warrensville Heights. Reserve free tickets online and bring proof of residency. A beloved and engaging institution in University Circle.
Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–5pm · Sun 10am–5pm
Address: 1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland (University Circle)
Free Days: Saturdays and Sundays for eligible residents (advance reservation required at cmnh.org)
Transit: RTA Red Line to University Circle · HealthLine to East Blvd
Cleveland Play House is Ohio's longest-running professional theater. Ohio Direction Cardholders receive up to 8 tickets for just $5 each per production using promo code ODC with no blackout dates. CPH offers ASL-interpreted performances in partnership with The HeArd (Theatrical Interpreting Services of Cleveland), Open Caption performances (English and Spanish), audio description for blind and low-vision patrons, and assistive listening devices. Blue Star Theatres program offers discounted and free tickets for active-duty military and veterans.
Address: Allen, Helen and Outcalt Theatres at Playhouse Square, 1407 Euclid Ave, Cleveland
Transit: RTA HealthLine to E. 14th St · Red Line to Tower City
Accessibility: Wheelchairs, assistive listening, audio description, ASL interpretation, open captions, companion seating · Contact 216-400-7023 for accommodations
Cleveland Public Library cardholders get free access to Freegal, a music streaming service with millions of songs across all genres. Stream up to 5 hours per week and download up to 5 songs per week to keep permanently at no cost. Also includes Rosetta Stone (language learning), and thousands of in-branch and virtual programs. A library card is free for all Cleveland residents and can be obtained at any of the 28 branches.
Access: cpl.org or search Freegal in your app store and log in with your library card number
clevelandpl.freegalmusic.comEvery Cleveland Public Library cardholder gets free access to Creativebug, a library of thousands of online art and craft video classes taught by professional artists and designers. Classes cover drawing, painting, watercolor, ceramics, embroidery, printmaking, fiber arts, and much more. All skill levels. Watch on any device, any time.
Access: cpl.org or search Freegal in your app store and log in with your library card number
cpl.org/eventsclasses/online-coursesCleveland Public Theatre is one of the nation's leading community theatres, presenting bold new works with a social justice focus in the Gordon Square Arts District. Every performance has limited "Choose What You Pay" seats starting at $1, with no handling fees. CPT's annual DanceWorks series (typically April and May) presents local contemporary dance companies. CPT also hosts Station Hope, an annual free community festival on its campus each May featuring poetry, music, dance, and theatre rooted in the Underground Railroad legacy. The Y-Haven Theatre Project brings free theatre programming to men experiencing homelessness at the Y-Haven shelter.
Address: 6415 Detroit Ave, Cleveland (Gordon Square)
Transit: RTA 22 Detroit Ave bus to W. 65th St
Accessibility: ADA compliant with ramped entrance · All-gender wheelchair accessible restroom · Assistive listening available
A hidden gem in downtown Cleveland, housed inside the stunning 1923 Italian Renaissance lobby of the Federal Reserve building. More than 25 free, hands-on interactive exhibits cover the history of money, barter, counterfeit detection, cybersecurity, and personal finance. Highlights include a 23-foot money tree, a Barter Island trading game, and a money-printing station. Free admission; adults 18 and up need a valid photo ID at security.
Hours: Mon–Wed 9am–2pm · Closed bank holidays and occasionally for special events
Address: 1455 East 6th St, Downtown Cleveland
Entrance: Use the East 6th St entrance · Guests unable to climb stairs and those with strollers should use the Superior Ave entrance
Cost: Free · Adults 18+ require a valid photo ID at security
Transit: RTA HealthLine to E. 6th St
Accessibility: Step-free entry via Superior Ave entrance · Stroller-accessible
Located inside Burke Lakefront Airport, this free museum preserves and showcases the history of women in aviation and aerospace. A unique Cleveland institution with exhibits spanning pioneer aviators to modern astronauts. Typically 30 to 40 minutes to explore; free parking at the airport.
Address: 1501 N. Marginal Rd, Burke Lakefront Airport, Cleveland
Hours: Mon–Fri 10am–4pm · Sat 10am–3pm
Cost: Free
Karamu House is the oldest African American arts and education organization in the United States, founded in Cleveland in 1915. It produces professional theatre, provides arts education, and runs community programs for all people while honoring the African American experience. Senior adult tap classes are currently free, made possible through funding from Cleveland Clinic. Adult acting workshops are also open to aspiring and seasoned actors. Arts education classes for youth and adults offer full tuition and sliding-scale financial assistance; use promo code ROOTED26 at checkout to request financial aid. Free community programs run throughout the year honoring Black culture and welcoming all members of the community.
Address: 2355 East 89th St, Cleveland, OH 44106
Transit: RTA 14 bus to E. 89th St
Free tap classes: Check karamuhouse.org for current schedule
Financial aid for classes: Promo code ROOTED26 at checkout · mnicholson@karamuhouse.org
Phone: 216-795-7070
Free admission for all Ohio residents and youth under 18. moCa presents thought-provoking contemporary art with programming oriented toward social issues and community dialogue. Located in University Circle, steps from the CMA.
Hours: Thu–Sun 11am–5pm
Address: 11400 Euclid Ave, Cleveland (University Circle)
Cost: Free for Ohio residents; $10 for out-of-state adults
Transit: HealthLine or RTA Red Line to University Circle
The Music Settlement is a Cleveland nonprofit that has provided music education and music therapy since 1912. It operates two schools (Ohio City and University Circle) and the BOP STOP, a beloved neighborhood music venue in Ohio City. Music instruction is offered on a sliding-scale tuition basis with financial aid available, making it accessible across income levels. The Music Settlement also offers board-certified music therapy services for individuals across the lifespan including children with autism and developmental disabilities, adults with neurological conditions (including Parkinson's disease), and older adults in care settings. BOP STOP presents live jazz, classical, folk, and world music with tickets typically $10–$20; free and community-priced shows are offered periodically throughout the year. Check the events calendar for free or low-cost upcoming performances.
Ohio City School: 2610 Detroit Ave · 216-377-1410
University Circle School: 11125 Magnolia Dr · 216-421-5806
BOP STOP: 2920 Detroit Ave, Ohio City · 216-771-6551
Financial aid: Sliding-scale tuition for all music instruction programs
Music therapy: For autism, Parkinson's, dementia, and other conditions · see themusicsettlement.org/music-therapy
Transit: RTA 22 Detroit Ave bus to both Ohio City locations
Free 90-minute guided tours of Playhouse Square on the third Saturday of each month throughout the year, presented by Medical Mutual. Volunteer RedCoat guides lead guests through the history of the district and into the historic theaters. All attendees receive a free tote bag. Free outdoor walking tours of the Playhouse Square District are also offered on select dates during warmer months. Registration required.
Cost: Free · Registration required
Duration: 90 minutes; involves stairs (staff will adjust for guests with mobility needs)
Address: 1501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland
Transit: RTA HealthLine to E. 14th St
Free admission for all Cleveland residents, with tickets reserved in advance online. One of Ohio's most visited cultural landmarks, with rotating exhibits on music, identity, and American culture.
Hours: Daily 10am–5:30pm (extended hours seasonally)
Address: 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd, Cleveland (North Coast Harbor)
Cost: Free for Cleveland residents with advance online reservation at rockhall.com
Transit: RTA 55 bus to Erieside Ave
Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible · Elevators throughout
The Sculpture Center, near University Circle in East Cleveland, is dedicated to advancing Ohio sculptors and preserving outdoor sculpture through rotating free exhibitions, artist talks, and community programming throughout the year.
