Chagrin Documentary Film Festival
Venture down to one of Northeast Ohio’s most scenic and relaxing destinations for more than 80 documentary films, including panels and live discussions across several venues. This year, the festival boasts several National Geographic films and the locally-made Citizen Sleuth from director Chris Kasick. Tickets vary by film and event, Oct. 4-8, various times, various locations, chagrindocumentaryfilmfestival.eventive.org
Fall Forest Fest at Holden Arboretum
Every weekend in October, the Holden Arboretum will come alive with wagon rides, costumes, professional pumpkin carving and even a day dedicated to flannels and beer flights. These separate events make up the Arboretum’s enticing and spooky Fall Forest Fest. Of course, don’t miss out on the food trucks present on select weekends. Free-$19, Oct. 7-29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, holdenfg.org
FutureLAND at Playhouse Square
Celebrating diversity in tech, culture and arts across Northeast Ohio, FutureLAND boasts two days of innovation and entrepreneurship within this year's theme "Thrive." Lookout for insightful events including panels, workshops and invaluable networking opportunities. $69-$249, Oct. 5-6, various times, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, futurelandcle.com
Ghost Files Live at the Agora
Get the inside scoop on specters and apparitions from the cast of the popular ghost-hunting show, Ghost Files. Currently on a U.S. tour, the crew is stopping in Cleveland just in time for Halloween. Will hosts Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej be able to convince you that the paranormal is really out there? $35-65, Oct. 8, 8 p.m., 5000 Euclid Ave. #101, Cleveland, agoracleveland.com
Harvest Festival at Hale Farm
Encapsulating busy farm days, natural beauty and traditional fall flavors, this event is the perfect way to celebrate the changing season. Journey into the 19th century alongside Hale Farm’s community partners, where you’ll witness traditional cider pressing, fermentation and more. $8-$15, Oct. 7-8, 10 p.m.-5 p.m., 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, wrhs.org/signature-events
Jam for the Cure at MGM Northfield Park
Supporting breast cancer research, Jam for the Cure brings Jesse McCartney to Cleveland for a night jamming out for a good cause. The event is 21-plus, so leave the kids at home this time and gather up a few friends to support McCartney and Jam for the Cure this weekend. Tickets starting at $39.50, Oct. 7, 8 p.m., 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com
Learn to Play Pokémon at Recess Games
From superstore checkout lines to Happy Meals, Pokémon cards are inescapable. But how many of us actually play the game? Now is your chance to learn with Recess Games’ resident “trainers,” primed and ready to get you battling on your own. No matter your age or experience, it’s as fun as it is easy. Free, Oct. 7, 10 a.m., 26636 Brookpark Ext., North Olmsted, shop.recess.games
Mass Hysteria Improv Comedy Fest at Imposters Theater
Created by local comics Deena Nyer and Sam Dee, this event highlights female-led comedy shows and improv troupes for a gut-busting weekend of laughs. Now taking place at the new Imposters Theater, the event is a must-go for local comedy lovers. Passes starting at $25, Oct. 5-7, various times, 4828 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, imposterstheater.com
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
Titled The Greatest Show on Earth, head down to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse this weekend for a high-energy, daring display of acrobatics with highwire, trapeze and aerial artistry alongside musical performances and comedy from the talented crews of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Tickets starting at $20, Oct. 6-8, various times, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com
Solon Fall Festival
This festive bash boasts everything you’d want out of an autumnal party, from pumpkin carving and local crafts to live music and delicious food trucks. This event also includes an Artisans & Crafters Market present in conjunction with the Avant-Garde Arts & Crafts Show. Don’t forget to take the kids to the petting zoo as you peruse spooky wares and delicious treats. Free, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Solon Community Park, Solon, solonohio.org
Secret Society Comedy at Mahall’s Apartment
You know the drill. Head down to Mahall’s Apartment this weekend for a hush-hush night of gut-busting laughs, courtesy of hosts Bryan Sternik, David Horning, Gheramy Demery, other local comics and maybe a few surprises from the Secret Society Comedy bag of tricks. It goes without saying — tell no one where you were this weekend. $20, Oct. 7, 11:30 p.m., 13200 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, watercoolercomedy.org/secretsocietycomedy
The Wiz at Playhouse Square
The classic musical known for reinventing The Wizard of Oz returns to stages across America for its first pre-Broadway tour in 40 years. Starting in Baltimore — where the show premiered 50 years ago — the musical makes its way to Cleveland this weekend for a soul-, gospel- and rock-fueled retelling of Dorothy’s journey. $25-$115, Oct. 3-22, various times, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org
Woollybear Festival in Vermilion
This adorable festival celebrates fuzzy caterpillars with a full day of family-friendly activities, including a parade, woollybear-themed treats like sundaes and lollipops and even a woollybear race where kids pit their own caterpillars against each other. Free, Oct. 8, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 5511 Liberty Ave., Vermilion, vermilionohio.com/woollybear-festival