Cleveland Turkey Trot
Work up a Thanksgiving-worthy appetite as you run like a turkey at the 42nd Annual Cleveland Turkey Trot. Participants have the option of choosing from a brisk one-mile walk, a five-mile run, or a 5K. Of course, it’s not a proper turkey trot without a costume contest: Participants are encouraged to join the festivities by wearing their most creative outfits. There will also be post-race refreshments offered. Note: the one-mile fun walk will begin at 8:45 a.m., and the five-mile- and 5k-timed runs will begin at 9:30 a.m. $35, 8:45 a.m., Nov. 23; 9:30 a.m., Nov. 23; Free Stamp at Willard Park, Cleveland, turkeytrotcleveland.com
Thanksgiving Brunch at Betts Restaurant
Is there any better way to celebrate a holiday than with an ice-cold mimosa? Pregame your Thanksgiving dinner with a beautiful Thanksgiving brunch at Betts Restaurant. Featuring handcrafted specialty cocktails such as a s’mores martini, a bourbon berry mule and a “holiday relaxer,” you can eat, drink and be merry as you kick off the holiday season with a feast. Expect traditional Thanksgiving fare but with a twist from chef Stephanie. Reservations are encouraged. Prices vary, Nov. 23, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 2000 E. 9th St., Cleveland, eatatbetts.com
59th Annual Thanksgiving Polka Weekend presented by the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame
Get ready to polka the night away with music from the Old Country at the 59th Annual Thanksgiving Polka Weekend. This event will establish “America’s polka headquarters” as the finest polka enthusiasts in Cleveland, as well as special guest Denis Novato in a rare U.S. appearance, take the stage to show off their musical talents. The high point of the weekend will be the 2023 Polka Music Awards Show on Nov. 25. $25-$35, Nov. 24, 2 p.m.-midnight; Nov. 25, 10 a.m.-midnight, 6001 Rockside Road, Independence, clevelandstyle.com
Great Lakes Theater Presents A Christmas Carol
Enjoy a visit from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future with Charles Dickens' classic Christmas tale and one of Northeast Ohio’s favorite holiday traditions, at the Mimi Ohio Theatre. $35-$80, Nov. 24-Dec. 23, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org
Holiday Light and Bar Crawl Tour of Cleveland at TownHall
Let Buddy the Elf chaperone you around town as he tickles your funny bone. Taste holiday brews and holiday cheer as you board the Christmas-themed party bus that will take you from stop to stop around the most festive spots and bars in Downtown Cleveland. Included in the ticket price are souvenir holiday necklaces, Santa hats, Christmas stockings and an alcoholic beverage for the bus. $75, Nov. 24, 6-10 p.m., 1909 W. 25th St., Cleveland, eventbrite.com
The Cleveland Orchestra Presents Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
Enjoy the romantic sounds of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto that celebrates the sheer joy and beauty of life, presented by the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Music Hall, with Augustin Hadelich on violin and Pietari Inkinen conducting. $39-$115, Nov. 24-26, 7:30-9 p.m., 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com
Friday Night Lights at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
See what the Cleveland Museum of Natural History has to offer, after-hours, as you explore with the lights on. Each Friday, an original presentation titled Eclipse Fever shown in the 3D Planetarium will be shown, plus catch some 3D movies, Current Science presentations, a DJ show and guided night walks. Take a stroll through the new Visitor’s Hall as you say hi to Lucy, Balto, Happy and Dunk. Want an even more out-of-this-world experience? Don’t forget to see Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon in the Planetarium. Note: dinner will be provided with the chef preparing exclusive special seasonals for Friday Night Lights, with beer and wine being available. $10, Nov. 24-Dec. 29, 5-8 p.m., 1 Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland, cmnh.org
To Books and Beyond hosted by Mahall’s
For anyone who misses the nostalgia, the freedom and the sensory experience of a school book fair, this event is for you. Come support Small Business Saturday with this grown-up book fair, featuring an array of books, baked goods, stationery, art, handmade goods and more. Grab a coffee or a drink and listen to musical hits from times past as you relive your elementary school days. Free, Nov. 25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, mahalls20lanes.com
WinterLand Kickoff and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Downtown Cleveland
Kick off the holiday season with a bang as only Cleveland can do it. Celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season with music, food, entertainment and holiday fun and fireworks. As can be expected, Santa will make an appearance as well as several other holiday friends. Skate a few laps at the Cleveland Foundation skating rink or ride the RTA Holiday Trolley with a cup of cocoa in hand. The tree lighting will begin at 6 p.m. with the fireworks spectacular show immediately afterward. Free, Nov. 25, noon-6:30 p.m., Public Square, Cleveland, winterlandcle.com
Distiller’s Ball at Blue Heron Brewery
Come to Ohio’s premier cocktail party and get into the spirit of the holidays as you celebrate 14 Ohio distilleries. This annual formal event will have a masquerade theme and complimentary cocktails will be offered, of course. Sip on a drink or try something new as you mark your passport completed. Put your palate to the test as you experience luxury spirits the sophisticated way at this ceremonial event. $150, Nov. 25, 6-10 p.m., 3227 Blue Heron Trace, Medina, northernohiodistillerypassport.com
Genghis Con
Cleveland’s small press and independent comic convention returns to bring together lovers and practitioners of independent print media. Cartoonists, zinesters, artists and more will gather together to celebrate their livelihood and passion as they swap tips, exhibit artwork and enjoy each others’ company at this year’s convention. From experienced veterans to excited rookies, there is enough fun and creativity for everyone to enjoy on the roster this time around. Free, Nov. 26, noon-5 p.m., 2937 W. 25th St., Cleveland, genghisconcleveland.com
Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo
Come and watch stupendous players fly through the air and “get carried away with life” in this fantastical celebration of the here and the hereafter as we honor the life of Mauro the Clown. See mesmerizing tricks and the laws of gravity defied as the players celebrate the happy and the sad, the joyous and the melancholy, the beauty and the pain that comes from a life well lived and a soul that was well loved. $25+, Through Nov. 26, 2000 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, cirquedusoleil.com
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