CLEVELAND, Ohio – Can you believe we’re heading into August? So much to do throughout Greater Cleveland with summer in full swing, from ballgames to Blossom Music Center concerts, from comedy to cultural festivals and more.
Events range from family-friendly activities to shows at late-night clubs.
Here are 49 things to do in Northeast Ohio from today – Thursday, July 31 – through Wednesday, Aug. 6.
Darius Garland Celebrity Softball Game
The Cavs guard hosts his first charity softball game to raise money for his foundation. Jerseys and autographed memorabilia will be auctioned to raise money for the foundation as well. Ticket prices vary.
2 p.m. (gates), 3 p.m. (home run derby), 4 p.m. (game) Saturday, Aug. 2
Classic Auto Group Park, 35300 Vine St., Eastlake
milb.com/news/lake-county-captains-to-host-2025-darius-garland-celebrity-softball-game
Lakewood Arts Festival
More than 175 artists will feature a variety of mediums, from jewelry to sculpture to painting, photography and more. Plus four stages will be set up for bands at the 48th annual rain-or-shine fest.
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2
Detroit Avenue from Belle to Arthur avenues, Lakewood
lakewoodartsfest.org
Folktales
Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady directed this film released this year about teenagers dropped at the edge of the world, relying on only themselves and a loyal pack of sled dogs. 106 minutes. Tickets: $12 to $15 with discounts.
6:50 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1
Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
cinematheque.cia.edu/movies/folktales
Barenaked Ladies
The friendly Canadian band returns to Northeast Ohio having released their 14th studio album “In Flight” in 2023. Fellow ’90s-bred hit makers Sugar Ray and Fastball will open. Tickets start at $57.50.
7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1
Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls
ticketmaster.com
Asian Lantern Festival
The zoo is illuminated at night with live acrobatic performances, culturally inspired cuisine, a 4-story-tall hydrangea and butterfly tree, walk-through tunnels and themed areas. Prices vary. Related: Asian Lantern Festival returns to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (photos)
6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays (no event July 27 or Aug. 1) through Sunday, Aug. 24.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland
clevelandmetroparks.com
Ramble On
Get the Led out. The Led Zeppelin tribute band plays with Vanity Crash. Tickets: $26.36 (advance), $31.71 (day of).
7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) Friday, Aug. 1
Beachland Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland
beachlandballroom.com
R&B sing-a-long
The House Three Thirty sing-a-long, vol. XVI, is on. DJ NicNacc is spinning the tunes. Tickets start at $22.58.
6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2
House Three Thirty, 532 W Market St., Akron
eventbrite.com
The Red Clay Strays
Alabama country-rockers whose bluesy soulful ballad “Wondering Why” from their debut album “Moment of Truth” went viral in 2023 are coming to town. Wilder Woods opens. Tickets start at $119.50.
8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3
Jacobs Pavilion, 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland
axs.com
Kimberly Akimbo
The coming-of-age story won the 2023 Tony Award for Best Musical. Six performances remain. Prices vary. Review: ‘Kimberly Akimbo’ review: Life-affirming musical with quirky charm comes to Playhouse Square
Through Sunday, Aug. 3
KeyBank State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
playhousesquare.org
Eddington
In this Western, neighbor-vs.-neighbor results from a standoff between a small-town sheriff and mayor in New Mexico. Ari Aster directed the movie, which stars Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Luke Grimes. Rated R, 2 hours, 29 minutes. Call 330-252-5782 for prices.
5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31
The Nightlight, 30 N. High St., Akron
nightlightcinema.com
Author Alley
Like to read? Here’s a chance to check out scores of books from dozens of authors – great one-stop shopping for the bibliophiles out there and a chance to chat with the writers.
1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2-3 (Author Alley reception is 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 2. Includes games, writing tips, book previews, refreshments. Suggested $5 donation.)
Loganberry Books, 13015 Larchmere Blvd., Shaker Heights
loganberrybooks.com
The Head and the Heart
The Seattle indie folk group, which just released the album, “Aperture,” performs. The band already has achieved gold records and a chart-topping song with “Lost In My Mind.” Wilderado and Katie Pruitt will open. Tickets start at $25.
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5
Jacobs Pavilion, 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland
axs.com
Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week
The annual Enshrinement Week is loaded with fan activities: Hall of Fame Game, fan fest, parade, autograph sessions and more are scheduled. The fan fest is free; other events are ticketed with varied prices. There is no admission to the grounds. Self-guided tours to the Pro Football Hall of Fame are $45 (discounts offered for military, first responders and children). No admission required for the Hall of Fame store. Related: Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week is more than football: What to know
Hall of Fame game (Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Chargers) is Thursday, July 31. Events run July 31 to Sunday, Aug. 3.
