Cleveland Kurentovanje at the Slovenian National Home
Bask in rich Slovenian heritage in celebration of Kurentovanje, a Mardi Gras-esque bash. This year, get there early for the Fifth Annual Kurent Dash 5K before a day of merriment, including the parade at noon and an afternoon party boasting multiple stages for performance, ethnic food and drink, face painting for the kids and plenty more. Free, Feb. 18, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 6409 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland,clevelandkurentovanje.com
Dark Wave Dance Cave at the Symposium
Looking for a comfortable place to dance the night away in spike-adorned platform boots? Head to Studio West 117 for a party straight out of the ’80s, featuring darkwave, new wave and post-punk jams, courtesy of DJs Darkstar and Mimi Dromette. $5, Feb. 17, 11794 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, studiowest117.com
Nintendo 69: Diddy Kong Racing Tournament at No Class
Time to relive those friendship-ending, gut-busting, off-the-wall Diddy Kong Racing days of the late ‘90s. This weekend at No Class, shake off the rust with a $5 entry into the next Nintendo 69 tournament. Winner takes home a cash prize and, of course, all the Diddy Kong glory. $5 (donation to 3 Little Birds community pantry encouraged), Feb. 16, 8 p.m., 11213 Detroit Ave., Cleveland,noclasscle.com
Hadestown Closing Week at Playhouse Square
Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown is shaking up Connor Palace for one more week. Written by Anais Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, sit back for a performance that proves a song has the power to change destiny. $25-$120, through Feb. 19, various times, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org/events
Joe Bonamassa at Playhouse Square
Known as one of the greatest guitar players of a generation, don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy the blues-rock stylings of Joe Bonamassa in the flesh. After the stop in Cleveland, look forward to Bonamassa’s upcoming live album, Tales of Time. $42.50-$252.50, Feb. 17, 8 p.m., 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland,playhousesquare.org
Mardi Gras Cleveland Parade at the Flats East Bank
Surrounded by loud music, bead necklaces and Bacardi, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into New Orleans on your way to the Flats. Festivities begin with a family-friendly lunch, including pizza at Beerhead and mini cakes at Lago, before a parade and subsequent bar crawl dominate the afternoon. Free-$10, Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., the Flats East Bank, Cleveland,flatseastbank.com
Mourning [A] BLKStar at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
There are few bands that represent such a wide spectrum of Black culture, boasting members of varying generations and disregarding gender conformity. With vocals from the likes of Kyle Kidd, LaToya Kent and James Longs alongside some of the smoothest instrumentalists in The Land, you’re in for a night you won’t regret. Free, Feb. 16, 6 p.m., 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland,beachlandballroom.com
Ohio State v. Michigan Hockey at FirstEnergy Stadium
Called the “Faceoff on the Lake,” the Ohio State University and the University of Michigan are going head-to-head on the football field for, you guessed it, a hockey game. In fact, this marks the first time FirstEnergy Stadium has hosted the sport, making this Big Ten Men’s Hockey match that much more enticing. Tickets starting at $7, Feb. 18, 4 p.m., 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland,firstenergystadium.com
Shrek Rave at House of Blues
Welp, perhaps it wasn’t something you thought you’d ever find yourself doing, but it’s time for the Shrek Rave this weekend at the House of Blues. Restricted to Clevelanders over 21, this Shrek-loving event is far from the themed birthday party your parents threw for you in 2001. $30, Feb. 18, 9 p.m., 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland,facebook.com/events
Stew at Dobama Theatre
A 2021 Prize Pulitzer Finalist, Stew concludes its amazing run in Cleveland Heights at the Dobama Theatre this weekend. Written by Zora Howard and directed by Nina Domingue, sit back and enjoy a story of family love and tension within the walls of Mama’s kitchen. $15-$41, through Feb. 19, various times, 2340 Lee Road, Cleveland, dobama.org/stew
Third Fridays Art Walk at 78th Street Studios
Explore four levels of unique galleries, studios and performances at this free showcase. Perfect for a date night, the event often hosts food trucks, musicians and pop-up stores, making for a well-rounded evening of art and exploration. Free, Feb. 17, 5-9 p.m., 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland, 78thstreetstudios.com
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