InterUrban Street Festival
The InterUrban project may have punched up the walls along the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Rapid line to impress Republicans and visitors during the Republican National Convention, but we love that we get to reap the lasting rewards. Now it’s time to celebrate the murals inspired by literary works from the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, which promotes diversity and social justice, with this Ohio City street festival. Catch live music, local food trucks and beer brewed by the event co-host, Market Garden Brewery. Also browse art for sale and watch as the Bubble Process, a two-man design firm founded at Kent State University, works on a mural. Free, May 19, 5-11p.m., Market Garden Brewing Facility, 1849 W. 24th St., Cleveland, interurban-cle.com/events
The overcrowded parking lot on Third Fridays at 78th Street Studios might be a little intimidating, but it’s worth venturing into the monthly open house of the art and design complex featuring more than 80 galleries. The galleries are abuzz with happy hour drinks and snacks, tunes and even some pups as an average of 1,500 visitors mill through four floors. This month, head to Hedge Gallery for two new exhibits running through July 7. Too Much Information, a modern series by Liz Maugans, merges print media and text-based collages to create a clever commentary on everyday lives. Maugans contrasts chaos with polished organization, using bright and neutral colors to tell the story of her midlife reflection on society’s pressure to live up to unrealistic standards. Also see, Straddling the Great Divide by David Masters, a contemporary artist whose work incorporates print and dimensional abstract elements. His art conveys the eternal element of the human soul. Free, May 19, 5-9 p.m., 1300 W. 78th St., (Hedge, Suite 200), Cleveland, hedgeartgallery.com
Cleveland Pops Orchestra
Salute the troops with this concert that features guests from all branches of the military and the first responders. The Mutual Gifts Gospel Choir and the Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band play military-inspired alongside the orchestra at this 17th annual patriotic celebration. $21-$95, May 19, 8-10 p.m., Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, clevelandpops.com
Cleveland Asian Festival
Those hungry for a challenge can find some friendly competition in AsiaTown. Suit up for a sumo wrestling match, see how many egg rolls you can stomach or face local Jeopardy! champ Arthur Chu at the Cleveland Asian Festival. If you rather sit back and watch other entertainers, see the massive OCA Cleveland Dragon Dance team weave through the crowd or catch Yume Daiko, a Japanese-style drum performance. Plus, get a taste of AsiaTown with vendors hawking banh mi, bubble tea and Korean barbecue. Free, May 20 and 21, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., East 27th and Payne Avenues, clevelandasianfestival.org/2017
Rooms To Let: CLE
Homes that were once vacant get a rush of life with this annual Slavic Village pop-up. From exit signs spelling out C-L-E hanging on a wall to tiny wooden houses in the attic, artists have found creative ways to invigorate abandoned homes. Artists transforming three properties in Slavic Village include Dana Depew, Loren Naji, Dott von Schneider, Omid Tavakoli and more. Stop by the Polish American Cultural Center for ethnic food, a maker village and music by Honeybucket, Mourning A BLKstar and more. Get there, as the beauty is only temporary. The made-over homes are slated to get demolished. Free, May 20 and May 21, Noon-5 p.m., Properties 6627 Lansing Avenue, 6808 Gertrude Avenue and 5804 Hosmer Avenue, Cleveland, slavicvillage.org/roomstolet