American Mariachi at Cleveland Play House
Opening the 2022-2023 season, American Mariachi brings vibrance, drama and musical comedy to Cleveland Play House. Written by Jose Cruz Gonzalez, the play tackles family, love and tradition as main character Lucha cares for their dementia-battling mother. $15-$95, Sept. 17-Oct. 9, various times, 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandplayhouse.com
Arlo Parks at the Agora
Known for their smooth, somewhat somber tone, British R&B singer Arlo Parks graces Cleveland amid their current trek through the U.S. If you’ve kept up with their online performances, including an NPR Tiny Desk Concert in 2020, you know the performance will be nothing short of relaxed and intimate. $31-$46, Sept. 17, 7 p.m., 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, agoracleveland.com
Cleveland Browns vs. New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium
It’s that time of year, prepare for tailgates, light beer and more wings than you can eat this football season. This weekend, the Brownies take on the Jets for an afternoon game following last weekend’s win against the Carolina Panthers. Tickets starting at $94, Sept. 18, 1 p.m., 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, clevelandbrowns.com
Cleveland Guardians vs. Minnesota Twins Progressive Field
The Guards play a staggering five games against the Twins this weekend, including a double header on Saturday. Don’t miss the chance to catch a few more games before the weather or the bats cool down. Free swag for the weekend includes a lightweight Guardians hoodie on Sept. 17. Tickets starting at $17, Sept. 16-19, various times, 2401 Ontario St., Cleveland, mlb.com/guardians
Cleveland Dragon Boat Festival at Riverside Park
Serpentine boats glide and race across the water as teams of rowers, mounted on the backs of water-borne dragons, compete for first place. Aside from the international boat teams and their intricately decorated crafts, don’t miss the live music and various food trucks there to ensure you have a fun early fall day. Free, Sept. 18, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., 123 Alabama Ave., Lorain, cledba.org
Crocker Park Wine Festival at Crocker Park
Enjoy over 150 local, national and international wines as well as beer, spirits and more. Returning for its 11th year, the Crocker Park Wine Festival provides a fun, laid back atmosphere for libations, live music and delectable food. $35-$55, Sept. 16 & 17, various times, 189 Main St., Westlake, crockerparkwinefestival.com
Great Lakes African American Writers Conference at the Cleveland Public Library
Returning for its fifth year, this conference finds a new home at the Cleveland Public Library Main Branch. Utilizing a hybrid model of in-person and digital events, the GLAAWC boasts a Sunday brunch with James Beard Award winner Toni Tipton-Martin, a keynote speech from novelist Walter Mosely and more. Free, Sept. 17, various times, 325 Superior Ave., Cleveland, glawwc.us
Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square
The GCUFF started 11 years ago with the goal of showcasing emerging filmmakers and artists who honor urban culture. The selection of minority films seek to uplift viewers and dispel negative stereotypes — as well as educate and inform audiences. Free-$50, Sept. 15-23, various times, 13116 Shaker Square, Cleveland, gcuff.org
Mike Epps at Playhouse Square
An award-winning actor, producer, author and longtime comedian, Mike Epps takes the stage at Connor Palace for a night of laughs and libations. Don’t miss the comic known for his roles in The Hangover, Friday and more. Tickets stating at $54.50, Sept. 17, 8 p.m., 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org
Moon Man’s Landing at the Flats West Bank
Brought to Cleveland by the city’s own Kid Cudi, this festival honors and uplifts rap from the The Land. Cudi, Bone Thugs N Harmony and Chip Tha Ripper make up just a few of the local legends gearing up to party back home. $179.99-$375, Sept. 17, 2 p.m., 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland, moonmanslanding.com
The Pickle Festival at Mall B
One of Cleveland’s favorite food events returns this weekend — the illustrious Pickle Festival. If you love every food you eat to be brined and aged for weeks on end, this is the event for you. Dozens of vendors, food trucks and live music round out the event into the perfect weekend out downtown. $5-$30, Sept. 17, 12 p.m.-7 p.m., 300 St. Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, clevelandpicklefest.com
DEVOtional at Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
Whip it real good at the Beachland Ballroom this weekend, when the area's biggest Devo fans descend upon the venue for the annual DEVOtional event. The show features a roundup of bands doing their finest Devo impressions and covers. This year, Devo co-founder, singer and keyboardist Mark Mothersbaugh is set to attend as a special guest for the first time ever — check out our Q&A with the new-wave icon here. Free-$37, Sept. 16-17, 6 p.m., 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, beachlandballroom.com
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, Sept. 16, 5 p.m., 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland, 78thstreetstudios.com
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