Our weekly picks of the best things to do in Cleveland this weekend. Also check out our full Cleveland event calendar.
THU 03/05
14th Annual Kids’ Comic Con: Ink Your Story
Sponsored by Lake Erie Ink, this free, three-day celebration of comics and visual storytelling for youth comes to Cleveland Museum of Art this weekend. Today, there will be a virtual drawing jam, and a teen party featuring cosplay, games and art-making takes place tomorrow. A kids Comic Con happens on Saturday.
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Brahms’s Third Symphony
Czech conductor Jakub Hrůša leads the Cleveland Orchestra as it takes on Brahms’s Third Sympony as well as pieces by Bohuslav Martinů and Vítĕzslava Kaprálová. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall, where performances repeat on Saturday and Sunday.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Brewmaster’s Stash
On the first Thursday of every month, Great Lakes Brewing Company releases a special small-batch beer selected by the brewmaster. The pub taps the brew for the day and then it’s served until it is gone. You can even load up a crowler or growler to take the stuff home if you like.
2516 Market Ave., 216-771-4404, greatlakesbrewing.com.
The Choir of Man
Singers, dancers, musicians and a “charming poet” play anthems by the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Guns N Roses in this musical. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at Connor Palace, where performances continue through Sunday.
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Epiphany
Cleveland Play House presents this play based on James Joyce’s The Dead. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7 at the Helen, where performances continue through March 7.
1407 Euclid Ave, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
An Evening with Shawn Colvin
Singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin had a hit right out of the gate with her debut album, Steady On. It won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Colvin capitalized on the acclaim with the riveting murder ballad “Sunny Came Home.” She comes to the Kent Stage. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
Rachmaninoff and the Tsar
Hershey Felder stars in this play about pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff and his memory of his encounter with Russia’s last tsar. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at the Allen Theatre, where performances continue through March 15.
1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Short. Sweet. Film Fest.
More than 300 films will screen at this festival that takes place from today through Sunday at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square. Check the website for a schedule and more info.
13116 Shaker Square, 216-331-6825, shortsweetfilmfest.com.
Sons of Cream
This power trio that features the offspring of two of the three original members of the British group Cream comes to the Music Box Supper Club. Doors open at 6 p.m.
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
Jiaoying Summers
Reportedly the first Chinese comedian to headline and sell out the famous Apollo Theatre in New York, Jiaoying Summers brings her latest comedy show to Hilarities. Just last year, she released a new Hulu special, and she also hosts a podcast. The show begins at 6:30 p.m.
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
FRI 03/06
Beethoven Lives Upstairs
James Feddeck conducts the Cleveland Orchestra as it plays a concert that features 25 excerpts from Beethoven’s repertoire. The concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Katherine Blanford
This Southern comedian had a hit right out of the gates with her first comedy special, 2024’s Catholic Cowgirl. She performs at 7 and 9:45 tonight and tomorrow night at Hilarities.
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.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.
GlamGore
Produced, marketed, and hosted by locally based Anhedonia Delight, this monthly show at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights feature both “beauty queens” and “drag monsters.” Tonight’s performance begins at 9:30.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.
Hollywood Blockbusters Featuring Neil Zaza
The local guitar phenom comes to the State Theatre tonight to present his concert featuring songs from soundtracks such as Avengers: Endgame and The Lord of the Rings. The show begins at 7:30.
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
The Jack Fords
This local alt-country act celebrates the 20th anniversary of its debut album, Bent Outta Shape, with this special show at the Beachland Tavern. The group recorded the album as the now-shuttered Town Fryer. The group features former Cowslingers’ guitarist Bobby Latina and singer-guitarist Brent Kirby. The show begins at 8 p.m., and Big Hoke will open.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
Kevin James: Eat the Frog
The comedian and actor who became a household name after his role as a portly delivery driver in the sitcom King of Queens comes to the Akron Civic Theatre. The show begins at 7 p.m.
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Matt McCusker
The comedian who co-hosts the popular Matt and Shane’s Secret podcast brings his Healing Frequency Tour to the Agora. The multi-talented guy also acts and writes novels. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
MIX: Material Girl
WRUW 91.1 FM DJs Mimi Dromette and BG (Bridget D Ginley) will man the wheels of steel for this special iteration of MIX at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The party commemorates Women’s History Month and will celebrate the music of Madonna, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Blondie, Sade and Kate Bush. It starts at 6 p.m.
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Monsters vs. Grand Rapids Griffins
The Monsters take on the Grand Rapids Griffins tonight at 7 at Rocket Arena, and the Griffins will stick around town tomorrow to play the Monsters again at 4 p.m.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.
