The Cleveland Garlic Festival Is Returning To The Land For Another Fragrant Year

Garlic is an incredible food. It grows from circa July to September in climates like Cleveland's, so there's no better time than summer to add this palatable spice to your dishes. There's also no better time to celebrate its contribution to society as a whole, and that's exactly what the annual Cleveland Garlic Festival sets out to do. This yearly event is perhaps one of the most underrated Cleveland happenings, as many are unaware that it exists. However, those in the know are aware that this festival is one you won't want to miss. Check it out:

Hope you're ready for fair season, because the Cleveland Garlic Festival is back and is adding some spice to the mix.

Gotcha! Garlic is not a spice . . . believe it or not, this flavorful ingredient is in the vegetable family. Playfully known as the "smelliest food fest," this annual event is a fan favorite.

This quirky event acts as a primary fundraiser for North Union Farmers Market, a beloved local nonprofit that promotes fresh and locally grown food.

This epic market has several locations they operate in, including seven outdoor markets and two wintertime markets. The annual garlic celebration, in addition to being a quirky event locals love, help to keep vendor fees low for local growers and producers. It also takes place at the site of their first market: Shaker Square!

The event takes place in late August, and it features everything garlic.

You can find this year's schedule of events here. You can also find information about this year's food features, which include Mitchell‘s Garlic Ice Cream and a grass-fed beef grill off.

Each year, the annual grill-off is a highly anticipated event.

With a heavy focus on garlic (as expected), this cook-off features special competitions between beef, chicken, and pork grillers . . . with a special challenge for vegetarian dishes, too. You'll recognize many of the competing chefs as the masterminds behind some of your favorite Northeast Ohio restaurants.

The event includes all the markers of a good fair, including a Miss Garlic competition, beer and wine tents, music, shopping, and more.

There's so much to see and do at the Cleveland Garlic Festival . . . but remember to come hungry, because there's enough food here to make any garlic lover's head spin. Connect with the festival on Facebook for more information on what to expect from this year's event!

With a kid's area, fair food, performances, you'll feel oh so festive as you explore all that this local event has to offer.

How can you call Cleveland home and not check out all the quirky fun this area has to offer? This annual event belongs on your bucket list!

Garlic lovers are sure to get a kick out of this unique Cleveland event.

This festival takes place at 13111 Shaker Square, Cleveland, OH 44120.

There's so much to love about the annual Cleveland Garlic Festival! What do you think . . . are YOU brave enough to try garlic flavored ice cream? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Excited to try the craft beers at this event? We don't blame you one bit! You can also sample them all year-round at Cleveland area craft breweries.