Ohio Independent Film Festival
With two main features and a long list of shorts, the Ohio Independent Film Fest returns for another year after a break in 2015. From the political to the personal, this year’s fest displays flicks from throughout the world directed by women. From a Tehran story of friendship set on a train bound for Turkey to an anti-iPhone satire centered on an American family during one tumultuous Thanksgiving, sit back and enjoy the show. $20, Nov. 11, 7 p.m., Bop Stop, 2920 Detroit Ave., ohiofilms.com
Dinofest
Ever have a conversation with a real dinosaur hunter? Well, this weekend, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History is giving you the chance. Along with checking out the giant sauropods and pack predators in Kirtland Hall, participate in your own fossil casting. On Saturday, a full afternoon of paleobiologists and paleontologists from all over North America continue to enlighten dino amateurs on insight such as prehistoric teeth to what the difference is between a nanatyrannus and a tyrannosaurus. Because you’ve always wanted to know. $15, Nov. 11 and 12, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, cmnh.org
SouperBowl CLE
Warm up the November cold with Cleveland’s soup fest and contest that features some of the city’s best restaurants. From the Happy Dog, to Aladdin’s and the Parkview Tavern, foodies taste creative original soups to determine the best soup in the city— with the proceeds to benefit the West Side Catholic Center’s hospitality programs for 2017. Winning restaurants get bragging rights, and of course a big-bowl trophy to boot. That is, the super bowl itself. $25, Nov. 12, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Gordon Square Arts District, 6516 Detroit Ave., souperbowlcle.com
Cleveland Pops Orchestra
This weekend the Cleveland Pops Orchestra, headed by conductor Carl Topilow, plays a comprehensive selection of favorites from the Bond films — from Goldfinger to Live and Let Die. Dubbed “The Name is Bond … James Bond,” the 007-homage concert pays tribute to the thrilling saga of Ian Fleming, along with boasting its own Bond girl to perform, singer and actress Rachel York. Martinis are not on the house. $29-$63. Nov. 12, 8 p.m., Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave, clevelandpops.com
As the holiday season rapidly approaches, get a head start on shopping and cheer with the Festival of German Christmas. Along dozens of vendors selling Buckeyes and fudge, books and collectibles and Christmas-themed ceramics and woodworks, find the Canton Museum of Art’s display of seasonal artwork. Also, sniff out food and snacks at the Christkindl Cafe and Markt Bistro. Come, grab a Santa-shaped cookie and get in that spirit with friends or family. Free, Nov. 11 and 12, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Nov. 13, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, cantonart.org