The Moxies EP Release
Just a year after releasing their EP Black Shadow, The Moxies return with a new EP, Pink. They’re releasing it May 27 at the Platform Concert Series at Lake Affect Studios, which also happens to be a birthday bash for lead singer Marco Ciofani. With a fusion of garage rock, pop and a bluesy twist, this three piece has some serious swagger. Their greased-back hair and leather jacket aesthetic adds old-school flair that sinks in just right with the slick retro tone of Ciofani’s vocals. Also catch openers grunge-punk band Johnny In the Grave and rockers Trios. Festivities include an art installation by the Kalman & Pabst Photo Group, food and plenty of Platform Beer Co. brews that can be enjoyed in the courtyard beer garden. Cheers! $12. May 27, 7:30 p.m., Lake Affect Studios, 1615 E. 25th St., Cleveland, lakeaffectstudios.com
Rubber City Pop Culture Fest
Cleveland may get Wizard World Comic Con, but now Akron has its own fest. A comic-lover’s haven, the festival brings comics, toys, gaming and food trucks to the Rubber City with special appearances by artists and guests including Canton native toy designer Aaron Archer, Apama: The Undiscovered Animal Cleveland co-writer Milo Miller, The Walking Dead’s Stephen Vining and more. Bring your best superhero getup May 27 for the cosplay contest and then come back May 28 dressed like the undead for the zombie walk. $5-$25, May 26, 4-8 p.m., May 27, 10 a.m.-6p.m., May 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Goodyear Hall, 1201 Ohio 18, Akron, rcpcfest.com
Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off
The truly American way to kick off the summer is plenty of smokin’ hot barbecue.
Pig out on a fairgounds worth of ribs competing for titles such as best ribs or best sauce. When you’ve licked your fingers clean of all the ribs you can eat, check out country, polka and cover bands on the stage, or the annual Miss Berea Princess pageant. Got a Harley? May 26 is the popular Bike Night, so rev your engine and roar on over for free admission for you and $5 for your riders May 27-29. Free-$5, May 26, noon-11 p.m., May 27, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., May 28, 11 a.m.-11 p.m., May 29, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201, E. Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, 440-243-0090, berearib.com
DanceWorks
Watch two local dance companies use art as a platform to take a stand. This week’s DanceWorks series features an emotional tribute to refugees and an intimate look at race in a double-bill show. Elu Dance Co.’s Caught searches for light inside darkness of the refugee crisis, while Across the Board presents Black Don’t Crack and explores the pressures surrounding race and cultural aesthetics. Together, the two fill the stage with a powerful performance. $12-$30, May 26 & 27, 7 p.m., Cleveland Public Theatre, 6415 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-631-2727, cptonline.org
Blossom Time Festival
Stop monkeying around — it’s time you head to Chagrin Valley for the annual festival known for its hot air balloons. With a Welcome to the Jungle theme, find classic small-town carnival attractions including rides, a pie-eating contest, a parade and kids’ activities. But the fest soars far beyond your average event for those who stay for the May 26 and 27 hot air balloon launches — when a handful of colorful orbs float up into the sky and make a breathtaking memory that’ll last all summer long. Free, May 26-28, downtown Chagrin Falls, cvjc.org