65th Hungarian Festival at German Central Park
Dive into Hungarian culture at the largest Hungarian festival in Ohio. While a soccer match, live animal shows and artisans are the big attractions, the soulful wail of a violin, billowing accordion and cotton-tickled cimbalom that make up the live music of Walt Mahovlich and Harmonia will prime the air with sensational thrills. Become a part of the sound with free Hungarian dance lessons. After wearing out your soles, sit down for a delicious dish of authentic chicken paprikash. Free-$7, Sept. 5, 9:30 a.m.- 7 p.m., 7863 York Road, Parma, csbk.org
Cars in the Park at Crocker Park
There’s nothing like sunlight melting like butter across the body of a newly waxed car. Along the brick inlays of picturesque Crocker Park, more than 50 luxurious and rare vehicles will be on display. The show is presented by Rafih Auto Group, with benefits going toward the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. Free, Sept. 5, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, 440-835-9343, crockerpark.com
Cleveland National Air Show at Burke Lakefront Airport
A commercial aircraft grants enough wonder as it scales clouds far above roofs, steeples and skyscrapers. Imagine the glory of a jet, cutting through the air like a screaming, metallic falcon. All eyes will be on the skies when six Thunderbird demonstration pilots climb into the cockpits of F-16 Falcon jet fighters and take off for a 50-minute choreographed performance at 500 miles per hour over Burke Lakefront Airport. Planes on display for an up-close look include the WWII-era B-25 Mitchell Bomber, a KC-135 Stratotanker used in the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm and MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter used for Coast Guard rescues. $20-$40, Sept. 4-6, 9 a.m., 1501 N. Marginal Road, Cleveland, 216-781-0747, clevelandairshow.com
Cleveland Oktoberfest at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
Whether one comes for the beer, costumes or to see cute, dressed-up wiener dogs trip and scramble to the finish line in a race, there’s so much fun to be had at this year’s Cleveland Oktoberfest. So much so, it’s been extended to another weekend. The festival boasts more than 100 vendors with Bavarian collectibles, 20 kinds of beer and 15 European restaurants. The Cleveland Glockenspiel — the largest of its kind in the United States — will be in full operation, with performers rallying the crowd each hour. Click here to read more about Oktoberfest.. $15-$75, Sept. 3-6 & Sept. 10-11, Fri. 4 p.m.-midnight, Sat. & Sun. noon-midnight & Mon. noon-8 p.m., 19201 E. Bagley Road, 440-781-5246, clevelandoktoberfest.com
Elyria Labor Day Concert at Ely Square
On Saturday evening, Elyria Town Square will swell with the bright, gorgeous baritone voice from one of its own, Lester Lynch. The Elyria High School and Baldwin Wallace University alum has performed on stages across Europe as well as the United States, his voice breathing life into the role of Verdi’s title character “Rigoletto” and Scarpia in Puccini’s “Tosca.” Performing alongside him will be the lively Cleveland Pops Orchestra. With selections ranging from Broadway tunes to Queen’s greatest hits, it’s sure to be a night for any heart in love with music. Free, Sept. 4, 7 p.m., 400 Broad St., Elyria, 216-765-7677, clevelandpops.com
Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival at Hale Farm & Village
Perhaps it’s a combination of Rust Belt determination welded with pastoral creativity, but Ohio is filled with ingenious minds and impeccable talent. Hale Farm & Village will be celebrating more than 150 artisans from the Buckeye State this weekend in its juried arts & crafts festival. Jewelry, pottery, glass, soap, woodworks—you name it, Ohioans make it. Sandwiches and salads will be available by The Hale Cafe as well as favorites from other local food trucks. Live music by likes of Toledo folk artist Russ Franzen and a visit from Curious Critters further expand the horizon of talent. $10-$12, Sept. 3-5, Fri. noon-5 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, 330-666-3711, wrhs.org
Salute to John Williams at Blossom Music Center
Even if John Williams isn’t a household name, his compositions float through family rooms across the country, as iconic and timeless as the films they give life to. Whether it’s Jaws, Harry Potter, Star Wars or E.T., we have Williams to thank for the scores ingrained in our culture. Under the conduction of Richard Kaufman, the Cleveland Orchestra will be performing a salute to John Williams this weekend. Patrons 17 and under are eligible for free admission on the lawn section at this event. $26-$121, Sept. 4 & 5, 7 p.m., 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com
Steam in the Valley at Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
A king of steam is returning to the Cuyahoga Valley. Trudging through the fiery autumn leaves comes a 404-ton, 15-foot-tall iron horse gladiator, Nickle Plate Road Steam Locomotive No. 765. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has its partnership with Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society to thank for the extraordinary experience awaiting all who dare to climb aboard. The historic engine will roll into both the Rockside and Akron Northside Stations, offering two-and-a-half to three-and-a-half hour rides and spectacular photo opportunities. $25-$65, Sept. 3, 10-12 & 17-19, various times, 27 Ridge Avenue, Akron & 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence, 330-439-5708, cvsr.org
The Great Geauga County Fair at Burton Fairgrounds
A step into the Geauga County fairgrounds is a step into history. As Ohio’s oldest continuous fair, it has a lot to live up to in its 199th year. But throughout its 150-acres, there’s something for everyone, from heart-racing grandstand entertainment — including demolition derbies and tractor pulls — to the childlike wonder of hot air balloons decking a halcyon blue sky. Grab that coveted pulled pork or sausage sandwich at your favorite stand before you leave, gazing with nostalgia into the rearview mirror at the Ferris wheel lights illuminating one of the last junctures of summer. Free-$10, Sept. 2-6, 9 a.m.-midnight, 14373 N. Cheshire St., Burton, 440-834-1846, geaugafair.com
Verb Ballets at Cain Park
Through the summer, Verb Ballets has been gracing Northeast Ohio with its talent, artistic vision and inspiring dedication to the arts residing in each of us with free performances. As the season winds to a close, Verb Ballets will be taking to Cain Park for yet another magical night of dance. This specific showing is a gift from board members James D. Graham and David M. Dusek, who will be opening their home for an Afterglow Party. While the performance is free, the party will require RSVP and a $75 ticket, the proceeds of which go to Verb Ballets. Free, Sept. 3, 8 p.m., 14591 Superior Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-397-3757, verbballets.org
