Cleveland Asian festival
Explore AsiaTown while enjoying the live entertainment, cultural performances and martial art demonstrations of Cleveland’s 10th annual Asian Festival. Grab some authentic Asian food and drinks from the Asian Food Court at this grassroots event that highlights the Asian culture and diversity of the community. Take a break from shopping at the World Marketplace and experience the Colors of Asia Fashion Show, the Asian Pop Dance Competition and the ever-popular Egg Roll Eating Contest. Free. May 18 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Asia Plaza, 2999 Payne Ave., Cleveland, 216-309-2759, clevelandasianfestival.org
HorseFest
Hay all you horse lovers, saddle up because HorseFest returns to Lake Metroparks Farmpark for their annual equine extravaganza! Horse enthusiasts can watch many different breeds while you learn about training techniques, riding disciplines and even be set up with local riding facilities. This mane event will feature performer Brenda Hanson take on extreme horse obstacles. $6-$8. May 18 and 19 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, 440-358-7275, lakemetroparks.com
Native Gardens
Your last chance to get a laugh with Native Gardens at Playhouse comes this weekend. When a friendly disagreement over a fence between new neighbors Pablo and Tania and Frank and Virginia, the couple with a prize-worthy English garden, turns into a full on border war both couples’ true colors are exposed. This hysterical controversial comedy demonstrates the themes of race, taste, class and privilege that happens when cultures and gardens collide. $25-$97. May 17 7:30 p.m., May 18 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., May 19 2:30 p.m., Allen Theatre, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org
Rooms to Let: CLE Art Installation
Nearly 100 artists are embracing three vacant homes set for demolition by turning them into temporary art exhibitions. Each artist has a room to explore a range of themes and artistic styles. This year’s edition will not only feature live performance art and hands on activities for visitors but also a community art project where the Visit Arts Collective will be working with neighborhood students to create an outdoor installation. Click here to read more on the Slavic Village art project. Free. May 18 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., May 19 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Indoor Gardens, 5304 Fleet Ave., Slavic Village, 216-429-1182, slavicvillage.org
Cleveland Jazz Orchestra with Bernie Dressel
Get jazzed up for the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra this Saturday who will be featuring the big band drumming styling’s of Bernie Dressel. You won’t be able to sit still during the lively, high-octane performance of the former drummer of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Dressel, who has been heard with jazz legends like James Brown and Frank Sinatra, will be playing music from his own recordings. $35-$65. May 18 8 p.m., Ohio Theatre, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org