Pro Football Hall of Fame, 2121 George Halas Dr. NW, and downtown Canton.
profootballhoffestival.com
Zabava!
The rain-or-shine cultural festival includes music, games, food, polka, sausage-eating contest, dancing, vendors and 16-team bocce tournament ($80 team buy-in fee). It’s all about celebrating Slovenian culture, heritage and history. In Slovenian, “zabava” means “party,” so that’s sounds pretty good to us. Free admission.
1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2
Slovenian National Home, 6417 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland
slovenianhome.com/zabava
Brahms & Liszt
The Cleveland Orchestra is in full swing in its summer home, performing classical selections from a pair of composing greats. Ticket prices vary.
Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls
7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2
clevelandorchestra.com
Nelly with Ja Rule, Eve and special guests
’90s and early 2000s hip-hop nostalgia is in full bloom with this collection of commercially successful hip-pop rappers. Chingy and St. Lunatics will open. Tickets start at $40.
8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5
Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls
ticketmaster.com
Graham Nash
The legendary artist is back with songs and stories. Nash – a founding member of both the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash – is a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Performing with him are Todd Caldwell (keyboards, vocals), Adam Minkoff (bass, drums, guitars, vocals) and Zach Djanikian (guitars, mandolin, drums, vocals). Tickets start at $64.
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5
Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron
goodyeartheater.com or ticketmaster.com for tickets
Akron RubberDucks
The Class AA Ducks are in town for a slate of games (ticket prices vary):
6:35 p.m. Thursday, July 31, vs. Erie SeaWolves: Thirsty Thursday, Doppelganger Night.
7:05 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, vs. Erie SeaWolves: ZOOperstars! appearance, Malmo Oat Milkers Night, fireworks.
7:05 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, vs. Erie SeaWolves: Stacy Carroll bobblehead giveaway, fireworks.
1:05 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, vs. Erie SeaWolves: Pajama party, Family Fun Day.
12:05 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, vs. Chesapeake: Salute to seniors and slackers, Tall Boy Tuesday.
6:35 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, vs. Chesapeake: Pierogies at the park, Slovak Heritage Night, Paws & Claws.
Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron
milb.com/akron
Sh!t Show Karaoke
Manny, Noah, Dirty Jones and Whip host the weekly karaoke soiree. Free.
10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6
B Side Lounge, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland
bsideliquorlounge.com/calendar
Diana Chittester
The local songwriter-guitarist-vocalist performs on the Crossroads Stage.
8 p.m. Thursday, July 31
House of Blues, Crossroads Stage, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
houseofblues.com/cleveland/concert-events
She Said, She Said
The exhibit of more than 37 contemporary women artists highlights valuable contributions that women have made to contemporary art while emphasizing the undeniable power in women’s voices. Artworks date from the late 1960s to the present and showcase a variety of diverse themes. Admission: $12 (discounts for members, seniors, students, kids, EBT holders).
Through Sunday, Aug. 10
Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron
akronartmuseum.org
Craig Conant
The fast-rising comedian is known for his storytelling, self-deprecating humor and reflections on sobriety. Born and raised in Los Angeles to a Mexican mother and what he bills as an angry white father, he uses his chaotic life experiences in his comedy (he once was fired from Trader Joe’s for farting on a manager). Conant has performed at Just For Laughs Festival and Netflix’s Netflix Is A Joke comedy festival. Ticket prices vary.
Friday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 2:
6:15 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show)
9 p.m. (doors), 9:45 p.m. (show)
Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, 2035 E. 4th St., Cleveland
hilarities.com
Keg tapping
Kick off Oktoberfest season with a tapping of Oktoberfestbier shipped straight in from Munich. JD Breast Cancer Foundation will be the beneficiary, and The Shotskis will perform.
6:30 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6
Hofbrauhaus, 1550 Chester Ave., Cleveland
facebook.com
ACO: A Tribute to Rob Williams
The Afro Cleveland Orchestra performs a tribute show for founding member Rob Williams. Tickets $12.59 (plus $3 at the door if under 21).
7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) Tuesday, Aug. 5
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights
grogshop.gs/calendar
Moving in Stereo
The Cars tribute band performs. You’ll think Ric Ocasek and the boys are playing. So Let’s Go! It’s Just What you Needed. Tickets: $12 (advance), $18 (day of show).