Address: 12206 Euclid Ave, East Cleveland
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 41 Euclid Ave bus
The Spanish American Committee (SAC) has served Greater Cleveland's Hispanic and Latino community since 1966, the longest-operating Latino social services agency in Ohio. Free services include family support and bilingual childcare, financial literacy and workforce training, housing education and counseling, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, and domestic violence counseling. SAC serves over 5,500 individuals and families annually.
Catholic Charities Hispanic Services provides a free weekly recreational and social program for Hispanic seniors in Greater Cleveland, addressing language and cultural barriers to healthcare and socialization. Also offers free outreach and case management in Spanish for Lake County residents and bilingual substance use treatment in Cuyahoga County.
Spanish American Committee: 2323 W. 45th St, Cleveland · 216-281-0255 · spanishamerican.org
Catholic Charities Hispanic Services: 7911 Detroit Ave, Cleveland · 1-800-860-7373 · ccdocle.org/hispanic-services
One of the oldest hiking clubs in the country, active since 1919. The Cleveland Hiking Club offers a near-daily schedule of group hikes across Northeast Ohio, Metroparks, state parks, and beyond. Visitors are welcome to try hikes before joining. No sign-up required: check the online schedule and show up at the listed start location. Multiple difficulty levels available, from easy walks to longer treks. Dogs welcome on 6' leash.
Cost: Free to try · Low annual membership fee for ongoing participation
Schedule: Near-daily hikes throughout NE Ohio · Check clevelandhikingclub.org
Getting Started: No registration needed, just show up on time at the listed start location
Dogs: Welcome on 6' leash; must remain at back of group
InMotion is a Beachwood-based nonprofit offering completely free evidence-based wellness programs for people living with Parkinson's disease and their care partners. Programs include boxing, dancing, cycling, drumming, weight training, tai chi, voice and swallowing exercises, art therapy, support groups, and educational programming, all at no cost. Research shows regular participation often stabilizes or improves clinical outcomes. InMotion also offers remote programs via Zoom for those who cannot travel.
Address: 23905 Mercantile Rd, Beachwood, OH 44122
Phone: 216-342-4417 · support@beinmotion.org
Hours: Check beinmotion.org for current class schedule
Remote option: Many programs available via Zoom
Care partners: Welcome in same classes (call ahead for availability)
The Mandel JCC (The J) in Beachwood is a nonprofit fitness, wellness, and community center open to everyone regardless of religion, race, age, or background. Membership includes access to 50+ free group exercise classes weekly (yoga, cardio, strength, cycle, and dance), a full fitness and aquatics center, indoor track, and gymnasium. Several free community programs require no membership: Tot Shabbat is a free weekly movement and music program for families with young children (Fridays 9:15–9:45am). Monthly Brown Bag Lunch and Learn programs are free and open to all. The J also offers income-based membership assistance and participates in Medicare Advantage fitness benefit programs including Renew Active. Programming welcomes people of all cultural backgrounds and is designed to build community connection across differences.
Address: 25701 Science Park Dr, Beachwood, OH 44122
Free programs: Tot Shabbat Fridays 9:15am (no membership required) · Monthly Lunch and Learn
Membership assistance: Income-based sliding scale available · mandeljcc.org
Medicare fitness benefits: Call to confirm current insurance partnerships
Phone: 216-382-4000
Free dance classes for people with PD and a companion that explore movement possibilities, celebrate community, and cultivate joy in a fun and participant-centered environment, all with live music. All abilities and mobilities welcome. No experience needed.
For: Adults with Parkinson's disease and neurological conditions · Care partners welcome
Location: Playhouse Square District, Cleveland
Transit: Complimentary valet provided near entrance · or RTA HealthLine to E. 14th St · Accessible space and restrooms
Cleveland has a vibrant and welcoming run club scene with groups for every pace and schedule. Run clubs consistently improve mental health, reduce loneliness, and build lasting community bonds. Here are several active free groups:
Big Run 216: Annual free untimed 5K at Edgewater Park, June 2026 · Cost: Free to join any club run
Also see Metroparks Trail ChallengeFree guided walking tours of Cleveland's historic neighborhoods and architecture, offered by Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation. The summer series runs June through September with tours several days a week. The Slow Roll Tour offers an accessible, relaxed-pace option. Solo Adventurer Tours create a welcoming environment for people attending alone. A record-setting 2025 season welcomed 6,500+ participants.
Cost: Free
Length: 60 and 90-minute options
Transit: Downtown Cleveland, accessible by all RTA lines
Accessibility: Slow Roll Tours for guests needing a relaxed pace
Walk with a Doc offers free walking programs led by local doctors, healthcare providers, or medical students. These ongoing events allow participants to safely walk (or roll), learn about current health topics, and meet new people.
Cleveland-area chapters:
Ohio has 30+ additional chapters statewide. Visit walkwithadoc.org to find your nearest chapter.
Cost: Free · Healthy snacks and blood pressure checks are often available
Frequency: Varies by chapter; most meet monthly
Accessibility: Designed for all fitness levels and abilities · Flat, accessible routes at most locations · Dogs welcome at most chapters
The YMCA of Greater Cleveland believes finances should never be a barrier to participation. Their Financial Assistance Program offers a sliding-scale scholarship that can reduce or eliminate membership dues for individuals and families based on income and household size. Each year the program provides assistance to more than 4,000 adults and children. Scholarship recipients receive the same full membership benefits as paying members. Apply in person at any Cleveland YMCA branch with proof of income.
For seniors (65+) and people on Medicare, several free and low-cost access pathways exist:
Locations: 10 branches across Greater Cleveland including Downtown, Lakewood, Hillcrest, North Royalton, Warrensville Heights, and more
Financial assistance: Apply at any branch
Phone: Contact your nearest branch directly
Cleveland Metroparks offers over 50 free naturalist-led programs year-round across 18 reservations and 25,000+ acres. Group programs are free for Cuyahoga County residents and can come to your location. The NatureTracks mobile outreach van brings free nature programming directly to Cleveland neighborhoods with limited park access. The 2026 Trail Challenge (March–September) encourages all fitness levels to explore new trails.
Cost: Free for most programs
Mobility: Action Trackchair available for limited-mobility participants in select programs · Fully accessible nature centers at several reservations
Group Programs: Free for Cuyahoga County groups; can come to your site
Transit: Several reservations accessible by RTA; Edgewater Park via RTA 55 bus
NatureTracks: Request a free visit for your organization at clevelandmetroparks.com/naturetracks
There is no entrance fee to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio's only national park, located just 30 minutes south of Cleveland between the city and Akron. The park protects 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River with over 140 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, including the 20-mile Towpath Trail running through the park. Free ranger-led programs are offered seasonally including guided hikes, wildlife talks, photography sessions, and history programs along the Ohio and Erie Canal. The Canal Exploration Center and Boston Mill Visitor Center are both free to visit. A meaningful destination for nature prescriptions at any fitness level.
Cost: Free · No entrance fee ever
Address: 15610 Vaughn Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141 (main contact)
Getting there: ~30 min south of Cleveland by car · Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad stops available seasonally
Accessibility: Paved accessible trails at Towpath and several visitor areas · Ranger programs vary in mobility requirements
Lake View Cemetery is one of Cleveland's most beautiful and underappreciated free outdoor spaces, designed in the European garden landscape tradition. Home to the free James A. Garfield Memorial and the graves of many notable Clevelanders. In spring, Daffodil Hill draws visitors citywide with thousands of daffodils in bloom. Year-round it offers peaceful walking paths and ornate historic monuments near University Circle and Cleveland Heights. Free admission and free parking.
