Cleveland’s diversity in ethnic and cultural demographics provides the setting for a wide variety of tastes and flavors at the city’s restaurants and festivals. As spring moves into summer, some of the best events focused on the art of food and drink head to Cleveland. Channeling everything from summer barbecues to fine dining to ethnic flavors, the following events are sure to please your palate.

Photo credit: Thinkstock

Spring Fabulous Food Show
I-X Center
1 I-X Center Drive
Cleveland, OH 44135
(216) 676-6000
www.fabulousfoodshow.com

Dates: Saturday, April 28 – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 29 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: Starting at $25 for 1-day pass and $40 for 2-day pass, General Parking – $8

The Fabulous Food Show hits Cleveland the last weekend of April, delivering the first springtime culinary event to the city. This event is sure to leave you ready for summer. Celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse will share their knowledge of great recipes and techniques on the grill. Industry experts will attend to help you turn your fantasies into realities with ideas on transforming outdoor living spaces. Plenty of exhibitors will share their delectable goods and an on-site pavilion will be filled with the best in beer, wine and spirits. Check out the Chef Schedule to make sure you don’t miss the presentations by Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse, Steven Raichlen and Jamie Purviance.

Photo Credit: International Beerfest

International Beerfest
I-X Center
1 I-X Center Drive
Cleveland, OH 44135
(216) 676-6000
www.ixbeerfest.com

Dates: Session 1 – Friday, May 11 – 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., 
Session 2 – Saturday, May 12 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Session 3 – Saturday, May 12 – 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Price: Single Session – $45, Single Session VIP – $75, All Session – $120, Single Session VIP – $200, Designated Driver Ticket – $10/session

The International Beerfest returns to the I-X Center in Cleveland on May 11 and 12. This event is wholly dedicated to the celebration of beer and all things related. It will be separated into three tasting sessions with 200 breweries from around the world offering almost 800 varieties of beers to sample. However, there is far more than beer tasting happening at this much-anticipated event. Learn tips on home brewing, industry trends and the art of beer through educational programming at Brew U. Visit the Tasting Room to explore beer and food pairings and the expansive flavors present in various brews. Throughout all three sessions, plenty of exhibitors will offer beer-related products and expertise for your interest. Whether you are already a beer connoisseur or just interested in learning more about your favorite frothy beverage, the International Beerfest is sure to bring you entertainment, enjoyment and education.

Related: Best Beer Selection/Beer Halls In Cleveland

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Silver Spoon Awards Party
Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center
127 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 696-9200
www.clevelandmagazine.com/silverspoonawardsparty

Date: Wednesday, May 23 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: General Admission – $85, VIP – $135

As one of Cleveland’s top culinary events, the Silver Spoon Awards Party enables guests to sample some of the finest foods from the area’s best restaurants. The event, presented by Huntington Bank, benefits the Arthritis Foundation’s efforts and programs in Northeast Ohio. Over 30 Northeast Ohio restaurants will be present with samplings of signature dishes for guests to enjoy, as well as a variety of fine wines from around the world. Each restaurant present is a winner of one of Cleveland Magazine’s 2012 Silver Spoon Awards. The event also includes a silent auction with all proceeds benefiting the Arthritis Foundation. The additional $50 for access to the VIP Lounge provides live jazz entertainment, signature cocktails, cooking demonstrations by a celebrity chef and additional silent auction items. If you are looking for a classy evening filled with tastes from the best restaurants Cleveland has to offer, the Silver Spoon Awards Party is the event for you.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Berea’s National Rib Cook-off
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
164 Eastland Road
Berea, OH 44017
(440) 234-5181
www.berearib.com

Dates: Friday, May 25 – 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27 – 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday, May 28 – 11 a.m. to 9p.m.
Price: $5 per day, Friday – Free

Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off is hailed by many as the best rib cook-off Cleveland has to offer. Hosted annually on Memorial Day Weekend at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, this event is filled with great food and plenty of activities to entertain the entire family. Of course, there will be an abundance of ribs from a variety of award-winning barbecuers, but there will also be plenty of other wares to choose from as well. Each day is filled with a great line-up of bands providing musical entertainment at no extra charge. The kids can bounce out their energy — and the calories they’ve imbibed — through a variety of activities like a rock wall, mechanical bull and variety of inflatable rides and bounce cages. In addition, Saturday will also host the Miss Berea Princess competition. So if looking to get your fingers, and perhaps even your face, covered in barbecue sauce while you listen to some great music and enjoy a day filled with fun, come on down to Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off.

Related: Best Barbecue In Cleveland

Danielle Andes has spent the past two decades documenting the world around her through photography and writing, paying particular attention to the world of music. She was born and raised in Cleveland, and still resides there today. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.