2nd Annual Cleveland Honeybee Festival Saturday - June 13 11 AM - 7 PM
Cleveland Honeybee Festival - Our Story & Founder’s Message
Every meaningful festival begins with a story. What began as a family journey grew into something bigger.
The Cleveland Honeybee Festival began as a personal journey rooted in family, education, and a love for pollinators.
As a mother and beekeeper, I discovered honeybees alongside my son Max, who is on the autism spectrum. Beekeeping offered structure, curiosity, and shared learning—values that became the heart of our experience. Through membership and leadership in the Ocoee Region Beekeepers Association (ORBA), and inspiration from attending a honeybee festival in another state, the vision for a local festival began to take shape.
When Cleveland became a Bee City USA community, it felt like the right moment to bring that vision home. With encouragement from city leadership and strong partnerships, the Cleveland Honeybee Festival was created as a platform for education, conservation, and community connection.
Today, the festival brings together beekeepers, educators, universities, Master Gardeners, artists, and families to celebrate pollinators and inspire stewardship for generations to come.
What is the Cleveland Honeybee Festival?
The Cleveland Honeybee Festival is a joyful celebration of honeybees, native pollinators, and community—organized by the Cleveland Honeybee Festival Committee, with all Education & Pollinator Experiences led by the Ocoee Region Beekeepers Association (ORBA) in partnership with Bee City USA–Cleveland, TN.
Join us around Johnston Park and the surrounding streets in downtown Cleveland for a fun-filled, family-friendly day of learning, exploring, shopping, music, food, and hands-on pollinator education. Admission is FREE, and everyone is invited to “BEE” part of this sweet community tradition!
Honeybees and other pollinators play a vital role in maintaining a balanced environment and a thriving community. When they flourish, so does Cleveland. As Bee City USA–Cleveland, Tennessee (2023), we are committed to shining a light on the importance of protecting honeybees and all pollinators. Together with the Ocoee Region Beekeepers Association, we work to educate, inspire, and empower our city—recognizing that the health of our pollinators reflects the health of our community.
In every thriving hive, each bee contributes to the strength of the whole. Cleveland is no different—our city’s strength comes from the people who call this place home. So, who carries the heart of our hive? Our community: our families, our neighbors, our businesses, our schools, and the future we’re building together.
The Cleveland Honeybee Festival celebrates this spirit of unity. It kicks off National Pollinator Week and it's a joyful way to “Bee” a positive force in our City with Spirit—bringing together conservation, creativity, education, and community pride.
The Honeybee Festival Hive
Honeybee Education and Pollinator Experiences
Where curiosity takes flight.
This interactive exhibit is the heart of the festival’s mission: education, conservation, and awareness.
Visitors will experience:
🐝 Live beekeeping demonstrations
🌻 Pollinator habitat education
🌿 Native plant resources
👩👩👧 Hands-on children’s activities
📚 Take-home conservation materials
The Honeybee Education & Pollinator Experience Exhibit is a collaborative learning hub featuring regional beekeeping clubs, Master Gardeners, agricultural educators, and environmental partners working together to provide hands-on, science-based education for all ages.
Honeybee Promenade-Artisan & Vendor Village
Over 70 artisan vendors celebrating creativity and community.
Stroll through the Honeybee Promenade and discover:
🎨 Handmade arts & crafts
🍯 Honeybee inspired goods
🧴 Natural body care products
🌼 Garden décor & pollinator plants
🎁 Unique gifts from local makers
This vibrant village showcases regional talent and small businesses while supporting the local economy.
Pollinator Picnic Pavillion
Food, fellowship, and festival flavors.
Take a break and enjoy:
🚚 Food trucks and local cuisine
🍦 Sweet treats & lemonade stands
🌞 Shaded seating areas
👨👩👧👦 Family gathering space
The Picnic Pavilion is designed to give families a comfortable place to relax, refuel, and connect.
Honeycomb Stage
The Honeycomb Stage brings energy and excitement to the day with:
🎤 Live music performances
🎙️ Festival welcome & official opening
🏆 Community recognitions
🐝 Sponsor spotlights
🎸 Featured musical guests
From morning welcome to wrapping up the end of the day, the Honeycomb Stage keeps the celebration buzzing.
Ocoee Region Beekeepers Association
Would you like to know more about becoming a Beekeeper?
The Ocoee Region Beekeepers Association (ORBA) meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at the PIE Innovation Center on Parker Street in Cleveland, TN. Each meeting includes discussions on various beekeeping experiences and features an open Q&A session, creating a friendly environment for both new and seasoned beekeepers to learn, share, and support one another. For information follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1968299336587131 or email us at ORBA.tn@gmail.com
- Attendance is free and open to the public.
- Membership is $20 annually and is due at the start of the year.
- We do not meet in November or December.
