Things to Do This Weekend In Cleveland: Oct. 2-5
Find some fun in Northeast Ohio this weekend.
by Jeff Niesel | Oct. 1, 2025 | 5:00 AM

Thursday, Oct. 2
Braxton Cook at the Bop Stop
This Juilliard-trained singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Braxton Cook comes to the Bop Stop tonight as he tours in support of his new album, Everyone Can Go, which draws from pop, R&B and jazz. 2920 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org
The Golden Age of Latino Country: Ronstadt, Fender, and Rodriguez in the '70s at the Rock Hall
In 1972, Mexican-American rock artists Jonny Rodriguez. Freddy Fender, and Linda Ronstadt racked up seventeen Top 10 hits, including ten at No. 1. Historian Nadine Hubbs explores this phenomenon in a talk she gives at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Rock Hall. 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland, 216-515-8444, rockhall.com
The Lightfoot Band at the Mimi Ohio Theatre
The original musicians who recorded and toured with Gordon Lightfoot for decades bring their tribute to the classic rocker to the Mimi Ohio Theatre. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Mahler’s Song of the Earth at Mandel Concert Hall
At 8 p.m. Thursday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Mandel Concert Hall, tenor Limmie Pulliam joins the Cleveland Orchestra for this performance of Das Lied von der Erde. The program also includes Honegger’s Third Symphony. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com
Marc Rebillet at the Agora
The YouTuber brings his Places I've Never Played and Will Never Play Again tour to the Agora. His latest single, "Vibe's Alright," finds him embracing '70s funk and soul and singing in a falsetto. Doors open at 7 p.m. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
Sunday in the Park with George at the Hanna Theatre
The Sondheim musical that features songs such as songs like “Finishing the Hat,” “Sunday” and “Move On" comes to the Hanna Theatre as the Great Lakes Theater presents its production of the play. Thursday's performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. and performances continue through Sunday. 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
West Clinton Historic Haunts Walking Tour at Near West Theatre
Taking place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, this family-friendly interactive walking tour visits residential areas in the Gordon Square Arts District. Tickets are $12 for adults, but the tours are free for youth ages 15 and younger. Tours leave every 10 minutes from Near West Theatre. 6702 Detroit Road, Cleveland, 216-961-6391, nearwesttheatre.org
Friday, Oct. 3
Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour at Rocket Arena
Originally from Old Hickory, Tennessee, slow-talking comedian Nate Bargatze took inspiration from his dad, a former clown turned world class magician. As a result, he has a unique delivery and approach to standup. Just a few years back, the guy was playing venues like the Agora. Now, he’s a superstar. He performs at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights at Rocket Arena. One Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com
Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel at Kent Stage
The son of iconic Southern rocker Dickey Betts, singer-guitarist Duane Betts brings his backing band to the Kent Stage at 6:30 p.m. 175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org
Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2025: Tracey Lind and Danté Rodriguez Opening Reception at the Beck Center
During this annual exhibition, the Beck Center headlines visual artists inspired by their culture, lifestyle or heritage. This year, the space displays works by Tracey Lind and Danté Rodriguez. A free reception takes place Friday at 6 p.m. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org
Girls Night: The Musical at the Mimi Ohio Theatre
Five female friends attempt to relive their pasts in this musical. Friday's performance takes place at 7:30 at the Mimi Ohio Theatre. 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Glamgore at the Grog Shop
The monthly event featuring a range of performers, from beauty queens to "drag monsters" returns to the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights. Doors open at 8 p.m. 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs
Godfrey at the Funny Bone
Remember that 7Up guy? Good. Because he's in town Friday. Godfrey, who got his start during a 1980s viral soda campaign, is showing off at the Funny Bone. He performs at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Friday, and at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday night at the Funny Bone. 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com
La Versión Infinita (The Infinite Version) at the Pivot Center
This play written by the acclaimed Argentine playwrights Contreras/Del Olmo/Sturla takes audiences into a "surreal and thought-provoking world where an ordinary insurance clerk receives a phone call from herself, but from an alternate reality." Friday's performance takes place at the Blackbox Theater in the Pivot Center, where performances continue through Oct. 12. 2937 W 25th St., Cleveland, pivotcenter.com
Mix: Viva la Fiesta at Cleveland Museum of Art
The monthly dance party returns to Cleveland Museum of Art. Sammy DeLeon y Su Orquesta, a terrific local Latin band, and DJ Chevi Red will perform. Pieces by Latin and Hispanic artists including Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Margolles, Báez and Sánchez will be on view. The event begins at 6 p.m. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org
