Sat 6/13 @ noon-3PM
Parade the Circle, which was created by Robin Van Lear in 1990, has become the Cleveland Museum of Art’s signature public event, taking place each June. Van Lear moved on during the pandemic, and the event downsized for three years, returning at full strength in 2023, with a new director, Cleveland artist Héctor Castellanos Lara. It also had a delayed, downsized event last year when its original date was rained out — the first time that had happened in its history.
But the event has survived as a non-commercial, nonpolitical community event where costumes, props, puppets and other decor are all created by both formal and informal groups: families, neighbors, clubs, scout groups, community organizations, churches and more. No signage is allowed, no floats or motorized vehicles (except as needed for disabilities). But you will see lavish, colorful displays of masks, flags, stilt walkers, acrobats, dancers, jugglers and musicians, who have been working for months to create around an open-ended theme — this year’s is “Momentum” and was inspired by CMA’s exhibit American Printed Silks: 1927-1947.
At the conclusion of the parade, people gather on Wade Oval to celebrate. It’s free and open to all.