Address: 12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland Heights
Hours: Daily 7:30am–5:30pm (extended seasonally)
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 41 Euclid Ave bus
Spring highlight: Daffodil Hill typically peaks in April
A 31-acre lakefront park on Lake Erie in Lakewood, one of the best urban parks in Northeast Ohio. Free amenities include a splash pad (June 1–October 1, 8am–8pm), large playground, Solstice Steps, lakefront promenade with skyline and lake views, skatepark (9am–9pm), volleyball and tennis courts, and picnic areas. The Bandstand hosts free Sunday evening concerts (June 28–August 16, 2026) and free children's movies in summer. A natural destination for movement, community, and stress relief.
Address: Belle Ave & Lake Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
Cost: Free (Foster Pool has a separate fee)
Splash Pad: June 1–Oct 1, 8am–8pm · Free
Free Concerts: Sunday evenings, June 28 – August 16, 2026
Transit: RTA 55 Detroit Ave bus to Lakewood
A free nature sanctuary tucked into Shaker Heights, just minutes from downtown Cleveland. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes offers free admission to the museum and year-round access to trails surrounding the Shaker Lakes, a rare urban bird sanctuary. Programming includes naturalist-led walks, environmental education, and seasonal events for all ages. The trails are open dawn to dusk every day, even when the building is closed, making this an accessible daily nature destination.
Hours: Tue–Sun 10am–5pm · Trails open daily dawn to dusk
Address: 2600 S Park Blvd, Shaker Heights, OH 44120
Cost: Free admission
Transit: RTA Green Line to Shaker Heights · Various bus routes to South Park Blvd
The Rockefeller Park Greenhouse, built in 1905, offers free botanical escape year-round including holidays. Eight indoor rooms feature orchids, desert plants, tropical displays, and water features, especially valuable in winter. Just south, the Cleveland Cultural Gardens stretch nearly two miles along East Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive: 36 public gardens representing different ethnic heritages, from the Irish Garden to the Chinese Cultural Garden. Walking the full Cultural Gardens is a free 2-mile experience celebrating Cleveland's multicultural identity.
Greenhouse hours: Daily 10am–4pm, including weekends and holidays · Free parking
Address: 750 E. 88th St, Cleveland · 216-664-3103
Cultural Gardens: East Blvd and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Cleveland 44108 · Free
Transit: RTA to University Circle (short walk south)
Call or text 988 for free, confidential mental health crisis support 24 hours a day. The 988 Lifeline connects callers to local crisis counselors who can provide immediate support and help connect people to follow-up care. Veterans can press 1 after dialing for the Veterans Crisis Line. Spanish-language support available.
Call or text: 988 · Free · 24/7
Chat: 988lifeline.org
Veterans: Press 1 after dialing · Or text 838255
Cleveland Ibn Sina Clinic (CISC) is a completely free, volunteer-run sub-specialty medical clinic dedicated to serving everyone in need, regardless of background, income, or insurance status. Named for the medieval Islamic physician Ibn Sina (Avicenna), the clinic brings together volunteer physicians to provide specialist care, including endocrinology, primary care, allergy and immunology, women's health, pediatrics, and renal medicine, at no cost to patients. The clinic operates on a regular rotating schedule and accepts appointment requests online. A meaningful resource for uninsured and underinsured patients who need specialist access that would otherwise be out of reach.
Cost: Completely free · No insurance required · No documentation barrier
Appointments: Request online at clevelandibnsina.com/request-an-appointment
Upcoming clinics: Check clevelandibnsina.com for current schedule
Specialties offered: Primary care, endocrinology, allergy/immunology, women's health, pediatrics, renal medicine, and more
Social media: @cleveland.ibn.sina.clinic on Instagram
Cleveland Public Library provides free access to legal and financial self-help resources including LegalForms (a database of Ohio legal forms), the Earned Income Tax Credit assistance program offered seasonally at branches, notary services at several branches, and digital literacy workshops that include basic financial literacy. CPL also hosts periodic free legal aid clinics in partnership with Legal Aid Society of Cleveland and the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association.
Cost: Free with library card
Main Branch: 325 Superior Ave, Downtown Cleveland
Transit: All downtown RTA lines · Fully accessible
The Greater Cleveland Food Bank distributes food through a network of food pantries, hot meal programs, and community distribution sites across six counties. No documentation required at many locations. The Food Bank also administers SNAP enrollment assistance, helping eligible residents access monthly food benefits. To find your nearest pantry or distribution, call 211 or visit the Food Bank's online resource finder.
Find a pantry: hungercenter.org or call 211
SNAP enrollment help: Available at the Food Bank · 216-738-2265
Area: Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, and Medina Counties
Greater Cleveland RTA provides bus, rail, and Bus Rapid Transit across Cuyahoga County. Seniors 65+ and people with qualifying disabilities pay a reduced fare on all RTA routes. ADA Paratransit provides door-to-door service for people who cannot independently use fixed-route transit due to disability. Children under 6 ride free when accompanied by an adult. The Senior Transportation Connection (STC) provides coordinated, affordable transportation for seniors and adults with disabilities throughout Cuyahoga County.
Regular fare: $2.50 per trip
Senior/Disabled fare: Reduced with valid RTA Senior or Disabled ID
Paratransit: Apply at 216-566-5124 or riderta.com/paratransit · Door-to-door service within 5-mile radius
Senior Transportation Connection: 216-621-6000 · For seniors needing assisted transport to activities, appointments, and programs
Housing instability is one of the most powerful drivers of poor health outcomes. Greater Cleveland has a coordinated network of housing assistance programs. Start by calling 211 for a warm transfer to the right program.
In a housing crisis now? Call 211 any time · 24/7 · Free · Confidential
Visit cmha.netLegal Aid Society of Cleveland provides free civil legal representation to income-eligible residents across Northeast Ohio. Services include housing and eviction defense, domestic violence and protective orders, public benefits appeals, consumer debt, immigration, and more. Legal issues are a leading driver of housing instability and health deterioration. If a patient is facing eviction, benefits termination, or a domestic violence situation, Legal Aid is the right referral.
Phone: 216-687-1900 · Monday–Friday 9am–5pm
Website: lasclev.org
Area: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Medina Counties
Also: Earned Income Tax Credit assistance available seasonally
The Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center provides comprehensive Recreation Therapy and Creative Arts Therapy services for enrolled veterans. Services include art therapy, music therapy, dance and movement therapy, and drama therapy, all provided by credentialed therapists and available at no cost to enrolled veterans. These programs are designed to address PTSD, chronic pain, depression, social isolation, and rehabilitation needs through creative and therapeutic activity. The VA also offers adaptive sports, outdoor recreation, and peer support programs. Located in University Circle, adjacent to the Cleveland Museum of Art and Rockefeller Park.
