"Hamilton," Outlaw Music Festival and more summer fun!

View in browser

Entertainment | Music | Events

THIS WEEK'S TOP PICKS

"Hamilton"

The classic, definitive musical of American history is playing in Cleveland. As Lin Manual-Miranda says: It’s the story of America then, told by America now. So take your shot and be in the room where it happens. Ticket prices vary. KeyBank State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Through Sunday, July 6. playhousesquare.org

Ohio Viking Festival

The Ohio Viking Festival is making its way to Painesville this year, celebrating Norse heritage in Northeast Ohio. Aside from key events like reenactments, live demos and Viking combat, food and drink is also major. Mead making classes by Three Sips Brewing are set. Local food vendors like J & J Smokehouse, Little Red Food Truck, Babcia’s Lunchbox and the Morning Glory Market will sell both classic fair and Viking-themed foods. Tickets start at $15. Lake County Fairgrounds, 1301 Mentor Ave., Painesville. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., June 20; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., June 21-22. ohiovikingfestival.com

Summer Solstice Celebration

Lakewood celebrates the longest day of the year with its annual Summer Solstice celebration. Food trucks, activities and a prime view of the sunset are always integral to the event. Free admission. Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Ave., Lakewood. 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., June 21. lakewoodoh.gov

International Horror Hotel Film Festival

Horror-film enthusiasts and industry professionals will gather for the annual four-day convention. The festival showcases the latest works in fantasy, horror, horror-comedy, slasher, sci-fi, suspense-thriller and experimental films. It includes screenings, panel discussions and lectures, and also features competitions, including categories for films, scripts, music videos and horror-film scoring. Some events require tickets, but the convention area is free and open to the public. Crowne Plaza Cleveland Airport, 7230 Engle Road, Middleburg Heights. Through Sunday, June 22. horrorhotelfilmfest.com/schedule

Akron RubberDucks

It’s National Mullet Day at Canal Park. So get ready for business in the front, party in the back. A timeless (?) tribute. It’s also Paws & Claws so pooches get in for free. White Claw specials will be offered. The Straight-A program means students can bring report cards to the box office, and for each A, O or equivalent, they receive a free game ticket. Wellness Wednesday encourages healthy lifestyles. The Ducks play the Harrisburg Senators. Ticket prices vary. 300 S. Main St., Akron. 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, June 25. milb.com/akron

Lake County Captains

The Class A ballclub faces the West Michigan Whitecaps as a splash zone will cool you off at Classic Park. Build-a-beach activities will be offered. Tip: Bring a towel. Ticket prices vary. 35300 Vine St, Eastlake. 11:05 p.m. Wednesday, June 25. milb.com/lake-county

Saint Ambrose Summer Festival

The 17th annual Saint Ambrose Summer Festival will be four days of fun for the whole family. As for the grub, festival food like funnel cakes, Italian sausage, sirloin kabobs and more. To keep cool, root beer floats and a margarita booth will also be available. Free admission. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., June 19; 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., June 20-21; 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., June 22. stambrose.us

Forest Forms

Holden Arboretum’s Forest Forms is billed as an artful exploration of nature’s lines, rhythm and movement. The traveling outdoor exhibition is from artist Huelani Mei. $13 to $19 (free, ages 2 and under). Through Sunday, Sept. 7. holdenfg.org

“Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow”

The Cleveland Museum of Art’s blockbuster new exhibit celebrates one of the most influential artists in modern pop culture with colorful, never-before-seen installations and exclusive new works. Tickets $15-$30. Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. Through Sept. 7. clevelandart.org

Dairy Days

Celebrate National Dairy Month by exploring the world of milk and cheese. Learn how to milk a cow or goat and how milk becomes cheese, butter or ice cream. Samples will be available for tasting. Dairy-related crafts and activities for kids will be offered. Free (pony rides are $6). Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid-Chardon Road, Kirtland. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 21-22. lakemetroparks.com

Joey Avery

The comedian who was featured on the Don’t Tell Comedy “Batting Cage series” has amassed an online following. Tickets: $24 and $30. Through Sunday, June 22. hilarities.com/events

"Dearest Enemy"

Rodgers and Hart’s 1925 American music comedy will celebrate Akron’s bicentennial with a rare revival of the only Broadway musical that premiered in Akron 100 years ago. The romantic comedy takes place in 1776. Free. Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 7 p.m. Saturday, June 21. eventbrite.com

"Beautiful: The Carole King Musical"

“Beautiful” tells the true story of Carole King’s remarkable rise from a teenage songwriter in Brooklyn, New York, to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It’s billed as a “powerful and moving story of self-discovery, perseverance, and triumph.” Ticket prices vary. 7:30 p.m. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. Thursday, June 19 to Sunday, July 13. weathervaneplayhouse.com

"A New Brain"

The production is billed as an “energetic, sardonic, often comical musical about a composer during a medical emergency.” Tickets: $20 ($18 for seniors and students). Broadview Heights Cultural Arts Building, 9543 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights. Through Sunday, June 22. broadview-heights-spotlights.org

