Events


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A person is taking a picture using their phone while their subject poses in an old yellow streetcar.

2025 Schedule of Events

Take-a-Hike Tours, in partnership with Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation
Tour guides lead visitors on the streetcar level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge, from West 9th to West 25th Streets. Along the route, they share the history of the bridge and surroundings and meet special visitors who tell fascinating stories of the city’s past.

Fridays, June 6 through September 26, Noon to 1 p.m.

  • Registration and a signed release are required.
  • At this time, all registration spots have been reserved for the entire season.
  • However, plans do change and cancellations do occur—so we encourage you to check back regularly. As tickets become available, dates with openings will appear on the Eventbrite Registration page.

Past 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. During the event, Cuyahoga County's Fresh Water Institute provided hands-on activities for families, inspiring continued stewardship of the Cuyahoga River and our great Lake Erie. View the event photo gallery.

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.

2004

Bet Your Life movie filmed scenes on the lower level of the bridge.

2001

Bridge & Subway Tours open to the public.


Photo Gallery