12th Annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival at Chagrin Falls
One of the most beautiful aspects of film is its ability to snapshot truth and art in the same instant. Over the course of five days, 97 films will be available at the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival to view across three locations and online. Journey into the cave that held the Thai soccer team in 2018 in The Rescue, be inspired by the heroic, self-sacrificing spirit of Captain Tamar Ariel in A Mirror for the Sun and much more. Exclusive membership and all-access packages are available. $10-$275, Oct. 5-10, various showtimes & on-demand, multiple locations, 440-600-2838, chagrinfilmfest.org
Ales on Rails at Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Watching the dips and dives of the Cuyahoga Valley roll by while dinning on light appetizers and tasting four samples of local, national and international beer is a fine way to ease into the weekend. The ride lasts for two hours and ends with complimentary glasses to take home. A designated driver ticket is also available for purchase. $50-$60, Oct. 8, 6:30 p.m., 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence, 330-439-5708, cvsr.org
August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at Karamu House
A resurrection of old favorites is happening in a ramshackle Chicago studio, 1927. Ma Rainey, the “Mother of the Blues” is a passionate artist at work. Fervently fighting for her vision, drama erupts when Rainey’s trumpet player, Levee, seeks to cut his own name from the cloth of fame, illuminating a portrait of rage and exploitation. $20-$45, Oct. 7-31, Thur.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m., 2355 E. 89th St., Cleveland, 216-795-7070, karamuhouse.secure.force.com
Fall Exhibitions at Summit Artspace
Five new shows are coming to Summit Artspace in Akron. Among them, Kristina Malcolm’s kinetic jewelry, TinkeRings, Meryl Engler’s depiction of strained relationships through woodcuts, Babe… I Thought and the 19th annual Kaleidoscope Juried Exhibition. Plus, discover the talent of Kent State University alumni, staff and students in their show, A Tradition and the Women’s Art League Fall Member Exhibition. Free, Oct. 8- Dec. 18, Fri. noon-7 p.m. & Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 140 Market St., Akron, 330-376-8480, summitartspace.org
Fleetwood Mac Brunch at Music Box
The music of Fleetwood Mac is one that gardens love from multiple generations. Rumours, Ohio’s premier Fleetwood Mac tribute band, captures the essence of the band’s classic, hip-while-haunted sound and lost-love narratives. Order a Bloody Mary special or sign up for the all-you-can-eat Brunch Buffet while you’re there — come for the music, stay for the food. $12-$18, Oct. 10, noon, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com
Halloween Writing Contest at Literary Cleveland with the Cleveland Museum of Art
French artist Odilon Redon invited the mysterious onto his canvas, from skeletal horse riders to haunted houses teeming with negative energy. In response to current exhibit, Collecting Dreams: Odilon Redon, the Cleveland Museum of Art invites writers to capture their own dark fantasies and spine-chilling tales in response to Redon, whether it be through poetry, fiction or essay. One piece will ultimately be chosen for publication in the museum’s blog, CMA Thinker. Free, Submissions Due Oct. 10, 7 p.m., 216-400-9488, litcleveland.org
On Three at 818 Studios
To celebrate 818 Studios’ three years of operation, the studio will be throwing a special showing titled On Three, in which 19 local artists will be displayed at three works a piece. Artists include Dan Miller, Hadley Conner, Anthony Van Rooy, Scott Pickering and many more. Kick back with some light refreshments, music by Hovaround and enjoy an array of work. Free, Oct. 8, 6 p.m.-10 p.m., 818 Jefferson Ave., Tremont, 216-870-2012, merrittphoto.com
Spooky Science at Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve
The creepy, the crawly and the plain bizarre are things that cause us to leap out of our skin when we’re trying to enjoy a campfire. Through the month of October, your family is invited to explore the spooky side of nature. Illuminate the dark with knowledge of owls, vultures, bioluminescence, spiders, toads, and more. $7-$10, Oct. 1-31, Fri. & Sat. 4 p.m.-9 p.m., 11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance, 330-829-7050, beechcreekgardens.org
The Exonerated at Beck Center for the Arts
Based on true events, Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen’s The Exonerated follows six individuals wrongly convicted to death row. The drama delves into their lives after receiving the terrifying sentence and the legal proceedings that resulted in each one’s balm. Talk back discussions in collaboration with The Ohio Innocence Project will be held on select performance dates. $12-$34, Oct. 8- Nov. 7, Fri. & Sat.7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m., 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org
Trey Kennedy: The Are You For Real? Tour at Playhouse Square
Oklahoman Trey Kennedy gained momentum after amassing more than 2.5 million followers on the mobile app Vine. Expanding his success to Instagram and Facebook, his combined 10 million fans can attest the comedian, actor, writer and musician has a knack for delivering swift, comedic insight into our cultural trends and idiosyncrasies. $30-$99, Oct. 8, 7 p.m. & 10 p.m., 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Try Curling Open House at Mayfield Curling Club
Whether it’s on your radar thanks to the Olympics or an article you read in Cleveland Magazine, curling’s popularity has been icing over Cleveland, set to be the hottest sport in the area’s coldest season. Mayfield Curling is offering an open house for newbies in one-hour slots fitting eight participants. If you like it, take your curiosity and competition to the next level at Platform Beer Co.’s The Lot this winter. $30, Oct. 9-10, Sat. 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. & Sun. noon- 3 p.m., 23103 Miles Road, Suite D, Warrensville Heights, 216-510-6001, mayfieldcurling.com