Steam and Steel: Propelling the Future of the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes Science Center’s celebration of the Steamship William G. Mather centennial continues with a new special exhibit that provides guests with an opportunity to experience what its like to be on a freighter. Interactive exhibits allow you to steer the Mather, virtually load and unload cargo and much more. Included with Science Center admission. Tours of the Mather available for extra charge. 601 Erieside Ave. Cleveland. Runs through September 1 during regular business hours. greatscience.com/explore/exhibits/

Cedar Point Amusement Park

Cedar Point is now open for the 2025 summer season. Check out more than 150 rides including rollercoasters like Millennium Force and Steel Vengeance. Enjoy fresh-cut fries and stroll the mile-long Cedar Point Beach. Opening day tickets are just $40. For future dates save money buying tickets online. Cedar Point Amusement Park, One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky. May 3, opening day. cedarpoint.com

FOOD & DRINK

Strongsville Rib Burn-Off

Strongsville Rib Burn-Off extends the rib-eating season into summer with its 39th annual event. The barbecue competition is the main event, but fireworks and a cornhole tournament will also be part of the fun. Admission starts at $5. Strongsville Commons, corner of State Route 82 and State Route 42. 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., June 19; 3 p.m. to midnight, June 20; Noon to 11 p.m., June 21. strongsvillecityclub.com/rib-burnoff/

Canton Pickle Fest

Pickle lovers have a few opportunities to celebrate their favorite food in Northeast Ohio this summer, starting at the Canton Pickle Fest. Pickle-flavored beer and lemonade are a given, with other creative mashups on the menu. Last year, food vendors offered items like pickle pizza, cake pops and more. Free admission. Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 21. cantonpicklefest.com

Brew at the Zoo Offers Dinosaur-Themed Tasting

Akron Zoo's first Brew at the Zoo event will feature a unique "Drink with the Extinct" theme, combining beer tasting with 20 life-size animatronic dinosaurs. Tickets include eight sample tastings and after-hours zoo admission. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 21. akronzoo.org/brew-at-the-zoo

Summer Solstice party

M Cellars will release a wine to celebrate the year’s longest day. Live music is scheduled, and Scott’s Fire and Ice will be serving wood-fired pizzas. Reservations are required. M Cellars, 6193 S. River Road W, Geneva. 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 20. mcellars.com

TOP PICKS

Larder Delicatessen & Bakery

If you know Chef Jeremy Umansky of Larder Delicatessen and Bakery in Hingetown, you know he talks a lot about using Koji to improve the taste of food. Probably because he wrote a book on using these Koji mold-inoculated grains to elevate the umami in everything. Leave it to Umansky to come up with a handcrafted orange soda using, of course, koji. When you’re having lunch or dinner at the deli run by he and his wife Allie La Valle, be sure to add a homemade soda to your order. – Paris Wolfe - Details

Little Cloud Sandwiches

Little Cloud is a recent addition to Greater Cleveland’s roster of sandwich shops, located in Ohio City. The aesthetically-pleasing sandwich shop offers all-day breakfast, customizable sandwiches and more on its daily menu. Seasonal sandwiches like a fried green tomato BLT and fried chicken salad with bacon aren’t to be missed before they’re gone. Plus, Little Cloud offers several gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options so everyone can stop by for a quick bite. Little Cloud is at 1512 W. 25th Street in Cleveland. – Alex Darus DETAILS

TV & MOVIES

“Sally”

Cristina Costantini’s documentary “Sally” richly details the story behind the headlines of the first American woman to fly in space. The portrait of Sally Ride, the trailblazing NASA astronaut, is narrated by her life partner of 27 years, Tam O’Shaughnessy. Her intimate perspective on Ride, along with archival footage and interviews with family and colleagues, captures a fuller backstory to an American icon who rose despite pervasive sexism. On Disney+ Tuesday. DETAILS

“The Gilded Age”

Another period piece out this week is the third season of “The Gilded Age” and there is a lot to catch up on. Cynthia Nixon’s Ada Forte, now a widower after a very short marriage, has just discovered her late husband left her a fortune. This makes Ada the new matriarch of her family, surpassing her sister Agnes (played by Christine Baranski.) Their niece Marian (Louisa Jacobson) seems to be in the early stages of a courtship with neighbor Larry Russell, whose family’s wealth comes from new money. Created by Julian Fellowes, the new season premieres Sunday, June 22 on Max. DETAILS

“We Were Liars”

The TV adaptation of the popular YA novel arrives on Prime Video on Wednesday. It follows the affluent Sinclair family who has enough secrets to fill one of their bank accounts. It follows Cadence, one of the granddaughters who pals around all summer with two cousins and a family friend, Gat, and their group of four is known as The Liars. When Cadence is injured and no one will be honest with her about what happened, she attempts to piece together what happened. DETAILS

“The Waterfront”