Address: 10701 East Blvd, Cleveland (University Circle)
Phone: 216-791-3800 (main) · Ask for Recreation Therapy or Creative Arts Therapy
Eligibility: Enrolled veterans in the VA healthcare system
Transit: RTA Red Line to University Circle · HealthLine to East Blvd
Enrollment: Veterans not yet enrolled can call 1-800-827-1000 or visit va.gov to apply
MetroHealth's Institute for H.O.P.E. (Healing, Opportunity, Partnership, Empowerment) is one of the most integrated social determinants of health screening and navigation programs in the country. Community health workers screen patients for food, housing, transportation, financial, and social needs and connect them directly to community resources. The Institute also includes a Center for Arts in Health and works with behavioral health programs including HIV support groups. For healthcare professionals, H.O.P.E. is a key referral partner for patients with complex social needs.
Address: MetroHealth Main Campus, 2500 MetroHealth Dr, Cleveland
Transit: RTA 22 Detroit Ave bus or RTA 14 bus
For providers: Contact MetroHealth for referral pathways
Many Ohioans are eligible for benefits they are not enrolled in. Key programs include Medicaid (healthcare for income-eligible Ohioans), SNAP (food benefits), Ohio Direction Card (utility and transportation assistance), HEAP (home energy assistance), and WIC (nutrition support for pregnant and postpartum women and young children). Enrollment help is available through United Way 211, the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, community health centers, and county Job and Family Services offices.
Ohio Benefits portal: benefits.ohio.gov (apply online for Medicaid, SNAP, cash assistance)
Enrollment help: Call 211 or visit your county Job and Family Services
Cuyahoga JFS: 216-987-6900 · benefits.ohio.gov
If you are unsure where to start, call or text 211. United Way 211 is a free, confidential helpline available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for Greater Cleveland residents. Certified information and referral specialists connect callers to nearly 1,700 social service, healthcare, and government agencies across Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Ross Counties. Services covered include food, housing, healthcare, transportation, employment, mental health, and financial assistance. Spanish-speaking specialists available.
Call or text: 211 · Free, confidential, 24/7
Also available: Chat online at 211oh.org
Area: Cuyahoga, Geauga, and Ross Counties
Veterans and active-duty service members in crisis can call or text 988, then press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line, available 24/7. This is a separate, veteran-specific line within the 988 system staffed by VA-trained responders. Chat is also available at veteranscrisisline.net. For non-emergency mental health services, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA offers outpatient individual and group therapy, PTSD treatment, substance use programs, and peer support services for enrolled veterans at no cost.
Crisis: Call or text 988, press 1 · Chat: veteranscrisisline.net · Free · 24/7
Outpatient mental health: 216-791-3800 ext. for Mental Health
Volunteering supports mental and social health by building connection, purpose, and routine. These organizations offer meaningful ways to give back to the Cleveland community.
The CMA offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for adults, from staffing the information desk and leading docent-led tours to supporting their popular monthly MIX events. Volunteers connect with art, community, and purpose while contributing to one of the nation's finest free museums. All training is provided.
Contact: volunteer@clevelandart.org
Learn more at clevelandart.orgVolunteer on home-building and repair projects throughout Greater Cleveland. Build days are open to individuals and groups of all skill levels. A physically engaging, team-oriented experience with clear community impact.
Visit clevelandhabitat.orgGreater Cleveland Volunteers is the region's primary volunteer matching platform, connecting individuals with nonprofits, schools, and community organizations across Northeast Ohio. Search by interest, skill, and schedule. Good for both short-term projects and ongoing roles.
Find opportunities at gcv.orgHolden Forests & Gardens (which includes Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden) welcomes volunteers to support conservation, horticulture, education, and visitor programs. Outdoor volunteer roles offer connection with nature alongside community engagement.
Visit holdenfg.org/volunteerVolunteer drivers deliver nutritious meals to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities across Greater Cleveland. A route typically takes 1–2 hours and can be done weekly or on a flexible schedule. One of the most direct ways to reduce social isolation among older adults.
Visit mealsonwheelscleveland.orgOSPC welcomes volunteers who are passionate about social prescribing, community health, and connecting Ohioans to arts, nature, and social activities. Whether you have a background in healthcare, the arts, community organizing, or just want to help, there is a role for you. Get in touch to learn more about current volunteer needs.
United Way of Greater Cleveland coordinates volunteer opportunities across health, education, and financial stability. Their online volunteer portal connects individuals with community events, skills-based volunteering, and ongoing roles at partner organizations.
Visit unitedwaycleveland.orgKnow a resource that belongs here?
Time-specific doses of arts, movement, nature, and community, free and low-cost events across Greater Cleveland this year that align with social prescribing themes.
About this page: "Vitamins" are time-specific events. All events listed are free unless noted. Always confirm details directly with the hosting organization before attending, as dates, times, and availability can change. For year-round resources, visit the ·
Ohio's largest monthly art walk at 78th Street Studios. 60+ galleries, studios, and creative businesses open simultaneously. Live music, guest artisans, and food throughout the building.
When: Friday, May 15 · 5–9pm
Where: 1300 W. 78th St, Gordon Square
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 22 Detroit Ave bus
Accessibility: Wheelchair lift by request
Friends and Family Open Studios at Art House Cleveland. Free multi-generational art workshop exploring different cultures through hands-on art making. All ages and backgrounds welcome.
When: Saturday, May 16 · 1–3pm
Where: Art House, Brooklyn Centre
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 51 Pearl Rd bus
Ohio Contemporary Ballet free community performance at Cuyahoga County Eastern Campus in Highland Hills.
When: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Where: Cuyahoga County Eastern Campus, 4250 Richmond Rd, Highland Hills, OH 44122
Cost: Free
Ohio Contemporary Ballet's "Ballet Under the Stars" outdoor performance at the OCBallet Center in Shaker Heights. A beloved outdoor community tradition.
When: June 19–20, 2026
Where: OCBallet Center, 3558 Lee Rd, Shaker Heights, OH 44120
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Outdoor venue; accessible by car · RTA 34/39 bus to Lee Rd
Ten consecutive Wednesday evenings of free outdoor live music at Wade Oval in University Circle. Food trucks, vendors, kid-friendly activities, and a beer and wine garden. All genres and ages welcome. Neighborhood shuttle from Glenville available. Select University Circle museums stay open late on Wednesdays.
When: Wednesdays, June 17 – August 19 · 5:30–8:30pm
Where: Wade Oval, 10820 East Blvd, University Circle
Transit: RTA HealthLine to East Blvd · Red Line to University Circle · Free Neighborhood Shuttle from Glenville
Accessibility: Fully accessible outdoor venue · Bagged meters for disability parking on Wade Oval Dr
Weekly outdoor concerts on the shore of Lake Erie at Edgewater Beach House, featuring performers from the Tri-C Creative Arts Program. Bring a blanket, enjoy food from nearby vendors, and take in live music with Lake Erie as your backdrop.
When: Thursdays, June through August · 4:30pm
Where: Edgewater Beach House, Centennial Plaza
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 55 bus to Edgewater Park
Monthly art walk at 78th Street Studios. 60+ creative businesses open simultaneously. Live music, guest artisans, and food throughout the building. Summer editions have extra energy spilling into the neighborhood.
When: Friday, June 19 · 5–9pm
Where: 1300 W. 78th St
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 22 bus · Free parking on-site
Free multi-generational art workshop at Art House Cleveland. Exploring different cultures through hands-on art making. All ages and backgrounds welcome. No experience required.
When: Saturday, June 20 · 1–3pm
Where: Art House, Brooklyn Centre
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 51 Pearl Rd bus
A full day of free dance classes for all ages and abilities across the Playhouse Square District. Classes in Modern, Ballet, African Drum and Dance, Hip Hop, Pilates, Stepping, and adaptive dance (Dance for Every Body). Free student showcase performance at 3pm in the Allen Theatre. One of Cleveland's most joyful community events.