Nurse Blake at the Agora
An entertainer who uses his experience as a nurse to deliver a comedy event that "celebrates the hard work of healthcare providers," Nurse Blake tells candid and raw stories about the time he spent in nursing school. Expect visuals, crowd participation and live sketches. The show starts at 8 p.m. at the Agora. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
Renaissance Night at Cleveland Botanical Garden
Guests are encouraged to dress in costume for "an evening of fun, flavor, and a touch of old-world charm." The event begins at 4 p.m. at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org
Southern Culture on the Skids at the Beachland Ballroom
The eccentric Southern rock group returns to the Beachland Ballroom. The concert begins at 8 p.m., and Whiskey Daredevils open. 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com
Saturday, Oct. 4
Dress to IMPRESS at Morgan Art Papermaking Conservatory
More than 20 artist-designers have spent the past couple months creating an ensemble for this annual event that takes place at the Morgan Art Papermaking Conservatory. The theme for this year’s showcase is Reduce. Redact. Reuse. Recycle. There will be a cash bar, finger foods, exhibition of artworks, plus silent and live auction items, raffle baskets, a photo booth, a DJ and a red carpet. The event begins at 6 p.m. 1754 E. 47th St., Cleveland, 216-361-9255, morganconservatory.org
Evil Dead in Concert at the Agora
This "live-to-film experience" resurrects Sam Raimi’s campy horror film. Composer Joe LoDuca will play his original score during the screening. Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Agora. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
Forte at Severance Music Center
This event aims to "to bring together music lovers, young professionals, and cultural enthusiasts for a party where music, mixology, and movement come together." The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Severance Music Center. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com
Harvest Festival at Hale Farm & Village
This annual event that takes place Saturday and Sunday at Hale Farm & Village will feature cooking demonstrations, wagon rides provided by Trail Light Farms, early American crafts and trades, daily performances from Johnny Appleseed (portrayed by poet and educator Ray McNiece), seasonal games and activities, farm animals and Hale Farm’s MarketPlace featuring Ohio-made and historically inspired gifts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2686 Oak Hill Road, Newton Falls, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org
Mr. Gnome at Beachland Ballroom
The terrific locally based hard rock act that features singer-guitarist Nicole Barille and drummer-pianist Sam Meister has been making cutting-edge music for the past decade. A bonafide national act, the group returns to the Beachland Ballroom Saturday. The Rosies and King Buu open, and doors open at 7 p.m. 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com
VegFest at Lincoln Park
With a mission focusing on "encouraging awareness, education, and access to information about environmental sustainability, healthier lifestyle choices through plant-based eating, and a, compassionate approach to ending animal agriculture," VegFest aims to promote clean living. A variety of food vendors will be on hand for this annual event. It takes place Saturday at noon at Lincoln Park. Starkweather Avenue and West 14th St., Cleveland, clevelandvegansociety.org.
Lainey Wilson: Whirlwind World Tour at Blossom Music Center
The country singer-songwriter who became a star after her 2021 hit "Things a Man Oughtta Know" went viral performs at 7 p.m. at Blossom. Wilson also recently made her acting debut in Season 5 of Paramount’s hit series Yellowstone. She's touring in support of Whirlwind, an album that finds her crossing over into rock and pop and collaborating with the likes of fellow superstar Miranda Lambert. 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com
Sunday, Oct. 5
Hayes Carll at Beachland Ballroom
The alt-country singer-songwriter brings a full band to Beachland Ballroom for this gig. Carll recently released We’re Only Human, an album that shows off his Dylan-like approach to singing and songwriting. Songs such as the bluesy title track sound like the closing song for a dive bar and emphasize Carll's husky voice and gentle piano. Singer-songwriter Aaron Raitiere opens. The show begins at 8 p.m. 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com
Ryan Goodcase at Hilarities
The youngest person to ever win the World Series of Comedy, this comedian and actor performs at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Frolic Cabaret Room at Hilarities. 2035 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com
Ana Popovic at Kent Stage
Singer-guitarist Ana Popovic has been on the road for 20 years now, and she regularly includes Northeast Ohio as a tour stop. The husky voiced Popovic plays guitar with a real Stevie Ray-like fierceness. She performs at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the Kent Stage. 175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org
The Queens: 4 Legends, 1 Stage. at Rocket Arena
Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills team up for this multi-band bill featuring "queens" of soul and R&B. A Rock Hall Inductee, Knight might be the most honored singer of the group. In 2023, she received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Rocket Arena. One Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com
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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