Things to Do This Weekend In Cleveland: Oct. 16-19

Thursday, Oct. 16

By Light We Loom at the Jenks Building
These local indie rockers will play a two-hour set and perform their new track, "Very Merry Bear,” a song they wrote for the video game of the same name, at this special show. The Merry Bear trailer will also screen, and Merry Bear video game developer Cory Sheldon will speak. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Jenks Building in Cuyahoga Falls. 1886 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, jenks1929.com 

Christmas Ale First Pour at Great Lakes Brewing Co.
'Tis the season for Christmas Ale, and Great Lakes Brewing Co. celebrates the release of its coveted Christmas Ale with the special event at the Ohio City taproom. The party gets going at 11 a.m. 2516 Market Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4404, greatlakesbrewing.com

Conversations with Women in STEAM at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
Bonnie Garmus, the best-selling author of Lessons in Chemistry, will speak at 7 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as part of the museum's Conversations with Women in STEAM program. Following the discussion, Garmus will sign copies of her book. 1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland, 216-231-4600, cmnh.org

Hell's Kitchen at the State Theatre
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Alicia Keys inspired this musical about a 17-year-old girl who has a passion for music and strives to become a professional musician. Thursday's performance takes at 7:30 p.m. at the State Theatre, where performances continue through Nov. 1. 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org

Mike Keneally at Beachland Tavern
Guitarist and keyboardist Mike Keneally, who played in Frank Zappa's last touring band, will revisit his 30-year catalog at this show featuring his band,Beer for Dolphins. Openers Dave Bainbridge and Sally Minnear will join Keneally and his band during their set. The show begins at 8 p.m. at the Beachland Tavern. 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com

Vanessa Rubin and Her Trio: As I Am! at EDWINS
The talented jazz singer who was born in Cleveland comes to EDWINS in Cleveland Heights. Her career dates back to the 1980s and includes collaborations with jazz greats such as Kenny Barron and Grover Washington, Jr. She performs at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. 12383 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-921-3333, edwinsrestaurant.org

You're Among Friends at the Grog Shop
The local indie band influenced by acts such as Wilco and Grateful Dead plays a release party at 8 p.m. at the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights. Vanishing Shores and Coals and Ashes open. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs

Friday, Oct. 17

Steve Byrne at Hilarities
Comedian Steve Byrne, the star and creator of the TBS sit-com Sullivan and Son, likes to make observational jokes about married life. Expect a lively, interactive show when he performs Friday and Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. at Hilarities. 2035 East Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com

Carpenters: The Songs, The Stories at Mandel Concert Hall
Local jazz and classical singer Helen Welch will present this program featuring 22 of the Carpenters' biggest hits, including tracks such as "Close to You," "We've Only Just Begun" and "Top of the World." The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com

Angela Johnson-Reyes at MGM Northfield Park
Formerly a professional cheerleader for the Oakland Raiders, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes left the sports world to move to Los Angeles and pursue her dream of acting. She became an internet sensation with her viral video, "Nail Salon." She brings her Family Reunion Tour to MGM Northfield Park — Center Stage. The show starts at 8 p.m. 10705 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com 

Monsters vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms at Rocket Arena
The Monsters had a great season last year and performed well in the playoffs. Expect the team to compete again this year; the first home game of the season takes place Friday at 7 p.m. at Rocket Arena. The two teams face off again at 7 p.m. Saturday night. One Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com

Pumpkins & Piranhas at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
From 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium celebrates Halloween with its annual Pumpkins & Piranhas event. There will be underwater jack-o’-lanterns, scuba diver interactions, themed décor and music and appearances by the friendly landshark Finn. Costumes are encouraged, and advanced registration is requested. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

Ruben Studdard at Goodyear Theater
The former American Idol contestant with a powerful, soulful voice brings his tribute to the Luther Vandross to the Goodyear Theater in Akron. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. 1201 East Market St., Akron, 330-659-7118, goodyeartheater.com

