The Weekender: 5 Things To Do: Sept. 15-17

Chalk Fest
Go back to those balmy afternoons of chalking in the driveway with the Chalk Fest. The annual Cleveland Museum of Art event invites children and adults alike to act like kids by chalking designs in the Fine Arts Garden alongside professional artists. The tradition harkens back to 16^th-century Italy where beggars copied paintings on plazas outside cathedrals. Get up to that level with family workshops and advanced workshops for artists. Plus, you can make your chalk. We bet you didn’t do that as a kid. Free, Sept. 16 & 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 11150 East Blvd. 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org

Cleveland Eats
Sometimes all you need to get out of the house is the promise of food and beer. Yeah us too. So fill up at the Cleveland Eats festival this Friday and Saturday. Hosted by Cuyahoga Community College, Cleveland Eats features culinary demonstrations from more than 30 of the best chefs in the Cleveland area, 35-plus food trucks, live music and craft breweries. Watch Melt Bar & Grilled’s Matt Fish, culinary competitions from high school culinary tech students or the faculty and Tri-C students attempt to create the world’s largest pierogi. We’re so there. $5, Sept. 15 4-9 p.m. & 16 noon-10 p.m., Mall B, 300 St. Clair Ave., tri-c.edu/cleveland-eats

Acting Out
This four-day festival, which started on Wednesday, is dedicated to raising mental health and addiction awareness through art, music and talks. Catch the rest this weekend and help break down the stigmas that come with mental health and addiction. The fest is the brainchild of artist Derek Hess, who has been open about his bipolar disorder and substance abuse issues, and depicts those issues in his artwork. On Friday at the Derek Hess Gallery, hear Hess and Dr. Joseph Calabrese talk about Vincent van Gogh and how bipolar disorder affects the creative process, and stick around for an art show. On Saturday, head to the Agora Theatre & Ballroom to see Andrew W.K., who many recognize not only for his high-energy rock n’ roll but also as an advocate for self-help and mental health. Free, Sept. 15, 5 p.m.; Sept. 16, 7 p.m.; Various locations, actingoutcle.com

Ravenna Balloon A-Fair
Lay back and look skyward to witness 15 colorful hot-air balloons taking off at this annual fair. This 39-year-old festival has events for everyone, a “Miracles in the Sky”-themed parade and laser show. For only $20, take off in a helicopter. Free, Sept. 16 &17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunbeau Valley Farms, 3229 state Route 59, Ravenna, ravennaballoonafair.com

Sculpture Center 
Brush up on current events with two new exhibits opening Friday at the Sculpture Center. The Nowness of Then: Lillian Tyrrell’s Disaster Blankets tackles weighty themes of KKK, the tragedy of 9/11 and terrorism. Although the past series was shown at Spaces in 2004, the topics are still relevant today. Objections and Connections, Fiber Artists Talk Back, showcases work by regional fiber artists that addresses current issues. Friday’s opening reception features two artists’ talks. Free, reception Sept. 15, 5:30p.m., exhibit thru Oct. 26, 1834 E. 123^rd St., sculpturecenter.org