About the 2025 Festival
The theme of the 2025 Cleveland Humanities Festival is APPETITE. Feast. Famine, Ambition. Desire. Craving. Appetite is both a bodily state and an emotive force. As we celebrate the 10th year anniversary of the CHF, we will explore the multifaceted ways that humanistic inquiry has engaged this theme. What do we hunger for in our personal and civic lives? How does longing shape the human psyche? How have artists and makers explored the role of appetite in creative production? What metaphors of appetite resonate across diverse time periods and cultural milieus? How will AI and new technologies impact our collective appetites for knowledge? These questions and more will be addressed by Cleveland area arts, cultural and educational organizations through a series of public events in the spring of 2025.
Explore the Ethical, Legal, and Societal Implications of Existing and Emerging Technologies
April 23, 2025
9:30 AM Tinkham Veale University Center 11038 Bellflower Road Cleveland, OH 44106
Join the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence for the launch of the ELSI Think Tank as we explore the ethical, legal, and societal implications (ELSI) of existing and emerging technologies.
This event is free and open to the public.
Get more information and register HERE.
We See You! Celebrating Black Women Writers
April 28, 2025
6:00 PM Cuyahoga County Public Library Berea Branch 7 Berea Commons Berea, OH 44017
Join us to celebrate the contributions of Black women writers, past and present, including local authors. This workshop offers a chance to explore and discuss their works, with materials provided. Michelle Rankins is an award-winning published poet, educator, and creative professional.
This event is sponsored by Cuyahoga County Public Library and is free and open to the public.
Cooking Vareniki (Ukrainian Pierogis)
April 28, 2025
6:30 PM Cuyahoga County Public Library North Olmsted Branch 27403 Lorain Road North Olmsted, OH 44070
You’ll see step-by-step how to assemble and cook this traditional Vareniki (Ukrainian pierogis). In this hands-on program you will build your Vareniki, choose fillings, learn to fold and crimp this Ukrainian favorite using premade dough discs. You will leave with Vareniki ready to be cooked at home. Supplies limited.
This event is sponsored by Cuyahoga County Public Library and is free and open to the public.
Women in History: Julia Child
April 28, 2025
7:00 PM Rocky River Public Library 1600 Hampton Road Rocky River, OH 44116
Experience the chef, author, and TV personality Julia Child, as portrayed by Ruth Pangrace. Women In History is a non-profit dedicated to the education of all people through the dramatic re-creation of lives of notable women in history. 
This event is sponsored by Rocky River Public Library and is free and open to the public.
Registration required. Register HERE.
Cooking Vareniki (Ukrainian Pierogis)
April 30, 2025
6:30 PM Cuyahoga County Public Library Berea Branch 7 Berea Commons Berea, OH 44017
You’ll see step-by-step how to assemble and cook this traditional Vareniki (Ukrainian pierogis). In this hands-on program you will build your Vareniki, choose fillings, learn to fold and crimp this Ukrainian favorite using premade dough discs. You will leave with Vareniki ready to be cooked at home. Supplies limited.
Thanks a Brunch
May 1, 2025
6:00 - 8:00 PM Cleveland Public Library Main Library - Downtown Lower Level - Auditorium, LSW 02 525 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Main Library and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Cleveland Public Library and the Library For the Blind and Print Disable are excited to announce a cooking demonstation from Christine Ha, known as the Blind Cook. She will be conducting a captivating cooking demonstration and will be sharing her remarkable journey of becoming a successful culinary artist.
Food and Culture: Healthy Cooking Made Simple with Vel Scott
May 5, 2025
2:00 PM Cuyahoga County Public Library Parma Powers Branch 6996 Powers Boulevard Parma, OH 44129
Travel the Silk Road: Journey Through Asia
May 6, 2025
11:00 AM Cuyahoga County Public Library Parma Heights Branch 6206 Pearl Road Parma Heights, OH 44130
We See You! Celebrating Black Women Writers
May 8, 2025
10:00 AM Cuyahoga County Public Library Mayfield Branch 500 SOM Center Road Mayfield Village, OH 44143
Join us to celebrate the contributions of Black women writers, past and present, including local authors. This workshop offers a chance to explore and discuss their works, with materials provided.
Michelle Rankins is an award-winning published poet, educator, and creative professional.
Registration required. Register HERE.
Thirst for Knowledge: The Florist of Millionaires’ Row
May 8, 2025
7:00 PM Cuyahoga County Public Library Brooklyn Branch 7619 Memphis Avenue Brooklyn, OH 44144
Celebrate gardening and Women’s History with this fascinating presentation about this local green thumb. Explore the rich history of gardening through the life of Ella Grant Wilson, the celebrated Florist of Millionaires Row. Known for her exceptional work with Cleveland’s elite, Ella was instrumental in shaping horticultural practices of her time. This engaging talk blends her gardening expertise with her legacy as a pro-women advocate.