6 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show) Saturday, Aug. 2
Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland
musicboxcle.com
Starry, Starry Nights
Gaze at deep‑sky objects, planets and the moon up close using the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association’s telescopes. The group’s members will be available to answer questions. Members will be on hand one hour before the program to show you how to use your own telescope. The all-ages event is free.
9 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2
Letha House Lodge (West), 5800 Richman Road, Spencer
medinacountyparks.com
Rock of Ages
The musical follows the exploits surrounding a Sunset Strip club in the 1980s, with the music as the star. Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and others make up the performance’s musical backdrop. It’s presented by Millennial Theatre Project. Tickets start at $26.
7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1
7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2
2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3
The Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron.
akroncivic.com
Monsters University
Crocker Park will show the G-rated film as part of its movies-in-the-park program. A different movie is featured on Thursdays.
Sundown (around 9 p.m.)
Union Square Lawn, next to Regal Cinema, 186 Union St., Westlake
crockerpark.com/events/movies-in-the-park
Taste of Black Cleveland: Food Showcase 7.0
Last year more than 500 people attended the sixth event, which serves as a way for under-the-radar folks to highlight their culinary talents. The scrumptious samples come from a collection of brick-and-mortar restaurants, caterers, food trucks and private chefs. Attendees can vote for their favorites. It’s one of the tastiest food events in Greater Cleveland all year. Prices vary. Related: Taste of Black Cleveland 7.0 to showcase city’s diverse culinary talent
6 to 11 p.m. (food until 8:30 p.m.) Thursday, July 31
Rocket Arena, 1 Center Court, Cleveland
rocketarena.com/events
The Cyber Bullies
The Sacramento rockers play. Locals The Vumms, Prithee and Cherry Yachtsman also are on the bill. Tickets: $12.42.
8 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (show) Thursday, July 31
Happy Dog, 5801 Detroit Ave, Cleveland
happydogcleveland.com
Freaky Friday
The musical adaptation of the Disney film follows the hijinks of mom and daughter switching bodies. Tickets: $23 ($20 seniors, students, military).
Through Saturday, Aug. 16
Most performances are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays
Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, 40 River St., Chagrin Falls
cvlt.org
The Moody Blues’ John Lodge
John Lodge plays the band’s classic hits. So dress in your best white satin and go back in time. Tickets start at $65.
6:30 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show) Saturday, Aug. 2
Agora Cleveland, 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
agoracleveland.com/events
Lake Erie Crushers
The independent Frontier League team has four upcoming games. Ticket prices vary. On-site pay lot.
7:05 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, vs. Washington Wild Things (Pitt vs. Cle night, fireworks)
1:05 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, vs. Washington Wild Things
7:05 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, vs, Joliet Slammers
7:05 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, vs, Joliet Slammers
2009 Baseball Blvd., Avon
lakeeriecrushers.com
AEW wrestling
All Elite Wrestling packs the arena for a night of atomic elbows, snap mares and slams. Tickets start at $31.
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6
Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Ave., Cleveland
ticketmaster.com
Vintage Ohio
The two-day wine tasting is back for its 30th year. Last year the vino showcase drew 3,000 attendees. Wineries from across the state will be pouring samples. Bottles also will be available to buy to take home. Tickets at the gate for either day: $39 ($15, non drinkers, 18 and older; $4, ages 4-17).
Noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 1-2
Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland
ohiowines.org
Mike Fekete
The Northeast Ohio guitarist entertains with his American folk sounds while you sip some wine and relax. Bonus: The Señor Masa food truck will be on site.
2 to 6 p.m. (Fekete plays); noon to 7:30 p.m. (food truck) Saturday, Aug. 2
M Cellars, 6193 S. River Road W, Geneva
mcellars.com
Hower House Museum tours
John Henry Hower was known as the “Father of Akron Industry.” Tours are offered for his mansion, which is filled with treasures and furnishings the Hower family collected. Tickets: $10 (discounts for seniors and students, and free for those 12 and under with paid admission. RSVPs are welcome but not required for self-guided tours. Cash or credit accepted at the door; no online or advance ticket sales for tours. (Here’s more on Hower and the house.)
Noon to 3 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 19. Last tour begins at 2 pm. Hours are subject to change due to availability of volunteers.
60 Fir Hill, Akron
calendar.uakron.edu (Additional info: Email [email protected] or call 330-972-6909)
Lost ’80s
General Public, Icicle Works, The Vapors, A Flock Of Seagulls, Big Country, China Crisis, Belouis Some, Josie Cotton and the Polecats all converge in Northeast Ohio. Artists’ lineup is subject to change. Tickets start at $59.
