Our weekly picks of the best things to do in Cleveland this weekend. Also check out our full Cleveland event calendar.
THU 05/14
B Side Grooves
This monthly genre bending fusion show at the B-Side Lounge in Cleveland Heights features an open jam session that commences at 8 p.m.
2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-1966, bsideliquorlounge.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.
Phil Manzanera
Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera comes to the Rock Hall to play some music from his recent solo effort and talk about his new memoir. The event begins at 7 p.m.
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
Monsters vs. Toronto Marlies
The Monsters continue their quest for the AHL Calder Cup with tonight’s game against the Toronto Marlies. The puck drops at 7 p.m., and the two teams face off again at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.
The Outsiders
Adapted from the best-selling novel and blockbuster film by the same name, this musical centers on a rivalry between two families living in Tulsa in the 1960s. Tonight’s performance takes place at 6:30 at Connor Palace, where performances continue through May 17.
1615 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
FRI 05/15
Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons
In a tough series that looks like it might go seven games after the Cavs took two from the Pistons in Cleveland, the Cavs and the Detroit Pistons return to Rocket Arena for what should be a thrilling Game 6. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.
One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.
Cinderella
The Cleveland Ballet presents this classic story about the girl who overcomes the abuse of her stepmom and stepsisters to make it to the ball. Performances take place at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. today and at 1 and 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Ohio Theatre.
1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Stew Cutler
Over the course of a lengthy career, this guitarist and composer has worked with acts such Percy Sledge, Eddie Floyd, Wilson Pickett, Fontella Bass (featured on Bass’s Grammy Nominated album, (No Ways Tired), Lester Chambers, Earl King and Jimmy Castor. He brings his latest tour in support of his new album, Undercover (Mostly), to the Treelawn.
15335 Waterloo Rd, 216-677-8733, thetreelawn.com.
Guardians vs. Cincinnati Reds
The Guardians take on their national league rivals, the Cincinnati Reds, tonight at Progressive Field. The game serves as a celebration of the 2016 Cleveland team that made it all the way to the World Series. First-pitch is at 7:10, and the two teams play again tomorrow and Sunday.
2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, mlb.com/guardians.
Kid Cudi
The rapper who grew up in the Cleveland area comes to Blossom. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., and Big Boi and A-Trak open. One dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to the Big Bro Foundation that helps Black youth facing mental health challenges.
1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.
Chris Knight
This alt-country singer-songwriter who was raised in mining country is the real deal. His nine albums have a rough-around-the-edges film to them. Expect to hear a career overview when Knight returns to the Beachland Ballroom tonight at 8.
15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.
Luenell
Fearless when it comes to making the audience erupt in laughter, Luenell, a comedian who left a lasting impression as the “hooker with the heart of gold” in Borat, regularly jokes about being a full-figured woman and getting married later in life. She can find humor in any topic or situation. She performs tonight at 7:30 and 10 and tomorrow night at 6:30 and 9 at the Funny Bone.
1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com.
Third Friday
From 5 to 9 p.m., many of the 78th Street Studios resident artist studios and galleries will be open as part of this monthly event. There will be live music, and Local West, a Gordon Square sandwich shop, will serve food. BARneo will have a selection of adult beverages as well. Admission is free.
1300 West 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.com.
Tenille Townes
This talented singer-songwriter completely recorded, produced and mixed her latest album, the stripped-down The Acrobat. Her tour in support of the release brings her to House of Blues Cambridge Room. The show begins at 7 p.m.
308 Euclid Ave., 216-523-2583, hob.com.
Molly Tuttle
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter comes to the Kent Stage as part of a tour in support of her new album, So Long Little Miss Sunshine. Singer-songwriter Maggie Rose shares the bill. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.
Jonathan van Halem
This New York-based comedian who works on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon headlines Hilarities for the very first time. His funny bits about nepotism and working at Fox News have gone viral, and he’s opened for David Cross, Rory Scovel and Gianmarco Soresi. Tonight’s show starts at 6:30.
2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.
Wish You Were Here
The Pink Floyd tribute act returns to the Agora. The 10-piece band plays cuts from classic Floyd albums such as Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals and The Wall. The multi-media stage production features lasers and moving lights, vintage videos, flying inflatables and various sound effects. The group boasts that it is the longest continually performing Pink Floyd tribute act in the world. Doors open at 7 p.m.
5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.
The Worlds of Terence Blanchard
The trumpeter and composer opens the 2026 Mandel Opera & Humanities festival with this special show at Mandel Concert Hall. The event begins at 7 p.m.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
SAT 05/16
2026 Dazzle Awards Ceremony
High school performers from across Northeast Ohio converge on the State Theatre for this special award program that recognizes musical theater productions and student performances. It begins at 7:30 p.m.
1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
Beethoven’s Fidelio
Franz Welser-Möst leads the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, the Cleveland Orchestra and a slew of soloists as they take on Beethoven’s only opera at this special event at Mandel Concert Hall. The performance begins at 7 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall. It repeats at 7 p.m. on May 21 and 24 at the venue.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Cleveland Asian Festival
The annual festival that takes place during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month highlights Cleveland’s AsiaTown. Live entertainment takes place on two outdoor stages, and there will be a World Marketplace of more than 100 vendors and exhibitors. It begins at 11 a.m. today and tomorrow.
2999 Payne Ave., clevelandasianfestival.org.
DTW Rib Burn Off
The two-day event that takes place in downtown Willoughby kicks off today. It will feature beer, craft cocktails, local vendors, kids’ play areas, ribs from local and national vendors, and live music. It starts at noon today and tomorrow.
Honeybee Release Show
This group that bills itself as “slowpunk” celebrates the release of its new album, Only Dark Shit!, with tonight’s show at No Class. Funeral Commercial, I Hate It Too and HOSTA open. The group’s sound is unique — think a heavier version of Cocteau Twins. The concert begins at 8 p.m.
11213 Detroit Ave., 216-221-8576, noclasscle.com.
Paul McCartney and Wings Opening Party
The Rock Hall celebrates the opening of its new Paul McCartney and Wings exhibit with a special party that runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Wings guitarist Laurence Juber will be on hand to sing copies of his book, Guitar with Wings: A Photographic Memoir. There will also be music trivia stations and archival spotlights.
1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.
United in Song!
The Mandel Opera & Humanities Festival presents this special event that takes place at 1 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
The World Goes ‘Round
This revue revisits the songs of Kander and Ebb and includes hits from musicals such as Cabaret and Chicago. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at the Hanna Theatre, where performances also take place at 3 and 7:30 p.m. tomorrow.
2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.
SUN 05/17
Courage and Poetry: An Afternoon with Tank Ball
This special event featuring Tank Ball of Tank and the Bangas will highlight the lyricism on the group’s 2024 release, The Heart, The Mind, The Soul. Grammy-winning composer and trumpeter Terence Blanchard will join Ball for the performance and conversation. The event takes place at 4 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall.
11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.
Guitar Women: An Evening with Sue Foley, Rory Block & Cindy Cashdollar
Three terrific female blues guitarists unite for Guitar Women, a collaboration bringing together artists whose careers span decades. The concert coincides with the May release of Sue Foley’s new book, Guitar Women, which honors the trailblazing women who shaped the sound of the guitar. It begins at 7 p.m. at Music Box Supper Club.
1148 Main Ave., 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com.
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