15+ Things to Do in Cleveland This Weekend (October 2-5)

Our weekly picks of the best things to do in Cleveland this weekend. Also check out our full Cleveland event calendar.

THU 10/02

Braxton Cook

This Juilliard-trained singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Braxton Cook comes to the Bop Stop tonight as he tours in support of his new album, Everyone Can Go, which draws from pop, R&B and jazz.

2920 Detroit Ave., 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org.

New Work: FRONT Fellows Show Opening Reception
This Transformer Station exhibition represents the culmination of a three-year fellowship program that provides professional development opportunities for emerging artists in Northeast Ohio. It features work by Amanda D. King, Charmaine Spencer, Erykah Townsend and Antwoine Washington, artists whose work represents a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video and installation. An opening reception takes place from 5 to 8 p.m.
1460 West 29th St., 216-938-5429, transformerstation.org.

The Golden Age of Latino Country: Ronstadt, Fender, and Rodriguez in the ’70s

In 1972, Mexican-American rock artists Jonny Rodriguez. Freddy Fender, and Linda Ronstadt racked up seventeen Top 10 hits, including ten at No. 1. Historian Nadine Hubbs explores this phenomenon in a talk she gives at 7 tonight at the Rock Hall.

1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., 216-515-8444, rockhall.com.

The Lightfoot Band

The original musicians who recorded and toured with Gordon Lightfoot for decades bring their tribute to the classic rocker to the Mimi Ohio Theatre. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.

1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Mahler’s Song of the Earth

At 8 tonight and at 3 p.m. on Sunday at Mandel Concert Hall, tenor Limmie Pulliam joins the Cleveland Orchestra for this performance of Das Lied von der Erde. The program also includes Honegger’s Third Symphony.

11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

Marc Rebillet

The YouTuber brings his Places I’ve Never Played and Will Never Play Again tour to the Agora. His latest single, “Vibe’s Alright,” finds him embracing ’70s funk and soul and singing in a falsetto. Doors open at 7 p.m.

5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

Sunday in the Park with George

The Sondheim musical that features songs such as songs like “Finishing the Hat,” “Sunday” and “Move On” comes to the Hanna Theatre as the Great Lakes Theater presents its production of the play. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 and performances continue through Sunday.

2067 East 14th St., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

West Clinton Historic Haunts Walking Tour

Taking place on today, tomorrow and Saturday, this family-friendly interactive walking tour visits residential areas in the Gordon Square Arts District. Tickets are $12 for adults, but the tours are free for youth ages 15 and younger. Tours leave every 10 minutes from Near West Theatre.

6702 Detroit Rd., 216-961-6391, nearwesttheatre.org.

FRI 10/03

Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour

Originally from Old Hickory, TN, slow-talking comedian Nate Bargatze took inspiration from his dad, a former clown turned world class magician. As a result, he has a unique delivery and approach to standup. Just a few years back, the guy was playing venues like the Agora. Now, he’s a superstar. He performs at 7 tonight and tomorrow night at Rocket Arena.

One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.

Duane Betts & Palmetto Motel

The son of iconic Southern rocker Dickey Betts, singer-guitarist Duane Betts brings his backing band to the Kent Stage at 6:30 p.m.

175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.

Cultural Heritage Exhibition 2025: Tracey Lind and Danté Rodriguez Opening Reception

During this annual exhibition, Beck Center headlines visual artists inspired by their culture, lifestyle or heritage. This year, Beck Center displays works by Tracey Lind and Danté Rodriguez. A free reception takes place today at 6 p.m.

17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org.

Girls Night: The Musical

Five female friends attempt to relive their pasts in this musical. Tonight’s performance takes place at 7:30 at the Mimi Ohio Theatre.

1511 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org.

Glamgore

The monthly event featuring a range of performers, from beauty queens to “drag monsters” returns to the Grog Shop in Cleveland Heights. Doors open at 8 p.m.

2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-321-5588, grogshop.gs.

Godfrey

Remember that 7Up guy? Good. Because he’s in town tonight. Godfrey, who got his start during a 1980s viral soda campaign, is showing off at the Funny Bone. He performs at 7 and 9:30 tonight and at 6:30 and 9 tomorrow night at the Funny Bone.

1148 Main Ave., 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com.

La Versión Infinita (The Infinite Version)

This play written by the acclaimed Argentine playwrights Contreras/Del Olmo/Sturla takes audiences into a “surreal and thought-provoking world where an ordinary insurance clerk receives a phone call from herself, but from an alternate reality.” Tonight’s performance takes place at the Blackbox Theater in the Pivot Center, where performances continue through Oct. 12.