When: Saturday, July 25 · Starting 10am
Where: Playhouse Square District, 1519 Euclid Ave
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA HealthLine or Red Line
Accessibility: Adaptive dance class included · Fully accessible venue · All levels and bodies welcome
Inlet Dance Theatre's annual free summer concert at Cain Park Evans Amphitheater in Cleveland Heights. Features new works created by Inlet company members, Summer Dance Intensive students, and repertory favorites. Kids Matinee available with audience participation.
When: July 25–26, 2026 (Kids Matinee July 25 · Evening Concert July 26)
Where: Cain Park Evans Amphitheater, 14591 Superior Rd, Cleveland Heights
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Outdoor amphitheater
Monthly art walk at 78th Street Studios. 60+ creative businesses, live music, artisans, and food. All welcome including well-behaved children and dogs.
When: Friday, July 17 · 5–9pm
Where: 1300 W. 78th St
Cost: Free
Free multi-generational art workshop at Art House Cleveland. Exploring different cultures through hands-on art making.
When: Saturday, July 18 · 1–3pm
Where: Art House, Brooklyn Centre
Cost: Free
The final night of the 10-concert summer series. Historically one of the most attended evenings of the season.
When: Wednesday, August 19 · 5:30–8:30pm
Where: Wade Oval, University Circle
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA accessible
Summer finale edition of the monthly art walk at 78th Street Studios.
When: Friday, August 21 · 5–9pm
Where: 1300 W. 78th St
Cost: Free
Free multi-generational art workshop at Art House Cleveland.
When: Saturday, August 15 · 1–3pm
Where: Art House, Brooklyn Centre
Cost: Free
New work by acclaimed Cleveland choreographer Dominic Moore-Dunson. Community and student discount ticket options available. Check dancecleveland.org for community pricing.
When: September 19 and 26, 2026 · 1pm and 4pm
Where: Playhouse Square
Transit: RTA accessible
Accessibility: Fully accessible venue
Monthly art walk at 78th Street Studios. 60+ creative businesses open. Free and open to all.
When: Friday, September 19 · 5–9pm
Where: 1300 W. 78th St
Cost: Free
Fall edition of the monthly art walk. Particularly cozy as the building comes alive with seasonal exhibits.
When: Friday, October 17 · 5–9pm
Where: 1300 W. 78th St
Cost: Free
Monthly art walk at 78th Street Studios. Indoor warmth plus live music and 60+ galleries open.
When: Friday, November 21 · 5–9pm
Where: 1300 W. 78th St
Cost: Free
Holiday edition of the monthly art walk. 60+ galleries with festive energy and gift shopping opportunities.
When: Friday, December 19 · 5–9pm
Where: 1300 W. 78th St
Cost: Free
CMA's holiday season brings live choral and orchestral performances, family activities, and themed programming in the Ames Family Atrium. Free as part of general admission.
When: November through January
Where: 11150 East Blvd, University Circle
Transit: RTA accessible
Accessibility: Fully accessible
CPT's annual free community festival rooted in the legacy of the Underground Railroad. Features live poetry, music, dance, theatre, and community celebration on and around the CPT campus in Gordon Square. All ages and backgrounds welcome. One of Cleveland's most meaningful free arts events.
When: Friday, May 29, 2026 · Afternoon
Where: Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave (Gordon Square)
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 22 Detroit Ave bus to W. 65th St
Accessibility: ADA accessible · All-gender restroom
Cleveland's beloved annual free untimed 5K at Edgewater Park, organized by Run Wild CLE and Run With the Winners. Hundreds of runners, walkers, and community members come out for this warm-weather celebration of the city's running scene. Vendors, music, food trucks, and a festive atmosphere. All paces welcome.
When: June 2026 (exact date TBA, follow @runwildcle on Instagram)
Where: Edgewater Park, 6500 Memorial Shoreway
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 55 bus to Edgewater Park
Accessibility: Flat paved course · All paces welcome including walkers
Daily outdoor yoga classes at Edgewater Park from late May through September 1. Beginner-friendly, donation-based, no registration needed. Morning sessions 7–9am for sunrise yoga on the lake; evening sessions 5–7pm for sunset flow. Inclusive and welcoming for all bodies, ages, and backgrounds. Bring a mat or towel.
When: Daily, May 25 – September 1 · Morning: 7–9am · Evening: 5–7pm
Where: Edgewater Park, Cleveland
Cost: Donation-based (no one turned away)
Transit: RTA 55 bus to Edgewater Park
Accessibility: Flat accessible park setting · All bodies and abilities welcome
CPT's annual contemporary dance showcase features Northeast Ohio's most adventurous dance companies across multiple weekends. Every ticket is Choose What You Pay starting at $1 with no handling fees. A remarkable and accessible way to see professional dance. 2026 dates typically run April through May.
When: Typically April–May 2026 (check cptonline.org for 2026 dates)
Where: 6415 Detroit Ave, Gordon Square
Cost: Pay from $1, no handling fees
Transit: RTA 22 bus to W. 65th St
Accessibility: ADA compliant · Ramped entrance · Wheelchair accessible restroom
Free lunchtime live music performances at Cleveland Public Library's Main Branch and several neighborhood branches throughout the summer. Genres span jazz, classical, folk, gospel, and more. A beloved and accessible series in the heart of downtown Cleveland.
When: Thursdays through the summer · Typically 12–1pm
Where: Main Branch, 325 Superior Ave and select neighborhood branches
Cost: Free
Transit: All downtown RTA lines · Fully accessible
Fairmount Center for the Arts' free monthly speaker series resumes in September. "Pull Back the Curtain" features local artists, musicians, chefs, historians, and creative professionals in an intimate setting with audience Q and A. Family-friendly but geared toward adults. Registration encouraged but not required.
When: Select Sundays, September through April · 3–4pm
Where: 8400 Fairmount Rd, Novelty, OH (Geauga County, ~30 min from Cleveland)
Cost: Free
Getting there: Drive or carpool recommended
CPT's annual immersive arts party and fundraiser opening its campus as a labyrinth of theatre, dance, visual arts, music, and performance. This year's theme is "Under Construction." Local food, free valet, and complimentary drinks. One of Cleveland's most creative and unusual community events.
When: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Where: Cleveland Public Theatre campus, 6415 Detroit Ave
Cost: Ticketed fundraiser (check cptonline.org for pricing)
Transit: RTA 22 bus
Free family art sessions held the third Saturday of every month, led by local teaching artists. Each month features a different theme and hands-on activities. Sponsored by The Shook Foundation. All ages and abilities welcome. No registration required.
When: Third Saturday of each month
Where: 8400 Fairmount Rd, Novelty, OH (~30 min from Cleveland)
Cost: Free
Getting there: Drive or carpool recommended
Weekly volunteer beautification series at Public Square. Help prune, trim, weed, and clean downtown Cleveland's central gathering space. Tools, gloves, and supplies provided. Wear clothes you can get dirty. A great low-key outdoor community activity that builds connection and civic pride.
When: Sundays, May through October · 11am–12pm
Where: Public Square, Downtown Cleveland
Cost: Free · RSVP encouraged at downtowncleveland.com
Transit: All downtown RTA lines
Free chamber orchestral performances at North Coast Harbor and Voinovich Park, presented by OPUS 216. Catch live classical music with Lake Erie as your backdrop on Sunday evenings throughout the summer.
