Our weekly picks of the best things to do in Cleveland this weekend. Also check out our full Cleveland event calendar.
THU 12/04
All Them Witches
Just back from a European tour, this Nashville-based hard rock act has played festivals such as Voodoo Music & Arts, Bonnaroo, Forecastle Festival and Pukkelpop. With its spooky found sounds and heavy guitars, the 2020 album, Nothing as the Ideal, typifies the band’s approach. The group performs at 7 p.m. at Globe Iron. King Buffalo opens.
2325 Elm St., globeironcle.com.
A Christmas Carol
This Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival production never fails to engage and delight. Framed as a story within a story in this Gerald Freedman adaptation, the production really comes alive once the ghost of Jacob Marley appears, dragging his chains and creaking eerily with every movement. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at the Mimi Ohio Theatre, where performances continue through Dec. 21.
1501 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
A Christmas Story
Cleveland Play House’s production of this story about a Cleveland kid who just wants a BB gun for Christmas returns to the Allen Theatre, where it continues through Dec. 21. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30.
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Frost
This annual winter celebration at the Cleveland Botanical Garden features lights, seasonal displays and family activities. There will be a gingerbread competition and local garden clubs will decorate Christmas trees that’ll be on display. Check the website for hours and more information.
11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org.
Handel’s Messiah
Conductor Bernard Labadie knows Handel’s Messiah. He’s conducted it more than 100 times. He leads the Cleveland Orchestra today as it takes on the majestic piece, a holiday favorite. The concert begins tonight at 7:30 at Mandel Concert Hall, where performances continue through Saturday.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee
The married couple brings their Christmas show to town as part of a 12-city tour. David Foster has penned hits for acts such as Mary J. Blige, Michael Buble and Josh Groban, and Katharine McPhee has starred on and sang on Broadway. Expect to hear a mix of Christmas music as well as tunes from their award-winning pasts. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.
Monsters vs. Syracuse Crunch
The Syracuse Crunch come from upstate New York to Rocket Arena tonight to take on the Monsters in the first of a two-game series. The puck drops at 7, and it’s a Blue Jackets Night and the first 2,015 fans receive a Denton Mateychuk Interskate 71 poster. The two teams play again at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, and the first 2,015 fans at that game will receive an exclusive Jet Greaves Interskate 71 poster.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.
Monty Python’s Spamalot
The farcical comedy that garnered 14 Tony nominations when it was on Broadway returns to Playhouse Square. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Connor Palace. Performances continue through Sunday.
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
A Motown Christmas
This holiday event features classic tunes by the likes of the Temptations, the Supremes and the Jackson 5. Tonight’s performance takes place at the Hanna Theatre, where performances continue through Dec. 14.
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Rain
The Beatles tribute act brings its holiday show to the State Theatre. The concert begins at 8 p.m.
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Josh Sneed
An Ohio native, Josh Sneed holds the distinction of quitting his comfy job at Proctor & Gamble to become a comedian. That’s a decision that could have gone terribly wrong. But Sneed has become a working comic and he has a distinctive delivery as his calm voice serves as a precursor to the hilarious punch line that comes next. He tends to share jokes about his everyday life. He performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday.
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
FRI 12/05
An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine
Nearly 30 years ago, this Cincinnati-based folk-rock group released its first collection of Christmas carols. Dubbed The Darkest Night of the Year, the album included both originals and covers. Now, the group tours each Christmas and plays songs from it as well as from another holiday album, Snow Angels. Expect something more subdued that the typical holiday concert. Tonight’s concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Kent Stage.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
Art Treasures 2025 Artists’ Reception
This annual holiday art exhibition-meets-pop-up-shop will take place in the Hoffman-Stach Gallery in the Beck Center for the Arts main building. The event will feature hand-made goods from local artists. It takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org.
Cavaliers vs. San Antonio Spurs
Some pundits have already declared San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who’s been out with an injury, to be the season’s MVP. He got off to a hot start with the suddenly competitive Spurs, who have played well even with their star. They play the Cavs tonight at 7:30 at Rocket Arena. It doesn’t get any easier for the Cavs as the Golden State Warriors come to the arena at 7:30 tomorrow night to face the Cavs.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.
Cleveland Charge vs. Noblesville Boom
The Charge take on the Noblesville Boom tonight at 7 at Public Hall, where it’s Bluey Night, and there will be a meet-and-greet with the character from the children’s animated series by the same name.
500 Lakeside Ave., 216-241-5555, cleveland.gleague.nba.com.
EPOCH Cleveland
A ticket to this special event at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History gets you access to the brand-new exhibit, ROCK OF AGES: The Evolutionary Art of Derek Hess. There will also be craft cocktails, tote bag screen printing and after hours access to the museum’s galleries. The event begins at 7 p.m.
