2nd Annual Cleveland Honeybee Festival Saturday - June 13 11 AM - 7 PM
Cleveland Honeybee Festival - Our Story & Founder’s Message
🐝 The Cleveland Honeybee Festival did not begin as an event. It began beside a beehive.
As a mother and beekeeper, I discovered honeybees alongside my son, Max, who lives with high-functioning autism. What began as curiosity — and even a form of therapy — slowly became something much deeper.
Beekeeping offered focus and structure, giving us a shared purpose. In caring for the hives, we found connection, confidence, and growth together.
Through mentorship and involvement with the Ocoee Region Beekeepers Association, I began to see that the power of pollinator education extended far beyond our own family. What helped us could also serve our community.
When Cleveland became a Bee City community in 2023, it felt like the right time to expand that vision. In 2025, the Cleveland Honeybee Festival was created as a place where education, conservation, small business support, and community connection could come together in one meaningful day.
“What began as something personal has grown into something shared.”
Today, the festival operates as a nonprofit community event supporting local beekeeping and pollinator education in our schools. It brings together beekeepers, educators, universities, Master Gardeners, artists, and families to celebrate pollinators and inspire stewardship for generations to come.
And at its heart, it is still about learning together.
Thank you for being part of the story.
— Karla Hyder
Founder, Cleveland Honeybee Festival
What is the Cleveland Honeybee Festival?
The Cleveland Honeybee Festival is a joyful celebration of honeybees, native pollinators, and community. It operates as a nonprofit community event 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. Proceeds from the festival support local beekeeping and pollinator education initiatives within our community.
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. Since becoming a Bee City USA community in 2023, our city has committed to shining a light on the importance of protecting honeybees and all pollinators. Together with ORBA and our local partners, 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 — our families, neighbors, businesses, schools, and the future we’re building together.
The Cleveland Honeybee Festival celebrates this spirit of unity. As it kicks off National Pollinator Week, it serves as both a joyful gathering and a meaningful reminder that each of us can “BEE” a positive force in our City with Spirit — bringing together conservation, creativity, education, and community pride.
Inside the Hive of the Honeybee Festival
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.
Cleveland Honeybee Festival
