2021 BorderLight Virtual Fringe Festival by the 2021 BorderLight International Theatre & Fringe Festival
An entire thunderstorm of stories is about to downpour on Cleveland. Cast aside your umbrella and soak in the rich diversity of film and culture provided by more than 100 artists from four countries and 13 U.S. states. The 2021 BorderLight International Theatre & Fringe Festival has announced its virtual lineup, available for on-demand streaming starting this weekend. Regardless if they’re experimental, kid-friendly, fantastic, animated, comedic or dramatic, the works are original, and there is bound to be a genre for anyone including rock musicals, children’s theatre, burlesque and drag. Free-$12, July 22-31, 216-456-6485 ext. 3, borderlightcle.org
Blazing Paddles Paddlefest at Cleveland Metroparks’ Merwin’s Wharf and Cleveland Rowing Foundation
Few things feel as fiercely independent as slicing a paddle into water and gliding across like butter. The serene activity of kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding sparks an all-out paddlefest this Saturday on Cleveland’s most resourceful asset, the Cuyahoga River. In option of three races ranging from 2-13 miles and a recreational 8.6-mile course, participants can admire the city from a perspective that touts both natural features and industrial power, passing beneath bridges and the spray of the same boat that doused the 1969 Cuyahoga River fire, the Anthony J. Celebrezze. Afterward, use your bib for discounts at participating restaurants. $35-$65, July 24, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland & 1003 British St., Cleveland, sharetheriver.com
Christmas in July at North Coast Harbor
There are unspoken rules when it’s appropriate to start listening to Christmas music. But if Santa’s busy checking up on who’s naughty and nice year-round, there’s no reason to be a Scrooge. Voinovich Bicentennial Park is Santa’s destination this Saturday for photos. The Rock Hall will be kicking holiday cheer into high gear with a free Christmas Rock performance at the Union Home Mortgage Plaza. Enjoy the magic of a Lighted Boat Contest and Parade, Bubblepalooza and two evening holiday movies. Free, July 24, noon- 10 p.m., Voinovich Bicentennial Park, 800 E. Ninth St. Pier, Cleveland, northcoastharbor.org
Cleveland Jazz Orchestra All-Star Little Big Band at Maiden Lane
Imagine the confident cry of a saxophone raining from the roof of a parking garage. The sound sends a signal up one’s bones, a frequency of life through a city. That’s the idea behind the new Maiden Lane Live! Stage in Akron, located between Blu Jazz+ and Musica. Friday night, music director Paul Ferguson will lead the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra Little Big Band plus featured vocalist Reggie Kelly and special guest vocalist Barbara Rosene for the first time on the Maiden Lane stage. $20, July 23, 7:30 p.m., 51 E. Market St., Akron, 885-301-5299, clevelandjazz.org
This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing at Beck Center for the Arts
This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing is the Beck Center for the Arts’ first live and in-person 2021 performance — and its first since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Like the three sisters in the play, the audience is sure to emerge with a take on life and reflection of what it means to have lived. The play is reminiscent of a fairy tale, as the girls meet in a charming wood years after one has scoured the globe for purpose, another adventure, and the third, cultivated life where she was. $10-$33, July 23- August 8, Fri. & Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m., 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org
WWE Friday Night Smackdown at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
The World Wrestling Entertainment’s Friday Night Smackdown is coming to Cleveland. For those with a lust for drama and live action, your ticket to both is but a click away this weekend. See Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio take on Jimmy and Jey USO and Universal Champion Roman Reigns in a six-man tag-team match. Plus, Smackdown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair will be facing off with Bayley. Masks will not be required to attend this event, but recommended for unvaccinated individuals, as there will be relaxed social distancing protocols. $20-$389, July 23, 7:45 p.m., 1 Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2200, rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com