Exciting additions to BAYarts' free summer line-up

The BAYarts Art + Music Festival returns Saturday, June 15. Photo by Lori Kubiak

Kick off the summer season with the BAYarts Farm + Art Market which starts on Thursday, June 13, (5-8 p.m.) and runs every Thursday until Sept. 12. This year, market Manager Pam Mills has lined up another pie-baking contest, several dog-themed Yappy Hours, and Cupcake Wars. Krav food truck will be in attendance most nights, along with vendors that provide fresh produce, eggs, bakery goods, salsas, flowers, jewelry, Cleveland swag, fresh-pressed juices, pasta, teas and more.

A full list of vendors can be found on www.bayarts.net/events/market and new vendors can also apply via that site. "We're very excited to have grown each year, and to see how the community turns up in full force each week," says Mills.

Following that, the BAYarts Art + Music Festival, part of the citywide Destination Bay, is Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Rey Cintron's Rice and Beans band will play live. Artistic director and festival organizer Karen Petkovic says of the band, "They have great energy! They make the whole day feel like vacation – just the right vibe for our festival." Local and handmade home decor, ceramics, garden accessories, photography, bath & body items, and clothing will be sold. Krav, Manna and Galaxy Grill food trucks will be in attendance, along with the BAYarts Brat Pack.

The festival has some new additions this year.

"Something really special we will have is the Traveling Porch – an interactive outdoor experience where people can sit in a number of unique chairs and hammocks," Petkovic says. "We will have My Turquoise Kitten this year - they do very unique jewelry designed with a great sense of whimsy, and Sushi and Bacon Earrings make everything as a limited edition and so special. Simply Sewn Home Goods will feature handmade quilts, pillows, and corn hole bags."

The BAYarts concert series has a full line-up, taking place on select Sundays from 7-9 p.m. The first concert is Sunday, June 16. A full concert schedule can be found on www.bayarts.net/events/concerts – it includes the returning School of Rock, Maura & the Bellows, Lazy Ted and the Big Hurry and Cleveland Opera Theater. There are also a few new faces with the addition of Rockport, Cats on Holiday and Gringo Stew. Concessions and libations will be available to purchase.

New this year is the inclusion of The Cleveland Shakespeare Festival performing "Much Ado About Nothing" on the BAYarts campus. It will take place on Sunday, July 21, from 7-9 p.m. Stay up to date on the BAYarts website and by signing up for the newsletter and/or e-blasts on www.bayarts.net/classes/newsletter.