Cleveland International Film Festival
Film aficionados rejoice! The 42nd Cleveland International Film Festival is here once again April 4-15 for a cinema extravaganza representing 72 countries around the globe. With 214 feature films and 253 shorts, the festival’s variety will put even the pickiest of film lovers at ease. CIFF has grown substantially through its 42 years, first being held at Cedar Lee Theater to hosting its 2018 opening night at the Connor Palace in Playhouse Square. Hosted primarily at Tower City Cinemas, last year, the festival recorded a record-breaking 106,504 attendees over its 12 days. The festival will kick off with a screening of the Irish film The Drummer and the Keeper. Grab your popcorn and settle in. $14-$16 per screening. April 4-15, Various locations, Cleveland, 216-623-3456, clevelandfilm.org
Holi Festival of Colors
Fill the air with rainbows at Case Western Reserve’s Holi celebration in Freiberger Field. Holi, also known as the "festival of colors," is a Hindu celebration recognizing love and the changing of the seasons from winter to spring. Traditional Holi activities include throwing color powders and waters at each other, with participants emerging from the fracas covered in shades of red, yellow, blue and green. CWRU’s Holi festivities will feature authentic Indian street food, tons of colored powder, water games, badminton and traditional activities associated with Holi and Basant. If the Cleveland spring still feels out of reach, this joyous family-friendly welcoming of the harvest season is sure to bring warmth our way. Free. April 7 1-4 pm, Tinkham Veale University Center, 11038 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, 216-368-2517, case.edu/international/events/holi
Heart's Ann Wilson Live at the Hard Rock Rocksino
The powerful voice behind hits such as "Barracuda" and "Crazy On You" brings her nationwide solo tour to the Hard Rock Rocksino this weekend. One of the best voices in rock and roll history, Wilson performs greatest hits from Heart's decades-spanning catalogue, highlighting the groups eclectic sound that ranges from heavy metal to folk influence. Snag a ticket to see this 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee while they're still available. $43-$63. April 7, 8 p.m., Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, 10777 Northfield Road., Northfield, 330-908-7625, hrrocksinonorthfieldpark.com
Cleveland Indians Home Opener Weekend
It's Tribe time again. Cleveland spring can only mean the Indians are warming up for another (hopefully) winning season. The team started the 2018-2019 season on the road with a March 29 game against the Seattle Mariners, but will the Indians play their first home series this weekend with three games against the Kansas City Royals. The April 6 home opener has already sold out, but you can still get your game face on for the April 7 and 8 afternoon games. It’s sure to be a grand slam of a weekend. $16-$123. April 7 4:10 p.m.; April 8 1:10 p.m., Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario Street, Cleveland, 216-420-4487, mlb.com/indians
Sesame Street Live
Your kids’ favorite furry friends will be stroll into the Wolstein Center April 7 and 8 for an interactive dance party that even adults can enjoy. Get down to the music with your favorite Sesame Street characters, including Big Bird, Cookie Monster and Elmo, on a trip to one of the most recognizable streets in TV history. Come early for the pre-show experience, where attendees can walk in the onstage neighborhood and help decorate for the upcoming party featured in the main show. Your child's art might be displayed onstage during the festivities. $45-$96. April 7 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m.; April 8 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m., Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, 888-324-5849, wolsteincenter.com