Thursday, April 23, 2026
WE THE PEOPLE! The 2026 Outdoor Summer Series is Back!
Every summer since 2016, the City Club has packed up our gong and taken over some of our favorite outdoor public spaces. Once again, we'll return to the Playhouse Square Plaza for our FREE Outdoor Summer Series.
This year, we are marking our nation's semiquincentennial - or 250th birthday - with the theme WE THE PEOPLE. The series will dive into topics centering our communities, organizations, and the very people who help our democracy thrive.
So, pack a lunch or pick one up at a nearby restaurant, and join us under the chandelier every Wednesday from July 1st through July 29th at 11:45am - 1:00pm. We'll update the forums as they're confirmed - keep checking back here for the latest information.
July 1 - We The People: A City Club Open Mic Forum!
To kick off the month, on Wednesday, July 1st at noon, the City Club will host an "Open Mic Forum"—a chance for YOU to share an idea or discuss a topic that is important to you! Each open mic participant will have five minutes to share their remarks, which, per City Club tradition, will be followed by a question from the audience for the speaker to address. Want to take the mic? Submit your topic HERE!
July 8 - We The People, Our Stage: Theatre for Every Community
Theatre is one of humankind's most ancient art forms. For thousands of years, it has helped tell stories, share history, and entertain. Today, theatre remains an integral part of our communities. Join us as we welcome leadership from a few of our region's most beloved theatres, each with its own history and deep roots in their communities. They will discuss the work of their stages and the importance of theatre in our nation as an essential backbone of civic and community engagement.
July 15 - We The People: The Power of Women and the American Promise
The American promise of liberty and self-determination was strengthened by generations of women who shaped our communities, closed gaps, and redefined what civic engagement looked like. Today, women are succeeding and leading in roles in every sector of American life; and at the same time, addressing persistent challenges both here in Cleveland, and across the nation. Join us as we hear from leading women in organizations that are dedicated to serving, celebrating, and empowering women in our nation's past, present, and future!
July 22 - We The People, One Cleveland: The People and Stories That Connect Us
This summer, Cleveland Public Library launched One Cleveland: A citywide civic pride campaign that celebrates the people, neighborhoods, stories, and institutions that connect us as Clevelanders. Included as part of the campaign is the Cleveland 230 List, a recognition of 230 individuals (past and present) whose work, leadership, and impact reflect the spirit and strength of our city. Ideastream's Mike McIntyre will lead a conversation with the Co-Chairs of One Cleveland and Cleveland Public Library's Felton Thomas, Jr. about the civic roles of libraries and the importance of sharing stories that connect us all.
July 29 - We The People: How Things Really Get Done at the Ohio Statehouse
Democracy works best when citizens are more informed and better understand the institutions that govern them, and when citizens are empowered to become active participants in shaping their communities. Yet, the halls of the Ohio Statehouse can seem like an overly complex, insiders network—hard to break through. Join us for a discussion with those who know the secrets of the Statehouse, learn how to enact change from within, and find out how things really get done at the Ohio Statehouse.
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Special thanks to this year's City Club Outdoor Summer Series Presenting Sponsors Thompson Hine and RPM for their generous support of this free series.
The Outdoor Summer Series is part of the City Club's America 250 Ohio series, in partnership with the America 250 Ohio Commission, and sponsored by Bank of America, Cleveland Cliffs, and ROCK Family of Companies.
