Malpaso
Malpaso dances into Cleveland and brings along the culture and heat of Cuba. Take an evening out to enjoy the three of the dance company's great works, including a new piece of work by New York City choreographer Sonya Tayeh called “Face the Torrent." The company is also set to participate in DANCECleveland's Body of Work: Dialogues on Dance Series. $25-$55. August 10 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Cuyahoga County Fair
The County Fair has been a staple in Berea since the 19th century. While it has changed over the years, it hasn't lost any of its excitement. Feast on fried fair food such as funnel cakes, French fries, corndogs and more and then wash it down with a fresh squeezed lemonade. The traditional demolition derby, animal barns and carnival rides add an old-school level of excitement, and great musicians such as country artist Ashley McBride, who takes the main stage on Saturday, and Frank Amato's Cleveland All Stars, who kick us off on Friday, set the summer fair soundtrack. $7-$8. Aug. 9 noon-10:30 p.m., Aug. 10 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Aug. 11 noon.- 10 p.m., Cuyahoga Fairgrounds County, 164 Eastland Road, Berea, 440-243-0090, cuyfair.com
Matilda
Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, the Beck Center for the Arts brings Matilda from the page to the stage. As a winner of more than 85 international awards and five Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical, this black comedy tells the tale of an extraordinary girl who is underestimated by the adults around her — until she proves herself courageous and possessing of some otherworldly psychokinetic abilities. The classic tale is great for children and adults alike. $10-$33. Aug. 9&10 8 p.m., Aug. 11 3 p.m., Mackey Theater, 17801 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org
Common
Spend the evening with Academy Award-, Golden Globe-, Emmy- and Grammy-winning artist, actor and activist Common. We haven't heard new music from the rapper since 2016 — but only because he's been busy with films such as Selma and launching his non-profit Imagine Justice. Yet, listeners will surely hear tracks off his forthcoming album Let Love, set to be released August 30. Attendees each receive a copy of the album the night of the show and are sure to be moved by the powerful lyricist. $39.75-$59.75. August 9 8 p.m., Agora Theater, 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
Cedar Fairmount Summerfest
Celebrate local art, music and more at the Cedar Fairmount SummerFest. This year, Cedar Fairmount has partnered with the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Music Settlement to offer hands-on art projects and more creative performances. Check out the Cleveland Museum of Art’s mobile Studio Go van, where festival-goers can learn about DayGlo plants and collaborate with chalk artists, or Praxis Fiber Workshop from the Waterloo Arts District demonstrates fabric dying. This event showcasing the eclectic corner's best eats, shopping and arts is family-friendly fun for everyone. Free. August 10 1 p.m.-6 p.m., Cedar Fairmount, 12548 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-932-3322, cedarfairmount.org