Valentine's Day entertainment guide, Year of the Dragon fun, Cleveland Beerfest, Cavs vs. Sixers, Usher at the Super Bowl & more

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Entertainment | Music | Events

THIS WEEK'S TOP PICKS

25 things to do to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Greater Cleveland
From traditional prix fixe dinners to vampire-themed concerts, here are 25 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Northeast Ohio this year. Whether you’re planning on having a romantic date with a partner or riding solo, Valentine’s Day is as good of an excuse as any to indulge in something special. READ MORE

Cupid’s Undie Run

Get your best undies ready for Cupid’s Undie Run on Feb. 10. That’s right, dressed in nothing but undies (or sports gear or costumes) participants will run one mile in Cleveland’ s winter weather to raise money for NF or neurofibromatosis. Runners can register at cupids.org/2024-registration. Entrance fee $45. Noon to 4 p.m., Feb. 10. Run starts at House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Valentine’s Day/Black History Month Fashion Show at Tower City

Get ready for Valentine’s Day AND celebrate Black History Month, as Black-owned businesses show off latest styles in Barbie box installations at Tower City. The event will include sparkling mocktails, dueling pianos and a whimsical ball pit. Free. Noon to 4 p.m., Feb. 10. Tower City Center, 230 W. Huron, Cleveland. DETAILS

Valentine’s Market at Mahall’s The Roxy

Shop unique local goods from more than 20 makers at Mahall’s Valentine’s Market. Products include candles, vintage clothes, cookies and vegan baked goods, flowers, jewelry and permanent jewelry, ceramics, bookish accessories, stickers, and so much more. Free admission. Noon to 5 p.m., Feb. 11. 13200 Madison Avenue, Lakewood. DETAILS

13th Annual Sweetheart Showcase from Cleveland Burlesque

Cleveland Burlesque LLC starts their 20th season of burlesque productions this weekend at The Beachland Ballroom. This revue will take audiences back to the golden era of burlesque, celebrating the glamorous and iconic stars that defined an era of sensuality, humor, and vintage charm. Tickets $20-$25. 7:30 p.m., Feb. 10. Beachland Ballroom, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland. DETAILS

Ohio Contemporary Ballet performs three pieces

Ohio Contemporary Ballet will perform two world premiers based on local Cleveland history and offer the last chance to see choreographer Gerald Arpino’s, “Celebration” on one night only. The Cleveland-based pieces are “Bacchanale” and “Daisy Hill.” Tickets are $10 to $40. 8 p.m., Feb. 10. Breen Center for the Performing Arts, 2008 W. 30th St., Cleveland. DETAILS

Cleveland Beerfest returns to downtown

Cleveland Beerfest brings more than 150 local and national craft brews as well as craft wineries and distilleries. Tickets $40 to $95. Feb. 9-10. Huntington Convention Center, 300 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland. DETAILS

'Murder on the Orient Express'

Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” follows passengers who are stranded with a killer in their midst. Detective Poirot must determine who stabbed one American tycoon eight times in his locked compartment. Tickets $20 to $89. Through March 3. Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Ave. Ste. 200, Cleveland. DETAILS

The Great Big Home + Garden Show

Hundreds of experts in kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping, home décor and more will be on hand at the I-X Center for this annual expo. Tour a modular home, get ideas for your backyard oasis and meet HGTV personalities. Tickets $5-$15. 1-X Center Dr., Cleveland. Through Feb. 11. DETAILS

Cleveland Orchestra does Beethoven’s Fifth

The four most famous notes in all of music may be the start of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. The Cleveland Orchestra will perform that and more this weekend. Lectures will be presented before the show by James O’Leary, Associate Professor of Musicology, Oberlin Conservatory. Tickets $25 to $75. 7:30 p.m., Feb. 9, 8 p.m., Feb. 10 and 3 p.m. Feb. 11. Severance Music Center, 11001 Euclid Ave, Cleveland. DETAILS

Tobogganing at the Chalet

Find your thrill in the chill at the Cleveland Metroparks’ Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville, tobogganing on one of two 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes. Reservations required. Tickets $13-$15. 16200 Valley Pkwy, Strongsville. Through Feb. 25 (weather permitting). DETAILS

The Rink at Wade Oval

You don’t have to be an aspiring Olympic figure skater to have fun at this ice skating rink in the heart of the museum district in University Circle. It’s all about having fun and making memories. Admission with skate rentals $5-$10. Wade Oval Dr., Cleveland. Through Feb. 25. DETAILS

Flanagan’s Wake

One of the longest-running plays in Cleveland theater history returns for its annual engagement at Playhouse Square. Centering on an Irish wake, this hilarious show relies heavily on audience interaction, ensuring that no two performances are alike. Tickets $29. Kennedy’s Cabaret, 1621 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Weekends through Apr. 29. DETAILS

Year of the Dragon at Asia Plaza

Asia Plaza presents the Year of the Dragon Lunar New Year celebration this weekend. Activities include martial arts, lion dances, food trucks, vendors, resource tables, crafts, activities, photo stations, and more. Free 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Feb. 10-11. 2999 Payne Avenue, Cleveland. DETAILS