Another dysfunctional family is introduced Thursday in Netflix’s “The Waterfront” about the Buckleys, a family of fisherman and restaurateurs in North Carolina. Business has been dwindling and questionable choices are made to stay afloat, keep their secrets, and not get caught by authorities. Holt McCallany (“Mindhunter”) Maria Bello and Melissa Benoist star. Topher Grace and Dave Annable also have recurring roles. DETAILS

“The Ballad of Wallis Island”

Streaming on Peacock, this film was a standout in the first half of 2025, but easy to miss. A funny and tender charmer set on the coast of Wales, it’s not a movie screaming for your attention. It stars Tim Key as an isolated widower who uses some of his lottery winnings to hire his favorite band, a folk duo named McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden, Carey Mulligan) to play by his rural home. DETAILS

“Walking with Dinosaurs”

In 1999 a series called “Walking with Dinosaurs” premiered in the UK and captivated audiences. Narrated by Kenneth Branagh, it was inspired by “Jurassic Park” and at the time was the most expensive documentary per-minute ever made. Special effects like CGI and animatronics helped bring the dinosaurs to life. Twenty-five years later, a reimagined “Walking with Dinosaurs” debuts on PBS in conjunction with the BBC using the latest technology to make the dinosaurs seem even more lifelike. The six-episode series is now narrated by actor Bertie Carvel. It will be available to stream on PBS platforms and its app beginning today. DETAILS

“The Buccaneers”

It’s a great week for period pieces. Girl power series, “The Buccaneers,” returns Wednesday for its second season on Apple TV+. The soapy period piece features a cast that includes Kristine Froseth, Alisha Boe, Josie Totah and Christina Hendricks. It’s based on an unfinished Edith Wharton novel about five American women in London for debutante season. These women are a contrast to English high society because they’re extroverted and opinionated. The story is centered around Froseth’s Nan who is in a love triangle although each character has their own drama to contend with. Leighton Meester has also joined the cast. DETAILS

MUSIC

Outlaw Music Festival

The 2025 edition of the traveling festival will again feature Willie Nelson & Family and Bob Dylan, with special guests Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, and Myron Elkins. Tickets start at $56.50. 5 p.m., June 21. Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls. livenation.com.

The Band with No Name

Drummer Myron Gardner and his ensemble play The Knight Stage. Gardner is well-versed across a range of genres including reggae, jazz, blues, pop, rock, Christian, R&B, soul and funk. Ticket prices vary. 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. Saturday, June 21. akroncivic.com

The Indigo Girls

The duo is still at it. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers bring their classic American folk-rock sounds to town. You don’t have to go to the mountains or the doctor to hear them. Just Cleveland. Ticket prices vary. The Asylum at Masonic Temple, 3615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 6 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show) Monday, June 23. templelive.com

Rockin’ on the River

The Iron Maidens – an all-female tribute to Iron Maiden - performs at Black River Landing with Paradise Kitty, an all-female Guns N’ Roses tribute. Tickets: $10 (pre-sale), $15 (at the gate). 421 Black River Lane, Lorain. 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 21. rockinontheriver.com

Mentor Rocks

Uncle Kracker will headline the summer music series this week. Area vendors will have food, beer and wine. It’s lawn seating, so bring blankets or chairs. Free. Mentor Civic Amphitheater, 8500 Civic Center Blvd., Mentor. 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 24. mentorrocks.info

Benson Boone

The “Beautiful Things” singer will release his sophomore album, “American Heart,” on Friday, June 20. Expect big pop-rock filtered through a kind of post-Harry Styles mimicry, and 1970s worship. For fans of Queen, ELO, and gymnastic pop stars with a penchant for doing backflips on stage. -DETAILS

“SNL: Ladies & Gentlemen…50 Years of Music”

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s newest exhibit celebrates “Saturday Night Live”’s iconic musical moments with rare artifacts, never-before-seen footage and interactive displays. Tickets $29.50-$39.50. Open daily. 1100 Rock & Roll Blvd., Cleveland. https://rockhall.com/

HAIM

The Los Angeles sister trio have returned with “I Quit,” 15 tracks of danceable breakup bangers perfect for your summertime sadness. It’s soft rock-pop for the Miu Miu crowd and a sonic cure for seasonal depression. DETAILS

Yaya Bey

The Brooklyn-based R&B/soul singer-songwriter Yaya Bey will release a new album on Friday, June 20, “do it afraid.” It’s a big of a detour for the ever-evolving talent: “Merlot and Grigio” features Bajan dancehall artist Father Philis, the dance-y “Dream Girl” has echoes of Prince and “Raisins” is a bit jazzy. There’s a lot to love here. DETAILS

Entertainment | Music | Events

Unlimited Digital Access | NO BLOCKED STORIES

To ensure receipt of our emails, please add newsletters@update.cleveland.com to your address book or safe sender list. You received this email because you opted-in to the newsletter. Was it forwarded to you? Sign up now!

4800 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn OH 44144

UNSUBSCRIBE PRIVACY POLICY CONTACT US MOBILE APPS