Things to Do This Weekend In Cleveland: Aug. 27-30
Find some fun in Northeast Ohio this weekend.
by Jeff Niesel | Aug. 26, 2026 | 5:00 AM
Myles Smith performs at the Agora on Sunday. | Photo courtesy Jennifer McCord
Thursday, Aug. 27
Browns vs. New England Patriots at Huntington Bank Field
The Browns play a preseason game against a New England Patriots team that made it all the way to the Super Bowl last year. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. at Huntington Bank Field. 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, 440-891-5000, huntingtonbankfield.com
The Cleveland Pinball and Arcade Show at the Holiday Inn Independence
This event that takes place Thursday through Sunday at the Holiday Inn in Independence promises to offer "game play, seminars, vendors, and entertainment for pinball players, arcade game fans, families, and anyone looking to experience the sights and sounds of a massive arcade," as it's put in a press release. 6001 Rockside Road, Independence, clevelandpinballshow.com
Jam for Justice at the Beachland Ballroom
Local bands will perform on two stages at the Beachland Ballroom for this annual benefit for the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com
Lorain County Fair at the Lorain County Fairgrounds
The Lorain County Fairgrounds returns to the Lorain County Fairgrounds this week with the usual assortment of rides and attractions (demolition derbies and harness racing, for starters). It continues through Sunday at the Lorain County Fairgrounds. Ohio 18, Wellington, 440-647-2781 loraincountyfair.com
Pat McGann at Hilarities
The comedian who began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco has appeared on shows such as The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He performs at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. 2035 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com
Vicki Peterson & John Cowsill at the East Shore Park Club
Vicki Peterson of the Bangles and John Cowsill, an original member of the Cowsills, released their debut Americana album, Long After the Fire, last year. They bring their tour in support of the release to the East Shore Park Club. The show starts at 7 p.m. 17213 Dorchester Road, Cleveland, 216-383-0445, eastshoreparkclub.com
Rock Hall Live: Old 97's at the Rock Hall
The alt-country group that formed in Dallas in the late ’90s performs at 8 p.m. at the Rock Hall. Band leader Rhett Miller has simultaneously sustained a solo career while keeping Old 97’s relevant. 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland, 216-515-8444, rockhall.com
Rüfüs Du Sol at Blossom Music Center
The Grammy-winning live electronic trio formed in Sydney, Australia, has released five studio albums to date. Their most recent effort, Inhale/Exhale, will be highlighted at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at Blossom. The album features poppy tunes such as "Inhale" and "Music Is Better." Singer-songwriter Ben Bohmer opens. 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com
This Is Pike County at the Cinematheque
Local filmmaker Laura Paglin (Nightowls of Coventry, Facing Forward) directs This Is Pike County, a documentary about her visit to the rural Southern Ohio community after the Rhoden family murders caught national attention in 2016. The movie makes its Cleveland debut at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. A Q&A with Paglin follows the screening. 11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-421-7450, cia.edu
Franz Welser-Möst Conducts Strauss at Mandel Concert Hall
Franz Welser-Möst celebrates his 25th year as the music director of the Cleveland Orchestra with this special summer concert that takes place at 7 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com
Koe Wetzel at Wolstein Center
The country singer-songwriter out of Texas brings his rock-oriented summer tour to the Wolstein Center. The show begins at 6:45 p.m. Shane Smith and the Saints share the bill. 2000 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, 216-687-9292, wolsteincenter.com
Friday, Aug. 28
Chill @ CMNH at Cleveland Museum of Natural History
This after-hours event at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History features after-hours access to Perkins Wildlife Center and transformed museum exhibits plus a screening of Balto. It all begins at 5 p.m. 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, 216-231-4600, cmnh.org
Josh Groban: Stage, Screen and Symphony at Blossom Music Center
The pop singer whose first four albums went multi-platinum performs at 7 p.m. at Blossom. Earlier this year, Groban released Cinematic, his rendition of soundtrack classics such as "As Time Goes By" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight," the latter of which pairs him with the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles. 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com
Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field
The Kansas City Royals had a losing record by the time of this season's All-Star Break and have just not recovered from that slow start. They come to town this weekend for a three-game series that begins with Friday's game. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. at Progressive Field. 2401 Ontario St., Cleveland, 216-420-4487, mlb.com
Hasan Hates Ronny/Ronny Hates Hasan at Connor Palace
Comedians Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng bring their co-headlining tour to Connor Palace. They'll stage a mock debate about topics such as immigration and the economy as they emphasize their differences in an exaggerated manner suited to the stage. The show begins at 7 p.m. 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Heights Music Hop
FutureHeights, a nonprofit community development corporation, presents this music festival in the "walkable business districts" of Cleveland Heights. Performances will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday both inside area businesses as well as on outdoor stages throughout the districts (Cedar Fairmount, Noble, Cedar Lee and Coventry Village). On Friday alone, 10 Cedar Fairmount venues will host 17 performances. Consult the website for more info. Various locations, heightsmusichop.com
Hispanic Heritage Celebration at Near West Theatre
Papo Ruiz, Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center, Near West Theatre Alumni and Baila con Lali will perform at this free event at Near West Theatre's outdoor plaza. There will also be dance, cultural performances, community resources, family-friendly activities, and local food vendors. It takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. 6702 Detroit Road, Cleveland, 216-961-6391, nearwesttheatre.org
Needtobreathe at Jacobs Pavilion
This group that blends blends rock, Americana, soul, and gospel just released its latest effort, The Long Surrender, which it recorded with Grammy winner Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson). The band performs at 6 p.m. at Jacobs Pavilion. Drew Holcomb and Ellie Holcomb open. 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com
Isaiah Rashad at House of Blues
The rapper and singer brings his Lil Sunny's Awful Road Trip tour to House of Blues. Up-and-coming singer and rapper Alemeda opens. Doors are at 7 p.m. 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com
J.J. Williamson at the Funny Bone
Nearly 20 years ago, comedian J.J. Williamson won the Bay Area Comedy Competition in Oakland, thus launching his career as a standup comic. He likes to joke about the things he goes through every day. He frequently jokes about dating. "I am not a baller — I'm an outlet baller," he says in one bit. "I'm a baller on a budget." He performs on Friday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. and Saturday night at 6:30 and 9 p.m. at the Funny Bone. 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com
WWE Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown at Rocket Arena
The smackdown commences at 7:30 p.m. at Rocket Arena. Expect to see wrestlers such as Cody Rhodes, CM Punk and Seth Rollins go at it. One Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com
Saturday, Aug. 29
Cleveland Blues Jam Series at the Sixty6
This quarterly series at the Sixty6 celebrates the ongoing legacy of local bluesman Wallace Coleman. Coleman and one other local artist will perform. Check the venue's website for more info. 1966 E. 66th St., Cleveland, 216-615-7261, thesixty6.com
Cleveland Garlic Festival at Shaker Square
The Cleveland Garlic Festival takes place this weekend at Shaker Square, home to the weekly North Union Farmers Market. The annual event will be held from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. This year, there will be over 40 varieties of garlic from area farms and vendors. Proceeds benefit North Union Farmers Market. 13000 Shaker Blvd., Cleveland, clevelandgarlicfestival.org
Nikki Glaser at Connor Palace
A major comedian who's hosted the Golden Globes for the past three years, Nikki Glaser comes to Connor Palace for a two-night stand. She takes the stage at 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday night. 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
The Legends of Jazz 4: Yellow Jackets, Patrice Rushen, Hiroshima at Cain Park
Three smooth jazz acts team up for this annual concert at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. The show begins at 5 p.m. 14591 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com
Masters of Funk at Jacobs Pavilion