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s Caris LeVert’s Bobblehead Giveaway day. The bobblehead features the 29-year-old Ohio-native shooting guard in the 2023-24 City Edition uniform. Tickets $40 and up. 7 p.m., Feb. 12. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 1 Center Ct., Cleveland. DETAILS

Cleveland Charge vs. Wisconsin Herd

The Cleveland Charge take on the Wisconsin Herd Tickets start at $5. 7 p.m., Feb. 9. Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Cleveland Monsters vs. Charlotte Checkers

The Cleveland Monsters take on the Charlotte Checkers two nights in a row. Tickets start at $10. 7 p.m., Feb. 9 & Feb. 10. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 1 Center Ct., Cleveland. DETAILS

Orchids Forever: Golden Hours

Cleveland Botanical Garden’s annual orchids show returns, this time to showcase the colors of sunrise and sunset. The beautiful and fragrant displays feature species such as Phalaenopsis, Dendrobium and Oncidium. Tickets $14-$20. Members free. 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland. Through Mar. 17. DETAILS

A Legacy Forged in Black & Gold

The Pro Football Hall of Fame celebrates the winning tradition of the Pittsburgh Steelers on the 50th anniversary of their first Super Bowl victory. This temporary exhibit features championship trophies, rings, bronze busts and a special appearance by Hall of Famer Donnie Shell on Friday and Saturday. Admission $15-$45. 2121 George Halas Dr. NW, Canton. Through Feb. 19. DETAILS

Skiing and Tubing

Feel the cold rush of winter as you schuss down the mountain at one of Northeast Ohio’s ski resorts. Most of the trails and lifts at Brandywine/Boston Mills and Alpine Valley are open daily, while the Polar Blast Tubing Park at Brandywine is open on weekends. Lift tickets $24-$61. Tubing $34.

The Breakfast at the Bookstore

Karamu House presents the world premiere of Cleveland playwright Lisa Langford’s dark comedy that interweaves stories of the Black liberation movement of the 1970s with encounters with aliens. Tickets $35-$45. 2355 E. 89th St., Cleveland. Through Feb. 18. DETAILS

At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen

Dobama Theatre presents the Ohio premiere of this irreverent and moving play about the fine art of drag, from African Gods and Goddesses to Trina and Whitney Houston. Tickets $5-$45. 2340 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Through Feb. 18. DETAILS

BKYLN the Musical

Near West Theatre’s new production is a play within a play about a young Parisian singer who travels to America in search of her estranged father and ends up sparking a rivalry with New York City’s reigning diva. Tickets $5-$20. 6702 Detroit Ave., Cleveland. Through Feb. 18. DETAILS

Walkabout Tremont

The second Friday of every month is Walkabout Tremont. Retailers, galleries and other neighborhood businesses offer entertainment and food specials. Most extend their hours. The February theme is Jumpstart Your Heart. Free. Feb. 9. Tremont. DETAILS

'Mother Courage and Her Children'

EnsembleTheater is presenting “Mother Courage and Her Children,” perhaps one of Bertolt Brecht’s greatest works. Social criticism of war and injustice, it is set in the seventeenth century during the Thirty Years’ War. The story line follows Mother Courage who survives by running a commissary business that profits from all sides. Tickets $25 to $75. Feb. 9-25. The Performing Arts Center at Notre Dame College, 4545 College Rd. South Euclid. DETAILS

FOOD & DINING

Paczki guide 2024: Where to find Fat Tuesday treats
We've got less than a week until the beginning of Lent. Fat Tuesday is Feb. 13 -- and that means it’s paczki time in Greater Cleveland. Area bakeries and stores are offering a smorgasbord of flavors for Fat Tuesday. Here’s a guide to who has what. READ MORE

Pier W in Lakewood

One of the most scenic places to enjoy a nice dinner is Pier W in Lakewood. Right on Lake Erie and in view of downtown Cleveland, the longstanding seafood restaurant makes lists regularly for most romantic, having good wine and being a great date-night place. The restaurant is at 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood. DETAILS

Pacific East in Westlake

We freely admit it’s a noodles and sushi world. Pacific East does both impeccably well, but what often goes unsaid is how amazing their boba beverage menu is. There are dozens of wonderful configurations—dairy and non-dairy—served up on the daily. Coffee- and tea-based, boba slushes, hot and cold, with jelly and bursting baubles. Pacific East is at 186 Union St., Westlake in the Crocker Park complex. DETAILS

Clandestina in Ohio City

Clandestina fits right into the lively vibe of Ohio City’s West 25th Street, but stands out with its distinct take on mezcal drinks and Mexican street food. The walk-in-only bar has a robust cocktail menu with snacks like elote corn dip, tlayudas (or Mexican “pizza), tamales and more to counteract the booze. Plus, the sultry tropical vibe cannot be beat. READ MORE

