15+ Things to Do in Cleveland This Weekend (October 23-26)

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

THU 10/23

Beethoven’s Ode to Joy

The Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus take on Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and Sibelius’s Tapiola in this concert at Mandel Concert Hall. It begins at 7:30 p.m., and performances continue through Sunday.

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

Hell’s Kitchen

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Alicia Keys inspired this musical about a 17-year-old girl who has a passion for music and strives to become a professional musician. Tonight’s performance takes at 7:30 at the State Theatre, where performances continue through Nov. 1.

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

Eric Johnson — The Texaphonic Tour 2025

The blues guitarist from Austin, TX comes to the Kent Stage for a two-night stand. He’s released nearly 20 albums over the course of a career that stretches back to the late ’80s. He performs at 6:30 tonight and tomorrow night.

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

Kyle Kinane

This comedian likes to say that he steers clear of political topics, but he does routinely joke about white privilege and sexual harassment. He performs tonight at 7 at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday.

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

Steel Panther

Back in the ’80s, the Sunset Strip produced any number of hair metal bands as clubs such as the Troubadour and Rainbow Bar and Grill were the proving grounds for rock acts such as Van Halen and Motley Crue. Those days are over but don’t tell Steel Panther. The L.A. band pays tribute to that era. The group returns to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage, where it performs at 7:30 p.m.

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

Take a Hike: Erie Street Cemetery

Buried History Days, presented by Canalway, kicks off with this tour of Erie Street Cemetery. The event, which runs through Oct. 28, offers the opportunity to learn more about the lives (and deaths) of Clevelanders dating back to the Revolutionary War. This event at Erie Street Cemetery begins at 6 p.m. Find more information on the website.

2254 East 9th St., clevelandhistorydays.com.

Tei Shi

This singer-songwriter who dabbles in dream-pop, indie rock and shoegaze on her new album, make believe I make believe, comes to the Beachland Ballroom. The bilingual Shi sings in both rap and English on songs like the funky, hip-hop infused 22. The show begins at 8 p.m. Local indie act Wish Queen opens.

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

Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight!

The veteran actor takes the reins of this show that Hal Holbrook once helmed. Expect to hear samples of Mark Twain’s tremendously witty prose during the performance. The show begins at 7 p.m. at Connor Palace.

1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

FRI 10/24

Botanical Garden After Dark

There will be “ghoulish games,” an adults only costume party and tarot card readings at this event that takes place at 7 p.m. at Cleveland Botanical Garden.

11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org.

Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2025: Tracey Lind and Danté Rodriguez Opening Reception

During this annual exhibition, Beck Center headlines visual artists inspired by their culture, lifestyle or heritage. This year, Beck Center displays works by Tracey Lind and Danté Rodriguez. A free reception takes place today at 6 p.m.

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

Stew Cutler

On tour in support of his latest album, The Blues from Another Angle, a critically acclaimed eclectic mix of originals and a few covers featuring guitarist Mike Stern and master harmonica player, James Montgomery, the talented singer-songwriter comes to the Treelawn.

15335 Waterloo Rd, 216-677-8733, thetreelawn.com.

Dial M for Murder

Great Lakes Theater presents its take on the classic thriller adapted from the original by Frederick Knott. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at the Hanna Theatre, where performances continue through Nov. 9.

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

Mania: The ABBA Tribute

Each month seems to bring with it another tribute to the influential Swedish pop act ABBA. Tonight at 7:30, Mania swings into town to perform ABBA songs at the Goodyear Theater in Akron.

1201 East Market St., Akron, 330-659-7118, goodyeartheater.com.

John Mulaney: Mister Whatever

The very funny comedian who was headlining arenas just a few years ago bring his latest show, Mister Whatever, to Connor Palace for a two-night stand. Tonight’s performance takes place at 8. Tomorrow and Sunday, the concerts begin at 7 p.m.

1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

OPUS 216: Music of the Cleveland Composers Guild

The locally based chamber music ensemble will play original music by the Cleveland Composers Guild, one of the oldest music organizations in the country. The concert begins at 6 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

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

Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra

On tour in support of his new album, Multiversal: Live at the Bop Stop, saxophonist, composer, arranger, and conductor Stephen Philip Harvey bring his 17-piece band to the Bop Stop. The show begins at 8 pm., and the ensemble performs at 8 tomorrow night at Blu Jazz+ in Akron.

2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.

Pumpkins & Piranhas at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium

From 6 to 8 p.m. today and tomorrow, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium celebrates Halloween with its annual Pumpkins & Piranhas event. There will be underwater jack-o’-lanterns, scuba diver interactions, themed décor and music and appearances by the friendly landshark Finn. Costumes are encouraged, and advanced registration is requested.

2000 Sycamore Street, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com.

Donnell Rawlings

Best known as Ashy Larry, a character he created when he was on Chappelle’s Show, funnyman Donnell Rawlings excels at sketch comedy. He performs tonight at 7 and 9:30 and tomorrow night at 6:30 and 9 at the Cleveland Funny Bone.

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

Trunk or Treat

Guests to decorate golf carts that will be parked around the Yard at Stonewater Grille at this special Halloween event. After cart decorating is complete, kids and families can go from cart to cart collecting treats. The event begins at 6 p.m. and a full bar until 10 p.m.

