Gershwin at Severance and Lunar New Year Festivities Today
A Romantic and Cultural Saturday in Cleveland
Today, Saturday, February 14, 2026, Cleveland transforms into a vibrant hub of music, heritage, and theater. Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day or looking to immerse yourself in local culture, the city offers a diverse lineup of verified events. From the soul-stirring sounds of Gershwin at Severance Music Center to the energetic lion dances of the Lunar New Year, there is no shortage of ways to spend this winter Saturday.
Musical Highlights: Gershwin and Rock & Roll Romance
Music lovers have two major destinations today. At the historic Severance Music Center, The Cleveland Orchestra presents a special program titled 'Hannigan Conducts Gershwin' at 7:30 PM. This performance features the versatile Barbara Hannigan leading the orchestra through George Gershwin's jazz-influenced masterpieces, offering a sophisticated and romantic evening for concertgoers.
Downtown, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is hosting its official Valentine’s Day Celebration from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can enjoy love-themed artifact guides featuring items from icons like Taylor Swift and Billy Joel, participate in playlist keychain crafting, and sample signature themed cocktails. Love songs and anti-love anthems will play throughout the museum all day, providing a unique soundtrack to the exhibits.
Community Festivals: Lunar New Year and Kurentovanje
The cultural heart of the city beats strongly today with the start of the Lunar New Year Celebration at Asia Plaza. From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the Year of the Horse is welcomed with traditional lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and a variety of local food trucks and vendors in the Asiatown neighborhood. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
In the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood, the Cleveland Kurentovanje festival brings Slovenian tradition to the streets. The main parade begins at noon, featuring the iconic Kurents—mythical figures dressed in sheepskins and bells meant to scare away winter. It is a loud, colorful community meetup that offers a true taste of Cleveland's unique heritage.
Theater and Public Exhibitions
Playhouse Square is bustling with several high-profile productions today:
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– The hit Broadway musical about the women's suffrage movement takes the stage at the Connor Palace with performances at 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM.The Heart of Robin Hood
– A swashbuckling and romantic reimagining of the classic legend is showing at the Hanna Theatre at 7:30 PM.Primary Trust
– The Cleveland Play House presents this acclaimed drama at the Outcalt Theatre at 7:30 PM.
For those seeking visual arts, the Cleveland Museum of Art offers the 'Pintoricchio Magnified' immersive exhibition from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, alongside 'still/emerging: Native American Works on Paper.' These exhibitions provide a contemplative and visually stunning escape from the February chill.