Burning River Fest at the Corner of Lake Erie & the Cuyahoga River

Last night's opener of the 15th Annual Burning River Fest sponsored by Great Lakes Brewing Company and the Burning River Foundation saw big crowds enjoying a beautiful evening on the edge of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. Over the festival's two nights 17 performers will take the main or acoustic stage located at the historic Coast Guard Station on Whiskey Island.

The festival benefits the Burning River Foundation which will direct this year's proceeds towards the ongoing renovation of the historic Coast Guard Station. Your favorite Great Lakes Brewing Company beer is on tap and great food from Ohio City Pasta, Sauced, Slyman's, Umami Bites, Mitchells Ice Cream, and The Pierogi Lady are on-hand to satisfy your fest appetite.

40 Photographs from Friday Night's Burning River Fest

On the fence about going tonight? Check out our chat from last night with GLBC's Adam Ritterspach - tonight is Seafair's final performance!

A surprise guest at last night's fest was an appearance by the fireboat Anthony J. Celebreeze. Built in 1961, the Celebreeze is something of a working historical monument as it was the boat that put out the infamous 1969 Cuyahoga River fire that, along with the Santa Barbara Oil Rig spill, helped launch the environmental movement. The Celebreeze is scheduled to make another appearance tonight.

Another planed guest at tonight's Burning River Fest are Kent Statue University faculty and staff who are currently in the middle of the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative's 3rd annual Crooked River Commute, a 50 mile 2 day paddling trek from Kent down the Cuyahoga River to the Coast Guard Station. The commute is designed to promote the Cuyahoga River as a shared regional asset for education, recreation, and sustainability. They estimate their arrival at 7:15 p.m.

Still on the fence? Maybe this photobomb will inspire you to come on down to the confluence of the #Cuyahoga River & Lake Erie. The Fest opens at 6:00 p.m.