1 Wade Oval Dr., 216-231-4600, cmnh.org.
GlamGore: A Titillating Haus of Tits Takeover
Cleveland’s self-proclaimed Vixen of Versatility, Anhedonia Delight, presents this monthly themed drag show series at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights. Tonight’s show takes its team from two iconic directors. Doors open at 8 p.m.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights., 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
Holiday Market at StoneWater
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, StoneWater will host the 9th annual Shop and Sip. It’ll feature more than 30 local vendors, as well as food and festive music. The event also includes a Toys for Tots toy drive.
One Club Drive, Highland Heights, stonewatergolf.com.
DL Hughley
Not many people can fire off the quick, witty jokes like DL Hughley. He can take serious matters like race relations and spin them into sidesplitting satire, tiptoeing along the edge of offensive and hilarious, yet still remaining totally lovable. Nothing is off limits for this guy. He performs tonight at 7 and 10 at the Funny Bone, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday.
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Presented by BOOM Theater
In addition to its famous title track, this musical features “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and “How Deep Is the Ocean.” It arrives at the Akron Civic Theatre just in time for the holiday season. Performances take place at 7 tonight and tomorrow night and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show
Drag queens BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon are writers, actors and comedians, so you can expect their holiday show to be off-the-rails. The party starts at 8 p.m. at the State Theatre.
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
King Diamond Xmas
Every local band at this show at the Foundry will perform at least one King Diamond or Mercyful Fate cover in their style, There will be a KD facepainting station for audience members, with prizes for best facepaint. A curated KD/MF playlist will run through the night to give clues to what each band is (and is not) covering, and the whole event is a fundraiser for the Cleveland Animal Protective League. Ichabod Crane, Druparia, Befallen, Avowal and Emerald Rage are slated to perform. The show begins at 7 p.m.
4256 Pearl Rd., 440-637-5483, foundryconcertclub.com.
A Magical Motown Christmas
This concert featuring covers of tunes by the Temptations, the Jackson Five, Diana Ross & the Supremes, the Four Tops and Aretha Franklin comes to the Goodyear Theatre in Akron. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
Goodyear Theater, 1201 East Market St., Akron, 330-659-7118, goodyeartheater.com.
MIX: Snow Globe
DJ Ik Dubaku, who spins Afrobeat, Afro house and dance music from Asia and beyond, and DJ Flaco Flash, who spins Latin music from South America, Central America and the Caribbean, will team up for this special edition of MIX at Cleveland Museum of Art. The event begins at 6 p.m.
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Kip Moore: Solitary Tracks Fall Tour
The veteran country singer-songwriter who just released a “deluxe” version of his album Solitary Tracks performs at 7 p.m. at House of Blues. The album opens with the rousing, Springsteen-like “High Hopes” and includes 26 songs, including a brand-new track as well as live, stripped-down versions of “Solitary Tracks” and “Rivers Don’t Run.”
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
The SpongeBob Musical
The musical that features tunes by the likes of They Might Be Giants, David Bowie, Panic! At The Disco, John Legend, and Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith arrives at Beck Center for the Arts. Tonight’s show takes place at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue through Jan. 4.
17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org.
SAT 12/06
2025 Solon Hometown Holiday Market
This free event invites guests to celebrate the spirit of the season while supporting talented regional artists and small businesses. The market will feature a curated mix of handmade goods, including home décor, jewelry, holiday items, art, accessories and treats. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City of Solon Recreation Department. Admission is free.
35000 Portz Parkway, Solon, avantgardeshows.com.
Ballet Theatre of Ohio’s Nutcracker
Ballet Theatre of Ohio presents The Nutcracker for the 33rd consective year. This show featuring Tchaikovsky’s famous score comes to the Akron Civic Theatre today at 2 and 7 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m.
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, ballettheatreohio.org.
Daniel Bennett Group’s CD Release
As part of a monthly Music at the Main series, New York saxophonist Daniel Bennett and his group will play a special release show at the Cleveland Public Library. The show celebrates the release of Bennett’s tenth album, Mr. Bennett’s Mind. The concert begins at 2 p.m. A teaching artist and clinician at the New York Jazz Academy, Bennett performs regularly in major musical theater productions and played woodwinds in ‘Blank! The Musical,’ the first fully improvised musical to launch at New World Stages in New York.
325 Superior Ave., 216-623-2800, cpl.org.
Cursive
The indie rock group that formed in the mid-’90s performs at 7 p.m. at Mahall’s 20 Lanes in Lakewood. Last year’s Devourer showcases the band’s ability to deliver accessible songs with angular, post-punk guitars. Frontman Tim Kasher draws from inspiration from both film and visual art (hence the album title, “devourer”).
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.
