PlayhouseSquare's Development Corp Announces Summer Events Schedule

The PlayhouseSquare District bustles with activity this summer as The PlayhouseSquare District Development Corporation (PDDC) announces its schedule of summer time events. The PDDC is a not-for-profit organization comprised of PlayhouseSquare building owners and area stakeholders who create and implement plans which establish and maintain the district as an exciting destination.

Starting June 1 through September 18, Star Plaza, PlayhouseSquare's outdoor urban park, transforms into a café-style setting offering an array of free programs and special events for the lunchtime and after-work crowds. The PlayhouseSquare neighborhood is a vibrant welcoming destination, reflecting a variety of entertainment, dining, living and business core options, thereby strengthening the economic vitality of downtown Cleveland.

Under the theme of "It's five o'clock somewhere" the PDDC announces the following free events and activities at Star Plaza:

First Thursdays at PlayhouseSquare - The newest monthly after-work series, takes place from 5:00pm - 7:30pm with live music and happy hour specials at these participating area bars and restaurants: Blue Bar at the Wyndham Hotel, Bricco, Hanna Restaurant and Au Bar, Moko Café, Otto Moser's and Star Restaurant. First Thursdays are modeled to attract area office workers at day's end to local PlayhouseSquare restaurants and bars furthering the neighborhood as a superior location for after-work entertainment as well as a direct economic impact to the businesses.

First Thursday dates are: June 4, July 2, August 6 and September 3.

Themed Weekday Outdoor Video Board Programs - Featured programs are from noon to 2:00pm daily on the giant video board located on the Wyndham Hotel. The video board location offers a clear view to the lunchtime crowds at Star Plaza. Weekday video board programming this summer features: Comedy Relief, Monday - Courageous Super Hero's, Tuesday - Rock Hall Inductees Concerts, Wednesday - Food Network Shows, Friday.

Free Lunches - The free Star Plaza lunches are presented by WDOK and the Mix 106.5 Listener Lunch Tour. Enjoy free food, contests, prizes and more from 11:30am - 1:30pm.

Free Lunch dates are: June 10, July 16 and September 16.

PlayhouseSquare Cornhole Tournaments - Star Plaza hosts a summer-long Cornhole Tournament Series every Thursday, June 4 - September 3. Office workers from the Bulkley, Hanna, and Idea Center Buildings will compete in the 14-week daytime-and-after-work cornhole series. At summer's end, tournament play concludes with the top two teams competing for the grand prize (cornhole trophy and bragging rights) at The PlayhouseSquare Block Party & Tour, September 11.

Sparx Concerts Series - Sparx Concerts is a marketing effort operated by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance that features regional performers to create vibrant street life in downtown. Musicians, performance artist and specialty acts will perform at First Thursdays (5:00pm - 7:00pm) and during Friday lunch at Star Plaza (11:30am - 1:30pm).

During First Thursdays: June 4, July 2, August 6 and September 3.

During Friday Lunch: June 19, July 17, August 7 and 28.

PlayhouseSquare Block Party & Tour - The schedule of outdoor events comes to an end on September 11 with the 10th annual PlayhouseSquare Block Party & Tour at Star Plaza. This outdoor block party celebrates with food, beverages, live music, Cornhole Tournament finals and visits to neighborhood locations. Tickets on sale August 3.

Theater schedule of performances and entertainment include:

Mary Poppins, July 17 - August 9, Cinema at the Square, August 6-23,

Celtic Woman, June 13, Diana Krall, June 30 and Kathy Griffin, August 20.

Outdoor events and activities at PlayhouseSquare are presented by The PlayhouseSquare District Development Corporation in partnership with PlayhouseSquare and the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.

The PlayhouseSquare District Development Corporation championed safety patrols and beautification efforts throughout the neighborhood and elevated Star Plaza to one of Cleveland's premiere outdoor urban parks for special events and annual celebrations.