Between all the concerts, festivals, art shows and fairs, it’s easy to find plenty of interesting, fun and largely free things to do in Northeast Ohio.
One that should be on your radar is the BorderLight Theatre Festival in the Playhouse Square District, running from Wed., July 24-Sat., July 27.
A celebration of the diversity of the human experience, the festival includes free and ticketed events including a silent disco, music, storytellers and dance.
Here’s the schedule. Get details online at BorderLightCLE.org, and on social media platforms.
Festival Guides are available at various coffee houses, restaurants, and businesses throughout
downtown Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24th : OPENING NIGHT HAPPENINGS
THE CITY CLUB OF CLEVELAND FORUM: OUTDOOR SERIES
noon-1 p.m.
US Bank Plaza
FREE
Before kicking off this year’s festival at the official Opening Night events, hear from featured artists about the importance of representation and diverse creativity in the arts and culture industry.
Forum participants include:
● Paterson Joseph, Award-winning actor and author, The Secret Diaries of Charles
Ignatius Sancho
● Kenneth Shirley (Diné), Champion Fancy Dancer, Indigenous Enterprise
● Moderated by Josy Jones , BorderLight Associate Producer
This event is free, with reservations required. For full event and reservation information,
visit The City Club of Cleveland’s website.
PERFORMANCE: INDIGENOUS LIBERATION
6 p.m.
US Bank Plaza
FREE
Experience an evening of jubilant story, song, and dance with INDIGENOUS LIBERATION.
Founder of Indigenous Enterprise and champion Fancy Dancer Kenneth Shirley leads the intertribal group in highlighting traditional powwow categories, including Jingle Dress, Hoop, Chicken Dance, Flute, and Grass Dance.
PERFORMANCE: SANCHO & ME-FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY
6:30 p.m. – 8:10 p.m.
Westfield Insurance Studio Theatre in Playhouse Square
$35 | Includes talkback following the show
The incredible story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, a British abolitionist who was born on a slave
ship in 1729 and went on to become a writer, composer, and first man of African Heritage to
vote in Britain, among other accolades, is revisited in the critically acclaimed SANCHO & ME –
FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY.
PERFORMANCE: WIZBANG! AWAY WE GO!
7:45 p.m.
US Bank Plaza
$12
AWAY WE GO! is a variety show that brings the talents of diverse circus performers with the charm and mystery of misplaced luggage, where every lost item holds a tale waiting to be told. Creating a magical experience that delights and entertains audiences of all ages, purveyors Pinch and Squeal send Vaudeville kicking and screaming into the 21st Century.
OPENING NIGHT PARTY: DIVE INTO BORDERLIGHT THEATRE FESTIVAL
9 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Cibrèo Privato
Free, with a suggested donation of $10
Following the evening’s performances, BorderLight Theatre Festival will continue the celebration
at its Opening Night Party, sponsored by Cuyahoga Community College at Cibrèo Privato!
Fellow arts enthusiasts, festival artists, and VIP guests will mingle while enjoying performances
by featured BorderLight artists, including Tango Unleashed, MK LeBeaux, and more!
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available.
FRIDAY, JULY 26
SPECIAL EVENT : SILENT DISCO
9 p.m. – 11 p.m.
US Bank Plaza
Free, with a suggested donation of $10
We’re taking over the US Bank Plaza with our Silent Disco! 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
DJ Nic Nacc and DJ Julian Mendez keep the party going with the hottest beats
pumped through provided headphones. Bring your friends and your best dance moves,
and come party on the plaza with us!
SATURDAY, JULY 27: CLOSING DAY FESTIVITIES
FAMILY DAY
Noon-4 p.m.
Various locations
Age 5 and under: FREE
Age 6 to 16: $10
Age 16+: $15
New to BorderLight in 2024, Family Day is a day of kid-friendly shows, interactive activities, and
events that the whole family can enjoy!
Family Day tickets include access to the full lineup of activities specifically curated for art
enthusiasts of any age. The day will consist of theatre-themed crafts, skills, and performances in
a variety of spaces in and around Playhouse Square.
CLOSING NIGHT: THE BORDERLIGHT AWARDS & FESTIVAL WRAP PARTY
9 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
The Hermit Club
Free, with a suggested donation of $10
Attendees will be treated to a powerful performance from the Blakk Jakk Dance
Collective, setting the stage on fire before we reveal the winners of the esteemed BorderLight
awards. Then, let loose and dance the night away as we celebrate in style with DJ Red Eye.
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available.
TICKET AND FESTIVAL GUIDE INFORMATION
Tickets for all BorderLight Theatre Festival performances are on sale. Ticket prices range from
$12-$35, with 12 shows free and open to the public. Tickets can be purchased online and by
telephone (Fringe Shows: 216-356-6485 | International and Comedy Shows: 216-241-6000).
Tickets can also be purchased in-person July 24-27 at the Playhouse Square Box Office
located in the KeyBank State Theatre Lobby and at BorderLight’s Main Box Office, which will be
located at The City Club of Cleveland.
BORDERLIGHT THEATRE FESTIVAL
Founded in 2015 by Dale Heinen and Jeffrey Pence, BorderLight Festival is a nonprofit whose
mission is to present innovative theatre that inspires, builds cross-cultural understanding and
celebrates the diversity of the human experience. Since debuting in 2019, BorderLight has
welcomed thousands of arts enthusiasts to downtown Cleveland and showcased hundreds of
international and domestic performances.