DineDrinkCLE: The Podcast

If you like food and drink – and who doesn’t -- we’re breaking new ground with our lively new podcast about dining and drinking in Greater Cleveland. Hosts Josh Duke and Alex Darus crackle with their fun talk about the latest foodie happenings, joined by the most in-the-know experts in town, Marc Bona, Paris Wolfe and Pete Chakerian. It’s called DineDrink C-L-E and you can find it anywhere you download podcasts. Give it a listen and get your mouth watering. LISTEN HERE

TV & MOVIES

‘Abbott Elementary’

"Abbott Elementary" aired its season two finale last April and there are lingering questions that need answers. Can Janine and Gregory (series creator Quinta Brunson and Tyler James Williams) remain platonic after almost stepping outside the friend-zone on the field trip to the science museum? Did a summer at Harvard prompt Ava (Janelle James) to finally take her job as principal seriously? And will Mrs. Howard (Sheryl Lee Ralph) finally learn that Brian Tyree Henry's name is not Brian Austin Green? Answers may be revealed Wednesday when school is back in session and "Abbott Elementary" debuts season three on ABC. Episodes also stream on Hulu. DETAILS

‘Super Bowl Greatest Commercials XXIII: The Ultimate Countdown’

Revisit popular Super Bowl ads from years past on "Super Bowl Greatest Commercials XXIII: The Ultimate Countdown," on Wednesday on CBS. The show presents top commercials from over the years from brands including Budweiser, E-Trade and Coke. Hosts Boomer Esiason, the former NFL quarterback, and actor Danielle Ruah narrow down the competition to two finalists, and viewers can pick a winner by scanning a QR code on screen to vote live. The special will also stream on Paramount+. DETAILS

‘Puppy Bowl XX’

There's a four-legged alternative to Super Bowl Sunday: Puppy Bowl XX. This year marks the Bowl's 20th year and 131 adoptable pups have been drafted from shelters and rescues across the U.S. to compete. Teams Ruff and Fluff square off for the coveted "Lombarky" trophy while also encouraging people to adopt and not shop for pets. Puppy Bowl XX will simulcast on Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, Discovery+, TBS, TRUTV, and MAX before the big human game on Sunday, Feb. 11. DETAILS

‘Great American Rescue Bowl’

Great American Family also wants in on the call-to-adoption programming. Year two of the Great American Rescue Bowl will feature both dogs and cats -- all who have already been adopted — to highlight the kinds of pets you can find at a shelter or rescue instead of a store or breeder. The paw-some game between teams The Adorables and The Cuddlers begin at 12 p.m. also on Sunday, Feb. 11. DETAILS

‘Tracker’

Justin Hartley of "This is Us" debuts his new CBS series "Tracker" in the prime spot after Super Bowl LVIII. Based on the book "The Never Game" by Jeffery Deaver, Hartley plays Colter Shaw, a guy with a skill for tracking down the missing and all he asks for in return is reward money. In an interview, Hartley says he was itching to roam around outside after years of being in kitchens and living rooms for "This Is Us." DETAILS

‘Past Lives’

Celine Song's "Past Lives" is an achingly tender film about making peace with the choices that shape our lives. Song's directorial debut, which is nominated for best picture and best screenplay at the Academy Awards, is about a woman named Nora (Greta Lee) who, while married and living in New York, reconnects with a childhood friend (Teo Yoo) from Seoul. Though modest in scale, "Past Lives" gently reckons with existential quandaries that stretch across time and continents. In her review, AP's Jocelyn Noveck called it "a gorgeous, achingly wistful feature debut." Streaming on Paramount+ with Showtime. DETAILS

‘Orion and the Dark’

The mind of Charlie Kaufman has produced some of the most memorable films ("Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "Synecdoch, New York") of the last few decades. But even when Kaufman last scripted an animated film, ("Anomalisa"), you wouldn't call the results child-friendly. But in "Orion and the Dark," Kaufman adapts Emma Yarlett's illustrated children's book about a fifth grader (voiced by Jacob Tremblay) who's afraid of the dark, among other things. He's forced to confront his fears when visited the actual Dark (voiced by Paul Walter Hauser). In his review, AP's Mark Kennedy said director Sean Charmatz's film "is about fear and overcoming … but has too much junk clogging up the vision." Streaming on Netflix. DETAILS

‘Suncoast’

Laura Chinn's directorial debut "Suncoast," which recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, draws from Chinn's own experience growing up in Florida and caring for her ill brother. With a cast including Laura Linney and Woody Harrelson, newcomer Nico Parker stars as the high-schooler Doris in this coming-of-age drama. "Suncoast" streams Feb. 9 on Hulu. DETAILS

MUSIC

Usher

It may very well be Usher's world, and we're just living in it. From an incredibly successful Las Vegas residency to scoring the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, the "Confessions" singer is experiencing a well-deserved influx of attention — from a new and curious audience as well as those filled with nostalgia for his smooth '00s R&B. There's more great news: on Friday, Feb. 9, just two days before he appears at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for Sin City's inaugural Super Bowl, Usher will release "Coming Home," his first new solo album in eight years. He hasn't missed a beat — "Good Good," the single with Summer Walker and 21 Savage — is silky summertime R&B with some Atlanta bounce — a winning combination. Elsewhere on the album, Usher joins forces with Burna Boy, