CLEVELAND, Ohio --It’s a big weekend for theme parties at home and bars around Northeast Ohio. Think Kentucky Derby (May 4) and Cinco de Mayo (May 5). If you’re not invited to a theme party, throw your own. See co*cktail recipes at Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo. If you’re not into parties, it will feel like summer with several Guardians baseball games at Progressive Field or Viking Fest at Century Village in Burton.
Cedar Point opens May 4
Cedar Point opens for its 155th summer season on Saturday, May 4. Visitors can chase an adrenaline high on the all-new, record-breaking Top Thrill 2 triple-launch strata coaster. Among the thrills are Millennium Force and Steel Vengeance. Kiddy Kingdom, delicious fresh-cut fries, the mile-long Cedar Point Beach are all part of the fun. Tickets from $49.99 online.
May 4 through fall
1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky
RELATED: First ride: Flying high on Top Thrill 2, Cedar Point’s newest adrenaline rush (photos, video)
Cleveland Guardians
Cleveland Guardians will be keeping the bullpen busy, play six days in a row. They play the Los Angeles Angels for three days, followed by the Detroit Tigers for three. Tickets $25 and up.
7:10 p.m., May 3 LAA
6:10 p.m., May 4, LAA
1:40 p.m., May 5, LAA
6:10 p.m., May 6, DET
6:10 p.m., May 7, DET
1:10 p.m., May 8, DET
Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario St, Cleveland,
Drake White -- The Bridge Tour at House of Blues Cleveland
Drake White started singing in his church’s youth choir in Alabama. He’s becoming one of country music’s hottest innovators and has four Top 40 hits. Tickets $25
7 p.m., May 2
House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Free Comic Book Day 2024
Traditionally taking place the first Saturday in May, Free Comic Book Day returns this weekend on May 4. Comic book shops and other participating stores and venues in Greater Cleveland will be offering special free comics, sales and other events throughout the day. This year happens to coincide with Star Wars Day and several are locations will have activities taking place to honor both events. Check out our list of more than 20 locations in Northeast Ohio that are participating in the promotion this year.
May 4
Various locations
Related: Free Comic Book Day 2024 Guide: 21 stores in Northeast Ohio you can visit this year
David Foster and Katharine McFee at MGM Northfield Park
Winner of multiple Grammy awards David Foster and his wife, singer Katherine McFee will appear stage an intimate night at MGM Northfield Park’s CenterStage. Tickets $60 and up
7:30 p.m., May 5
10777 Northfield Road, Northfield
mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com
Stiff Little Fingers at House of Blues Cleveland
Formed in 1977, the punk band Stiff Little Fingers was originally based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. They’re known for lyrics that combine personal and political with the energy of punk music. Tickets $35.
7 p.m., May 6
House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Great Lakes Theater presents “Always ... Patsy Cline”
Learn more about the life of country singer Patsy Cline. The story is told through her penpal friendship and her music. The show includes 27 songs and many unforgettable hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walking After Midnight.” Tickets $20 to $89.
Through May 19
Hanna Theatre, 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
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‘Corvair: The American Porsche’
Whether you think of the Corvair as a design innovation or unloved stepchild, the vehicle turns 64 years old this year and the Crawford Auto Aviation Museum at the Western Reserve Historical Society has a full-throttle exhibition called “Corvair: The American Porsche?” which examines the sporty sedan line’s brief history. The exhibition itself is a delightful time warp, chock full of history, well-executed displays and impeccable automotive design prowess. With seven different Corvair models on display at the museum on East Boulevard in Cleveland, this could be your car enthusiast’s banner event for the year.
Though Sept. 24
Crawford Auto Aviation Museum, 10825 East Boulevard, Cleveland
Related: Crawford Auto Museum celebrates Chevy Corvair with ‘American Porsche’ 64th birthday exhibition, cruise-in (photo gallery)
“Funny, Like an Abortion” at Cleveland Public Theater
This play takes a serious look at reproductive rights. Discussion covers misogyny, pregnancy, reproduction, abortion, and the oppression of the freedom of speech. The show is set in a future America where even speaking the word “abortion” is a crime. Pay what you want.
Through May 11
Cleveland Public Theater
Viking Fest at Burton Century Village
Viking enthusiasts are coming together to demonstrate Viking activities, eat Viking food and sell Viking wares at Century Village Museum in Burton. Activities include battle reenactments, crafts, games and more. This event promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. Ticket $8 to $17. Weekend pass with dinner $50.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 4 and 5
Century Village Museum, 14653 E. Park St., Burton
Star Wars Burlesque: May 4th Be with You
Experience the force in an all-new way at Cleveland Burlesque’s presentation of a Star Wars show on May 4. The evening will include galactic glamour as favorite characters from the Star Wars universe demonstrate burlesque artistry. Tickets $20
8:30 p.m., May 4
Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland
The Treelawn Social Club rocks
A Short Walk to Pluto, which has developed a serious social media presence through Tik Tok and Instagram, will be at The Treelawn Social Club on Friday, May 3. Tickets $17 to $20.
8 p.m. to midnight, May 3
The Treelawn Social Club, 15335 Waterloo Road, Cleveland
“Significant Other” at Dobama Theatre
Cleveland’s Off-Broadway theater presents this refreshing spin on the traditional romantic comedy, focusing on the gay best friend who keeps losing his BFF girlfriends to marriage. Tickets $15-$45.
Through May 19
2340 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights
“Disaster!” at Akron Civic Theater
“DISASTER! A Hilarious Musical Comedy” brings back earworms from the 1970′s including “Knock on Wood”, “Hooked on a Feeling”, “Sky High”, “I am Woman” and “Hot Stuff” and more. The story line has New York’s hottest A-Listers lining up for the opening of a floating casino and discotheque. The crowd includes a faded disco star, a sexy nightclub singer with her eleven-year-old twins, a disaster expert, a feminist reporter, an older couple with a secret, a pair of young guys who are looking for ladies, an untrustworthy businessman and a nun with a gambling addiction. See what happens next. Tickets $25
Through May 19
Akron Civic Theater, 182 S. Main St., Akron, Ohio 44308
https://www.akroncivic.com/shows/818
Lang Lang plays Saint-Saëns
Classical music superstar Lang Lang plays sold-out concerts around the globe. He’ll be in Cleveland to perform Saint-Saëns’ most popular concerto this weekend with the Cleveland Orchestra. Franz Welser-Möst is conducting. Starting at $95.
7:30 p.m., May 2; 8 p.m., May 4. Check clevelandorchestra.com for ticket availability.
11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Cleveland Orchestra plays Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique at matinee
In his Fantasy Symphony, the young Berlioz bared his soul in musis. His masterpiece includes “March to the Scaffold.” The show is matinee only. Tickets starting at $30.
11 a.m., May 3
11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
Evening with Alan Ruck of ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,’ ‘Succession’ and more
Actor Alan Douglas Ruck is originally from Cleveland and attended Parma Senior High School. He’s best known for portraying Cameron Frye in John Hughes’ 1986 film “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” and recently played Connor Roy on the HBO series “Succession” (2018–2023). Tickets $35 and up.
7 p.m., May 3
The Agora, 5000 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland
agoracleveland.com
40th Annual Louie Run in Lake County
Get your motor running ... the 40th annual Louie Run is at Lake County Fairgrounds on May 5. The event celebrates the life for brothers and sisters lost in motorcycling, Though solemn in nature, it include motorcycle stunt shows, classic car and motorcycle displays and live music. Chef Rocco Whalen from Fahrenheit and more than 50 food vendors and retailers will there. Admission $10
9 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 5
Lake County Fairgrounds, 1301 Mentor Ave., Painesville
“Africa & Byzantium” at Cleveland Museum of Art
CMA’s flagship spring exhibition features more than 160 works, tracing the influence of Christianity through the rise and fall of the Byzantine Empire and the expansion of Islam starting in the fourth century. Tickets $12-$15. Free for members.
11150 East Blvd., Cleveland
Now through July 21
Related: Cleveland Museum of Art transcends Eurocentric art history in ‘Africa and Byzantium’
“Korean Couture: Generations of Revolution” at Cleveland Museum of Art
“Korean Couture: Generations of Revolution” looks at history and the transformative legacy of Korean fashion. The exhibit includes 30 garments plus accompanying ephemera. These range from excavated 17th-century aristocratic garments to contemporary Korean couture by leading and emerging designers. Free
Through Oct. 13
11150 East Blvd., Cleveland
MIX at the Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art hosts a MIX: K-pop from 6 to 10 p.m., Friday, May 3, in the museum atrium. Held at the beginning of Asian Pacific Islander Month, the theme was chosen to celebrate the new special exhibition “Korean Couture: Generations of Revolution,” which opens April 28. Free to members. Tickets $16.
6 p.m., May 3
11150 East Blvd., Cleveland
Spring Art Show at The Screw Factory
Screw Factory artists will host their 7th Spring Art show. Studios will be open and artists will be on site. Free admission and free parking.
6 to 10 p.m., May 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., May 4
13000 Athens Ave., Lakewood
2024 Chagrin Falls Spring Avant-Garde Art Show
The Chagrin Falls Spring Avant-Garde art show includes artists and crafters selling original handmade items. Admission is $3.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., May 5
Chagrin Falls Athletic Club, 17260 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls
Ingenuity Bal: Flights of Fancy!
IngenuityLabs is presenting Ingenuity Bal: Flights of Fancy! Guests are encouraged to wear vintage attire for this fundraiser in support of Ingenuity Cleveland. The evening includes live music, DJs and dancing. Headlining performances include Bassel & the Supernaturals, plus cirque aerial acts and more. The evening includes small bites and hors d’oeuvres, hand mixed beverages with craft spirits by Watershed Distillery & Goldhorn Brewery. Tickets are $35, in advance and $45 day-of.
7:30 p.m., May 4
IngenuityLabs at The Hamilton Collaborative, 5401 Hamilton Avenue Cleveland
flights-of-fancy-an-ingenuity-bal.com
Margarita Crawl Chagrin Falls
Celebrate Margarita Day at eight culinary businesses in Chagrin Falls. Crawl tickets will get you a margarita sample at each. Food specials will be offered as well. The best sombrero/Mexican-themed hat will win a $50 gift card. Tickets $35 to $40.
1 to 5 p.m., May 4
Main Street, Chagrin Falls
Downtown Cleveland Taco & Tequila Bar Crawl
Register for the crawl and you’ll receive a map, four free taco tokens, a signature koozie and more. Each stop on the crawl will have discounted margaritas, beer, and tequila shots. Go at your own pace, then complete the crawl at the after party for the ultimate fiesta. Tickets $24.99
1 to 6 p.m., May 4
See map
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cleveland-taco-tequila-bar-crawl-6th-annual-tickets-636728651537
Send dining, drinking and culture story ideas to Paris Wolfe at pwolfe@cleveland.com. Review her previous stories here. Follow Paris Wolfe on Instagram @pariswolfe.
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