New Winter Festival To Debut In Cleveland This Year

CLEVELAND — A new winter festival will be held this year in the Flats in Cleveland.

Winter RiverFest will be held at Rivergate Park by the Cleveland Metroparks. The event will be along the Cuyahoga River and will feature synthetic ice skating, light displays, a beer garden, firepits, a retail shop and igloo village at Merwin's Wharf.

“We are excited to offer our guests a new way to explore the park district and stay active this winter with Winter RiverFest,” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman. “Rivergate Park is a hidden gem that’s quickly transformed into a recreational hub and the nexus of our evolving urban trail network.”

The festival will run Wednesdays to Sundays starting Nov. 27 and continuing through Jan. 18. The festival will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. most nights, though special holiday hours will be implemented.

Face coverings are required for all guests ages 6 and older.

The ice skating rink will be available via reservations, to allow for social distancing. Tickets for the rink will be $7 for adults and $5 for children (12 and under). Ice skates will be available to rent for $3.

Fat Head's Brewing, Beverage Distributors and Debonne Vineyards will run the beer garden. There will be limited indoor dining at Merwin's Wharf, or guests can reserve a private outdoor igloo. Igloo rentals start at a two-hour minimum for $50, plus a food and drink minimum.