Asian Lantern Festival at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Imagine sauntering through a canopy of vines streamed with shimmering lights. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo holds the awe-inspiring spectacle that is the fourth annual Asian Lantern Festival. While the festival was extended by popular demand, this is the last weekend to check out more than 1,000 illuminated lanterns and 70 large-scale displays, including a four-story Taj Mahal and Chinese dragon. Drive- and walk-through nights are available. During the latter, live contortionist and foot-juggler performances will be held at the Fifth Third Bank Stage every hour. The Asian Food Market will also be open, featuring local favorites such as Li Wah and King Wah. $18-$66, July 14-Sept. 26, Fri.-Sun. 6:30-10:30 p.m., 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, 216-661-6500, clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo
Codapalooza Outdoor Summer Concert Series at Coda
Beneath the unassuming brunch stop, Dante Next Door, lies a lair dedicated to the dark art of rock ‘n’ roll. This weekend, Oregon Space Trail of Doom, Slyman and The Buffalo Ryders will conquer the stage, their chords ringing against a graffiti-splattered backdrop to create an atmosphere that easily saunters live music at its best. Lean back against the wall, cocktail in hand and let the music burn away the foreboding gravity of Monday. $15, Sept. 26, 4 p.m., 2247 Professor Ave., Cleveland, 216-274-1200, danteboccuzzi.com
“Helping” Hands at Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
Not everyone who claims to want to help does. For others, it’s the wrong kind of help. Stina Aleah’s exhibit, “Helping” Hands illuminates this reality, challenging visitors not to let any “help” deflect their voice or authenticity. Aleah has forged her own path into the art world following this mantra. Self-taught and brimming with talent, Aleah’s oil paintings are a sheer exploration of the human body and elevation of the soul within. Free, Aug. 27-Sept. 26, Thurs.–Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., 11400 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-421-8671, mocacleveland.org
IngenuityFest at Gordon Park
Ingenuity Cleveland is inviting anyone and everyone to embrace the lakefront and the joys of their Cleveland community. This year’s IngenuityFest is spread across North and South Gordon Park, packed with plenty of family fun activities, including RollinBuckeyez Foundation’s Pop-Up Roller Rink, a Recess Cle play area, food trucks, and pop up performances. To get a deeper scoop on what IngenuityFest is all about, click here. Free, Sept. 25, 2-8 p.m., 72nd St. Reservation, Cleveland, 216-589-9444, ingenuitycleveland.org
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band at Blossom Music Center
Parrotheads, fear not. Jimmy's back. On Sept. 25, acclaimed singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett makes his return to Cleveland with the "Life on the Flip Side" tour at Blossom. Buffett, who has released 29 studio albums over the past 50 years, is touring to promote Life on the Flip Side and Songs You Don't Know By Heart, two studio albums he did last year with the Coral Reefer Band. All attendees are required to have proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the concert. $34-$132, Sept. 25, 8 p.m., 1145 W. Steels Corner Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-8040, clevelandamphitheater.com
Kevin Nealon at Pickwick and Frolic
Whether you know him from his hilarious stint on Saturday Night Live or as Doug Wilson on Weeds, there's no denying Kevin Nealon's star power. Get a chance to watch that star burn bright this weekend in Cleveland, as the 67-year-old is bringing his standup routine to Pickwick and Frolic. Nealon, who has done two stand-up shows with Showtime, is currently starring in CBS' Man With A Plan, which is entering production on its fourth season. $76, Sept. 24-26, Sept. 24, 7 p.m.; Sept. 25, 7 p.m., 9:30 p.m., Sept. 26, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., 2035 E Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com
Main Street Kent Oktoberfest at Main Street Kent
For all those beer aficionados and Oktoberfest fanatics who couldn’t get enough at the Cleveland Oktoberfest, Kent is your next destination. Along with having beer trucks that will offer purchases by the cup or pitcher to guests 21-years-and-older, with selections from Virtue Cider, Goose Island and Platform Beer Co., indulge in foodie favorites from The Pierogi Lady, Daisy Cakes, Taco Tanto’s and more. And of course, all-day live entertainment, starting with the German Family Society Youth Dancers and ending with the Twistoffs. Free, Sept. 25, noon-10 p.m., 153 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-677-8000, mainstreetkent.org
Ohio Artisan Collective at Aurora Farms Premium Outlets
Since June, Aurora Farms Premium Outlets has hosted a summer craft market series every fourth Saturday of the month — with this coming Saturday being the last. Autumn is the perfect time to peruse the village shops around the pond area, warmed and excited by creative wares from sweet treats to candles. Everything on display is handmade by Ohio small businesses, an invitation to welcome the change of season by adding a little spice and nuance into the lives of loved ones. Free, Sept. 25, 10 a.m., 330-562-2001, 549 South Chillicothe Road, Aurora, premiumoutlets.com
Pumpkin Village at Mapleside Farms
When the leaves begin to change, Mapleside Farms transforms into Pumpkin Village. Every weekend September through October, the farm will don a different theme, from The Great Pumpkin to the Wild, Wild West. This Friday, the 48th Annual Johnny Appleseed Weekend reeves up, with the American legend performing his epic story. As with every weekend, over 20 attractions will be available for the family, including a giant corn maze, the Haytona 500 Pedal Car Racetrack, a 311-foot Super Slide, and more. $10-$16, Sept. 24-26, Fri. 4 p.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. & Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 294 Pearl Road, Brunswick, 330-225-5577, mapleside.com
The Latino Lorain History Project Exhibit at Carnegie Center
To disregard historical content is to miss the present identity of a place, and when cultures are underrepresented where they ought to be celebrated, the identity of the community suffers as a whole. On a mission to preserve the history of Lorain’s Latino community, the Lorain Historical Society, Oberlin College and El Centro have united to present the Latino Lorain History Project. The first exhibit of which featuring the historical influence transposed on Vine Avenue through oral histories artifacts, and archived materials. Free, Sept. 15-October 30, Tues., Thurs. & Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m., 329 W. 10th St., Lorain, 440-245-2563, lorainhistory.org