PAST EVENTS

August 31
2019
Broadway's 'The Lion King'
For the first time ever, Broadway came to Cleveland with a sensory-friendly production of the world-renowned production of The Lion King. A packed house watched the Disney classic as all their favorite characters were brought to life on the stage and throughout the theater!
August 3
2019
Mitchell's Ice Cream Dream 2019
Our 5-year partnership with Mitchell's Ice Cream in Ohio City continued with a ice cream factory tour and a HUGE helping of free ice cream!
July 30
2019
8th Annual Cleveland Indians Dream Day
While the weather didn't cooperate, we were able to go under Progressive Field to use the Indians' batting cages and tour the stadium. Participants from Our Lady of the Wayside and The Upside of Downs worked on their baseball skills with players and coaches from The Diamond Boys Baseball Club.
June 20
2019
Dream Chef
Dream Chef returned to Cuyahoga Community College's Culinary department in Downtown Cleveland for a pizza feast. Judges had the unenviable task of picking the best pizza -- but all of them were delicious!
April 13
2019
SPIRE Sports Extravaganza

Dream Days hosted an athletic event at the amazing SPIRE Institute filled with various sports across their expansive campus. Participants and their families had the opportunity to utilize the indoor football/soccer turf field, basketball courts and other areas of the facility to experience multiple sports in a fun, non-competitive setting.

https://www.spireinstitute.org/
February 8
2019
Night to Shine
Night to Shine is an unforgettable prom night experience, centered on God’s love, for people with special needs ages 14 and older. In 2018, 537 churches from around the world came together to host Night to Shine for approximately 90,000 honored guests through the support of 175,000 volunteers! In 2019, it was even bigger!
January 27
2019
Sensory Friendly - The Rainbow Fish
The Rainbow Fish enchanted attendees at Playhouse Square with
his silver scales and heart of gold in a new adaptation of
Marcus Pfister’s award-winning books about the beautiful
fish who learned to share his most prized possession.
Mermaid’s striking puppetry production included two
delightful companion stories: Rainbow Fish Discovers the
Deep Sea and Opposites.​
November 28
​2018
A Christmas Carol
The 6th Annual Sensory Friendly production of A Christmas Carol returned to Playhouse Square at the Ohio Theatre.  The performance was slightly altered to create a unique viewing experience for individuals and families with sensory sensitivities.
July 21
​2018
Mitchell's Ice Cream Dream 2018
For a 4th year in a row, we headed back to Mitchell's Ice Cream factory in Cleveland's eclectic West Side to beat the heat with a sweet treat (pretty good, huh?). Nothing like summertime and ice cream!
July 10
2018
7th Annual Cleveland Indians Dream Day
The event that kick-started the entire organization returned for its 7TH YEAR to share the love of America's Pastime on the field at Progressive Field. Participants from Our Lady of the Wayside and Rising Stars worked on their baseball skills with players and coaches from The Diamond Boys Baseball Club.
June10
2018
Ashtabula Autism Group Zoo Day 
Families from Ashtabula Autistm Group enjoyed a day at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.​
April 15
2018
Sensory Friendly - Guess How Much I Love You
Playhouse Square continues to expand its sensory-friendly offerings with this performance of a children's book brought to life. 
November 29
2017
A Christmas Carol
The 5th Annual Sensory Friendly production of A Christmas Carol returned on the day before Thanksgiving to Playhouse Square, kicking off the Holiday Season like no other show can!  The performance was slightly altered to make it available to individuals and families with sensory sensitivities.
August 6
2017
Captains Field of Dreams
Members from multiple Our Lady of the Wayside group homes spent the evening both on the field with the Captain's players prior to the doubleheader and enjoyed a pizza party, ice cream and post-game fireworks!
August 5
2017
Annie the Musical - Sensory-Friendly
A free, sensory-friendly showing of this classic musical was held for countless families at Palace Theatre at Playhouse Square.
July 6
2017
Fieldstone Farm Day
Participants from the Ashtabula Autism Group spent the day interacting with the horses at Fieldstone Farm's Therapeutic Riding Center.  http://www.fieldstonefarmtrc.com/
July 6
2017
6th Annual Cleveland Indians Dream Day
Back for a 6th year to where our organization began - Progressive Field in beautiful Downtown Cleveland!  This baseball fantasy camp experience is unlike any other, as more than 50 participants got to throw, hit, field and pitch on the field!
