Our weekly picks of the best things to do in Cleveland this weekend. Also check out our full Cleveland event calendar.
THU 09/10
The Addams Family Musical Comedy
In this comical farce based on the TV show of the same name, Wednesday Addams has grown up and fallen in love with a man from a respectable family. Tonight’s show takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Cain Park, and performances run through Sept. 20.
14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.
Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School
Founded in 2005 in a dive bar in Brooklyn, Dr. Sketchy’s has now spread to more than 100 cities around the world. Dr. Sketchy Akron, a monthly drink and draw event that takes place on the second Thursday of each month at Jilly’s Music Room in Akron, gives patrons the opportunity to “draw glamorous underground performers in an atmosphere of boozy conviviality.” The fun begins at 7 p.m.; it costs $10 to draw.
111 N Main St., Akron, 330-576-3757, jillysmusicroom.com.
Taj Farrant
The Aussie guitar prodigy performs at 7:30 p.m. at Kent Stage. He’s collaborated with acts such as Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy, and his 2024 album, Chapter One, features everything from intricate instrumentals (“Beautiful Things”) to simmering blues ballads (“Bad Trip”).
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
Beth Hart
The blues and jazz singer-songwriter whose career dates back to the ’90s performs at 7:30 p.m. at the Northfield Park Racino. Guitarists Slash and Eric Gales guest on her most recent album, 2024’s You Still Got Me.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-467-4101, northfieldparkracino.com.
Inkubator 2026
Literary Cleveland’s Inkubator Writing Conference, a free writing conference that features workshops, craft talks, panel discussions, readings, kicks off today at 5:30 p.m. with a mixer at Zygote Press. Events continue through Saturday.
1410 East 30th St., 216-621-2900, zygotepress.com.
Punchline
Thanks to the popularity of A Band Called Punchline, this indie rock group’s documentary-style podcast about its own “strange, funny and frequently improbable history,” singer-guitarist Paul Menotiades has rejoined this Pittsburgh band. The current tour that brings the band to Mahall’s 20 Lanes in Lakewood celebrates the 20th anniversary of the 2006 album, 37 Everywhere. The show starts at 8 p.m.
13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com.
Robbing Mary
The local band plays the East Shore Park Club’s 7th annual charity concert. The show starts at 7 p.m., and proceeds benefit the Kidney Foundation of Ohio in honor of the club’s late soundman, Scott Holtzman.
17213 Dorchester Road, 216-383-0445, eastshoreparkclub.com.
TLC & Salt-N-Peppa with En Vogue — It’s Iconic
The ’80s and ’90s R&B and hip-hop acts unite for this tour that swings into Blossom at 7:30 p.m. Salt N Peppa and En Vogue date back to the ’80s and became hitmakers thanks to regular rotation on MTV. The same goes for TLC, which formed in Atlanta in 1990 and had crossover hits out of the gate with tunes such as “Creep,” Waterfalls” and “No Scrubs.”
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.
FRI 09/11
Gavin Adcock
A former college football player, singer-songwriter Gavin Adcock comes to Jacobs Pavilion. Jake Worthington and Tyler Nance open. The show begins at 6 p.m.
2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com.
Lewis Black
When comedian Lewis Black came through town two years ago, he delivered a show that, as he put it, touched on “topics that include current events, social media, politics and anything else that exposes the hypocrisy and madness in the world.” Expect Lewis to rail when he performs at 8 tonight at the Northfield Park Racino.
10705 Northfield Rd., Northfield, 330-467-4101, northfieldparkracino.com.
A Black Prayer Opening Reception
A new immersive installation by Artist-in-Residence Yelaine Rodriguez that explores black memory, resistance and the Underground Railroad, A Black Prayer opens tonight at SPACES with a reception that takes place from 6 to 9 p.m.
2900 Detroit Ave., 216-621-2314, spacesgallery.org.
Michael Blackson
Known as the “African King of Comedy,” Michael Blackson developed his comedic skills with original humor and the ability to be fearless on stage. He jokes about current affairs and takes aim at celebs such as Kim Kardashian and Michael Jordan; however, he also focuses on more serious topics such as race, his love for America and his African descent. He performs at 7 and 9:30 tonight and at 6:30 and 9 tomorrow night at the Funny Bone.
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com.
Blue Water Chamber Orchestra: “Flute and Strings”
Expect to hear compositions by the likes of Alessandro Scarlatti, J. C. Bach, Reinhold Glière, Maurice Ravel, Joseph Haydn and Charles Koechlin at this free concert featuring Cleveland’s BlueWater Chamber Orchestra. The group performs at 6 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.
Cleveland Oktoberfest
The annual Cleveland Oktoberfest returns today to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. The fest features more than 15 different types of Oktoberfest-style beers, German and European restaurants, tribute bands, vendors and local artisans. Festivities continue through Sunday.
19201 East Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, 440- 243-0090, clevelandoktoberfest.com.
Myq Kaplan
This clever comedian called his recent Amazon special Small, Dork and Handsome. Expect to hear a few self-deprecating jokes when he performs at 8 in the Frolic Cabaret Room at Hilarities. He’ll perform again at 6:30 and 9:15 tomorrow night.
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
O.A.R. Three Decades Tour
The jam band that initially formed in Columbus, OH brings its 30th anniversary tour to Blossom. Expect to hear the band’s best-known tunes — “Shattered (Turn the Car Around),” “Love and Memories,” “Peace,” “Heaven” and “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker.” The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.
Rickey Smiley Live!
