Dec 11, 2025 - Music
Brite Winter heads to Waterloo in 2026
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Brite Winter is heading east in 2026, bringing more than 35 bands to the Waterloo Arts District for the first time.
Why it matters: It marks yet another location shift for one of Cleveland's most distinctive seasonal events—now somehow in its 17th year.
Driving the news: The Feb. 21 music fest will span eight stages—two outdoors and six indoors—enabling fans to experience a wide variety of local acts while exploring immersive art installations along one of Cleveland's liveliest cultural corridors.
Zoom in: Local rock/funk act LoConti tops the 2026 bill.
- The seven-piece collective is touring regionally again after founding drummer Michael LoConti died in a car accident in 2024.
By the numbers: Nearly 300 bands applied for this year's festival.
- The 37 selected include bands from Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Columbus and Cincinnati and span rock, hip hop, indie, country and more.
Stop by: Tickets and VIP packages are available now.
- The full performance schedule will be finalized and announced next month.