41st Annual St. Malachi Church Run and Walk at St. Malachi Church
For 156 years St. Malachi Church has been serving Clevelanders in need. Usually held in March, their biggest fundraiser happens this weekend, the St. Malachi Church Run and Walk, with in-person and virtual options. Participants are welcome to line up at McCarthy’s for breakfast. After 8 a.m. Mass and opening ceremonies with Fox 8’s Kenny Crumpton, the races begin. Enjoy bagpipes, Irish dancers and a free Great Lakes beer at McCarthy’s for runners at the “After Hooley.” $40-$100, Sept. 18, 9:15 a.m. Two-Mile & 10 a.m. Five-Mile Run and Walk, 2459 Washington Ave., Cleveland, stmalachichurchrun.org
Expedition Photography Essentials: Identifying Story Through Outdoor Imagery at Holden Arboretum
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but how the words are arranged creates story. Photographers of every skill level and purpose are invited to discuss subject, scope and story with expedition photographer Kendrick Chittock. Chittock’s presentation will discuss tools of the trade, from gear and technical suggestions to submission advice. Afterward, guests will bundle up and join Chittock outside for a photography hike to put the newly learned theories to practice. Lunch by Spice Kitchen will be available for purchase on-site. $75-$115, Sept. 18, 8 a.m.- 2 p.m., 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland, 440-946-4400, holdenfg.org
International Talk Like a Pirate Day at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
If you’ve been wondering when you’ll get to use the three-cornered hat and peg leg in your closet, Sunday’s the day to unbury those treasures and parade in full-pirate gear at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Aside from admiring creatures that lurk beneath creaking masts, pirates can participate in a themed treasure hunt, activities and crafts. And if you really want to floor your English teacher when you go back to school on Monday, sit in on a short guide to pirate-speak. $19.95 for adults, $13.95 for children, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com
Lewis Black at Pickwick and Frolic
The king of rant will be ascending his throne at Pickwick and Frolic for a Thursday through Sunday reign this week. No absurdity is too small for Lewis Black not to scorch in his animated, comedic delivery that lays bare the idiosyncrasies of life, from politics to social media. A comedian, actor and author, Black has penned more than 40 plays and performed in Canada, Europe, and New Zealand as well as the United States. $80-$240, Sept. 16-19; Thur. & Sun. 7 p.m.; Fri. 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.; Sat. 9:30 p.m., 2035 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com
Lung Force Walk at the Great Lakes Science Center
Get your arms pumping, your heart beating, legs striding and lungs full of the air blowing off Lake Erie. The American Lung Association is raising awareness for lung health with a Lung Force Walk. Proceeds will go toward better care access for patients in the Cleveland community and research to address disparities in health care. Designed for all ages, the walk also has a virtual option called “Walk Your Way.” Cleveland Clinic will also be present at the event to offer health screenings and information. Free, Sept. 18, 8 a.m., 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216-393-6609, action.lung.org
Pekar Park Comic Book Fest at Coventry Village
Comic books splashed with color, onomatopoeia and unforgettable characters are worth celebrating. Pick up some free crafts and illustration activities from local libraries and Lake Erie Ink, participate in a sidewalk chalk contest in Pekar Park and explore an artist market. Free Tommy’s milkshake vouchers will be given to cosplayers and Mac’s Books will present a discussion panel of comics artists, writers, and editors, including Jake Kelly, Eileen Sabrina Herman and Bryan Christopher Moss. Don’t forget to stick around for a free screening of Big Hero 6 in Peace Park. Free, Sept. 18, noon, 1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-932-3600, heightslibrary.org
Rise: The Reconstruction Project at Near West Theatre
America is not without its ghosts, many of which have haunted the ambitious country since its foundation. On Sept. 11, Near West Theatre’s youth cast of 24 kids between the ages of seven to 16 launched its production of Rise: The Reconstruction Project, available on demand through this Sunday. Created by a combination of in-person and Zoom rehearsals, the program is an episodic look at today’s issues as experienced by the youngest generation, complete with pop music covers and choreography, bristling with a gritty hope for tomorrow’s America. $15, Sept. 11-19, On demand, 216-961-6391, nearwesttheatre.org
Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell at Blossom Music Center
The weekend may be rolling to a stop, but that doesn’t mean it has to go down easy. Kick up some dust, raise your voice and jam out with two of country’s prominent superstars, Thomas Rhett and Cole Swindell. This performance (originally slated for June), was rescheduled for August, but finally happens this Sunday night. Thankfully, original tickets are still valid. If you don’t have yours yet, use the delays to hear poplar hits from “It Goes Like This” to “You Should Be Here.” $93-$3,850, Sept. 19, 7:30 p.m., 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-8040, clevelandamphitheater.com