June 17
2017
Mitchell's Ice Cream Dream 2017
Local families spent the afternoon touring Mitchell's Ice Cream factory in Ohio City and finished with the homemade treat of their choice.
June 11
2017
Lake County Captains Day
Families from United Cerebral Palsy spent the afternoon at the park watching the Captains take on the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Classic  Park.  Prior to the game, families got to hang out with the Captain's players on the field!
June 3
2017
Cleveland Zoo Day #1
Families from United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland enjoyed a day at the Cleveland Zoo.​
May 20
2017
The Terminal Tower Dream Experience
Presented by K&D Group
High above the skyline of Downtown Cleveland stands the Terminal Tower, which contains a 360 degree viewing area at the top of the skyscraper.  Families from Up Side of Downs shareed lunch with an incredible view!  
Picture
February 11
2017
Dream Chef
Dream Chef returned to Cuyahoga Community College's Culinary department in Downtown Cleveland for a gourmet pizza extravaganza.  Judges were treated to pizzas across the spectrum, including chicken alfredo, pesto with a blue cheese crust, chicken-stuffed crust and spicy Italian meat and tomato pizza, among many others.  No one went home hungry, as all in attendance were served pizza, charcuterie and desserts!
January 29
2017
Brown Bear, Brown Bear & Other Treasured Stories
Dream Days partnered with Playhouse Square for a brand new sensory-friendly production called Brown Bear, which showcased an imaginative blend of innovative puppetry and striking scenic effects that have won international acclaim.
November 23
2016
A Christmas Carol
The 4th Annual Sensory Friendly production of A Christmas Carol returned on the day before Thanksgiving to Playhouse Square, kicking off the Holiday Season like no other show can!  The performance was slightly altered to make it available to individuals and families with sensory sensitivities.
October 29
2016
Dream Chef
In year-two of the Dream Chef event, we changed it up to team family members and friends together to create dishes together based on the secret ingredients.  It was hosted by the Western Reserve School of Cooking and, needless to say, was a delicious success!
August 13
2016
Mitchell's Ice Cream Dream 2016 #2
We began and ended our summer programming at the Mitchell's Ice Cream factory in Ohio City.  Doesn't get much sweeter than that - literally!
August 13
2016
Cleveland Zoo Dream Days
We hosted nearly 100 attendees from the Ashtabula County Autism Group on a HOT day at the Cleveland Zoo!
More photos to come!
August 3
2016
5th Annual Cleveland Indians Dream Day 
Hard to believe that the big event that resulted in the creation of the Dream Days organization returned for its 5TH YEAR at Progressive Field!   Participants had the opportunity to throw, catch and hit on the field and had a special visit from Indian's pitching coach Mickey Callaway during lunch. 
June 17
2016
The Terminal Tower Dream Experience
Presented by Forest City
High above the skyline of Downtown Cleveland stands the Terminal Tower, which contains a 360 degree viewing area at the top of the skyscraper.  Participants viewed our CHAMPIONSHIP city from high above and shared lunch with an incredible view!  
June 11
2016
Mitchell's Ice Cream Dream 2016 #1
Ice cream and summer go together perfectly as we moved into the third year of our partnership with Mitchell's!
May 8
2016
Carnival of the Animals
We partnered with Playhouse Square for a SENSORY-FRIENDLY performance of this memorizing show.  CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS whisks you away on a thrilling circus escapade inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns delightful salute to feathers, fur and fins.  Circa’s acrobats bring this classical music suite to life for a whole new generation of circus, music and animal lovers.
November 25
​2015
A Christmas Carol
The 3rd Annual Sensory Friendly production of A Christmas Carol returned on the day before Thanksgiving to Playhouse Square, kicking off the Holiday Season like no other show can!  The performance was slightly altered to make it available to individuals and families with sensory sensitivities. 
October 3
​2015
Dream Chef
Dream Days debuted a brand new event that is sure to be a staple of our programs into the future.  Seven members from The Up Side of Downs organization partnered with the chefs at Tri-C in an Iron Chef-themed competition where  each team created a dish based on the secret ingredients, all of which WOW'd and inspired the judges - and their taste buds!