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6
MGM Northfield Park, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield
ticketmaster.com
Wade Oval Wednesday
Wednesday nights are for live music, food, dancing and entertainment. This week, the Latino fusion band Son Gitano performs, with several openers: The Black Beanz (African Dance), Pacific Paradise Entertainment (Pacific Island Dance) and Murphy Irish Arts Center (Irish Dance). Free.
5:30 to 8:30 p.m. through Aug. 20
Wade Oval, 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland
universitycircle.org
Sunny Side
Enjoy some sounds from New Orleans as the seven-piece jazz band performs. The event also will be livestreamed on Bop Stop’s Youtube Channel at showtime. Accessing is free; donations are encouraged and support the band. Tickets: $20.
7 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3
Bop Stop, 2920 Detroit Ave., Cleveland
themusicsettlement.org/events
Marlon Wayans
From the famed comedic family, the actor, producer, comedian, writer and film director performs his stand-up at multiple shows. Tickets: $59 ($69, VIP). Door times vary. Show times:
7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1
6:30 and 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2
6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3
Funny Bone, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland
cleveland.funnybone.com and etix.com
Galactic Empire
The metal band hits town before its new album is due in October. Tickets: $31.55.
6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) Friday, Aug. 1
The Asylum at Masonic Temple, 3615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
templelive.com
Caroline, or Change
Set during the Civil Rights Movement, the musical focuses on how people react to an incredible amount of change in their lives. Themes explore personal relationships, social justice, class and race. Tickets: $28.75 to $31.75.
6:30 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) Wednesday, Aug. 6 (preview night)
Cain Park, 14591 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights
cainpark.com
Cleveland Puerto Rican Parade and Festival
Enjoy a couple of days of celebrating culture and preserving history. Immerse yourself in arts and culture at the fest, which has been going on since the late 1960s.
Festival: Noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2-3
Parade: 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 3
MetroHealth Hospital main campus quad park
puertoricanparade.org
Arts in August
Tremont West Development Corp. is back with Arts in August, a summer tradition that celebrates arts and culture in Cleveland. Events take place on multiple weekends. Children’s weekend is Aug. 2-3.
•Zygote Press in the Park, 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 2 – Zygote Press has a drop-in printmaking activity where kids and adults can screenprint a free “Tremont Loves You” tote bag. Supplies are first-come, first-served.
•Cleveland Public Theatre’s Student Theatre Enrichment Program (STEP), 7 p.m. Aug. 2: Free performance of a new, original play inspired by Don Quixote.
•Cleveland Shakespeare Festival’s “Macbeth,” 7 p.m. Aug. 3: The open-air performance of one of Shakespeare’s classics is presented. Bring a chair, blanket and picnic snacks.
Lincoln Park in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood. Borders: Kenilworth Avenue (north), Starkweather Avenue (south), W. 11th Street (east) and W. 14th Street (west).
experiencetremont.com/featured-events/arts-in-august
North Union Farmers Market
The Saturday market offers locally grown produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, artisanal products and more. Free admission.
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2
Crocker and Detroit roads lot, Westlake (in front of Fidelity Investments), Crocker Park
crockerpark.com/farmersmarket
Cleveland Guardians
The Twins are in town for three games. Tickets vary.
7:10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, vs. Minnesota Twins (Free Shirt Friday, Dollar Dog Night, fireworks, City Connect wear night, $2 Miller Lites for Pregame in the District 5-7 p.m.)
4:10 p.m. Saturday, Aug 2, vs. Minnesota Twins (José Ramírez jersey giveaway, $2 Miller Lites for Pregame in the District 2-4 p.m.)
1:40 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, vs. Minnesota Twins (Kids fun day)
Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario St., Cleveland, area lots, garages.
mlb.com/guardians/schedule
Forest Forms
Holden Arboretum’s Forest Forms is touted as an artful exploration of nature’s lines, rhythm and movement. The traveling outdoor exhibition from artist Huelani Mei celebrates the beauty and harmony of the natural world. $13 to $19 (free, ages 2 and under).
Through Sunday, Sept. 7
9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland
holdenfg.org
Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow
The exhibit celebrates one of the most influential artists in modern pop culture. Tickets $15 to $30. Related: Cleveland Museum of Art’s blockbuster Murakami exhibit is a poignant, playful view of a ‘post-everything’ world
Through Sunday, Sept. 7
Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland
clevelandart.org
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