Things to Do in Cleveland This Weekend for Everyone

Our weekly picks of the best things to do in Cleveland this weekend. Also check out our full Cleveland event calendar.

THU 04/23

Britten’s War Requiem

The Cleveland Orchestra takes on Britten’s War Requiem under the direction of guest conductor Daniel Harding. The piece intersperses the Latin Requiem text with antiwar poems by British poet and soldier Wilfred Owen. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall, where performances continue through Sunday.

11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

Cleveland Browns Draft Party

Since the Browns are constantly rebuilding their team, the NFL Draft is always of great importance. To celebrate this year’s draft, the Browns will host a special party at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. There will be music, photo opps with players and giveaways.
500 Lakeside Ave., am.ticketmaster.com/browns/buy/2026Brownsdraftparty.

Sky Hopinka Art Talk

By presenting what has been called “personal positions of indigenous homeland and landscape,” artist Sky Hopinka provides a unique perspective in his videos and photos. Tonight at 6 at moCa, he speaks about his exhibit, The Myth Is Now, which is on display at moCa through Aug. 2.

11400 Euclid Ave., 216-421-8671, mocacleveland.org.

Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits!

This series at Music Box Supper Club will highlight the best of Shakespeare’s work as presented by the Cleveland Shakespeare. Founded in 1977, the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival has been dedicated to bringing Shakespeare to life for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Doors open at 6 p.m.

1148 Main Avenue, 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com/.

Snarky Puppy

Grammy-winning Snarky Puppy formed in 2004, but it seems like the band has always lurked in the background of this century’s dynamic jazz fusion scene. Led by composer Michael Teague, the band features a revolving door of guest musicians. Last year’s release, Somin, even paired it with an entire orchestra. The group performs tonight at 7 at the Agora.

5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

The Sound of Music

Connor Palace welcomes a touring version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s unlikely classic about a family of singing Austrians set against the backdrop of World War II. The musical features classic tunes such as “My Favorite Things,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” and the unforgettable title track. Today’s performances take place at 1 and 7:30 p.m. The play’s run concludes on Sunday.

1615 Euclid Ave., 330-672-3884, playhousesquare.org.

Stomp

An eight-member troupe uses matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and hubcaps as this traveling show returns to town for a performance that take place at 7:30 tonight at E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron.

198 Hill St., Akron, 330-972-7570, ejthomashall.com.

Tartuffe

Cleveland Play House presents its take on this French farce. Today’s performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Outcalt Theatre, where performances continue through April 26.

1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

FRI 04/24

An Evening with David Sedaris

A humorist who’s won awards for books such as Me Talk Pretty One Day and When You Are Engulfed in Flames, David Sedaris is known for his sardonic wit and social critiques. His writings appear regularly in The New Yorker, and he’s twice been included in The Best American Essays. He speaks at 8 p.m. at the State Theatre.

1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

An Evening with Band of Horses

Led by singer-songwriter Ben Bridwell, a guy with a distinctive, quivering voice, this indie rock act out of the Pacific Northwest has somehow persevered despite the lack of commercial success. The band brings its tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of its debut album, Everything All the Time, to the Agora. Doors open at 7 p.m.

5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

Flanagan’s Wake

Part improv, part scripted, this interactive Irish wake is back again at Kennedy’s Theatre at Playhouse Square. Performances are set for 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Monsters vs. Syracuse Crunch

The Monsters had such a good season that they received a bye for the first round of the AHL playoffs. They pick up today with a division semifinal game against the Syracuse Crunch at 7 p.m. at Rocket Arena. The two teams will play again at 4 p.m. on Sunday at the arena.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.

Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson — Apt. 2B

Billed as a “madcap mystery romp,” this play about Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective duo comes to the Hanna Theatre for an extended run that continues through May 10. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 p.m.

2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Razzle Dazzle: It’s All Relative

This adapted, inclusive musical theater program unites people with disabilities and community volunteers. Their rehearsals together culminate in this week’s performances at Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 p.m., and performances continue tomorrow and Sunday.

17801 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org.

Tony Rock

While not as well-known as his superstar brother, comedian Chris Rock, Tony Rock has plenty going for him. In one funny routine, he talks about the “whitest thing he ever saw.” He recounts witnessing a citizen’s arrest at an airport when a guy leaped into “full white-guy mode” after he saw someone take an elevator “without authorization.” A great storyteller, Rock performs tonight at 7 and 9:30 and tomorrow night at 6:30 and 9 at the Funny Bone.