Sponsored by:
Bankok Thai Cuisine
5359 Mayfield Rd 
Cleveland, OH
August 15
2015
Mitchell's Ice Cream Dream #2
Dream Days headed back to Mitchell's Ice Cream for the second time in 2015 for a tour and the best homemade ice cream Cleveland has to offer at their brand new, state-of-the-art shop in Ohio City.
August 15
2015
Cinema At The Square 2015
Dream Days again partnered with Playhouse Square and the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Cleveland for a special FREE screening of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory at the historic Palace Theatre!  
August 4
2015
Cleveland Browns Training Camp 
Dream Days went back to the gridiron of Berea to watch our Cleveland Browns prepare for the 2015 football season!
July 26
2015
Cleveland Zoo Dream Day
Families from Stewart's Caring Place got to spend the day at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
July 18
2015
Mitchell's Ice Cream Dream 2015
Dream Days returned to Mitchell's Ice Cream for a tour and the best homemade ice cream Cleveland has to offer at their brand new, state-of-the-art shop in Ohio City.
July 15
2015
The Terminal Tower Dream Experience
Presented by Forest City
High above the skyline of Downtown Cleveland stands the Terminal Tower, which contains a 360 degree viewing area at the top of the skyscraper.  Our participants from The Up Side of Downs had the chance to see this great city above it all, learn about the history of the tower and share lunch with an incredible view!  
July 7
2015
4th Annual Cleveland Indians Dream Day 
The event that resulted in the creation of the Dream Days organization returned for its 4th year at Progressive Field!   Participants from Our Lady of the Wayside and Rising Stars had the opportunity to throw, catch and hit on the field with instruction from Strike Force Baseball Academy and the Diamond Boys Baseball Organization.  It was a true Field of Dreams!
DECEMBER 21
2014
Amahl & The Night Visitors
Dream Days partnered with Cleveland Opera Theater and University Circle United Methodist Church for a Christmas performance of Amahl & The Night Visitors.   The afternoon also included a cast meet and greet and dessert reception.  This event capped off our 34-event 2014 schedule!
http://www.clevelandoperatheater.org/
DECEMBER 17
2014
EDWINS Dream Kitchen - Holiday Edition
Dream Days returned to the kitchens at EDWINS to create and decorate Christmas cookies.
DECEMBER 4
2014
Dancing Wheels Presents: Babes in Toyland
Dream Days sent 25 students and staff from Murray Ridge Center to see the world-premier performance of Babes in Toyland by the nationally-touring dance company, Dancing Wheels.
NOVEMBER 26
2014
A Christmas Carol
The second-annual sensory-friendly production of A Christmas Carol returned on the day before Thanksgiving, kicking off the Holiday Season like no other show can.  The performance was slightly altered to make it available to individuals and families with sensory sensitivities. 
NOVEMBER 23
2014
The Dream Runway Holiday Show
Over 30 special needs participants of all ages were fitted and modeled the latest holiday fashions for an unforgettable fashion show on stage at The Great Lakes Mall! 
OCTOBER 25
2014
Hattie's Halloween Bash
Dream Days brought Halloween to the residents at the Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities.  Special Halloween-themed stations included pumpkin painting, trick-or-treat candy stops and spooky ghost stories read inside a graveyard and around a bubbling, steaming cauldron.  Over 40 members - all in costume! - and their families took part!
OCTOBER 22
2014
Dancing Wheels Dream Workshop
Dancing Wheels, a nationally-touring dance company, worked with 18 members of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland during a world-class performance workshop.  Participants learned a wide array of dance forms and techniques from the Dancing Wheels pros themselves.
http://dancingwheels.org/
OCTOBER 22
2014
EDWINS Dream Kitchen - Fall Edition
Dream Days returned to the kitchens at EDWINS for a fall-themed menu with the chefs and instructors!
AUGUST 25
2014
Take Me Out To The Ballgame
Dream Days was featured throughout the evening at Canal Park for the RubberDucks game against the Trenton Thunder.    Our special guest for the evening was cancer-survivor Ryan (disguised as Spider Man), who got to throw out the first pitch!  We also were able to provide over 200 game tickets to special needs families!
AUGUST 16
2014
Sensory-Friendly Cinema at the Theatre-
The Wizard of OZ
Dream Days teamed with Playhouse Square and the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Cleveland to present a sensory-friendly day at the movies.  Families were treated to  popcorn and The Wizard of Oz on the big screen at The Palace Theatre.
