All images provided by Brite Winter

February is probably my least favorite month of the year. I know I have a birthday in February but still. This year, however, I’m actually looking forward to it all because of a local event called Brite Winter. Located in the West Bank of The Flats this year, Brite Winter had headliners like Smallpools, Lighthouse and the Whaler, and The Mowgli’s in the past with this year’s headliner Colony House ready to ring in lucky thirteen.

I got a chance to talk to Morgan Passek, the Chair of the Programming and Marketing Committee for Brite Winter about what makes Brite Winter special. She began on the Brite Winter marketing crew in 2015 and joined the board of directors in 2016.

Going into its thirteenth year, Brite Winter aims to bring joy to the Cleveland area with art and music during one of the most underserved times of the year. It comes during the lull between Cleveland’s big celebrations for New Year and St. Patrick’s Day.

“We really wanted to build a community around wintertime and show that Clevelanders are resilient,” she said.

So what can you expect for Brite Winter this year? There will be four different outdoor stages filled with bands from all over the Northeast Ohio area, except for this year’s headliner Colony House.

For just $5, you’ll be able to see amazing artists like Who Saved Who, HALLIE, Indre, Grumpy Plums, The Rosies and so many other amazing artists. Make sure you check the lineup below to see who is playing when and where and plan your day accordingly. Passek told me that doing your homework beforehand is really beneficial to enjoying the event.

Brite Winter is also 100% outside this year. While it’s too early to have the official forecast, Passek suggests that you bundle up as it gets cold by the river, especially as the sun goes down. Hats will be available for purchase but it’s recommended that you dress appropriately for the weather, especially if you plan to be there all day. The event goes on rain or shine.

Right now, local artists are creating thirteen talismans to put around the festival grounds, some of which will be interactive. Passek herself is working on them too, making it one of her favorite parts of Brite Winter.

“Once [those pieces] are installed, once we have attendees coming in and interacting with all of those pieces, that makes my heart soar because I put my time into painting or putting fine lines on everything… it’s really nice to have people interacting with your art”

This is a ticketed event that you can purchase here. GA tickets are $5 and those under 18 can get in for free. VIP packages are also available.

You can keep up to date with Brite Winter on their Facebook and Instagram.