Taste of Lakewood
Here’s your easy solution to catching up on the ever-changing Lakewood dining scene. This afternoon fest at Madison Park offers plentiful samples from Angelo’s Pizza, the Root Café, Ice Cream Joy and more. Along with live music from Where’s Jimmy and FireSide Lakewood, this is a perfect recipe for a Sunday. Free, June 11, 1-7pm, tasteoflakewood.com
Lose Your Marbles
The name might give it away, but this isn’t your average summer dance showcase. These diverse, risky works feature 18 performers from different companies collaborating to break barriers with experimental styles. The venues are just as nontraditional at the dance fest hosted by Neos Dance Theatre and named after Akron’s claim to fame as a toy marble maker. The kick off event June 9 starts at the Cascade Lofts’ Trailhead Event Space along the Ohio and Erie Canal and then June 10 the main stage dancers perform in Akron’s historic Trolley Barn. Plus, performances are set to take over all sorts of off-the-wall spots – an ice cream parlor, coffee shop, gallery and even a storefront window. Stick around for the end of the final day and help the fringe fest crown a winning participant, who’ll receive a cash prize. $10-$50, June 9 & 10, 3-10:30 p.m.,Trolley Barn, 47 N. Main St., Akron, loseyourmarbles.org
Flat Out Fridays
We might be feeling down about our NBA Finals standings, but this is Believeland. Cheer for a comeback (fingers crossed) at this Flats East Bank block party that’s also an outdoor watch party for Game 4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers vs. the Golden State Warriors. But first see ‘80s cover band the Spazmatics play a free show. Partake in drinks, food and pop-up shops. The night benefits the charity H.E.L.P, which supports education efforts for children in Africa. Free, June 19, 6 p.m., Old River Road, Flats East Bank, flatseastbank.com
Fairport Harbor Lighthouse
Just 30 miles east of Cleveland, you can take a rare step into one of Cleveland’s nautical gems. First lit in 1925, the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse has gotten a bottom-to-top makeover since a keeper from Virginia purchased it in 2011 and converted it into a summer home. Feel like a true sailor by soaking up the history during this open house for the lighthouse's 92nd birthday. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the lighthouse sits on the harbor’s edge overlooking the lake, houses a National Weather Service station and still aids ships coming to shore. Free, June 10, Noon-3pm, 9601 Headlands Road, Mentor, fairportharborwestlighthouse.com
Believe in Cleveland
Step into Cleveland’s rich past by experiencing Karamu House’s docudrama about the election of Carl B. Stokes — the first black mayor of a major American city. While the play draws from historical documents and prominent events, the performers make the past come to life through combinations of poetry, monologues and even multimedia demonstrations. Free, June, 3 and 7pm, Jelliffe Theatre, 2355 E. 89th St. Cleveland Heights, karamuhouse.org