The comedian, actor, author, television host, and radio host comes to Mimi Ohio Theatre, where he’ll discuss his new book, Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith.
1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
SAT 09/12
Maya de Vitry
Recorded and mixed by five-time Grammy Award-winning engineer Sean Sullivan and self-produced by de Vitry, All My Faith, the latest effort from singer-songwriter Maya de Vitry, features organic country tunes that blend folk, indie rock and Americana. She performs at 8 p.m. at G.A.R. Hall in Peninsula. Sept. 12.
Peninsula G.A.R. Hall, 657-2528, peninsulahistory.org.
Death Becomes Her
This musical comedy based on the 1992 film about two women who drink a potion that gives them immortality comes to the State Theatre. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30, and performances continue through Oct. 3.
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Dirty Sound Magnet
This Swiss psychedelic rock power trio just released its latest album, which it recorded in a Cold War fallout shelter. The tour in support of the album rolls into the Foundry tonight. Austin-based Gran Moreno opens.
Pearl Rd., 440-637-5483, foundryconcertclub.com.
Fresh Fest Cleveland
A hip-hop icon known for his masterful flow and sophisticated lyrics, Rakim headlines this annual event that takes place at Rid-All Farm + Otter Park. There will also be food trucks, arts and crafts, health and wellness workshops, and kids activities. It all begins at 1 p.m., and it’s free.
8129 Otter Ave., 216-961-4646, freshfestcleveland.com.
Hollywood Blockbusters Featuring Neil Zaza
The local guitar phenom comes to the Akron Civic 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.
182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com.
Lang Lang in Concert
The famed pianist and educator plays a special show at Mandel Concert Hall. The program will feature pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, Granados and Listz. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves
Jazz superstars Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves bring their tribute to the late John Coltrane to Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. The concert begins at 8 p.m.
14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com.
Thomas Rhett: The Soundtrack to Life Tour
The country singer-songwriter returns to Blossom. Rhett’s latest album, About a Woman, includes collaborations with Lanie Gardner, Blake Shelton, Teddy Swims, Tucker Wetmore. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and Vincent Mason and Emily Ann Roberts open. Sept. 12.
1145 W Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, livenation.com.
Studio-A-Rama
WRUW 91.1 FM’s annual showcase for local music takes place today at Mather Memorial Courtyard The day-long music festival begins at 1 p.m. Admission is free, and you can also watch on WRUW’s YouTube channel or listen to livestream on WRUW. The locally based experimental rock band Mr. Gnome headlines.
11220 Bellflower Rd., 216-368-2208, wruw.org.
Waterloo Arts Fest
Local bands such as Collin Miller & the Brother Nature, Fox Ears, and Frida & the Mann will perform at this annual arts and music festival that takes place at noon in the Waterloo Arts District.
SUN 09/13
America 250 Celebration
The Rocky River Historical Society has planned this event that’ll feature a mix of performances and activities. Performances by the Rocky River High School Marching Band, Tower City Chorus and DJ Kris Koch are on tap, and winners of the historical society’s Essay/Art contest will be announced. It takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. at Rocky River City Hall Park.
Nataly Aukar
The Lebanese comedian and writer performs at 7 tonight at Hilarities. She starts in the Netflix feature film The Life List and is reportedly featuring a new hour of material on her current tour.
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Avon Fall Avant-Garde Pop-Up Shop
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Emerald Event Center in Avon, some 30 artists and crafters will showcase their handmade goods at this event. Admission is free., avantgardeshows.com.
33040 Just Image Dr, Avon, 440-937-0909, avantgardeshows.com.
Black Label Society
Singer-guitarist Zakk Wylde started this hard rock group way back in 1998. He’s kept it going even while playing on several Ozzy Osbourne albums and even touring with the late rocker. Tonight’s show starts at 6:30 p.m. at Jacobs Pavilion. Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel open.
2014 Sycamore St., 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com.
Corey B
This comedian and content creator who hosts the popular Cane and Corey podcast comes to the Hanna Theatre. The performance begins at 7 p.m.
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Elvis Costello & the Imposters
A Rock Hall inductee, the British singer-songwriter performs at 7 p.m. at the Agora. Dubbed Radio Soul!: The Songs of Elvis Costello From The Early Days to the Late Hours, the tour will feature songs from 1977’s My Aim Is True to 1986’s Blood & Chocolate.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
The Fixx, Colin Blunstone and Peter Asher
The three British groups team up for this show at the Kent Stage. A British New Wave band, the Fixx had hits in the ’80s with tunes such as “One Thing Leads to Another” and “Saved by Zero.” Doors open at 6 p.m.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
Billy Idol
Given new life thanks to a documentary film, singer Billy Idol comes to Blossom. Idol first emerged with Generation X, a legit punk band that formed in London at about the same time as the Sex Pistols and Damned formed. He left that group in the early ’80s and had a successful solo career thanks in part to the contribution of his talented guitarist Steve Stevens. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Singer-songwriter Susanna Hoffs opens.
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.
La Macchina Molto Bella Car Show
This event at Hale Farm & Village in Akron will feature rare and exotic sports car as well as costumed interpreters who’ll recreate life in the 19th century in the Western Reserve. The event begins at 10 a.m.
2686 Oak Hill Rd., Akron, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org.
Nelly
The rapper famous for hits such as “Hot in Herre,” “Country Grammar” and “Ride wit Me” performs at Covelli Centre in Youngstown. Ying Yang Twins open.
229 East Front St., Youngstown, 330-746-5600, covellicentre.com.
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