2937 W 25th St., pivotcenter.com.

Mix: Viva la Fiesta

The monthly dance party returns to Cleveland Museum of Art. Sammy DeLeon y Su Orquesta, a terrific local Latin band, and DJ Chevi Red will perform. Pieces by Latin and Hispanic artists including Picasso, Dalí, Miró, Margolles, Báez, and Sánchez will be on view. The event begins at 6 p.m.

11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org.

Nurse Blake

An entertainer who uses his experience as a nurse to deliver a comedy event that “celebrates the hard work of healthcare providers,” Nurse Blake tells candid and raw stories about the time he spent in nursing school. Expect visuals, crowd participation and live sketches. The show starts at 8 p.m. at the Agora.

5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

Renaissance Night

Guests are encouraged to dress in costume for “an evening of fun, flavor, and a touch of old-world charm.” The event begins at 4 p.m. at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org.

Southern Culture on the Skids

The eccentric Southern rock group returns to the Beachland Ballroom. The concert begins at 8 p.m., and Whiskey Daredevils open.

15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

SAT 10/04

Dress to IMPRESS

More than 20 artist-designers have spent the past couple months creating an ensemble for this annual event that takes place at the Morgan Art Papermaking Conservatory. The theme for this year’s showcase is Reduce. Redact. Reuse. Recycle. There will be a cash bar, finger foods, exhibition of artworks, plus silent and live auction items, raffle baskets, a photo booth, a DJ and a red carpet. The event begins at 6 p.m.

1754 East 47th St., 216-361-9255, morganconservatory.org.

Evil Dead in Concert

This “live-to-film experience” resurrects Sam Raimi’s campy horror film. Composer Joe LoDuca will play his original score during the screening. Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Agora.

5000 Euclid Ave., 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com.

Forte

This event aims to “to bring together music lovers, young professionals, and cultural enthusiasts for a party where music, mixology, and movement come together.” The event takes place at 7:30 p.m. at Severance Music Center.

11001 Euclid Ave., 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com.

Harvest Festival

This annual event that takes place today and tomorrow at Hale Farm & Village will feature cooking demonstrations, wagon rides provided by Trail Light Farms, early American crafts and trades, daily performances from Johnny Appleseed (portrayed by poet and educator Ray McNiece), seasonal games and activities, farm animals and Hale Farm’s MarketPlace featuring Ohio-made and historically inspired gifts. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2686 Oak Hill Rd., Newton Falls, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org.

Mr. Gnome

The terrific locally based hard rock act that features singer-guitarist Nicole Barille and drummer-pianist Sam Meister has been making cutting edge music for the past decade. A bonafide national act, the group returns to the Beachland Ballroom tonight. The Rosies and King Buu open, and doors open at 7.

15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

 VegFest

With a mission focusing on “encouraging awareness, education, and access to information about environmental sustainability, healthier lifestyle choices through plant-based eating, and a, compassionate approach to ending animal agriculture,” VegFest aims to promote clean living. A variety of food vendors will be on hand for this annual event. It takes place today at noon at Lincoln Park.

Starkweather Avenue and West 14th St., clevelandvegansociety.org.

Lainey Wilson: Whirlwind World Tour

The country singer-songwriter who became a star after her 2021 hit “Things a Man Oughtta Know” went viral performs at 7 p.m. at Blossom. Wilson also recently made her acting debut in Season 5 of Paramount’s hit series Yellowstone. She’s touring in support of “Whirlwind,” an album that finds her crossing over into rock and pop and collaborating with the likes of fellow superstar Miranda Lambert.

1145 W. Steels Corners Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, 216-231-1111, livenation.com.

SUN 10/05

Hayes Carll

The alt-country singer-songwriter brings a full band to Beachland Ballroom for this gig. Carll recently released We’re Only Human, an album that shows off his Dylan-like approach to singing and songwriting. Songs such as the bluesy title track sound like the closing song for a dive bar and emphasize Carll’s husky voice and gentle piano. Singer-songwriter Aaron Raitiere opens. The show begins at 8 p.m.

15711 Waterloo Rd., 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com.

Ryan Goodcase

The youngest person to ever win the World Series of Comedy, this comedian and actor performs at 7 tonight in the Frolic Cabaret Room at Hilarities.

2035 East Fourth St., 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com.

Ana Popovic

Singer-guitarist Ana Popovic has been on the road for 20 years now, and she regularly includes Northeast Ohio as a tour stop. The husky voiced Popovic plays guitar with a real Stevie Ray-like fierceness. She performs at 6:30 tonight at the Kent Stage.

175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org.

The Queens: 4 Legends, 1 Stage.

Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills team up for this multi-band bill featuring “queens” of soul and R&B. A Rock Hall Inductee, Knight might be the most honored singer of the group. In 2023, she received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Rocket Arena.

One Center Court, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com.

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This article appears in Cleveland SCENE 8/13/25.

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