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GUIDE | The best things to do in Northeast Ohio this April

Catch a film, enjoy a Tribe game at Progressive Field, or take a behind the scenes tour of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo!

CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a story published on March 21, 2021. 

As vaccination rates rise in Ohio and across the country, more and more people are finding themselves interested in getting out of the house and re-entering society in a safe and fun way. 

Whether you are interested in getting outdoors or safely supporting an iconic local tradition, below you will find a list of events, programs, and fun things to do this April across Northeast Ohio. 

The 45th Cleveland International Film Festival

Film lovers, rejoice! The Cleveland International Film Festival is back this year and better than ever with something for every movie fan. 

The fully-streaming event runs from April 7-20, 2021 on clevelandfilm.org, with tickets for $10 per screening for the general public, and at a discounted rate of $8 per film for CIFF members.

With 116 feature films, 182 short films, filmmaker Q&As, podcast episodes, and more, this is an April event you won't want to miss!

You can find the full program guide here.

Cleveland Indians games at Progressive Field

After what felt like the longest year ever for baseball-lovers, in-person games are officially back and welcoming MLB fans to the stands-- excuse the rhyme, we're just that excited! 

The Cleveland Indians will play 14 home games throughout the month of April, and several games still have tickets available, despite the 30-percent capacity rule. 

Expect things to look a little different than normal, however. With social distancing between fans, cashless transactions, eating and drinking permitted only while seated and a mandatory mask-mandate, the Indians are looking to make sure fans enjoy a classic ballgame while still keeping everyone safe and healthy. 

Tickets range from $17 to $120 and can be found here

Orchids Forever Festival at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens 

The Cleveland Botanical Gardens' Orchids Forever Festival is one of the best local events to catch a glimpse of the beauty of nature this April. 

Guests can check out the thousands of flowers lining the greenhouse, hallways, and galleries, as well as learn about the gorgeous plants and how they bloom. There is even a dedicated Spotify playlist that you can listen to while walking through the exhibit. It doesn't get much better than that!

Tickets are $15 per adult and $10 for children ages 10-and-under. Orchids Forever runs through Sunday, April 11. 

Cleveland Metroparks events

As every Northeast Ohioan knows, the Cleveland Metroparks are the gifts that keep on giving. 

This month, you can take part in bird-watching events, nature walks, and even take an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at some of the animals at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Metroparks offer events every weekend for those looking to discover something new, while also enjoying nature in all its beauty. 

You can find a full list of events throughout the month of April, here

Dyngus Day 2021

Polish food, dancing, and music! What more could you ask for? 

Dyngus Day Cleveland will be held on April 5, with new social distancing and COVID-19 safety protocols in place to ensure guests stay healthy, while also enjoying themselves. 

The day will be broken up into three sessions with limited availability for each. Tickets are $50 per person or $1000 per VIP room.

Hilarities shows

Need a reason to laugh? Hilarities has got you covered. 

The iconic Cleveland comedy club will welcome more than 10 hilarious comedians this month, including Sam Morril (April 30), Matt Fulchiron (April 24), Tone Bell (April 9-11), and many more. 

Hilarities has shows almost every night of the week and is a timeless option for laughs and fun. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, capacity is limited and tickets are first come first serve. 

You can find more info on the acts coming to Hilarities this month, here

Chocolate Fest

This one might just be self-explanatory! Chocolate Fest 2021 will feature decadent sweets and treats from Northeast Ohio vendors. 

Learn how to pair chocolates with wines and other foods during this festival, which also includes specialty drinks, just for the occasion. 

The Chocolate Fest will be held on April 10, from 5-9 p.m. at Lago Custom Events space in Cleveland. Ticket prices range from $25 to $50 and can be found here

Mac & Cheese Stroll

Not to be cheesy, but this is one is going to be good! The Willoughby Mac & Cheese Stroll involves 10 iconic Downtown Willoughby eateries, each offering up a unique interpretation on the classic comfort-dish. 

Tickets are $35 until April 15 and then $40 through the date of the event. The Mac & Cheese Stroll will be held on April 17, from 1-5 p.m. on Erie Street in Downtown Willoughby. 

The NFL Draft

It didn't feel real, but it is almost here! 

The 2021 NFL Draft will kick off in Cleveland on April 29. According to the league, the event will utilize several Downtown Cleveland locations, including FirstEnergy Stadium, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Great Lakes Science Center. The NFL also says that there are plans to include musical acts on each day of the draft, entertaining fans who came out to support. 

RELATED: NFL announces plans for 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland; will host players and fans

Social-distancing and mask-wearing will be enforced at all events pertaining to the NFL Draft.

It is going to be a fun month in Northeast Ohio! 

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Editor's note: the video in the player below is from a story published on March 22, 2021. 

 

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