Book junkies rejoice — Neil Gaiman, best-selling author of more than 20 books, is coming to Cleveland’s KeyBank State Theatre in Playhouse Square. Gaiman’s children’s novel, “The Graveyard Book,” is the only work to win both the Newbery and Carnegie medals, while his celebrated fantasy books, “Coraline” and “American Gods” have received numerous other awards and recognitions. His most recent work, “Norse Mythology,” entered the New York Times bestseller list at No. 1. Don't miss this reading and Q&A session with the mind behind some of your favorite paperbacks. $25-$85. March 9, 8 p.m., Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 866-546-1353, playhousesquare.org
Rent
There are 25,600 minutes in a year — use 140 of them to see the 20th anniversary tour of Rent at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace theater. First opening on Broadway with little-known composer Jonathon Larson in 1996, Rent’s gusto and defiance has transformed theater over its 20 years. The Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning show follows a year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams — resulting in a production bursting with hope, joy and, most importantly, love. $29-$109. March 9, 7:30 p.m., Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 866-546-1353, playhousesquare.org
Miguel's War & Leisure Tour
Grammy Award-winning musician Miguel is coming through and chilling at the Agora Theater and Ballroom as part of his nationwide War & Leisure tour. The singer, songwriter and producer has forged a new wave of eclectic, raw and artsy R&B and is mentioned in the same breath as hit-makers The Weeknd and Frank Ocean. Performing tracks from his critically acclaimed War & Leisure tour, fans can expect to hear some of Miguel's lead singles, such as the Travis Scott collaboration "Sky Walker" and single "Come Through and Chill." The show may be sold out, but resale tickets are available on StubHub. $83.98-$500, 7 p.m., March 10, Agora Theater and Ballroom, 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com
Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles
The British Invasion takes Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre this weekend, as the leading Beatles tribute band celebrates the 50th anniversary of the band’s psychedelic masterpiece “Sgt. Peppers’s Lonely Hearts Club Band." Over a two-and-a-half hour interactive performance, experience the album performed in its 13-song entirety, including fan favorites such as “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” and “With a Little Help from My Friends,” as well as more than 20 other tunes and a slew of costume changes that span the band’s illustrious 10-year career. Since the mid-1970s, Rain, named after the 1966 Beatles song, has filled the gap left by the beloved band by bringing fans the Beatles experience, including performing songs the band never played live. It might not be Lennon-McCartney, but a Rain experience is something fans won’t soon forget. $16.74-$42.99. 8 p.m., March 10, Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 866-546-1353, playhousesquare.org
Refined Festival at Crocker Park
Get a little tipsy while helping some little kitties at the Refined Festival at Crocker Park. This celebration of Ohio's beer, wine and liquor makers donates its proceeds to the Tails From the City, a no-kill shelter based in Cleveland. But charity comes easy with five interactive bars, nearly 400 cocktail and “mocktail” varieties and grub from Smokin' Dicks Barbeque, Wild Spork and various other food trucks. $29-$59, March 10, 4-10 p.m., Market Square at Crocker Park, 239 Market Street, Westlake, 216-313-8562, ofcollective.com