Blazing Paddles Paddlefest at Rivergate Park
Join more than 700 canoes, kayaks and paddleboards for a series of races at Paddlefest, with each route passing beneath an arch of water shot from the fireboat that doused the Cuyahoga River fire in 1969. The event symbolizes environmental recovery, for which Cleveland has become a national poster child. $40, July 23, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland, sharetheriver.com
BorderLight International Theatre Festival Downtown
Experience the world from your own back yard. This weekend, BorderLight unites Cleveland with the global community — featuring international touring productions and all genres of theatrical performances from local and national acts. Expect fun, unique activities, such as interactive musical tarot readings form goth-folk duo Charming Disaster and much more. $5-$100, July 20-24, various times, various locations, borderlightcle.org
Candy at Mahall’s
When the metallic, hardcore shredders of Candy take the stage, people move. The thrashers just dropped their newest album, Heaven is Here, in June — a crushing 10-song showcase of the punk-metal-hardcore fusion that gets fans climbing rafters and leaping from the stage. $15, July 22, 7 p.m., 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, mahalls20lanes.com
Euclid Beach Park Days at Cleveland History Center
For two straight days, celebrate old amusement park memories with Euclid Beach Park Days. The event boasts unlimited Grand Carousel rides, live entertainment, classic fair games and tasty treats. It’s the perfect opportunity for a weekend out with the entire family. Free-$15, July 23-24, 10 a.m., 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland, wrhs.org
Gourmets in the Garden at Cleveland Botanical Garden
This food-centric summer series highlights summertime favorites. Expect a collection of small, sample-sized bites from favorite local chefs — this week it’s Doug Katz of Zhug and Amba, featuring fresh dishes with Tahini influences. You won’t want to miss this delectable opportunity to experience new food and perhaps a few techniques. $10-$14, July 21, 6 p.m., 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, holdenfg.org
Iliza Shlesinger at Playhouse Square
Get down to Connor Palace Theatre for the award-winning comedy of Iliza Shlesinger. The prolific comic has authored two books, hosts a podcast and boasts five Netflix stand-up specials under her belt — a certification that guarantees you’ll be laughing from start to finish. $39.50-$79.50, July 23, 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org
The Lord of the Rings in Concert at Blossom Music Center
Climb the fiery Mount Doom or relax in the sleepy, languid Shire alongside the Cleveland Orchestra. Journeying through the classic score from the first film of Peter Jackson’s iconic The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the orchestra will accompany the film as it plays on the big screen behind them. $26-$121, July 22-24, 7 p.m., 1145 W. Steels Corner Road, Cuyahoga Falls, clevelandorchestra.com
New Found Glory at the House of Blues
One of the original pop-punk powerhouses, New Found Glory, celebrates 20 years of their hit album Sticks and Stones. Expect to hear summer classics like “My Friends Over You” and “Head on Collision,” transporting you right back to 2002 — oversized DC shoes not included. $35-$100, July 22, 7 p.m., 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, houseofblues.com/cleveland
Odd Fest at Phunkenship by Platform
This fest sets its sights on trying something new. With Platform and Phunkenship beer flowing all day, try out their Oculus VR experience, tarot readings and more. After a hearty serving of brew and oddities, end the night with a live performance from Welshly Arms. $25, July 23, 2 p.m.-9 p.m., 3135 Sacket Ave., Cleveland, platformbeer.co
Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Fest
For two entire weeks, Canton, the birthplace of the National Football League, comes alive for their annual enshrinement fest. Over 700,000 people, including NFL superstars, Hall of Famers and throngs of die-hard fans congregate for the festivities, which start this year with the July 24 Community Parade and end with the Class of 2022 enshrinement on Aug. 6. Various prices, July 24-Aug. 7, various locations, profootballhoffestival.com
Tim Heidecker at the Agora Theater & Ballroom
The comedian known for hit shows like Tim and Eric Awesome Show, graces Cleveland with a two-part performance — beginning with a comedy set before joining the Very Good Band and pivoting to music, showcasing his songwriting prowess. Check out our exclusive interview with Heidecker ahead of the show. $39.50-$45, July 23, 7 p.m., 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, agoracleveland.com
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