When: Sundays, June through August · 7–8:15pm
Where: Voinovich Park / North Coast Harbor, Downtown Cleveland
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA to downtown · short walk to lakefront
Free evening yoga sessions on the lakefront at Voinovich Park, presented by Downtown Cleveland, Inc. All levels welcome. Bring a mat or towel and enjoy yoga with Lake Erie views.
When: Tuesdays, June through September · 6–6:45pm
Where: Voinovich Park / North Coast Harbor, Downtown Cleveland
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA to downtown
A free community running series on the lakefront, organized by Downtown Cleveland, Inc. All paces welcome. A great opportunity to combine exercise, community connection, and a stunning Lake Erie setting.
When: Thursdays, June through August · 6–7pm
Where: Voinovich Park / North Coast Harbor, Downtown Cleveland
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA to downtown
Free live music from local artists in Public Square throughout the summer. Evening concerts and pop-up performances covering a wide range of genres. Part of Downtown Cleveland Inc.'s 10-year Public Square anniversary summer programming.
When: Multiple evenings, June through September (check schedule)
Where: Public Square, Downtown Cleveland
Transit: All downtown RTA lines
A new 2026 weekly farmers market at Public Square featuring fresh seasonal produce, handmade goods, a pop-up bar, and live music. Free to attend and browse.
When: Thursdays, June 11 through August 27 · 4–7pm
Where: Public Square, Downtown Cleveland
Transit: All downtown RTA lines
Free outdoor movie nights all summer long at Crocker Park in Westlake. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Presented by Birchwood School of Hawken. Family-friendly films in a beautiful outdoor setting.
When: Thursdays, May 28 through September 3 (check crockerpark.com for titles)
Where: 177 Market St, Westlake (Crocker Park)
Cost: Free
Getting there: ~20 min west of Cleveland; parking on-site
Free line dancing instruction led by Robert Johnson Jr. at the Harvard Community Services Center's monthly Food Truck Tuesdays, with Soul City BBQ on-site. July's session includes a free tie-dye art class by Oh Sew Powerful, Inc. A joyful community event on the east side.
Dates: Tuesday May 12, Tuesday June 2, Tuesday July 7 · 4–8pm total · Free line dancing 5–7pm
July 7 bonus: Art class (tie-dye caps) 5–7pm with Brenda Lee Simpson
Where: Harvard Community Services Center, 18240 Harvard Ave, Cleveland 44128
Contact: 216.991.8585 x3103
Transit: RTA 14 bus to Harvard Ave
The 17th Annual Cleveland Asian Festival celebrates the city's diverse Asian communities during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Two days of free cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations, 100+ vendors, 30 local restaurants and food trucks, free health screenings, a cosplay showcase, K-Pop dance competition, Colors of Asia fashion show, and free AsiaTown neighborhood tours. One of Cleveland's best-loved community festivals.
Dates: Tuesdays: May 12, June 2, July 7 · 4–8pm · Free line dancing 5–7pm
Where: AsiaTown Asia Plaza, 2999 Payne Ave, Cleveland 44114
Admission: Free · Free parking at CSU E. 24th and Payne lots with free shuttle
Transit: RTA HealthLine to E. 30th or walk from downtown
One World Day brings together nearly 120 ethnicities represented in Cleveland for a celebration of cultural heritage at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park. The Parade of Flags begins at noon along East Blvd and MLK Jr. Drive. A Naturalization Ceremony welcomes new American citizens. Folk dancing, children's village, live cultural performances, international food, and a beer garden. One of Cleveland's most meaningful and joyful free events.
When: Sunday, August 30, 2026 · 11am–6pm · Parade of Flags at noon
Where: Cleveland Cultural Gardens, Rockefeller Park (East Blvd and MLK Jr. Dr)
Admission: Free · Free parking at Metroparks South Gordon Park lot and VA lot with shuttle
Note: MLK and East Blvd closed to traffic 7am–midnight
North Coast Yard is a free seasonal lakefront pop-up space at 515 Erieside Ave, open June through September, dawn to dusk daily. Free weekly programming from the 2025 season included pick-up soccer (men's Mondays, women's Tuesdays at 6pm), basketball leagues (Wednesdays 6–9pm), and roller skating (Fridays 5–9pm). The 2026 schedule will be posted at northcoastyard.com/experience as the season approaches. Bar and food available on select evenings.
When: June through September · Soccer: Mon/Tue 6pm · Basketball: Wed 6–9pm · Roller Skating: Fri 5–9pm
Where: 515 Erieside Ave, Downtown Cleveland (near Steamship Mather)
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA to downtown, short walk to lakefront
Free guided walking tours of Cleveland's historic neighborhoods, running June through September. The Summer Series offers both Signature Tours (90 minutes, actor-portrayed historical Clevelanders bring history to life) and Stroll Tours (relaxed pace, 60–75 minutes, covering neighborhoods like Clark and Fulton, AsiaTown, Little Italy, Waterloo Arts District, and more). The Gentle Journey Series is specifically designed for guests who prefer a slower pace. The Solo Adventurer Series creates a welcoming space for those attending alone. Tours run multiple days per week across Cleveland's most storied neighborhoods.
When: June through September · Multiple tours daily
Where: Various Cleveland neighborhoods · Meeting points listed at booking
Cost: Free · Donations gratefully accepted
Transit: Downtown and neighborhood tours accessible by RTA
Accessibility: Gentle Journey Series for guests needing a slower pace · Solo Adventurer tours for those coming alone
Register: takeahikecle.com/summer-series
BOP STOP is a beloved neighborhood music venue inside The Music Settlement in Ohio City, presenting jazz, classical, folk, and world music year-round. Tickets are typically $10–$20 with some free and community-priced shows throughout the year. A warm, intimate space that draws people into live music experiences. Check the events calendar regularly for free or low-cost upcoming shows.
Where: 2920 Detroit Ave, Ohio City, Cleveland
Transit: RTA 22 Detroit Ave bus
Cost: Varies · some free · typically $10–$20
Note: Always confirm details and availability before attending
Cleveland's most beloved annual parade returns to University Circle for its 34th year. Tens of thousands gather to watch vibrant handmade costumes, towering puppets, floats, and intricately crafted masks created by community artists. This year's theme is "Momentum," inspired by the CMA's special exhibition American Printed Silks, 1927–1947. The event coincides with the museum's 110th anniversary. Watching the parade is free for all, no ticket required.
When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 · 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Where: Wade Oval, University Circle
Cost: Free · No ticket required
Transit: RTA Red Line to University Circle · HealthLine to East Blvd
Accessibility: Flat outdoor route · Fully accessible · Wheelchairs welcome
A free outdoor concert in Ohio City's Market Square Park featuring Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band, one of Cleveland's most celebrated reggae acts. A warm-weather community gathering in the heart of one of Cleveland's most vibrant neighborhoods. Bring a blanket or chair; food and drink available nearby.
When: Thursday, June 4, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Where: Market Square Park, Ohio City (W. 25th & Lorain Ave)
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 25 bus to W. 25th & Lorain · Red Line to W. 25th/Ohio City
Accessibility: Flat park setting
A beloved outdoor summer concert series held on Friday evenings throughout summer 2026. A neighborhood gathering point featuring diverse musical acts in an accessible outdoor setting. Ideal for all ages. Bring a chair or blanket; come as you are.