AUGUST 15
2014
Akron RubberDucks Dream Day
This was the second-annual event with the Akron RubberDucks (formerly the Akron Aeros) and it again partnered Dream Days with Strike Force Baseball Academy.  Participants learned baseball skills in all areas of the game, toured the stadium and played a game on the actual diamond at the newly-renovated Canal Park.
AUGUST 15
2014
Cleveland Zoo Dream Day #2
Over 70 members of Autism Speaks got to spend the day at the Cleveland Zoo!
AUGUST 12
2014
Cleveland Browns Dream Day
Dream Days began its new partnership with the Cleveland Browns and turned it into an unforgettable day!  Over 30 special needs families were able to view the morning training camp session at the Brown's headquarters in Berea and got to spend some time with many of the players for pictures and autographs after practice!
AUGUST 9
2014
Fieldstone Farm Day
30 children and their families from the Littlest Heroes organization spent the day interacting with the horses at Fieldstone Farm.  
http://www.fieldstonefarmtrc.com/
AUGUST 3
2014
THE FEST
Dream Days partnered with the massive Christian music festival - The FEST - to bring an amazing, late summer event to life.  This year's theme was "Chosen", and in following that theme, Dream Days had indoor and outdoor stations with activities just for special needs families, including VIP front row concert seating to see performers and bands like Colton Dixon, Mandisa and Third Day.  
http://www.thefest.us/
AUGUST 3
2014
Lake County Captains Dream Day
In conjunction with Autism Awareness Day at Classic Park, Dream Days partnered with the Lake County Captains for a baseball clinic after the game for Autism Speaks and the Milestones organizations.  
AUGUST 2
2014
Mitchell's Ice Cream Dream #2
With the dog days of summer upon us, Mitchell's provided a tour and the best homemade ice cream Cleveland has to offer to The Up Side of Downs families at their brand new, state-of-the-art shop in Ohio City.
JULY 12
2014
Movies Under the Stars #2
For the second time this summer, families had the opportunity to sprawl out in the outfield grass at Canal Park for a double feature of 
Despicable Me 1 & 2.
JULY 8
2014
Cleveland Indians Dream Day 2014
The original Dream Day returned for the third consecutive year, as Dream Days partnered with the Cleveland Indians and Strike Force Baseball Academy to put on a Field of Dreams clinic unlike any other.  Even though storms shortened the on-field activities, the group of over 40 participants moved underneath the stadium for stations in the Indians' batting cages, a stadium tour and a surprise visit from manager Terry Francona. 
JUNE 24
2014
EDWINS Dream Kitchen
Dream Days teamed with world-renowned chef Brandon Chrostowski and his revolutionary EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute for a truly unique experience.  A dozen participants from The Up Side Of Downs organization had the opportunity to work with Chef Chrostowski and his culinary-trained staff to develop their skills in the kitchen and enhance their passion for the culinary arts.
http://edwinsrestaurant.org/
JUNE 21
2014
Movie Under the Stars #1
What happens when the Akron RubberDucks are out of town?  Canal Park is transformed into an outdoor movie theater.  Families from Stewart's Caring Place brought their blankets and lounged in the outfield grass to watch  Disney's "Frozen" on one of the biggest free-standing HD video boards in any minor league stadium in the nation.
JUNE 21
2014
Mitchell's Ice Cream Dream #1
Families from Autism Speaks celebrated the start of summer with a tour of Mitchell's Ice Cream, demos and a homemade ice cream treat at their brand new, state-of-the-art shop in Ohio City. 
JUNE 13
2014
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Dream Day
Over 100 members of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Cleveland got to spend a day with animals from around the world at The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.  Pictures coming soon!
JUNE 7
2014
Dream Days Downhill Derby
Dream Days partnered with Super Kids Ohio to present a memorable downhill soapbox derby specifically for special needs children and teenagers.
JUNE 6
2014
Dreamnight
An event that originated at the Rotterdam Zoo in The Netherlands in 1996, Dreamnights spread across the globe as a special evening for chronically ill and disabled children and their families.  Dream Days and over 100 members of Stewart's Caring Place were special guests of The Akron Zoo for a night of animal encounters, unique events and lasting memories.
MAY 18
2014
Under The Sea Dream Day
Families from The Up Side of Downs spent an afternoon taking in a behind-the-scenes tour of the Cleveland Aquarium.  From getting up-close-and-personal with African turtles to touching the stingrays as they swam by, it was definitely a day to remember.
