The winter blues are a very real problem, especially when one lives in cold, dreary Northeast Ohio.
But Clevelanders don't have to suffer through cabin fever, even when the days of sipping rosé on outdoor patios are on hiatus. There's no shortage of fun food events planned for the winter, from a festival devoted to fizzy hard seltzers to a pair of events all about chocolate.
Check out the list below for 10 food festivals and events to get you through the winter.
All Fizzed Up
Do you believe there are no laws when you're drinking Claws? Head to this brand new hard seltzer festival, which offers more than the standard mango White Claw. Guests will find more than 25 hard seltzer brands on hand with more than 100 varieties of seltzers for tasting. Live entertainment, food trucks and local vendors will also be there to keep you busy. Get tickets here.
When: March 21, 7:30 p.m.
Where: The Agora, 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Chocolate Crawl Willoughby
Make your way through Downtown Willoughby as you sample chocolate-infused fare. Participating bars and restaurants will also offer drink specials and an opportunity to check off your passport as you visit. Click here for tickets.
When: Feb. 8, 2-6 p.m.
Where: Erie Street, Willoughby
Chocolate Fest Cleveland
Celebrate your love for all things sweet at one of the most decadent events in The Land. Local vendors will provide samples of all their sinful treats while a bar serves chocolate martinis, beer and wine. Guests can attend a truffle-making class, a healthy chocolate class, or learn the art of chocolate and wine pairings. General admission includes 14 sample tickets for tastings. Click here for tickets.
When: March 14, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Lago, 1091 W. 10th St., Cleveland
Cleveland Dessert Festival
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the ultimate sugary, sweet spot. The Cleveland Dessert Festival features more than 20 local treat makers handing out samples of their best desserts. Tickets include 20 dessert samples and a treat box to take home. Get tickets here.
When: Feb. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: The Madison, 4601 Payne Ave., Cleveland
Cleveland Restaurant Week
Cleveland Independents Restaurant Week providers diners with an ideal chance to find their new favorite restaurant. Participating restaurants offer special three-course prix fixe menus for $33, meaning diners can try places that may typically be beyond their budget. The event stretches beyond the city's borders, as foodies can find participating restaurants as far as Sandusky, Akron and Medina. Click here for more information.
When: March 9-21
Where: Click here for the list of restaurants.
Cleveland Winter Beerfest
Sample more than 175 craft beers as you enjoy live music and mingle with other craft beer lovers. Breweries will be on site to serve you their best brews, from pilsners to IPAs and sours. Admission includes 25 tickets for drink samples and a souvenir mug. Click here for tickets.
When: Jan. 24 and 25, 8-11:30 p.m.
Where: Huntington Convention Center, 300 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland
Donut Fest
You donut want to miss out on one of Cleveland's favorite food fests. Donut Fest Cleveland features Northeast Ohio's best donut makers, from Brewnuts to Duck Donuts and coffee shops in-between. Tickets for the 2020 event in Cleveland are sold out, according to the event's website, so you'll have to ask around for extras if you were a procrastinator. Learn more here.
When: Feb. 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Red Space, 2400 Superior Ave., Cleveland
Mac and Cheese Throwdown
If you're a fan of mac and cheese, you gouda get tickets to this event. Thirty of Cleveland's best restaurants will compete for the title of best mac and cheese, as voted on by the people. Guests get to sample mac and cheese from all the participants, sip adult beverages and decide on their favorite bites. WKYC Studios' own Monica Robins will be one of the guest judges. Click here for tickets.
When: Feb. 29, 12-3:30 p.m.
Where: Cleveland Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland
United We Brunch
Cure your hangover at the ultimate brunch bash. United We Brunch features brunch tastings from a crop of Cleveland's best restaurants and bloody marys to keep you content. Tickets include unlimited brunch tastings on top of a commemorative glass for your drink tastings. Click here for tickets.
When: March 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: The Madison, 4601 Payne Ave., Cleveland
Vodka Vodka
The sixth Vodka Vodka party features more than just tastings of vodka from around the globe. Guests will also find a fashion show showcasing local designers, brand ambassadors from vodka brands, and a live DJ spinning tunes. Click here for tickets.
When: Feb. 7, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Red Space, 2400 Superior Ave., Cleveland