124th Annual Cuyahoga County Fair at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
There are some feelings that are overdue: The smell of cotton candy and kettle corn wafting through the air, the happy screams of teens on midway rides and the victories of 4-H kids proudly on display beside animals and artwork. Those sights and sounds are back this week with the Cuyahoga County Fair, with this year's celebration featuring bands, horse races, hypnotists, stunts, magic, crafts and more. There are few things better than ending the night with a funnel cake and some fireworks. $8, Aug. 10-15, Tue.-Fri. noon-11 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. & Sun. noon-10 p.m., 19201 E. Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, 440-243-0090, cuyfair.com
Centennial Speaker Series at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
For many, any new information concerning COVID-19 is likely to induce a sense of anxiety. For Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett, it's the future of her work. An assistant professor at Harvard's School of Public Health, Corbett worked with the team that spearheaded the mRNA vaccine design used by Moderna. Corbett reflects on her work with “Race to the COVID-19 Vaccine: Then & Now” as part of the museum’s Centennial Speaker Series. Whether viewed in person in the revamped Murch Auditorium or virtually, attendees should expect a night filled with insight into the future of natural history, vaccine research and science. $15-$25, Aug. 13, 7 p.m., 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, 216-231-4600, cmnh.org
Cleveland Team Hope Walk and 5K Run at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Support some fellow homo sapiens and hit the pavement this Sunday at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for the Team Hope Walk and 5K Run sponsored by the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. Since its start in 2007, Team Hope has raised more than $13 million for those affected by Huntington’s disease across more than 100 U.S. cities. Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the 5K run starting at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starting at 9 a.m.. $35-$100, Aug. 15, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-440-1880, northeastohio.hsda.org
Free Comic Book Day at Carol & John’s Comic Book Shop
For more than 30 years, Carol & John’s Comic Book Shop has delighted the community with its dedication to comics and its customers. This Saturday, the Kamm's Corner shop joins in the national holiday of Free Comic Book Day, a celebration built around spotlighting artists, comics and heroes. On one day only, more than 25,000 comic books will be given away for free—each customer is limited to 12—with the first 600 patrons to receive a copy of Wolverine 3D. Additionally, X-Men writer Chris Claremont will sign autographs for attendees. Free, Aug. 14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., 17462 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-252-0606, cnjcomics.com
Into The Woods at the North Canton Playhouse
Originally slated for performance in 2020, the North Canton Playhouse cast returns to the stage with a live audience for Into The Woods. This shadowy retelling of familiar fairytales directed by Delorna Troy features unique twists on well-known fantasy characters such as Cinderella, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood. It starts with a baker and his wife who venture to break a witch’s curse that keeps them barren. Despite ultimately achieving their goal, the consequences of their journey reap disaster in due time. $15-$20, Aug. 13-15, Fri. & Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m., 525 7th St. NE, North Canton, 330-494-1613, northcantonplayhouse.com