15+ Things to Do in Cleveland This Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 3-7)

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

THU 09/03

2026 NewNow Opening Reception

Since its inception in 2014, the art exhibit NewNow features quality work by a variety of Ohio artists. It opens today with a reception at Tri-C’s Gallery East. The event begins at 6 p.m.

4250 Richmond Rd., Highland Hills, 216-987-2473, tri-c.edu/galleryeast.

Great Geauga County Fair

This fair that takes place over the Labor Day Weekend at the Geauga County Fairgrounds includes horse shows, a rodeo and livestock auction. The festivities continue through Monday.

14373 North Cheshire St., Burton, 440-834-1846, geaugafair.com.

Guardians vs. Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays made it all the way to the World Series last year, but the chances of that happening again this year seem slim. The team comes to Progressive Field for a three-game series that concludes with today’s game. First pitch is a 1:10 p.m.

2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, mlb.com/guardians.

Preacher Lawson

Best known for his appearance on season 12 of NBC’s hit series, America’s Got Talent, this comedian has competed in other talent shows as well. Along with George Lopez and Lisa Vanderpump, he hosts the Facebook Watch series World’s Most Amazing Dogs. He performs today at 7 p.m. at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday.

2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.

FRI 09/04

Believe in CLE Yoga

The annual event takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Rock Hall. Not just any yoga workout, this one features a DJ, a curated selection of local vendors and a dance party.

1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.

Cleveland Oktoberfest

The annual Cleveland Oktoberfest returns today to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. The fest features a slew of different types of Oktoberfest-style beers, German and European restaurants, tribute bands, vendors and local artisans. Festivities continue through Monday. Consult the website for a schedule and hours of operation.

19201 East Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, 440- 243-0090, clevelandoktoberfest.com.

Cleveland Taco Fest

An annual event, this four-day celebration kicks off today at Jacobs Pavilion. Expect live music, taco competitions, a Kids Zone, tequila tastings, margaritas and Lucha Libre wrestling. Doors open today at 4 p.m.

2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, tacofestcle.com.

Drivin N Cryin

Produced by occasional Drivin N Cryin’ guitarist Sadler Vaden (Jason Isbell), Crushing Flowers, the latest album from Drivin N Cryin’ features guest appearances by R.E.M.’s Peter Buck and (what may be the last studio appearance) the late Todd Snider. Expect to hear songs from it when the band plays at 8 tonight at the Mercury Music Lounge in Lakewood. The alt-country act Laid Back Country Picker opens.

18206 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, mercurymusiclounge.com.

Guardians vs. Detroit Tigers

The Guardians take on their division rivals the Detroit Tigers for the last time this regular season. The four-game series starts with this double-header. The first game begins at 2:10 pm. and the second starts at 7:10 p.m.

2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, mlb.com/guardians.

Kamm’s Corners Greek Festival

For the past several years, the George Varouh Cretan Club of Cleveland has played host to the Kamm’s Corners Greek Festival. This year’s installment kicks off today at 11 a.m. It features Greek food and pastries as well as a full dinner menu. Greek beer and wine will be served. Admission is free. The event continues through Monday.

3853 West 168th Street, 216-941-4455, westparkkamms.org.

Elle King

The daughter of actor and comedian Rob Schneider and former model London King, Elle King spent some time in Columbus, OH before moving to New York. Her 2014 single “Ex’s & Oh’s” became a huge hit and established her as a household name. She performs at 8 p.m. at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights.

14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.

Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival

The Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival returns to Hale Farm & Village in Akron today, tomorrow and Sunday. The juried festival features more than 150 Ohio artisans, local food and entertainment. Vendors include jewelry artists, potters, woodworkers, glass artists, soap and lotion makers, quilters and a variety of unique artisans.

2686 Oak Hill Rd., Akron, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org.

MIX: Island Vibes

Locally based reggae singer-songwriter Carlos Jones and DJ Maxafari will perform at this monthly event at the Cleveland Museum of Art. It celebrates reggae music and culture, and there will be themed food and drink items. The event begins at 6 p.m.

11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.

The Music of John Williams

The Cleveland Orchestra plays selections by John Williams, the composer who famously scored films such as Superman, Star Wars and Jurassic Park. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Blossom, where performances continue through Sunday.

1145 W Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, clevelandorchestra.com.

SAT 09/05

4th Annual Hingetown Jazz Festival

This annual festival features veteran local jazz acts such as Evelyn Wright and John Klayman and up-and-coming acts like Jennifer James and Grace Blackford. Student ensembles from Kent, CSU, Tri-C and Akron University will perform as well. The festival starts at 2 p.m. and takes place at the Bop Stop (outside on back lawn, weather permitting), Jukebox and Saucy Brew Works. Admission is free.

hingetownjazzfest.org.

Cleveland National Air Show

This annual event returns to Burke Lakefront this weekend. It continues through Monday. This year’s Air Show features the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor demonstration. The Air Show will also feature an array of military demonstrations, parachuting and aerobatics. Check the website for a schedule.

2301 N. Marginal Rd., clevelandairshow.com.

The Early Start: Summer Is Not Over Party

DJ Ike Dubaku will spin at this end-of-summer party that takes place at 7 p.m. at the Brewdog Cleveland Outpost.
1956 Carter Rd., 216-367-2494, universe.com/theearlystartbrewdog.

Steve Forbert

To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of his 2015 album, Compromised, singer-songwriter Steve Forbert recently released a remixed and remastered collection of the album. He brings his tour in support of that album to the Beachland Ballroom. The likes of Rosanne Cash, Keith Urban, Marty Stuart and Webb Wilder have recorded his tunes.

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

Jesse Jukebox: Birds of a Feather!

The local singer-songwriter brings his family friendly show back to the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights. The music begins at 11 a.m.

2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.

Music in the Garden

These free concerts featuring local bands take place on the first and third Saturdays throughout the summer at the Ben Franklin Community Garden. You can bring a lawn chair, and admission is free. Local singer-songwriters Liz Bullock & Jessica Sikon perform tonight at 6.

1905 Spring Rd., 216-459-1000, benfranklincommunitygarden.org.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 1975 film that still draws an exuberant, costumed crowd that likes to throw rice and dry toast and sing along to the songs in the movie, still draws big crowds to local showings. Expect a throng to show up for tonight’s screening that takes place at 10 p.m. at the Cedar Lee Theatre.

2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.

SUN 09/06

The Furious Bongos

The members of Furious Bongos, a tribute act to the late, great Frank Zappa, have some serious musical credentials. A self-proclaimed “freak of nature,” drummer Filip Fjellstrom can play just about anything, including a toilet seat. Keyboardist Kevin Bents toured with Frank Zappa’s son Dweezil Zappa and worked as Jewel’s musical director at the height of her career. The talented group performs at 7:30 p.m. at the Beachland Ballroom.

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

Reggae Sundays

This special Reggae Sunday Happy Hour Concert series continues every Sunday through the end of the summer. The indoor/outdoor concert series will take place rain or shine with live music from 4 to 7 p.m. Music Box will also offer food and drink specials exclusive to the series.

1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.

MON 09/07

Bargain Mondays

As part of a weekly Bargain Monday promotion, tickets to the films at the Cedar Lee Theatre in Cleveland Heights only cost $6 today.

2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.