MAY 18
2014
The Cleveland Marathon Dream Day
Dream Days partnered with teammates Zeke Petrie and Andre Travis and brought together a group of marathon runners to push Barry Winovich, the founder of Bright Side of the Road Foundation, in a specially-designed racing chair.  Both teams were the only chair-based racers in the 20,000+ participant field.  Due to health complications from ALS earlier in the week, Barry was not able to participate in the entire marathon, but a special ending awaited everyone in attendance.  
See our "In The News" section for much more on this event.
MAY 9 & 10
2014
International Children's Theater Festival
A children's theater event like none other, The International Children's Theater Festival provided a weekend of special performances, free activities and much more.  Dream Days and PlayhouseSquare teamed together for discounted tickets to see Bleu, an amazing visual performance from Italy. 
APRIL 15
2014
Cavaliers Player Meet & Greet
Families from Stewart's Caring Place got an up-close-and-personal VIP experience with the Cavs prior to their game against the Charlotte Bobcats.  Participants received a memorabilia bag, sat courtside for player warm-ups and got pictures and autographs from some of their favorite players.
MARCH 23
2014
Sesame Street Live
Dream Days and PlayhouseSquare again partnered for an afternoon with Elmo and friends and an unforgettable stage show for the entire family.  Two lucky families also received Meet & Greet passes to get up close and personal with the cast!
MARCH 15
2014
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Dream Days and PlayhouseSquare partnered for a memorable afternoon at the theater with one of the most enduring Broadway shows of all time.  Tickets were provided to the special needs communities at an extremely discounted rate to allow families to attend together - some for the very first time.
MARCH 2
2014
Orlando Magic Dream Weekend
Dream Days took our mission on the road to Orlando, Florida with the Orlando Magic and Basketball Assist for a day of basketball fun!  Special needs organizations of Central Florida were the participants for the clinic at the Magic's Goldenrod courts.  Participants and their families also received tickets to watch the Orlando Magic in action at The Amway Center that night.  

NOVEMBER 29
2013

Black Friday Dream Clinic
The Black Friday Dream Clinic at Quicken Loans Arena came with an
extra-special surprise - getting to play on the actual game court!  40 local
children, teens and adults got to spend the evening working on their skills with
Basketball Assist while their families sat courtside.  The participants had
their "Draft Pick" photos taken and Elmo even made an appearance.
NOVEMBER 27
2013
A Christmas Carol Dream Day
A Christmas Carol at Playhouse Square was a tremendous success, with over 400 in attendance.  The production was designed specifically by Great Lakes Theater for individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities - the first of its kind in A Christmas Carol's 25-year run in Cleveland.
SEPTEMBER 15
2013    
Lovely Ladies Dream Day
Teenagers from The Up Side of Downs spent a Sunday afternoon getting the VIP
spa treatment from beauticians and hairstylists.  The girls got to choose their
hairstyle and nail color, and left the event with the polish of their choice -
and a lot of smiles, too!        

AUGUST 8 & 20
2013

Akron Aeros Dream Day(s)
Children from Akron Childrens Hospital and Northeast Ohio-area schools participated in a fantasy baseball camp at Canal Park on August 8 & 20.  Due to rain, the event was split into two separate dates.   On day 1, the participants were able to take a stadium tour - including a surprise locker room visit and autographs from some of the Minnesota Twins' minor league players - and had batting practice in the Aero's batting cages underneath the stadium.  Day 2 included skill stations around the park and culminated with a 4-inning game under the lights.
JULY 8
2013
Cleveland Indians Dream Day 2013
Teenagers and adults from Our Lady of the Wayside and Rising Stars made their way through hitting, pitching and fielding stations throughout Progressive Field with the help of Strike Force Baseball Academy.  Little did the participants know who would be making a surprise appearance - Indians' starting catcher Yan Gomes - who joined in the game and signed autographs.  
AUGUST 15
2012
Cleveland Indians Dream Day 2012
The first-ever Dream Day brought teenagers and adults from Our Lady of the Wayside and Rising Stars to Progressive Field, where they were trained by the professional instructors and coaches from Strike Force Baseball Academy and the Diamond Boys Organization on all aspects of the game, including hitting, pitching and fielding.  The day finished up with a game and lunch at the Progressive Field Patio.