Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off and Beer Fest
No one should celebrate Memorial Day on an empty stomach. Get your fill of finely slathered wings and frothy brews this weekend at the Cuyahoga County Fair Grounds. Local and national rib teams duke it out for “Best Ribs,” “Best Sauce” and other awards while live tunes blast from the Southwest General Stage. $10, May 27-30, noon-7 p.m., 19201 E. Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, 440-234-5181, berearib.com
Station Hope at St. John's Episcopal Church
History, culture and art coalesce into works of theater, music, storytelling and dance. Through such performances, Station Hope exposes attendees to the most important issues of our time. Aptly located on the grounds of Cleveland’s first authenticated Underground Railroad site, the event brings together over 200 artists and performers inspired by social justice. Free, May 28, 7 p.m.-10 p.m., 2600 Church Ave., Cleveland, cptonline.org
Waitress at Hanna Theater
This musical tackles life’s most pressing challenges ¾ friendship, unfulfilled-dreams and well-baked pie. Chronicling a small-town waitress’ journey toward fulfillment, the performance boasts music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Sara Bareilles. $49-$109, May 26-June 26, various times, 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony at the Agora
Good luck finding a Clevelander unfamiliar with the smooth, R&B-infused stylings of these local legends and rap titans. Cleveland native Bone Thugs have graced our streets and stages since the ’90s. Take the chance once again to bounce to classics like “1st of tha Month,” and “Crossroads.” $35-$65, May 28, 7 p.m., 5000 Euclid Ave. #101, Cleveland, agoracleveland.com
Spring Bloom Tour at the Leach Research Station
Though summer looms on the horizon, spring still promises fresh pops of pink petals and bright, bursting blossoms. Sound beautiful? Catch Holden Arboretum’s guided tour through towering rhododendrons and other specialty plants ¾ a rare venture through one of their least-visited gardens. $15-$35, May 28, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., 1890 Hubbard Road, Madison, holdenfg.org
Reggae Fest Cleveland at Voinovich Park Downtown Cleveland
Bring a lawn chair, blanket and your most-chill vibes for a day of food trucks, craft beer and, of course, reggae. The event boasts over eight hours of fun, rain or shine. Top-notch artists, such as Carlos Jones and Plus Band play every two hours starting at noon. $25-$125, May 28, 12 p.m., 800 E. Ninth St. Cleveland, reggaefestcleveland.com
Blossom Time at Chagrin Falls
If cascading waterfalls and quaint family-owned boutiques weren’t enough of a draw already, head to Chagrin Falls this Memorial Day weekend for five days of carnival games, rides, food trucks and The Blossom Time Run ¾ a 5.25-mile race through town. Don’t miss the parade on Monday for a perfect end to your long weekend. Free, May 26-May 30, various times, 83 N. Main St., Chagrin Falls, cvjc.org
Otello in Concert at Severance Music Center
Venture through Shakespeare’s classic tragedy by way of Giuseppe Verdi’s operatic adaptation. With music performed by the Cleveland Orchestra, prepare your senses for four powerful acts of musical drama and gloom conducted by Franz Welser-Most. $41-$91, May 26 and May 29, various times, 11001 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com
Family Hikes at Mentor Marsh
These treks provide another great opportunity for outdoor fun. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History leads you through a family-friendly trek where notebooks and binoculars are encouraged for recording your wild discoveries. Don’t forget your adventuring gear; long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended. Free, May 29, 2 p.m., 5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, cmnh.org
Annual Memorial Day Celebration at Whitehaven Memorial Park
Mayfield Village offers Clevelanders a chance to celebrate and respect veterans of all wars. Stick around for keynote speaker and Army veteran Rusty Ruckel, as well as a speech from Mayor Brenda Bodnar. Patriotic music will blare all hour courtesy of the Erie Heights Brass Ensemble and the Suburbanaires Chorus. Free, May 29, 1 p.m., 615 SOM Center Road, Mayfield Village, mayfieldvillage.com