Things to Do This Weekend In Cleveland: Aug. 6-9

Thursday, Aug. 6 

Asian Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Taking over parks and zoos across the country, the traveling Asian Lantern Festival shows off thousands of colorful handmade paper lanterns in open, green spaces. This year's festival at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will include an Asian craft market and Asian food vendors. The event takes place from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on select evenings through Aug. 23. Check the Zoo website for ticket prices. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clemetzoo.com

Sam Barber at Jacobs Pavilion
The singer-songwriter performs at 6 p.m. at Jacobs Pavilion. Waylon Wyatt and Wild Horses open. The tour supports Barber's Broken View, an album that shows off his husky voice. Opening tune "Borrowed Tune" has a Bob Seger feel to it and will likely figure into Thursday's set. 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-861-4080, jacobspavilion.com

Joe Gatto at Hilarities
Best known for TV shows such as Impractical Jokers and The Misery Index, comedian Joe Gatto brings his standup show to Hilarities. Gatto is also the co-host of the Two Cool Moms Podcast. He performs at 7 p.m. on Thursday and has shows scheduled through Saturday. 2035 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com

Guardians vs. New York Mets at Progressive Field
The New York Mets, a team loaded with some of baseball's biggest stars, just haven't been able to get it together. The team missed the playoffs altogether last year. It appears the guys will come up short again this year. They play the Guardians at 1:10 p.m. at Progressive Field. 2401 Ontario St., Cleveland, 216-420-4487, mlb.com

The Lion King at the State Theatre
Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the play presents a story "filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals." The play also features the work of Tony Award-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and tunes written by Tony Award-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. Thursday's performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the State Theatre, where performances continue through Aug. 16. 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org

Mean Girls at Beck Center for the Arts
The musical adapted from the film by the same name comes to Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood. It centers on a teenager who must navigate "frenemies" at her suburban high school. Thursday's performance takes place at 7:30 p.m., and the play runs through Sunday. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org

Medina County Fair at the Medina County Fairgrounds
There will be bull riding, motocross and monster trucks at the annual Medina County Fair that runs through Sunday at the Medina County Fairgrounds. 710 W. Smith Road, Medina, 330-723-9633, medina-fair.com

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival at the Pro Football Hall of Fame
The event billed as "football's greatest week" comes to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton this week. The Arizona Cardinals will play the Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game, and the country act Lainey Wilson will perform as part of the festivities. Check the website for a complete schedule. 2121 George Halas Dr. NW, Canton, 330-456-8207, profootballhof.com

Public Square Movie Nights at Public Square
Feature-length family friendly films screen on a monthly basis at this event that takes place at 8 p.m. at Public Square. Food trucks will be on hand, and there will be a pop-up bar and interactive activities. Downtown Cleveland, clevelandpublicsquare.com

Sister Act at Akron Civic Theatre
The Millennial Theatre Project puts on this performance of the musical based on the movie about a woman who transforms a choir at a convent. Thursday's performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre, where performances continue through Aug. 16. 182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com

Friday, Aug. 7

American Football at House of Blues
The emo act out of Urbana, Illinois, released its first album way back in 1997. The group splintered after just three years, but now that Midwest emo is popular again, it's back at it. The indie group performs at 7 p.m. at House of Blues. Afternoon Bike Ride opens. 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-523-2583, houseofblues.com

Riley Green: Cowboy as It Gets Tour 2026 at Blossom Music Center
The country music superstar and former college football quarterback became a sensation upon the release of his debut album, 2019's Different 'Round Here. On tour in support of his new album, That's Just Me, he performs on Friday at 7 p.m. at Blossom. 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com

How To Train Your Dragon in Concert at Mandel Concert Hall
The Cleveland Orchestra provides the live orchestral underscore to the screening of this kids' films about a young Viking who teaches his family and friends that not all dragons are destructive. The event takes place at 7 p.m. on Friday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Mandel Concert Hall. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com

MGK Day
This annual event celebrating the success of local rapper Machine Gun Kelly returns to Downtown Cleveland. The weekend begins on Friday at 5 p.m. with the Red Bull Best Trick Contest at Crooked River Skatepark. The event will also feature vendors, food trucks, live music, exclusive merchandise and additional activities. On Saturday, the celebration moves to North Coast Yard where MGK and rapper Wiz Khalifa will perform. Crooked River Skatepark: 1785 Merwin Ave. Cleveland; North Coast Yard: 515 Erieside Ave., Cleveland; mgkday.com

MIX: Summer Soirée at Cleveland Museum of Art
Local heroes Opus 216 will perform at this edition of the Cleveland Art Museum's monthly party. The event will celebrate the Regency era and Rebecca Sweet, the co-owner and master instructor of Viva Dance Studio, will lead a brief waltz dance lesson. The event begins at 6 p.m. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org

Old Brooklyn Art Hop at Pinwheel Gallery
As part of the Third Annual Old Brooklyn Art Hop, Pinwheel Gallery and Logo Creative Studio will host opening receptions, and a dozen other venues are planning art-related events. All the participating venues will also have a section of what will come together to create a modular mural for Art Hoppers to help paint during the evening. The finished mural will be assembled and displayed on Broadview Road during Old Brooklyn Streetfest. The event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Old Brooklyn, Cleveland, oldbrooklyn.com