Third Friday at 78th Street Studios
From 5 to 9 p.m., many of the 78th Street Studios resident artist studios and galleries will be open as part of this monthly event. There will be live music, and Local West, a Gordon Square sandwich shop, will serve food. BARneo will have a selection of adult beverages as well. Admission is free. 1300 West 78th St., Cleveland, 78thstreetstudios.com

Saturday, Oct. 18

12 Hours of Terror at the Capitol Theatre
An annual tradition at the Capitol Theatre, this Halloween-themed marathon features 12 straight hours of horror flicks. This year's program includes Poltergeist, It's Alive, Maniac, Return of the Living Dead, The Fog and two surprise movies. It begins at 2 p.m. 1390 West 65th St., Cleveland, 216-651-7295, clevelandcinemas.com 

Artist in the Atrium at Cleveland Museum of Art
Every third Saturday of each month, stop by the Ames Family Atrium between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to get a firsthand look at the art-making process. Each session provides the opportunity to engage and interact with a different Northeast Ohio maker during pop-up demonstrations and activities. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org

John Crist: Jokes for Humans at Connor Palace
The comedian who likes to joke about the trials and tribulations of growing up Christian in the '90s brings his latest tour, dubbed Jokes for Humans, to Connor Palace. The show begins at 7 p.m. 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org

Rock Solid Gala 2025 at the Treelawn
Local bands Welshly Arms, Navasha Daya and Kid Tigrrr will perform at this special benefit that takes place at the Treelawn. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support Cleveland ROCKS Past, Present and Future programs and initiatives, which include community concerts, music industry workshops, mental health- and wellness-centered programming, a music incubator and accelerator program, the Cleveland Rocks Shop and archival efforts. It all begins at 6 p.m. 15335 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-677-8733, thetreelawn.com

Shadowlands (S. Carey x John Raymond) with Covenhoven at Heights Theater Studio
Indie rockers S. Carey (of Bon Iver) and John Raymond first met in college and then went their separate ways after graduating Carey started drumming for Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and established his own solo career, and Raymond became a Grammy-nominated trumpeter. They reconnected to release the atmospheric Shadowlands in 2023. They'll present songs from the album in the round at this special show at Heights Theater Studios. Covenhoven opens the show. It begins at 8 p.m. 2781 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, eventbrite.com 

When the Saints Go Marching Home at Mandel Concert Hall
The Cleveland Pops Orchestra plays a mix of music that gave birth to the blues at this special concert that takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Concert Hall. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com 

Sunday, Oct. 19

CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra at Cleveland Museum of Art
Under the direction of conductor John McLaughlin Williams and with a little help from soprano Kirsten Kunkle, this professional chamber orchestra makes its debut at Cleveland Museum of Art. The concert begins at 2:30 p.m. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org

Halloween Spooktacular at Mandel Concert Hall
The Cleveland Orchestra will play spooky music by the likes of John Williams, Alan Menken, Adam Glaser and Grieg at this special concert that takes place at 1 and 4 p.m. Sunday at Mandel Music Hall. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com

Jason Lawhead at Hilarities
Ohio-born comedian Jason Lawhead is back in town, just in time to make fun of Cleveland sports. Again. A great impressionist, some of his talents include poking fun at the family lifestyle and complaining about pop culture. Lawhead has appeared on Gotham Comedy Live and is credited with helping the underground comedy scene arise in Cleveland. He performs Sunday at 7 p.m. at Hilarities. 2035 East Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com

Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins at Huntington Bank Field
A Miami Dolphins team that stumbled out of the gates this season comes to Huntington Bank Field to take on the Browns in what should be a winnable game for the Browns, who’ve also struggled in the early part of the season. The game begins at 1 p.m. 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, 440-891-5000, huntingtonbankfield.com 

Neil Zaza's One Dark Night: Welcome to Your Nightmare Tour 2025 at Akron Civic Theatre
The local guitar hero brings his annual Halloween show to the Akron Civic Theatre. The concert begins at 7 p.m. 182 South Main St., Akron, 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com