(Updated August 2025)
Parking in Little Italy anytime of year is Challenging… But especially during The Feast.
As a many year veteran of the Little Italy Feast and long time Heights resident, I can tell you that, as much as I love Little Italy, I loathe the lack of parking. Most people see their parking options as:
- Drive around block after block hoping to get lucky and ride up to a spot as someone is getting ready to leave.
- Surrender to the long walk down and up Mayfield Road hill.
- Surrender $20-30 to the local who converts his yard into a parking lot for the Feast.
A free option
The best option, if you’re a cyclist, is bicycling it if you’re within reasonable distance. If you’re a bit out there, perhaps you have a bike rack for your car. Park for free along MLK Jr Drive and take the short, gorgeous ride from there. Don’t forget your lock. Don’t ruin a perfect day.
The Rapid: The low cost, low hassle option
As suggested in the comments below, taking the Rapid RTA is low cost (about $5) and convenient for most Clevelanders. A commenter suggests to take the Windermere Red line and get off at the new Little Italy stop on Mayfield Rd at the base of The Feast. Here’s a link to look up your route.
How about Uber or Lyft?
We live about 2 miles from Little Italy and thought Uber would be a great, cost-effective way to alleviate the parking hassle. Due to demand, getting an Uber was impossible at 3pm on Saturday AND was going to cost $20… one way. We decided to do Lyft and had no problem getting a driver, but it still cost $15 each way. You’re better off driving with nearly any other option listed here, in our opinion.
If you have other suggestions, please let us know in the comments below.
Ride the Rapid
Perfect!
Where would we get off the rapid if coming from the west side?
Get off at the University Circle Rapid Station.
No! Save your the 5-10 min walk & get off the Windermere Red line at the new Little Italy stop right on Mayfield Rd at the base of the feast
Thank you for the helpful update.
we have 2 handicapped people were would the best place to park
With 2 handicapped people, I think I’d bite the bullet and pay the $30 to park as close as possible to the Feast in someone’s lot or driveway.
HELP!
Me and my partner will be attending the Feast of Assumption this August. I’ve always wanted to go to it when I lived in Maple Hts. years ago. Currently, we live in Canton, Ohio.
I’ve heard of the Horror Stories about the major Parking Problems over there when the Festival is being held. That’s why I haven’t gone there. We even went there when it was operating and gave up in total Discust about 10 years ago.
But, I might try it this time IF I have the right information.
First off, I figure finding a Yard someplace and paying the price to park there is the ONLY way to do it. Yes, we’re both Handicapped. So, location is going to be important.
The Biggest Problem for us is the time of Arrival and the Best Day to be there.
Question:
1). What is the Best Time to Arrive there and possibly obtaining the best parking location?
2). Finally, what is the Best Day to be there?
I know, it’s a real pain in the Butt. But, I got to get there at least once before I kick off!
Thanks for the Help.
Mike and Dennis
Hi Mike!
I hope you are well and still planning to attend the Feast this year. The best day to attend largely depends on the type of experience you want to have. This year the Feast opens on Thur Aug 15, which is the actual Feast Day, and closes on the Sunday. Since it sounds like you are older and have accessibility concerns I’d recommend going on the Thursday. The mass is at 10am and the procession at 11am (or close to). It being the middle of a weekday, should result in fewer people to contend with. As for transit and parking, I’d strongly recommend taking the Red Line on the RTA’s rapid train and getting of at the Mayfield stop if it is convienent for you to get to one of their park and ride stations. If you need to drive in, I’d suggest getting in contact with the University Circle to ask about their Circle Link free shuttle service availability for that day. You may have better luck finding parking in the University Circle area and taking their shuttle over. https://www.universitycircle.org/
Motorcycle parking at the bottom of the hill still?
Yes, there is still motorcycle parking at the western end of The Feast (Mayfield road about 1/4 mile from Euclid Ave).
Rebecca- thank you very much for that information! I will add it to our new FAQ page.
Do they still have the greasy pole climb
Wrong festival…That’s St. Rocco’s over Labor Day weekend.
A few quick question (2024 8/17)
1) is there not handicap parking
2) no tables/ chairs places to sit for elderly?
3) what time is mass tonight? (Saturday)
Grazie
Handicap parking: The Little Italy Feast typically offers designated handicapped parking to accommodate visitors with disabilities. However, due to the popularity of the event and the dense urban environment of Little Italy, the availability of these spaces can be limited. It’s often recommended to arrive early or check with the Holy Rosary Church (event organizers) for specific location
tables/ chairs : There is a spacious tented are of tables and chairs behind the Church in its parking lot which is converted into a family-friendly carnival for the Feast. There are also tables and chairs in the Beer Garden area (next to Trattoria) and on the multple patios open behind the restaurants, as well as indoor seating in the restaurants.
Vigil Mass (for Sunday) — Saturday, 4pm
When will Mayfield Road be closed in 2025?
Connie, the roads are typically closed an hour before the posted hours of the Feast (see homepage), and remain closed through the open hours.