Playhouse Square

Planning an Evening at Playhouse Square

Playhouse Square sits along Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland, and the district's appeal goes well beyond whatever is on stage. Several historic theaters stand close together here, many of them built in the early 1920s and later saved from demolition by a community-led preservation effort. Walking between them, you notice the ornate lobbies, gilded ceilings and grand staircases that once made this stretch one of the busiest entertainment corridors in the Midwest.

Looking up as well as ahead

One of the district's best-known landmarks is the large outdoor chandelier suspended over the intersection of Euclid Avenue and East 14th Street. It is easy to spot on the way in and makes a good meeting point before a show. The illuminated signage along the street is worth a slow walk after dark, even on nights when you are not holding tickets.

Practical tips for visitors

• Buy tickets through official channels. Check the Playhouse Square website or box office for schedules and seating. Resale listings can be marked up or unreliable.
• Arrive early. Touring Broadway productions draw big crowds. Leave time for security, coat check and finding your seat in theaters with several levels.
• Plan your parking or transit. There are garages and surface lots nearby, and they fill up fast on show nights. Downtown bus routes along Euclid Avenue, including the HealthLine, are a handy alternative if you are staying elsewhere in the city.
• Book dinner ahead. Restaurants near the theaters fill up quickly before curtain time on weekends. Reserve a table and tell your server you have a show to catch.

Making a day of it

If you are visiting Cleveland from out of town, you can pair a matinee with an afternoon exploring downtown. The lakefront and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame are both a short trip away. Our destinations page covers more stops around the city and Lake Erie. For itineraries that combine a show with a weekend away, browse the guides.

Seasonal programming changes through the year, and holiday productions and touring musicals tend to sell out first. Checking the calendar a few weeks ahead usually gives you the widest choice of dates and seats.