Events

A crowd of people looking at a historic yellow subway with an American flag hanging from the ceiling.

Past Events

2026

Visitors were invited to step inside one of Cleveland’s most significant historic landmarks with self‑guided access to the long‑closed streetcar level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge on June 27. As part of the Cuyahoga LIVE! initiative, music was provided by nine local artists and funded by the America 250-Ohio Commission. The Veterans Memorial Bridge and Subway Tour attendees were encouraged to learn about the bridge’s history and engage with the team working to revitalize the lower deck for more regular public access. The event was a part of Cuyahoga County’s America 250 celebration and held concurrently with a Picnic in the Park at nearby Canal Basin Park. View the photo gallery of the events.

2025

On Saturday, June 21 the public had the opportunity to explore the historic streetcar level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge, the original subway stations, and trolley tracks. Attendees had the chance to learn about revitalization efforts of the lower level of the bridge and its surroundings. View the event photo gallery. Additionally, Cuyahoga County, in partnership with the Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation, offered weekly historic walking tours from June through September. In addition to learning about Cuyahoga County’s revitalization efforts for the lower level of the bridge, participants had the chance to share their ideas and the history of the bridge alongside professional guides.

2024

The public had the opportunity to GO Dream at the annual bridge tour at a June weekend of free, family-friendly arts programming on the lower level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge in partnership with artist Chuck Karnak. Visitors experienced a powerful immersion consisting of sculptural elements, soundscapes, special lighting, and live performances. View the event photo gallery. Additionally, Cuyahoga County, in partnership with the Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation, offered historic walking tours in June, July, August, and September. The 90-minute tour was an unforgettable adventure! Knowledgeable tour guides led groups along the streetcar level of the bridge, from West 9th to West 25th Streets.

2023

Rediscover Veterans Memorial Bridge was launched in June. More than 9,000 residents and visitors enjoyed a weekend of activities to showcase and explore the possibilities for the underside of the bridge. View the event photo gallery.

2019

In honor of the 50th anniversary of the infamous Cuyahoga River burning and in partnership with the Cleveland Foundation's Creative Fusion festival, the bridge was opened to the public for an immersive event featuring a color-changing light exhibition designed by Squidsoup, an internationally renowned group of artists based in the UK. View the event photo gallery.

2018

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the bridge being built Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works opened the bridge for public tours in August 2018. View the poster of the event.

2017

After repairs and construction upgrades, the Cuyahoga County Department of Public Works opened the bridge to the public in August 2017 for free, self-guided tours for the first time in four years. Over 10,000 people came to the Veterans Memorial Bridge that day.

2011

The lower level of the bridge was part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation as part of its “This Place Matters” campaign. The study intended to address design concepts for pedestrian and bicycle paths across the lower level of the bridge; design conceptual alternatives for each access point to the bridge; provide a traffic study for roadways and intersections at both ends of the bridge; analyze the potential for use of the bridge by arts and culture organizations; assess the potential for real estate development within and near the bridge; and conceive of connectivity strategies to nearby (current and future) attractions and neighborhoods.

The Avengers movie filmed scenes on the lower level of the bridge.

2010/2011

Ingenuity Fest, a music and arts-based festival, utilized the lower level of the bridge to host its annual event.

2009

Kent State University’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative asked students to participate in a design/build charrette to envision interventions on the lower level of the bridge as part of The Bridge Project.