When: Friday evenings · June 5 through late July 2026 · Typically 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Outdoor, flat setting · All ages welcome
Note: Confirm location and lineup at clevelandartsevents.com
Cleveland's annual Pride celebration brings together thousands of community members for a joyful, affirming outdoor gathering. Live entertainment, vendors, food, and a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies. One of Northeast Ohio's largest community events of the year.
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Outdoor event · Accessible venue
Note: Confirm full schedule at clevelandartsevents.com
Multiple free Juneteenth celebrations take place across Greater Cleveland around June 19, including the Juneteenth Free Community Summer Concert (June 12) and the 5th Annual Juneteenth Celebration and Art Fair (June 12–13). Events feature live music, art, food, and community gathering. A meaningful opportunity for cultural connection and community belonging.
When: June 12–19, 2026 · Multiple events and locations
Cost: Free
Note: Confirm specific event dates, times, and locations at clevelandartsevents.com
A free outdoor community concert celebrating Pride Month, welcoming all community members for an evening of live music and connection. All ages and backgrounds welcome.
When: Friday, June 26, 2026 · 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Note: Confirm location at clevelandartsevents.com
ChamberFest Cleveland's free community concert "Jurassic Jamboree" is a fun, family-friendly performance featuring world-class chamber musicians in a relaxed, accessible setting. ChamberFest is one of Northeast Ohio's premier summer classical music festivals, and its free community events make exceptional live music available to all.
When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 · 11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
Note: Confirm details at clevelandartsevents.com or chamberfestcleveland.com
BorderLight is Cleveland's international theatre and fringe festival, bringing together independent theatre companies from around the world for performances across the city. The festival includes many free outdoor performances, street theatre, and community events alongside ticketed shows. A vibrant multi-day cultural gathering that transforms Cleveland's public spaces into stages.
When: July 8–12, 2026
Where: Multiple venues across Greater Cleveland
Cost: Many free outdoor events; some ticketed performances
Transit: Multiple locations, check borderlightcleveland.com for venue details
A free outdoor urban sketching and drawing event held regularly at public squares and parks across Greater Cleveland. Participants of all skill levels are welcome to bring drawing supplies and sketch the surroundings together. A peaceful, creative, and social activity that combines art-making with gentle outdoor time, a natural social prescribing fit.
When: Sundays, biweekly through summer 2026 · 3:00 p.m.
Cost: Free · Bring your own drawing materials
Accessibility: Outdoor public spaces · Generally flat and accessible
Note: Confirm specific locations and dates at clevelandartsevents.com
Lake View Cemetery hosts a beloved free outdoor band concert series on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer. Visitors gather among the trees and historic monuments of one of Cleveland's most serene and beautiful green spaces for live music. A uniquely contemplative and restorative outdoor experience that combines music, nature, and gentle walking. Dogs on leashes welcome.
When: Select Sundays, June–August 2026 · 4:00 p.m.
Where: Lake View Cemetery, 12316 Euclid Ave, East Cleveland
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 10 bus to Euclid Ave & E. 123rd
Accessibility: Rolling terrain · Some paved paths · Seating available near bandstand
Free midweek outdoor concerts in downtown Cleveland's Public Square, featuring a range of musical genres throughout the summer. A lively community gathering point in the heart of the city, with food vendors, open seating, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages. An easy stop for anyone commuting downtown.
When: Wednesdays · July 15 through August 26, 2026 · 5:00 p.m.
Where: Public Square, Downtown Cleveland
Cost: Free
Transit: All downtown RTA lines · Fully accessible
Note: Confirm lineup at clevelandartsevents.com
The Cedar Fairmount neighborhood's annual summer festival brings together residents and visitors for an outdoor celebration in one of Cleveland Heights' most walkable and vibrant commercial districts. Live music, local vendors, food, and community connection. A welcoming, multi-generational neighborhood event.
When: Sunday, August 9, 2026
Where: Cedar Fairmount District, Cleveland Heights
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA 10 bus to Cedar & Fairmount
Accessibility: Street-level outdoor event
A free outdoor community concert celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture with live music, open to the entire community. A joyful, culturally rich gathering that marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15). All are welcome.
When: Friday, August 28, 2026 · 5:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Note: Confirm location at clevelandartsevents.com
A free, family-friendly, LGBTQ+-inclusive story time event featuring drag performers reading books that celebrate diversity, kindness, and self-expression. Welcoming to all ages, backgrounds, and identities. A joyful, affirming community gathering centered on storytelling and belonging.
When: Select Saturdays · June 13, July 11, August 8, 2026 · 11:00 a.m.
Cost: Free
Note: Confirm location at clevelandartsevents.com
The Harvard Cultural Festival celebrates the diverse cultures and communities of Cleveland's Harvard-Lee and surrounding neighborhoods. Live music, dance, food, art, and community activities make this a vibrant, multi-generational outdoor celebration. Marking its 10th anniversary in 2026.
When: Saturday, August 29, 2026 · 2:00 p.m.
Where: Harvard area, Cleveland
Cost: Free
Note: Confirm location at clevelandartsevents.com
Cleveland Clinic's arts-in-health research program, where working artists are embedded in clinical settings to co-create with patients. One of the most direct examples of social prescribing in action, connecting arts practice directly to healthcare delivery.
When: Wednesdays 3:00 pm · May 27–July 8, 2026
Where: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland
A neighborhood photography project where participants use disposable cameras to document everyday community life at Garden Valley Branch Library. Celebrates ordinary moments and community voices, no photography experience needed.
When: Ongoing · May 22–September 11, 2026
Where: Garden Valley Branch, Cleveland Public Library
Adaptive dance classes led by Dancing Wheels, Cleveland's nationally acclaimed mixed-ability dance company. Open to wheelchair users and standing dancers of all skill levels. Held at the Cleveland Museum of Art, free with museum admission.
When: Thursdays 10:00 am (select Mondays 12:30 pm) · June–August 2026
Where: Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, University Circle
Open Doors Academy's summer arts and culture program features weekly student performances, visual art exhibitions, and creative workshops. Part of their summer enrichment series bringing arts access to Cleveland youth.
When: Thursdays starting July 2 · 2:00 pm
Where: Cleveland (see event for location)
A community art exhibition and event exploring themes of borders, physical, cultural, and personal, and what bridges them. Features works by local artists examining unity across difference in Cleveland's diverse communities.
When: Friday, July 24 · 12:00 pm
Where: Cleveland (see event for location)
Free outdoor concerts every Friday evening throughout the summer. A neighborhood gathering featuring local and regional musicians across genres, folk, bluegrass, jazz, and more. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
When: Fridays 7:00 pm · July 3–31, 2026
Where: Cleveland area venues (see individual event pages)
Free outdoor live music every Wednesday evening at Wade Oval in University Circle, June 17 – August 19. A different headliner each week spanning jazz, reggae, soul, funk, hip-hop, and more. Food trucks, vendors, kid-friendly activities, and a beer and wine garden. All ages welcome. Neighborhood shuttle from Glenville available. Select University Circle museums stay open late on Wednesdays.
When: Wednesdays, June 17 – August 19 · 5:30–8:30pm
Where: Wade Oval, 10820 East Blvd, University Circle
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA HealthLine to East Blvd · Red Line to University Circle · Free Neighborhood Shuttle from Glenville
Accessibility: Fully accessible outdoor venue · Bagged meters for disability parking on Wade Oval Dr
A free group tour through the Cleveland Museum of Art designed specifically for individuals living with Alzheimer's or dementia and their caregivers. Led by trained volunteer docents in a calm, unhurried format. Held on the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00pm. A meaningful social and cognitive activity that requires no art background.
