WOW! Wade Oval Wednesdays Return to University Circle with New Experiences

Posted April 24, 2025 in Press Releases

Cleveland's beloved outdoor concert series, WOW! Wade Oval Wednesdays, returns to University Circle this summer with more music, energy, and excitement than ever before. From June 18 through August 20, Wade Oval will come alive every Wednesday evening from 5:30-8:30 p.m. with free entertainment.

Presented by University Circle Inc. (UCI), WOW! is Cleveland’s signature summer tradition, offering the perfect midweek escape for music lovers, families, and community members. Each evening will feature an exciting opening act followed by a dynamic headliner. New this year, guests will also enjoy roaming performers throughout Wade Oval, adding an interactive element to the night.

“WOW is one of Cleveland’s most treasured summer events,” said Maya Cundiff, UCI’s Experiences Manager. “I’m so excited to help bring a wide range of performances and experiences to the Oval, with the hope that everyone who attends feels welcomed and represented.”

This year, WOW! is adding more collaborations than ever before. For the first time, the Cleveland Botanical Garden will open the Kohl Gate on select dates. This new access point will offer guests the unique opportunity to seamlessly explore both the concert series and the gardens at no charge.

Cultural celebration nights return to WOW! including LGBTQ+ Pride (June 25), Disability Pride (July 16), and a new collaboration with the Cleveland Cultural Gardens for an International Night (August 6).

"We are grateful for the support and collaboration from organizations like FNB, Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, and the Northeast Ohio Coalition of Disability Organizations,” said Heidi Hudak, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer at University Circle Inc. “It's not just about concerts. It's about creating a summer tradition that reminds us all why we love calling Cleveland home.”

This year’s lineup features a mix of crowd-pleasing favorites and amazing new talent representing multiple musical genres:

• June 18 – The Stix Quintet (NEO-Soul/Funk/R&B)
• June 25 – Apostle Jones (Soul/Covers)
• July 2 – Carlos Jones (+) (Reggae)
• July 9 – The Michael Weber Show (Rock & Roll)
• July 16 – Follow the Sun (Covers)
• July 23 – Cream Camino (Hard Rock)
• July 30 – Raquel and the Wildflowers (Country Rock)
• August 6 – Son Gitano (Latin Fusion Orchestra)
• August 13 – The Band With No Name (Jazz)
• August 20 – The Unit eXperience Project (Jazz/Funk)

This year’s new presenting sponsor is First National Bank (FNB), along with its parent company, F.N.B. Corporation. FNB, which operates nearly 30 branches and 90 ATMs in its Cleveland Region, will further expand its local presence with a new University Circle Office, expected to in May at 11457 Mayfield Road. Integrating FNB’s award-winning eStore® technology and knowledgeable service, FNB’s newest branch affirms its commitment to expanding access to banking services for everyone in the communities it serves. 

In addition to the music, guests can enjoy local food trucks, beer and wine, family-friendly activities, and easy access to neighboring institutions like the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the Cleveland Museum of Art before the concert starts.

For more information, visit www.universitycircle.org/wow.

Images from previous WOW! concerts can be found here.

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About University Circle Inc.

University Circle Inc. (UCI) is the community service corporation responsible for developing, serving, and advocating for University Circle as a vibrant and complete neighborhood. www.universitycircle.org

Contact
Nicole Farley, Marketing & Experiences Manager
University Circle Inc.
Nicole.farley@universitycircle.org
(216) 791-3906