What to do in and around Cleveland on Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day weekend, May 28-31 in 2010, marks the unofficial beginning of summer in Greater Cleveland. Sure, summer doesn't technically begin until mid-June, but it's Memorial Day that signals the pools to open, the beaches to be staffed and the theme park to begin daily schedules. Oh, and you can break out those white shoes, too. The weekend also hosts a generous supply of festivals and other activities to kick off the season in Cleveland. Here are just a few:

Blossom Time Festival
May 27-30
Various locations in Chagrin Falls

The East Side Cleveland suburb of Chagrin Falls marks Memorial Day weekend with a variety of activities, including carnival rides, a hot-air balloon race, plenty of fair food, a 5.25-mile run, live music and a parade on Sunday. Admission is free. Events are located throughout the village.

Marc's Great American Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival
May 28-31
Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City
351 Canal Road in Cleveland

This celebration of food, family and music is a Cleveland tradition. Held in the shadow of the Tower City complex at the Time Warner Amphitheater in downtown Cleveland, the four-day festival features a selection of barbecue chefs from across the United States. Some represent restaurants; others specialize in cooking at festivals. All are tasty. The festival also offers a selection of big-name entertainment at no additional cost. The 2010 lineup includes Micky Dolenz of the Monkees, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and Rusted Root. General admission is $8.

Hellenic Heritage Festival
May 28-31
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
2187 W. 14th St. in Cleveland
216-861-0116

The Hellenic Heritage Festival, held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood, is a celebration of Greek food, culture, music and dance. You don't have to be Greek or a member of the church to enjoy the festivities. In fact, people come from all over the area to sample the baklava, moussaka, Greek meatballs and savory grilled chicken. There are also dance and music performances, a Greek marketplace, and a lively beer garden. The Hellenic Heritage Festival is open Friday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is free.

Berea's National Rib Cook-Off
May 28-31
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
164 Eastland Road in Berea
440-234-5181

If you can't get your fill of grilled pork in downtown Cleveland, head south to Berea for the National Rib Cook-Off. This event features music, ribs and the fixings, a craft show, and a classic car show. The event is open Friday from noon to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free on Friday. On all other days, adult admission is $5, and children 12 and younger are free. Parking is also free.

Lake Erie Beaches
Headlands Beach State Park
9601 Headlands Road in Mentor
216-881-8141

Memorial Day also marks the opening of the summer season at Greater Cleveland's beaches. Among the best of these is the beach at Mentor's Headlands Beach State Park. The park is home to the largest sand beach in Ohio as well as a scenic lighthouse. Other facilities include picnic tables and grills, hiking trails, concession stands and clean restrooms.