2022 Chalk Festival at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Children and adults alike gather for a celebration of one of the briefest forms of art — chalk. The walkways and sidewalks of the Cleveland Museum of Art become a canvas, imitating the outdoor murals of 16th-century Italian street artists. Get outside and enjoy the vibrancy before the weather gets cold. Free, Sept. 10 & 11, noon-5 p.m., 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, clevelandart.org
2022 Inkubator Writing Conference at the Cleveland Public Library Main Branch
This annual festival dedicated to the written word boasts 40 events spread over two days, making it one of the largest writing conferences in the nation. Look out for various workshops, craft talks, panels and more. Free, Sept. 9-18, various times, 325 Superior Ave., Cleveland, inkubator.litcleveland.org
Awake in Every Sense at the Cleveland Botanical Garden
Rachel Hayes brings her large-scale, fabric-based art to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, melding the colors of her work with the vibrancy of the garden. Graphic site-lines keep your eyes searching — dazzling the gaze and complementing the surrounding natural palette. $12-$16, Until Sept. 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, holdenfg.org
Cleveland Jewish Film Fest
Spanning three locations — Cedar Lee Theater, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Maltz Museum — explore the world of Jewish cinema with a diverse selection of documentaries, dramas, shorts and TV series that provoke discussion of the Jewish and Israeli experience. $10, Sept. 8-18, various times, various locations, mandeljcc.org/filmfest
Cleveland Oktoberfest at Cuyahoga Fair Grounds
Get wild and merry with wiener dog races, beer stein holding competitions and more at Cleveland Oktoberfest. A great way to kick off Labor Day weekend, the fest will party on until Sept. 10. Expect German and local beer, lots of it. $16-$105, Sept. 9-10, noon-midnight, 19201 E. Bagley Road, Middleburg, clevelandoktoberfest.com
Descendents at House of Blues
Time to dig the combat boots and battle jackets out of your closet, the mosh pit is calling your name once again. Punk legends, Descendents, return to The Land alongside hardcore staple, H20, for a night of high energy, old-fashioned riffs. $45-$69, Sept. 11, 7 p.m., 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, houseofblues.com
The New Black Vanguard at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Stirring up conversation surrounding Black lives and representation, this exhibit breaks the mold, merging art with fashion photography to challenge preconceived notions of Blackness. The New Black Vanguard includes work by impactful artists such as Tyler Mitchell, the first African American to shoot a cover for Vogue in the magazine’s 125-year history. Free-$22, Thru Sept. 11, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org
Fresh Fest Cleveland at Rid-All Farm & Otter Park
Join artists like the soulful Mourning [A] BLKStar for a day celebrating urban music, arts and culture and farming. The event boasts a hearty lineup of food trucks, a beer garden, kids’ zone and more for a family-friendly weekend out. Free, Sept. 10, 1 p.m.-9 p.m., 8129 Otter Ave., Cleveland, freshfestcleveland.com
IDLES at the Agora Theater & Ballroom
Don’t miss the British punk breakthroughs known for their poignant lyrics, belting vocals, diverse sound and appreciation for Cleveland. Just last year, the group released a song titled “The Beachland Ballroom,” an homage to the venue and city that assisted in the band’s explosive rise. $32.50-$60, Sept. 9, 8 p.m., 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, agoracleveland.com
Jimmy Eat World at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Touring in support of their recent track, “Something Loud,” the rockers known for their classic emo riffs graces Cleveland at the Rock Hall stage. The band will be a part of the nostalgic When We Were Young festival in October, evidence of their timeless sound. $40-$60, Sept. 8, 7 p.m., 1100 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, rockhall.com
The Keithley Collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Donated by Clevelanders Joseph P. and Nancy F. Keithley, the collection constitutes the most significant donation since Leonard C. Hanna Jr.’s $33 million bequest in 1959. Explore the quick, loose brush strokes of 19th-century impressionism, a style characterized by modernity and bright yet relevant color. Free-$15, Sept. 11-Jan. 8, 2023, various times, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, clevelandart.org
Secret Society Comedy at Brick & Barrel
Secret Society Comedy keeps you guessing by popping up at a new venue every week. This time at Tabletop Board Game Cafe, the show features the chops of Rob Ward, Molly Fratz and Joe Briggs. Gain the password for entry by buying a ticket — don’t tell a soul. $15, June 25, 11:30 p.m., 4133 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, thisiscleveland.com
Walkabout Tremont at Professor Avenue
The community gathers for extended shop and gallery hours, including Loop coffeehouse and record store, Doubting Thomas gallery and Tremont Public Works café. The event runs every Friday and monthly themes range from “Winter Warmer” in January to “The Art of the Fish Fry” in March. Free, every Friday, various times, various locations, experiencetremont.com
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