Things to Do For Memorial Day Weekend In Cleveland: May 21-25

Thursday, May 21

Beethoven's Fidelio at Mandel Concert Hall

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 same venue. 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com

Friday, May 22

Berea's National Rib Cook-Off and Beerfest at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds

This annual event that takes place at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds will feature more than 10 rib teams competing for Best Ribs, Best Sauce and People's Choice Awards. The event runs from noon to 11 p.m. and continues through Monday. Check the website for more info. 19201 East Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, 440- 243-0090, berearib.com

Don "DC" Curry at the Funny Bone

The films Next Friday and Friday After Next were terrific vehicles for a number of black comedians. Don "DC" Curry, who played the part of sex-crazed Uncle Elroy Jones, certainly benefited from the exposure. Curry, who boasts he only talks about "the truth" in his standup routines, often sounds like a grumpy old man. He performs at 7 and 9:30 at the Cleveland Funny Bone, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. 1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com

Ekoostik Hookah at Kent Stage

The grandfathers of Ohio’s expansive jam band scene — culturally and musically — have always maintained close ties to the Cleveland area and regularly venture up to these parts from their Columbus home base. The group performs at 7:30 at the Kent Stage. 175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org

Freak the Mighty at the Allen Theatre

The Seattle Rep and the Cleveland Play House team up to present this special musical about two friends who become superheroes. The performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Allen Theatre, where performances continue through June 21. 1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org

Into the Blue: Grateful Dead Revival Night at Beachland Tavern

The spirit of the Grateful Dead is a joyous and storied tale. Here in Northeast Ohio, a community of tributes — whole bands and one-off shows — keep the Dead’s sonic ethos alive and buzzing. It performs at 8 p.m. at the Beachland Ballroom. 15711 Waterloo Road, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band: Land of Hopes & Dreams American Tour at Rocket Arena

Enraged at the current administration's interpretation of the United States as an imperialist country, Bruce Springsteen has enlisted his E Street backing band to hit the road with him on a tour with a purpose. Fellow rabble rouser, Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, might even join him for the festivities. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Rocket Arena. One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com

Tremont Greek Festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Held in Tremont every Memorial Day weekend at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, the annual Greek Festival features Greek music, Greek food, Greek drink and even antiques (Greek or otherwise). Visitors will find a mouth-watering assortment of homemade Greek specialties like pastitsio, moussaka (Greek-style lasagna), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and lamb shanks. But the crowd favorite is always the gyro — and they don't get much better than they are here. Hours are noon to midnight through Sunday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Monday. 2187 W. 14th St., Cleveland, facebook.com/TremontGreekFest/

Saturday, May 23

Between the Buried and Me at Globe Iron

The veteran metalcore band headlines a multi-band bill that includes Thank You Scientist and the World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. at Globe Iron. 2325 Elm St., globeironcle.com

The Birth of Punk in NEO at Akron Civic Theatre

Local publisher and musician Thomas Mulready presents this lecture and concert chronicling the birth of punk rock in Northeast Ohio. Regional punk acts such as the Bizarros, the Mirrors, Patty No!, Vanity Crash/Queue Up and Massive Hotdog Recall are slated to perform. The event begins at 8 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre. 182 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com 

The Cleveland Orchestra Children's Choruses Spring Concert at Mandel Concert Hall

Expect to hear songs such as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "Feeling Good" at this special patriotic concert featuring the Cleveland Orchestra's Children's Choruses. The concert begins at 4 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall. 11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com

Rebel Force Radio Live! at the Allen Theatre

Hosts of Rebel Force Radio, a popular Star Wars podcast, present this special show at the Upper Allen. It bills itself as "the Mandalorian and Grogu Aftershow" since it will take place in the wake of the release of the new Star Wars-related film. The event begins at 6 p.m. 1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org

Reggae Fest Cleveland at Voinovich Park

Performers at this annual event include Luciano, Mighty Mystic, Kenyatta Hill, Yard Squad and Lake Erie . Kabaka Pyramid, Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S. Band, Roots Vibrations, Ms BBc and HWT will perform on Sunday. Food trucks will be on hand as well. The event takes place at Voinovich Park. 800 E. 9th St. Pier, Cleveland, reggaefestcleveland.com

Smug Brothers at Little Rose Tavern

This Columbus-based garage rock band that formed way back in 2004 returns to town tonight to play the Little Rose Tavern. Expect to hear songs from the band's latest effort, a new retrospective compilation called Gravity Is Just a Way To Fall. Locals Lavendar Jets, Shattered Mirrors and Fan Fiction open. The show starts at 8 p.m. 14206 Lorain Ave., 216-331-1441, facebook.com/LittleRoseTavern/

Sunday, May 24

Parker Barrow at Beachland Tavern

Megan Kane and Dylan Turner lead this Nashville-based Southern rock band that comes to the Beachland Tavern as part of a tour that supports their new album, Hold the Mash. 15711 Waterloo Road, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com

Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentleman at the Agora

The alt-country singer-songwriter brings his band the Texas Gentleman to the Agora. His new album, They Call Us the Lucky Ones, features songs such as “Twist the Knife,” a track with a Bob Dylan feel to it. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. 5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com

Monday, May 25

Guardians vs. Washington Nationals at Progressive Field

The Washington Nationals come to Progressive Field for the one-and-only time this regular season. The three-game series kicks off with tonight's game that features a blanket giveaway. First pitch is at 6:10 p.m. 2401 Ontario St., 216-420-4487, mlb.com/guardians

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