When: First Wednesday of every month · 1:00pm
Where: Cleveland Museum of Art · 11150 East Blvd, University Circle
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA HealthLine to East Blvd · Red Line to University Circle
Contact: AdultPrograms@clevelandart.org
A free group tour through the Cleveland Museum of Art designed for people with mobility disabilities. Held the third Saturday of every month at 9:15am, before the museum opens to the general public. A quieter, more spacious experience of the galleries with accessibility in mind.
When: Third Saturday of every month · 9:15am
Where: Cleveland Museum of Art · 11150 East Blvd, University Circle
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA HealthLine to East Blvd · Red Line to University Circle
Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible · Wheelchairs available at entrance
Contact: AdultPrograms@clevelandart.org
An art-making class at the Cleveland Museum of Art for adults 55 and older. Held the second Tuesday of every month at 2:00pm. A chance to create, explore, and connect with other older adults in a supportive museum environment. No art experience necessary.
When: Second Tuesday of every month · 2:00pm
Where: Cleveland Museum of Art · 11150 East Blvd, University Circle
Cost: $10 members · $15 non-members
Transit: RTA HealthLine to East Blvd · Red Line to University Circle
Contact: AdultPrograms@clevelandart.org
Free 30-minute talks by Cleveland Museum of Art staff on topics related to art and the museum collection. Held the first Tuesday of every month at noon. A short, accessible way to engage with art history, current exhibitions, and behind-the-scenes perspectives, perfect for a lunch break.
When: First Tuesday of every month · 12:00pm (noon)
Where: Cleveland Museum of Art · 11150 East Blvd, University Circle
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA HealthLine to East Blvd · Red Line to University Circle
Contact: AdultPrograms@clevelandart.org
A high-energy outdoor fitness class at Public Square, presented by Downtown Cleveland and the YMCA. Mix of bodyweight training, resistance equipment, plyometrics, and aerobic intervals. All levels welcome.
When: Mondays, June 1 – September 23, 2026 · 6:00–6:45pm · No event 9/7
Where: Cleveland Public Square
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA HealthLine or Red Line to Public Square
Free all-ages multi-level kickboxing class on the lawn of Cleveland Public Square. Whether you're new to boxing or experienced, all are welcome for this fun outdoor workout session.
When: Tuesdays, June 2 – September 29, 2026 · 6:00–6:45pm
Where: Cleveland Public Square
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA HealthLine or Red Line to Public Square
Free 45-minute multi-level yoga class held at Voinovich Park on Lake Erie's waterfront, Cleveland's longest-running outdoor yoga series. Led by area yoga studios. All ages and levels welcome. Free parking available for event participants.
When: Tuesdays, June 2 – September 29, 2026 · 6:00–6:45pm · No event 7/7
Where: Voinovich Park, North Coast Harbor, Downtown Cleveland
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA to downtown · walk to lakefront · Free parking at Dock Lots 30 & 32
Free outdoor line dancing at Cleveland Public Square, designed for beginners and open to all ages. Led by the Savvy Tempo Steppas. A joyful, social, no-pressure environment to learn steps, connect, and move. Bar and city views available. A perfect social prescribing referral for movement and community connection.
When: Fridays, June 5 – September 25, 2026 · 6:00–8:00pm · No event 6/19 or 7/3
Where: Cleveland Public Square
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA HealthLine or Red Line to Public Square
Free 45-minute outdoor yoga classes in the heart of downtown, led by Cleveland-area yoga studios. Traditional multi-level yoga for all ages and abilities. A peaceful start to the weekend in an accessible, welcoming setting.
When: Saturdays, June 13 – September 25, 2026 · 10:00–10:45am · No event 7/4
Where: Cleveland Public Square
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA HealthLine or Red Line to Public Square
Downtown Cleveland's full-band evening summer concert series at Public Square. High-energy bands perform under the city skyline on Wednesday nights. Free bar on-site. A vibrant community gathering in the heart of Cleveland.
When: Wednesdays, July – September 2026 · 5:00–8:00pm
Where: Cleveland Public Square
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA HealthLine or Red Line to Public Square
One Thursday evening per month, Downtown Cleveland transforms Public Square into an open-air cinema. Family-friendly films, themed food trucks, a pop-up bar, and community partner experiences. A joyful, low-barrier community gathering. Bring a blanket or chair.
When: Thursdays, once per month · June 18, July 23, August 6, 2026 · 8:00pm
Where: Cleveland Public Square
Cost: Free
Transit: RTA HealthLine or Red Line to Public Square
🔁 WOW! Wednesdays continue weekly through Aug 20 · Edgewater LIVE Thursdays continue through August
Know a free event that belongs on this calendar? · Information is subject to change. Always verify directly with the hosting organization.
A curated collection of national organizations, toolkits, research databases, and networks for practitioners, advocates, and community members.
NOAH builds community to amplify, educate about, and advocate for the power of the arts to improve health and wellbeing for all people. Includes toolkits, publications, and a job board.
Visit NOAH →National Assembly of State Arts Agencies provides strategy samplers and resources for state-level arts and health integration.
Visit NASAA →NEA Military Healing Arts Network providing veterans arts and clinical program funding across the country.
Visit Creative Forces →Champions creative arts expression as a path towards improved health, specifically addressing loneliness and isolation.
Visit Project UnLonely →Breaking new ground at the crossroads of science, the arts, and technology, advancing the science of arts, health, and wellbeing.
Visit NeuroArts →The leading US organization for social prescribing. Enables health professionals to formally prescribe community activities to improve patient health.
Visit SP USA →Enables personalized social prescribing services with healthcare, university, corporate, and government partners to address the nation's most intractable health challenges.
Visit SocialRx →A searchable collection of peer-reviewed research, reports, and evidence documenting arts in health practice, outcomes, and evaluation across healthcare and community settings.
Search Database →A curated library of research, news, toolkits, and international resources on arts and social prescribing, maintained by the first statewide arts-on-prescription program in the US.
Explore Resources →The National Academy for Social Prescribing (UK) leads the International Social Prescribing Collaborative — a global community of practice spanning over 38 countries. NASP holds WHO Collaborating Centre status and convenes the International Arts on Prescription Collaborative, launched in late 2025 to advance arts-based social prescribing worldwide.
Visit NASP International →Funded by the Greek Ministry of Culture under the "Greece 2.0" National Recovery Plan (2023–2026), Greece's Cultural Prescription pilot refers patients from mental health institutions into arts activities — theater, visual arts, music, dance, and cinema — at cultural venues across the country. One of the first government-funded national arts prescribing programs in the EU.
Explore Prescribing Art Greece →The UK's leading network for arts, culture, and health. CHWA supports practitioners, policymakers, and researchers advancing the role of culture in health and wellbeing. Publishes evidence, toolkits, case studies, and policy briefs on arts on prescription, creative health, and social prescribing.
Visit CHWA →Whether you're a healthcare professional, arts organization, community member, researcher, or policymaker, there's a place for you in the Ohio Social Prescribing Collaborative.
Updates on Ohio social prescribing progress, national news, resource spotlights, and upcoming events.
Access to our monthly Monday gatherings, past recordings, and meeting notes, exclusively for mailing list members.
Ability to submit programs to our growing Ohio asset map and access the full directory.
Connect with social prescribing advocates, practitioners, and organizations across Ohio.