Chagrin Falls has a vibrant arts and culture scene that proudly reflects the town’s rich history and heritage. Music, artwork, live performances and film are all integrated into the community’s lifestyle, thanks in part to the many artists, writers, and art and culture lovers who have made Chagrin Falls their home.
Here are some of the cultural events and attractions that residents and guests enjoy throughout the year:
Live theater
The Chagrin Valley Little Theater (CVLT) provides residents and guests with topnotch entertainment all-year-round through quality productions, youth theater education and other special events. Founded in 1930, it is one of the country’s oldest community theaters, and gives non-professionals who love the stage a chance to share their talents. CVLT is just a half-hour drive away from downtown Cleveland.
The River Street Playhouse is found right next door to CVLT. A converted office building, The River Street is the perfect venue for plays that are too edgy for the CVLT stage, as well as a good testing ground for the original works of fledgling writers and directors.
Chagrin Arts was founded in 2007 by local leaders who were committed to promote economic health in the community through arts and culture. It regularly offers live dance, music, and drama, as well as the renowned Chautauqua-in-Chagrin annual series of lectures on ethics, politics and social issues.
Music
The Chagrin Falls Studio Orchestra is driven by a group of volunteers who have generously given their time and talent into bringing live performances of studio arrangements before the Chagrin Falls community. Studio arrangements are dynamic film scores often adapted from the classics, and are rarely played live.
The Chagrin Falls Concert series features performances by a group of highly-talented musicians, under the leadership of their Board of Directors. The series’ traditional venue is the Valley Lutheran Church in Chagrin Falls.
A “Concert at the Park” is held every Thursday from June to August in various locations across Chagrin Falls. The concert series features a new band or artist every week.
A fast-growing tradition is Music Crawl in Chagrin Falls. Now on its third year, this Chagrin Art-organized event features free musical acts for one day in various parts of the village.
Arts
Chagrin Falls boasts Valley Art Center, the only non-profit art gallery in the village. Each year, Valley Art Center features various gallery exhibits, some of which showcase the work of resident artists. The Center also offers art classes and organizes the annual Art by the Falls outdoor show.
Film
The Chagrin Documentary Film Festival is an award-winning annual event featuring the works of established and up-and-coming filmmakers from around the world. The five-day event takes place in various venues across Chagrin Falls.
Museum and observatory
The Chagrin Falls Historical Society and Museum is a non-profit organization which strives to preserve the village’s rich heritage by acquiring, collecting and sharing artifacts from around the place. Many of these artifacts are exhibited at the Museum, located at 87 Washington Street. The organization also offers walking and driving tours around the historic village.
The Chagrin Valley Astronomical Club operates three observatories at Indian Hill, which are open to members. The Club aims to promote astronomical knowledge and technique to its members and the public in general, as well as to promote the preservation of unpolluted skies.
Art and Culture Scene – Chagrin Falls, Ohio
Learn more about the Chagrin Falls community, including its culture and history here.