Things to Do This Weekend In Cleveland: Sept. 10-13
Find some fun in Northeast Ohio this weekend.
by Jeff Niesel | Sep. 9, 2026 | 5:00 AM
Thursday, Sept. 10
The Addams Family Musical Comedy at Cain Park
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. Thursday's show takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Cain Park, and performances run through Sept. 20. 14591 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com
Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School at Jilly’s Music Room
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 at Kent Stage
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
Gym Class Heroes & Lupe Fiasco at the Agora
Chicago-based rapper Lupe Fiasco and pop-punk sensations Gym Class Heroes bring their Back to Basics co-headlining tour to the Agora. B.O.B. opens. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
Beth Hart at Northfield Park Racino
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 Road, Northfield, 330-467-4101, northfieldparkracino.com
Inkubator 2026
Literary Cleveland's annual Inkubator, a free writing conference that features workshops, craft talks, panel discussions, readings, kicks off on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. with a mixer at Zygote Press. Events continue at different locations through Saturday. Various locations, Cleveland, inkubator.litcleveland.org
Punchline at Mahall’s 20 Lanes
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 at East Shore Park Club
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, Cleveland, 216-383-0445, eastshoreparkclub.com
TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue at Blossom Music Center
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-Pepa and En Vogue both 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 Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com
Friday, Sept. 11
Gavin Adcock at Jacobs Pavilion
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., Cleveland, 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com
Lewis Black at Northfield Park Racino
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 p.m. on Friday at the Northfield Park Racino. 10705 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-467-4101, northfieldparkracino.com
A Black Prayer Opening Reception at Spaces
A new immersive installation by Artist-in-Residence Yelaine Rodriguez that explores black memory, resistance and the Underground Railroad, A Black Prayer opens on Friday at SPACES with a reception that takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. 2900 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-621-2314, spacesgallery.org
Michael Blackson at the Funny Bone
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 p.m. on Friday and at 6:30 and 9 p.m. on Saturday night at the Funny Bone. 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com
Blue Water Chamber Orchestra: "Flute and Strings" at Cleveland Museum of Art
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., Cleveland, 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org
Cleveland Oktoberfest at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
The annual Cleveland Oktoberfest returns for a second weekend 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 Road, Middleburg Heights, 440- 243-0090, clevelandoktoberfest.com
Myq Kaplan at Hilarities
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 p.m. in the Frolic Cabaret Room at Hilarities. He'll perform again at 6:30 and 9:15 p.m. on Saturday night. 2035 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com
O.A.R. Three Decades Tour at Blossom Music Center
The jam band that initially formed in Columbus 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 Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com
Rickey Smiley Live! at the Ohio Theatre
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., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Saturday, Sept. 12
Death Becomes Her at the State Theatre
This musical comedy based on the 1992 film about two women who drink a potion that gives them immortality comes to the State Theatre. Saturday's performance takes place at 7:30 p.m., and performances continue through Oct. 3. 1519 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Fresh Fest Cleveland at Rid-All Farm and Otter Park
Rakim and Rebirth Brass Band headline this annual event that takes place at Rid-All Farm and 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., Cleveland, 216-961-4646, freshfestcleveland.com
Hollywood Blockbusters Featuring Neil Zaza at the Akron Civic
The local guitar phenom comes to the Akron Civic Theatre on Saturday to present his concert featuring songs from soundtracks such as Avengers: Endgame and The Lord of the Rings. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. 182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com
Lang Lang in Concert at Mandel Concert Hall
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., Cleveland, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com
Branford Marsalis and Dianne Reeves at Cain Park
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 Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com
Thomas Rhett: The Soundtrack to Life Tour at Blossom Music Center
The country singer-songwriter returns to Blossom. Rhett's latest album, About a Woman, includes collaborations with Lanie Gardner, Blake Shelton, Teddy Swims and Tucker Wetmore. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and Vincent Mason and Emily Ann Roberts open. 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, livenation.com
Studio-A-Rama at Mather Memorial Courtyard
WRUW 91.1 FM's annual showcase for local music takes place today at Mather Memorial Courtyard. The daylong 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. Cleveland’s Mr. Gnome headlines. 11220 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, 216-368-2208, wruw.org
Waterloo Arts Fest at Waterloo Arts District
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. The locally based experimental rock band Mr. Gnome opens. Waterloo Road, Cleveland, waterlooartsfest.org
Sunday, Sept. 13
America 250 Celebration at Rocky River City Hall Park
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. Rocky River City Hall Park, Rocky River, rockyriverohio.gov
Nataly Aukar at Hilarities
The Lebanese comedian and writer performs at 7 p.m. on Sunday 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 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com
Black Label Society at Jacobs Pavilion
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. Sunday's show starts at 6:30 p.m. at Jacobs Pavilion. Zakk Sabbath and Dark Chapel open. 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com
Corey B at the Hanna Theatre
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 E. 14th St., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Elvis Costello & the Imposters at the Agora
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., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
The Fixx, Colin Blunstone and Peter Asher at Kent Stage
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 at Blossom Music Center
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 Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com
La Macchina Molto Bella Car Show at Hale Farm & Village
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 Road, Akron, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org
Nelly at the Covelli Centre
The rapper famous for hits such as "Hot in Herre," "Country Grammar" and "Ride wit Me" performs at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown. Ying Yang Twins open. 229 E. Front St., Youngstown, 330-746-5600, covellicentre.com
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Jeff Niesel
Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.
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