Union County at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque
Actors Will Poulter and Annette Deao and director Adam Meeks will be on hand for this early screening of Union County, a film about two brothers trying to make it through a drug rehab program. The film is set in Ohio and includes a terrific performance by Deao, a therapist in real life. It screens at 6:45 p.m. 11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-421-7450, cia.edu

Vintage Ohio Wine at Lake County Metroparks Farmpark
This two-day event at the Lake County Metroparks Farmpark will feature Ohio wines, live music, cooking demos and family activities. It takes place from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, 800-227-6972, lakemetroparks.com

Marlon Wayans at the Funny Bone
One of the best-known comics to emerge in the late '80s and continue to be active, Marlon Wayans has successfully ventured into film and had hits with flicks such as Scary Movie, White Chicks and Little Man. On Friday at 7 and 9:30 p.m., he performs at the Funny Bone, where he has shows scheduled through Sunday. 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com

Saturday, Aug. 8

Civil War Weekend at Hale Farm & Village
This annual event at Hale Farm & Village in Akron features an immersive experience thanks to recreations of Federal and Confederate camps. Reenactors, musicians and interpreters will be on hand to bring the Civil War to life. It begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 2686 Oak Hill Road, Akron, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org

Cuyahoga River Rally at Hart Crane Park
This free community festival celebrating the renewal of the Cuyahoga River with riverside yoga, kids’ crafts, water-themed experiences, free rides on the Holiday Boat, live music and a beer garden. The event begins at 10 a.m. at Hart Crane Park. 1820 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, 814-746-2350, canalwaypartners.com

The Happy Together Tour at Northfield Park Racino
The tour featuring '60s acts the Association, the Troggs, Jason Scheff, Gary Puckett, the Fortunes, Ron Dante, the Vogues and the Cowsills comes to Northfield Park Racino. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. 10705 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-467-4101, northfieldparkracino.com

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Glow-N-Fire at Rocket Arena
The event featuring the giant tricked-out trucks that kids love comes to Rocket Arena this weekend. Saturday's sessions take place at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday's session is at 1:30 p.m. One Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com

Peninsula Flea at Heritage Farms
This upscale flea market features handmade, repurposed and vintage items from dedicated artists, crafts people and collectors. Local musicians are slated to perform and food vendors will be on hand. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Heritage Farms. Admission is free. 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula, 3306572788, explorepeninsula.com

Steel Pulse at Cain Park
The veteran reggae act performs at 7 p.m. at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. Local heroes Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S. Band open. 14591 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com

Summer Night Bazaar at StoneWater
This event at StoneWater will feature more than 15 local artisans and crafters. Vendors will be on hand from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and the live music goes until 11 p.m. The Fungry Food Truck will be on hand for the festivities. One Club Drive, Highland Heights, stonewatergolf.com

The Voices that Changed Music at Blossom Music Center
The Cleveland Orchestra plays music by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Whitney Houston and Elvis Presley at this special concert that takes place at 7 p.m. at Blossom. 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com

The Willoughby Pop-Up by the Lake at Osborne Park
Dozens of local artisans, markers, crafters and speciality food vendors will be on hand for this annual event that takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Osborne Park in Willoughby. It's free. 38575 Lakeshore Blvd., Willoughby, avantgardeshows.com

Sunday, Aug. 9

Warren Haynes and Joe Bonamassa at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre
The jam band Gov't Mule and blues rocker Joe Bonamassa bring their co-headlining tour to the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre. 201 S. Phelps St., Youngstown, 330-746-5600, theyoungstownfoundationamp.com

Boney James at Cain Park
The smooth jazz act performs at 7 p.m. at Cain Park in Cleveland Heights. The sax man has recorded and toured since the 1970s and received several Grammy nods along the way. Avery* Sunshine opens. 14591 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-371-3000, cainpark.com

LoveMuffinPalooza 2026 at the Treelawn
Launched in 2008 when Love Muffin label owner Adam Rich wanted to do his own version of Undercurrents, the popular yearly music showcase that took place in Cleveland in the '80s and '90s, LoveMuffinPalooza benefits the Gathering Place. This year's incarnation of the benefit concert includes the G Strings, Blue Drivers, Mal SanMarco, Lost State of Franklin, Flowers Love, Being Eerie and Bill DeGidio. It takes place at 7 p.m. at the Treelawn. 15335 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-677-8733, thetreelawn.com

The Princess Concert at Akron Civic Theatre
A traveling music group performs the music of Frozen, Wicked, KPop Demon Hunters, Moana, Taylor Swift, Wizard of Oz, Beauty & the Beast, Aladdin, Anastasia and Pocahontas during this concert at Akron Civic Theatre. It begins at 3:30 p.m. 182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com

Reggae Sundays at Music Box Supper Club
This special Reggae Sunday Happy Hour Concert series continues every Sunday through the end of the summer. The indoor and 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. 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com

WKYC Channel 3 Talent Showcase: A Fundraiser for VeloSano at Hilarities
Local comedian Mike Polk Jr. hosts this special fundraiser for VeloSano cancer research. The show will feature local celebrity comedians. It begins at 7 p.m. at Hilarities. 2035 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com

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