Chris D’Elia
The comedian brings his Straight Outta the Multiverse tour to the Agora. In the course of a career that goes back about 20 years, E’Elia has had major roles in sitcoms such as Whitney and The Good Doctor. He also has a track record of accusations of sexual misconduct. Doors open at 6 p.m.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
Donna the Buffalo
The jam band out of upstate New York returns to the Kent Stage. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
The Elovators
During its ten-year career, this reggae act out of Boston has opened for groups like Pepper, Ziggy Marley, Easy Star All-Stars, the Movement and Stick Figure. Its latest album, 2024’s Endless Summer, effortlessly blends pop and reggae. Much like Spearhead, the group keeps positive vibrations flowing with lilting melodies and soulful vocals. The show starts at 6 p.m. at House of Blues.
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
KiNG MALA
And You Who Drowned In the Grief of a Golden Thing, the latest effort from this alt-pop singer-songwriter out of Los Angeles, features heavy synths and distorted guitar as it evokes “a cinematic fever dream that weaves together influences from brutalist architecture, The VVitch, Catholicism and Renaissance,” as it’s put in a press release. Think Marilyn Manson meets Billie Eilish. The current tour includes a stop at the Foundry. The show begins at 7 p.m.
4256 Pearl Rd., 440-637-5483, foundryconcertclub.com.
Latin Jazz Holiday Concert
This free Latin Jazz holiday concert takes place at 6 p.m. at the Saint Ignatius Breen Center for the Performing Arts. Local drummer/percussionist, composer/arranger, educator and Grammy-nominated artist Bobby Sanabria will perform with the Saint Ignatius High School Jazz Ensemble and guest students.
2008 West 30th St., 216-397-3757.
Light Up Lakewood
From 4 to 8 p.m. today in downtown Lakewood, Light Up Lakewood celebrates the season with a holiday parade, lighting ceremony, winter fireworks, the Roundstone Beer Garden, a holiday train, live music, ice carvings, hot chocolate, food trucks and children’s games. It all concludes with a fireworks show over Kauffman Park. Admission is free.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
This variety show promises to be particularly festive as it presents entertainers from around the globe and holiday music. Performances take place at 3 and 7:30 p.m.
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.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 9:30 p.m. at the Cedar Lee Theatre. Tickets cost $12. first Saturday of every month.
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
The Ohio City Singers
The local group that plays original holiday music returns to the Music Box Super Club for a family friendly show that begins at 2 p.m. Led by singer-songwriter Chris Allen, the ensemble just released two new holiday singles, “Santa, Won’t You See Me Tonight” and “Christmas Card From Heaven.” The live shows are always engaging affairs that feature the more uptempo tunes in the band’s repertoire.
1148 Main Aven., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com/.
SUN 12/07
Browns vs. Tennessee Titans
The Browns get a break this week as the lowly Tennessee Titans come to town. The Titans own one of the league’s worst offensives and have struggled to find wins this season. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. at Huntington Bank Field.
100 Alfred Lerner Way, 440-891-5000, huntingtonbankfield.com.
A Charlie Brown Holiday Tribute
Jazz man Cliff Habian brings his trio to the Music Box Super Club to play the music of Vince Guaraldi for this special holiday show. It begins at 5 p.m.
1148 Main Avenue, 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com/.
Dave Koz & Friends: Christmas Tour 2025
The smooth jazz star brings some of his best musical friends to the State Theatre for his annual Christmas show. This year, the concert will feature South African singer-guitarist Jonathan Butler, singer Haley Reinhart, multi-instrumentalist Casey Abrams and pianist Kayla Waters. Koz is known as a smooth jazz guy, but the Christmas concert are festive affairs. The show begins at 7 p.m.
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
My Love Letter to Food
Comedian Samantha Woodman wrote, directed and produced this show about her relationship with food. Tonight’s performance takes place at 6 p.m. at Imposters Theater.
4828 Lorain Ave., imposterstheater.com.
Leslie Odom, Jr.
The actor, singer, authors and producer who became a household name after starring in the original Broadway production of Hamilton comes to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. Odom Jr. just released his latest effort, An Offering: Live at Speakeasy Studios. Expect to hear songs from it along with tracks from his two Christmas albums, 2016’s Simply Christmas and 2020’s The Christman Album. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.
Preservation Hall Jazz Band: Creole Christmas
The long-running jazz group from New Orleans performs at 7 tonight at the Kent Stage. The group famously plays in a small, dingy art gallery in the French Quarter that it’s converted to a 100-seat concert venue. This represents a rare chance to see the ensemble outside of its natural environment.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
Allen Stone and Ripe: The Get Sweet Tour
Modern soul singer Allen Stone has released five studio albums and shared the stage with icons such as Stevie Wonder and Erykah Badu. He’s just released a cover of “Ride Like the Wind” that has made its way into his sets. He comes to House of Blues as part of a co-headlining show with the funk band Ripe. The concert begins at 6 p.m. at House of Blues.
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
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