Wade Oval Wednesdays Concert Series Expands In Its 20th Year

The University Circle concert series grew from a small-scale lunchtime break into a beloved summer tradition.

by Parisa Nosrati | Jun. 10, 2026 | 8:48 AM

Courtesy University Circle Inc.

When walking into a Wade Oval Wednesdays event, the sounds of live music and scents of sizzling food overtake one’s senses. For a few hours, the outside world melts away, as live music, picnics and dancing take over the park.

This summer, the Wednesday night concert series will span from June 18 through Aug. 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Now in its 20th year, the long-running Cleveland event brings new headliners and more food options to Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood for its notable anniversary.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what walk of life you are, you feel welcomed. You feel like you belong,” says James Abrams, the director of marketing and experiences for University Circle Inc.

Maya Cundiff, the experiences manager at University Circle Inc., says the team wanted to make these events extra special this year and lean into the desires of the audience. The 2026 lineup features Carlos Jones, an accomplished reggae performer, who consistently brings positive, summery energy through his music. It also features rising Latin hip-hop artist 1o1ón, brass outfit Da Land Brass Band, rock cover band Old Skool and plenty more.

Wade Oval Wednesdays began as a lunchtime series for workers in University Circle two decades ago. Since then, it has grown into a highly anticipated evening summertime series that Cleveland residents know and love.

When Cundiff stepped into her role at University Circle two years ago, she understood that the team behind Wade Oval Wednesdays was trying to incorporate more of a focus on diversity at the events. While the event has always been for all to enjoy, Cundiff and her team worked with organizations like the Northeast Ohio Coalition of Disability Organizations, the Plexus Queer Chamber of Commerce and the Cleveland Cultural Gardens to better represent Cleveland communities.

Now, Wade Oval Wednesdays emphasizes diversity with events like international night, LGBTQ pride and disability pride night.

Courtesy University Circle Inc.

“We want to make sure that people feel like they belong here. This event is probably one of the most diverse events that you’re ever going to attend in Cleveland,” Abrams says.

Cundiff still has some long-term goals to improve Wade Oval Wednesdays. Some of these changes include getting bigger names on the lineup and sharing more about the local nonprofits that bring activity to Wade Oval. Cundiff hopes to further amplify the audience experience and connection to the community.

“I just hope they find something that’s really enjoyable to them, something that really just speaks to them and makes them keep coming back for more,” Cundiff says.