Rodney Perry
Comedian Rodney Perry likes to joke that his favorite Jackson is Joe Jackson because he drove his kids to success. “Those kids wouldn’t have been shit without an ass whopping,” he jokes in one popular skit. “He’s still whopping people to this day.” He also likes to joke about relationships and advises women to do what their men tell them to because, “It’s hard being a black man.” He 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.
Two Trains Running
Set in Pittsburgh in the 1960s, August Wilson’s play centers on a the characters who frequent a coffeeshop in the city’s Hill District. Local Jimmy Woody directs the play, and tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, where performances continue through March 29.
17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org.
SAT 03/07
2026 Maple Sugar Festival & Pancake Breakfast
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today and tomorrow, Hale Farm & Village hosts live demonstrations of tree tapping and sap boiling in the wood-fired syrup evaporator at C.O. Hale’s 1910 Sugar House. The event aims to show what life was like on farms in the Cuyahoga Valley during the 1800s.
2686 Oak Hill Rd., Newton Falls, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org.
Apostle Jones Release Party
After six years of playing locally, the blues rock band Apostle Jones has finally released its first full-length album. Most of the record was tracked live in the basement of St. Josaphat Arts Hall church in Midtown, the place where the band practices. Austin & the Syd Experience and Chris Lugo open. The Beachland will also host an afterparty featuring locals Jinari Kemet and the Black Jackets. It all gets going at 8 p.m.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
Aries — Glass Jaw World Tour
The singer, producer and rapper brings his Glass Jaw World Tour to House of Blues. Released last year, Glass Jaw features a bit of everything. Aries embraces pop with “Party People” and evokes Linkin Park with the hard-hitting “In the Flesh.” The concert begins at 7 p.m.
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com.
Mac ‘n’ Cheese Throwdown
The tenth annual iteration of this mac ‘n’ cheese competition comes to the Tenk Building. Some 20 chefs will participate, and proceeds will benefit W.A.G.S. 4 Kids. The competition begins at noon.
2111 Center St., macncheesethrowdown.com.
Kathleen Madigan
A veteran comic whose career stretches back nearly 30 years, Kathleen Madigan spends about three-fourths of the year on the road. Madigan, who’s made 25 appearances on The Tonight Show, has ridden around with fellow comic Jerry Seinfeld in his internet series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. She returns to town to perform tonight at 7 at the State Theatre.
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
The Phil Collins Story
The tribute to the former Genesis drummer and successful solo artist comes to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. The show begins at 8 p.m.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com/en.html.
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.
2163 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com.
Totally Rad Vintage Fest
A variety of vendors hawking all things ’80s, ’90s and Y2K will be on hand at the I-X Center today and tomorrow as part of the Totally Rad Vintage Fest. Check the I-X Center website for hours and ticket prices.
1 I-X Center Dr., 216-676-6000, ixcenter.com.
The Towpath Trail Lantern Parade
Local artists and community members who’ve made lanterns out of recycled material will participate in this annual event that takes place at 6:30 p.m. from Sokolowski’s Overlook on the Towpath Trail. The event includes a 1.6 mile walk along the trail, and registration is encouraged but not required.
1201 University Rd., canalwaypartners.com/lantern-parade.
SUN 03/08
Mary Beth Barone
This comedian has had a busy couple of years. She writes and co-hosts the podcast Ride and also stars in the comedy series Overcompensating. She has a deadpan delivery that often makes it difficult to tell when she’s been serious. performs at 7:30 p.m. at Hilarities.
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Cavs vs. Boston Celtics
Even without their superstar Jayson Tatum, who’s likely out for the season, the Boston Celtics have played well this season. They take on the Cavs at 1 p.m. at Rocket Arena.
Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.
Dervish
A traditional Irish group that dates back to the late 1980s, Dervish has been called “an icon of Irish music.” The Sligo Borough Council’s Decision awarded the band the Freedom of the Borough of Sligo, putting them in the same company as the Irish poet William Butler Yeats. The group performs tonight at Music Box Supper Club. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
INZO
EDM producer INZO is back on the road with what he’s dubbed the Mirrorverse Tour; the trek supports Nexum, a new studio album that finds him collaborating with the producer and beat maker Blookah. The album’s rich, ambient tunes should translate well live at tonight’s show at Globe Iron. Know Good, Blookah and Spenny open. The show begins at 7 p.m.
2320 Center St., globeironcle.com.
Bert Kreischer
Not many comedians have fought a grizzly bear. In his 2005 television movie Hurt Bert, Bert Kreischer not only comes face to face with a ferocious (yet ultimately harmless) bear, but lives to tell you about it in his nationally successful comedy act. Kreischer makes his way to Cleveland this week for a standup show at 7 p.m. at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown.
229 East Front St., Youngstown, 330-746-5600, covellicentre.com.
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