1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com.

“SPARK Some-Thing,” a Springtime Creativity & Activation a Festival

This event that takes place today and tomorrow in Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights will feature art, literature and music at the various shops that line Coventry.

coventryvillage.org.

Star Machine

This musical tries to capture early 2000s pop scene when competition shows such as American Idol came to fruition. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at the Helen, where performances continue through Sunday.

Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Tony Trischka

Banjo man Tony Trischka has inspired everyone from Béla Fleck to Steve Martin. The veteran picker has recently transcribed many of Earl Scruggs’s solos for shows he’s dubbed Earl Jam. He brings that show to G.A.R. Hall in Peninsula. The concert begins at 8 p.m.

1785 Main St., Peninsula, 330-657-2528, peninsulahistory.org.

Williams & Spielberg

The Cleveland Pops Orchestra honors director Steven Spielberg and composer John Williams with this program of music from films such as Indiana Jones, Jaws, ET, Hook and Jurassic Park. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall.

11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

SAT 04/25

Black Hand Side Video Premiere

Local musician Trav Hen will debut the official music video for his single “Black Hand Side” at the Capitol Theatre. The event will run from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and will feature a music video screening, a creative panel and a live performance., According to press materials, “The video showcases a powerful blend of confidence, brotherhood and soulful energy that reflects the spirit of Cleveland’s creative community.”

1390 West 65th St., 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com.

Burlesque! Burlesque!

This burlesque show that takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Beachland Ballroom aims to celebrate “the golden age of burlesque” with performances and live singers.

15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

Coop’s Nightmare

This theatrical event features the a group that bills itself as “the Ultimate Alice Cooper Tribute Band.” Expect to hear all the shock rockers hits in a full stage show featuring props and costumes. It all goes down tonight at 7:30 at the Kent Stage.

175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.

Golems of the Red Planet

This new local band takes selections from John Zorn’s Masada and reworks them as surf tunes. It’s a novel concept for the group that features members of Tin Huey, Half Cleveland, the HiFis, Unit 5, the Pointless Orchestra, Trial of Lucy and Flying Carpet People. The group performs at 7:30 tonight at Jilly’s Music Room in Akron. Akron’s Jupiter 2 opens.

111 N Main St., Akron, 330-576-3757, jillysmusicroom.com.

Kathy Griffin

The edgy comedian who caught the wrath of one Donald Trump back in 2017 after posting a controversial photo has made a comeback after getting cancelled. The sarcastic, fast-talking Griffin performs tonight at 7 at the Agora.

5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

Monster Drawing Rally 2026

More than 75 regional artists will create original works live during three one-hour rounds at this special event at SPACES. The artists will work side-by-side in a range of media—pencil, ink, watercolor, acrylic and collage. As soon as a drawing is finished, it goes on view and is available for purchase for $100. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

2900 Detroit Ave., 216-621-2314, spacesgallery.org.

The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short

The two comedians and actors who have struck gold with their Hulu hit, Only Murders in the Building, come to the State Theatre for a night of comedy and hijinks. The show starts at 8 p.m. The duo return to the venue at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow.

1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

The blues singer-guitarist celebrates the anniversary of his debut album by playing it in its entirety at this show at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. In a second set, he’ll revisit other material from his 30-year career. The show begins at 8 p.m.

10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.

YY Dance Company

Choreographer Yue Yin’s dance troupe makes its Ohio debut at 7:30 tonight at the Ohio Theatre as DANCECleveland’s season closing performance.

1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

SUN 04/26

Matt Fraser: America’s Top Psychic Medium

The man who bills himself as “America’s top psychic medium” performs tonight at 7:30 at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage.

10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.

Rowdy Meadow Revealed: Art, Land and Vision

This special talk provides a digital tour of Rowdy Meadow, a breathtaking 150-acre property in Hunting Valley that serves as the grounds for an extraordinary sculpture park. The behind-the-scenes look will address the “commissioning, installation and stewardship” of works placed across the property. The event begins at 2 p.m. at the Midtown Collaboration Center.

1974 East 66th St., clevelandartsprize.org

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