Frequently Asked Questions
What Is RIPE! Fest?
Cleveland’s RIPE! Fest is a feast for the senses! A three-day celebration of our region’s thriving local food scene and the edible gardening revolution with live, home-grown, foot-stomping music, unique shopping and an onsite farmers market, all taking place amidst Cleveland Botanical Garden’s 10 acres of beautiful outdoor gardens in their full fall glory.
Who Should Attend?
Foodies, families and outdoor festival-goers alike. Anyone with local pride, a love of music, a green thumb or a rumble in their belly will not want to miss this year’s festival.
Why Should I Attend?
No other festival will get you closer to our region’s star chefs and the local farmers who source their world-class cuisine, all in a beautiful outdoor setting filled with the sounds of music and laughter, the smells of open grills and the sight of brilliant reds, yellows and oranges of fall foliage.
Should I Bring My Kids?
Absolutely! Each day has a full slate of children’s activities and programs that immerse kids in the worlds of local food, edible gardening and, of course, fun! The festival also features an open picnic area where kids can roam freely and dance to the music.
What Are the Dates and Hours?
RIPE! Fest runs Friday, September 23 – Sunday, September 25. Each day the festival opens at 11:00 am and runs until the exact time of sundown, according to the lunar calendar that has
long governed the time of harvest.
- Friday, September 23 • 11:00 am – 7:23 pm
- Saturday, September 24 • 11:00 am – 7:21 pm
- Sunday, September 25 • 11:00 am – 7:19 pm
How Much Are Tickets?
- Member adult: $7
- Member child: $4
- Non-member adult: $12
- Non-member child: $6
Tickets can be purchased at the Garden’s main entrance on the day of the event;
discounted tickets can be purchased in advance at the
Garden box office or online.
Where Can I Park?
The Garden and RIPE! Fest is located in the heart of University Circle, which offers extensive street and surface lot parking. RIPE! Fest guests can park on-site in the Garden’s parking garage, or take a shuttle from the nearby parking garages at the Cleveland Museum of Art or the VA Hospital. For more information on parking and directions, click here
Where Can I Spend the Night?
The surrounding neighborhood offers a wide range of accommodations. The Garden’s preferred hotel is InterContinental Cleveland
What Can I Do?
- Delicious food presented by local chefs and farmers
- Live cooking demonstrations using harvest ingredients
- The region’s best food, beer and wine tastings
- Edible gardening tips
- Abundance of food and garden vendors
- Live bands and dancing
- Onsite farmers market
A ticket to RIPE! is also an admission ticket to Cleveland Botanical Garden and its
10 acres of brilliant outdoor gardens.
Should I Bring My Appetite?
Of course! All three days of the festival are packed with excellent culinary programming, including live cooking demos and chef Q&As, chef and farm pairings, and food, beer and wine tastings. The festival also features a bustling marketplace full of local food vendors, farm-fresh eats, and a farmers market.
What if it Rains?
Bring your umbrella! RIPE! Fest will be held rain or shine, with the possibility that certain activities may be brought indoors in case of inclement weather.
