Know before you go!

Who:

Brite Winter is for all ages! We have programming aimed specifically at younger kids again this year, with kid-centric music, movement and art activities scheduled from 2:00-6:00 p.m.

We make an effort to be more accessible to people with mobility impairments. We have accessible parking and restroom facilities. If you need accessible parking, please contact us at info@britewinter.com.

Ticketing:

General admission is $15, an upgraded ticket with a hat is $45 and a “pay-what-you-can” ticket starts at $5. We are aiming to strike the balance between remaining financially accessible while acknowledging that the arts are valuable to our community, and our artists and musicians deserve to be compensated fairly. 

We encourage you to purchase your tickets in advance here. This is the only place to purchase a ticket online. They can be redeemed and purchased at the door at a number of locations throughout the neighborhood, including NuLife Fitness, Praxis Fiber Workshop, The Treelawn, our Main Stage Area, Waterloo Arts and The Beachland Ballroom. If you pre-order a hat, you may pick up your merchandise at one of these locations. Hats will not be delivered after the event.

The festival this year is more of an open format than it has been in the past. When you redeem or purchase your ticket, you will be given a Brite Winter button. This will serve as your “ticket” throughout the day and throughout the festival.

MERCH:

Enhance your Brite experience with some limited-edition merch!! Get your annual original Brite Winter beanie or a special edition screen printed festival poster.

$25 for 2025 Brite Winter hat 

$5 for a Brite Winter koozie

$60 for a screen-printed Brite Winter 2026 festival poster

Credit cards are highly encouraged, and tap-to-pay is even more highly encouraged.
Cash will be accepted only in the main stage outdoor area. All other sales stations are cashless.

Transportation:

Waterloo Arts District and Brite Winter is right off the Shoreway, with easy access in and out of the neighborhood, making it a quick trip from anywhere in the Cleveland area. 

• 15 minutes from Public Square

• 12 minutes from Mentor

• 15 minutes from Cleveland Heights

• 16 minutes from Edgewater

• 17 minutes from Tremont

• 20 minutes from Clifton Park

• 18 minutes from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

• 23 minutes from Independence
  

Parking in the neighborhood is plentiful and free. Brite Winter has arranged with Jergen’s, the Cleveland Food Bank and Memorial School for free parking and a free shuttle from their parking lots into the heart of the festival, so please take advantage of those options!

Ride shares are also encouraged. We encourage a drop-off and pick-up location of NuLife Fitness or Waterloo Arts to make it easy on you and your driver.

How to Dress:

Arrive in style, but dress smart and warm! Remember: even if it’s warmer and sunny during the day, temperatures drop quickly as the sun goes down. Our fire pits will be roaring. Dress in layers, bring your Brite hat (or buy a 2026 version at the event), and don’t forget your gloves!

This year, we have plenty of indoor options, so plan on bopping indoors and outdoors all day long to get the most out of the festival.

Food & Drink:

Food and drink will be plentiful! Enjoy a meal from local establishments or nosh on fare from food trucks.

Juicy Vegan: Grab one of their delicious vegan sandwiches, fries, and hot drink special

The Treelawn: Specials include bratwurst hoagie, veggie stew con “carne”, farmer’s stew and cucumber salad.

PopLife: Grab vegan fare from their take-out window and enjoy in their peaceful lounge upstairs

Beachland Ballroom: Enjoy their usual delicious meals in the Tavern

Millard Fillmore: Everyone’s favorite local pub for a beer or cocktail with friends.

Six Shooter: Coffee, hot cocoa, and other warm drinks galore!

Doink’s: Stop in for one of the best burgers in Cleveland

Waterloo Arts Cafe: Grab warm sandwiches, soup, root vegetable salad, cookies and hot cocoa along with a full bar of adult beverages. Includes vegan options.

Want to enjoy your meal by the bonfire outside? Grab something from food trucks by Manna, You Enjoy My Donuts and Feelin’ Good Ice Cream along with a Collision Bend beer from the Brite Bar near the Main Stage.