1 Club Dr., Highland Heights, 440-461-4653, stonewatergolf.com.

SAT 10/25

Boo-tanical Bash

There will be “ghoulish games,” activities and a “creature feature” at this event that takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org.

Neko Case

Two years ago, alt-country singer-songwriter Neko Case released Wild Creatures, a digital-only career retrospective album featuring 22 tracks from her career. The compilation also includes the new ballad “Oh, Shadowless.” The release even includes an expanded version with new and animated artwork by Laura Plansker for each track. Expect to hear some songs from it when Case performs at 7 tonight at the Agora. Des Demonas opens.

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

Celebration of Hops

Fat Head’s Brewery in Middleburg Heights hosts this beer festival that features IPAs from more than 20 local and regional breweries. There will be a VIP session with a brewers, and a portion of the proceeds benefit Ales for ALS. There are two sessions. One takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. and the other takes place from 6 to 9 p.m.

17450 Engle Lake Dr., Middleburg Heights, 216-898-0242, fatheads.com.

I-X Trick or Treat Street: The Final Boo

After more than 25 years of candy and costumes, this farewell event at the I-X Center marks the end of an era for a Halloween tradition. There will be rides, trick-or-treat houses and photo opportunities throughout the venue. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow.

1 I-X Center Dr., 216-676-6000, ixcenter.com.

Monsters vs. Rochester Americans

The Monsters take on the Rochester Americans tonight at 7 at Rocket Arena. The Halloween-themed night will feature trick or treating on the concourse and face painting. The first 2500 kids will receive a specialty Monsters trick or treat bag.

One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.

Dusty Slay

Comedian Dusty Slay likes to say that he “leaves the serious topics like race, religion and politics” to someone who, unlike him, hasn’t drank gas out of a water hose. As a result, his jokes tend be about his lower-class upbringing. Slay performs tonight at 7 at the Goodyear Theatre in Akron.

1201 East Market St., Akron, 330-659-7118, goodyeartheater.com.

Spooky Autumn Fest

This event that takes place from noon to 6 p.m. at Tower City Center will feature a candy trail, a Halloween obstacle course, a roller rink, apple bobbing, inflatable axe throwing, a Haunted House VR Station and pumpkin decorating.

230 W. Huron, 216-771-0033, towercitycenter.com.

Stayin’ Alive

Together for more than 17 years, the Australian Bee Gees aren’t your average cover band. Their tribute show is more than a concert. It’s billed as a “a unique multimedia theatrical experience” that provides a nostalgic trip through the legacy of the Bee Gees. The group performs at 8 p.m. at MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage.

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

WCSB Halloween Ball 2025

Local acts Hello! 3D, King Buu, Cowboy Princess Brigade, the Mooks, What Counts, Pretty Pretty Awful and squirm join L.A.-based Juanita and Juan for this special Halloween show put on by the local college radio station. It begins at 6 p.m.

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

SUN 10/26

The Big Money Tour — Jon Batiste Plays America

The popular jazz musician from New Orleans brings his latest tour to the Akron Civic Theatre. Batiste has won multiple Grammy awards and composed and wrote the terrific music on the soundtrack for the Disney/Pixar film Soul. The concert begins at 8 p.m.

182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening

The son of the late John Bonham, drummer Jason Bonham brings his tribute to his late father’s band to MGM Northfield Park —Center Stage tonight at 8. Expect to hear faithful renditions of classic hits such as “Immigrant Song,” “Good Times Bad Times” and “When the Levee Breaks.”

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

Cavaliers vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The Cavs get a good early season test as they take on a playoff-caliber Milwaukee Bucks team tonight at 6 at Rocket Arena.

One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.

Cleveland Blues Society Hall of Fame Inductions

Local blues heroes DC Carnes, Vernon Jones, Mary Martin and LIttle Willie More will be inducted into the Cleveland Blues Society Hall of Fame at this ceremony that takes place at 2 p.m. at the Woodside Event Center at St. Michael’s in Broadview Heights.

5025 Mill Rd., Broadview Heights, 440-526-9696, clevelandblues.org.

The Cleveland Women’s Orchestra at 90 Years

The Cleveland Women’s Orchestra completes its 90th anniversary season with this performance at Cleveland Museum of Art featuring mezzo-soprano Kira McGirr. The concert begins at 2:30 p.m.

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

The Christine Jorgensen Show

Cleveland Play House Artistic Director Michael Barakiva, who directed the show’s off-Broadway premiere, brings this show about the person who reportedly became “the first transgender celebrity in America.” Performances take place at 2 and 7:30 p.m. today at the Outcalt Theater, where performances continue through Nov. 16.

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

Anthony Rodia

Perhaps best known for his weekly Road Rage Wednesday posts as Uncle Vinny, a racist and sexist character he created, comedian Anthony Rodia became a social media sensation before successfully venturing into the world of standup. Rodia performs at 5:30 p.m. at Hilarities.

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

Tape B

The DJ and producer headlines this show at Jacobs Pavilion. He says it’s his first time bringing full production on the road, so you can expect a heavy-duty sound system and a spectacular light show. Cool Customer, Super Future and Ashez open the show. The concert starts at 5:30 p.m.

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