How Solon Is Embracing Cultural Diversity

With a large international population and growing cultural events, Solon is leaning into diversity as a core part of its identity and success.

by Ruth Corradi Beach — Partnership Content | Mar. 23, 2026 | 10:24 AM

Kaitlin K Walsh Photography

The city of Solon is home to residents of many cultures and beliefs, as well as people who have come to Solon from all over the world. In Mayor Eddy Kraus’s opinion, that diversity is part of the city’s strength. “What’s interesting about Solon is that … anywhere from 25% to 30% of our population was born in a foreign country,” he says. “It’s huge. We have large Chinese and Indian populations — those are probably our two largest.”

Kraus attributes this substantial foreign-born population to Solon’s public schools.

“People move here in large part because of the excellence of the schools, and they, in turn, drive that excellence,” he says.

Solon hosts a number of celebrations throughout the year that shine light on various segments of the community. These events celebrate the culture and history of numerous subgroups, offering a familiar and joyous day to people of each specific population, while also educating the Solon community about its neighbors. As Kraus says, the people of Solon drive its excellence — not only in education, but in understanding.

These cultural events are relatively new, with the longest-running Lunar New Year and Juneteenth celebrations both in their fifth year. The events bring life to an early vision of the mayor’s, says Rich Parker, the city’s director of parks and recreation.

“When Mayor Kraus took office, one of his priorities was hosting events that were culturally diverse and reflected what Solon has become [culturally],” Parker says. “That was work that we began immediately in the planning and developing of events.”

These celebratory events send a message to Solon residents: “everyone’s identity and tradition is welcome and will be reflected in our celebrations,” says Parker.

And the welcoming nature of these events means there’s plenty of room for more. Groups who do not yet have a representative celebration on Solon’s calendar are welcome to the planning table.

“We always love to hear from people,” says Tracy Sullivan, Solon’s director of community and cultural enrichment. “Reach out to us. That’s the starting point, and then we work through what they’re interested in and how that fits into the event itself.”

There’s even a special events email monitored by Sullivan’s team: specialevents@solonohio.org.

“There’s a lot more diversity in Solon than perhaps you may have seen in the past,” says Parker. “It’s only natural that we change to meet and serve those many different residents, and to celebrate them.”

Performers onstage at Solon's Lunary New Year Festival

Kaitlin K Walsh Photography

Lunar New Year Celebration

Sponsored by Universal Windows Direct

When: Held annually

Where: Solon Community Center

Bring the Lunar New Year to life at Solon’s Lunar New Year Celebration with great food, local groups, vendors and fun, hands-on crafts. You can also watch calligraphy demonstrations and try your hand at the elegant script.

Hungry? Learn to make delicious dumplings as part of the celebration of this Chinese holiday’s traditions and culture. Don’t miss the Kwan Family Lion Dance, as well as the Dragon Dance, live music and the Chinese armor exhibit. Stay tuned for the date of next year’s Lunar New Year Celebration. (It will be the Year of the Goat).

Mariana Edelman Photography, Courtesy City of Solon

City of Solon Spring Festival

Presented by Swagelok and sponsored by Universal Windows Direct

When: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Solon Community Center

The annual Spring Festival got its start in 2024 and celebrates the energy, traditions and cultures of South Asia. Attendees can sample flavorful dishes, learn about and interact with local South Asian groups and shop local vendors. There are also hands-on experiences like make-and-take crafts and henna artists who can demonstrate the centuries-old art. Guests can even get a henna tattoo! (Also known as mehndi, the plant-based designs are both beautiful and temporary.) The Spring Festival is a vibrant celebration that includes music and dance performances.

A woman smiling and wearing a Pride shirt

Mariana Edelman Photography, Courtesy City of Solon

Solon Pride Day

Sponsored by Swagelok & Universal Windows Direct

When: Sunday, June 14, 2026, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Solon Senior Center parking lot (adjacent to the Solon Community Center)

This colorful outdoor event celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and brings people together in the spirit of inclusion and pride. It’s a family-friendly event that brings food trucks and inflatables to the Senior Center parking lot, as well as crafts, games and entertainment (stick around for a lively performance by the Cleveland Pride Band). There are also vendors, supportive resources offered by local groups and, of course, a triumphant Pride Walk. This year’s Solon Pride Day is the fourth annual.

Mariana Edelman Photography, Courtesy City of Solon

Celebrate Juneteenth

When: Thursday, June 18, 2026, 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Where: Solon Bicentennial Park

Celebrate Juneteenth recognizes the day in 1865 — June 19 — when the Emancipation Proclamation was finally enforced in Galveston, Texas, more than two years after this first step toward the abolition of slavery was signed. The annual, lively celebration centers around the meaning and importance of Juneteenth and features live entertainment, traditional food, vendors and community organizations. This evening gathering shines a spotlight on Black culture, resilience and achievements while offering time and space to reflect, learn and celebrate. This year’s Juneteenth celebration (held on the 18th) will be Solon’s fifth.

Don’t Miss These 2026 Events

For details and a full event list, visit solonohio.gov/1433/community-events

April 12: Spring Festival presented by Swagelok, sponsored by Universal Windows Direct

April 25: Earth Day

May 7: Solon Job Fair

May 9: Spring & Shop Handmade Market

June 5: Solon Community Band Concert

June 14: Solon Pride Day

June 18: Celebrate Juneteenth

June 28: Splash Bash

July 2: Fireworks and Community Band Concert

July 17: Solon Community Band Concert