The funk acts Larry Dodson, the SOS Band, the Original Lakeside, Midnight Star, Con Funk Shun and Alisa Peoples share the bill at this special show that promises to deliver "a lifetime from hits." It begins at 6 p.m. at Jacobs Pavilion. 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com
Ari Matti at the Agora
The Estonian comedian who makes light of his life growing up in Eastern Europe comes to the Agora. Doors open at 6 p.m. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
Notes of Nature Wine Tasting at Holden Arboretum
Holden Arboretum hosts this wine tasting that begins at 6 p.m. The event will also feature food stations. 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, 440-946-4400, holdenarb.org
Summer in Vienna at Blossom Music Center
Music Director Franz Welser-Möst conducts the Cleveland Orchestra as it evokes Viennese summer concerts with this performance that takes place at 7 p.m. at Blossom. 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com
Don Toliver at Rocket Arena
The Houston-based rapper and singer brings his Nitrous Octane World Tour to Rocket Arena. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and the current tour supports his latest album, Octane, an ambitious 18-song release that finds him expanding beyond the trap sounds for which he's known. One Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com
Sunday, Aug. 30
80th Annual One World Day at Cleveland Cultural Gardens
Founded in 1946, this annual event at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens showcases about 50 ethnic groups through music, dance, storytelling, and food. It features a Naturalization Ceremony for new U.S. citizens (sworn in by a U.S. District Court judge) and the Parade of Flags, which kicks off at noon and goes from the Ethiopian Garden to the Lithuanian Garden. The event runs until 6 p.m. 750 E. 88th St., Cleveland, clevelandoneworldday.org
Jokes on You at Hilarities
Inspired by crowd work clinicians like Dave Attell, Ian Bagg and Big Jay Oakerson, Jokes on You makes the audience the center of the show by "pushing comics to avoid prepared material or written jokes and instead focus on organic interaction with the audience," as it's put in a press release about this event, which takes place on Sunday at 8 p.m. in the Frolic Cabaret Room at Hilarities. 2035 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com
Magnolia and Johnson Electric Co. at Beachland Ballroom
The surviving members of Magnolia Electric Co. band team up with singer-songwriter Will Johnson for a tribute to the late friend Jason Molina, who fronted Magnolia Electric Co. until his death in 2013. The show takes place at 8 p.m. at Beachland Ballroom. 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com
Vince Morris at Hilarities
Comedian Vince Morris has a demeanor that seems tame and gentle, but his quips have you still laughing later as you realize their deeper meanings. This guy talks about all sorts of things including Southern living, funny dialects and the way people relate to each other through language. Lots of this stuff isn’t your typical comedy, but the guy is downright funny. He appears on Sunday at 7 p.m. at Hilarities. 2035 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com
Reggae Sundays at Music Box
This special Reggae Sunday Happy Hour Concert series continues every Sunday through the end of the summer. The indoor/outdoor concert series will take place rain or shine with live music from 4 to 7 p.m. Music Box will also offer food and drink specials exclusive to the series. This week, the Tom Batchelor Band, a 6-piece rock and reggae band from Morgantown, West Virginia, will perform. 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com
Riverfest at Collision Bend Brewing Co.
Collision Bend Brewing Co. in the Flats opens at 11 a.m. on Sunday morning for Riverfest, an event that features performances by local bands such as Madison Crawl, Country Honk and Fatback Mango. Proceeds benefit local rescue dog organizations. 1250 Old River Road, Cleveland, 216-273-7879, collisionbendbrewery.com
Myles Smith at the Agora
Much like singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, this laid-back British singer-songwriter has an unassuming style and lets his carefully crafted pop songs such as “Stargazing” and "Hold Me in the Dark" speak for themselves. The concert begins at 6 p.m. at the Agora. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
Song Recital Project: “Wayfarer in Dream” at Cleveland Museum of Art
The songs in this program will explore "the emotional journey of the human heart across cultures and eras," as it's put in press materials for the performance that takes place at 2 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org
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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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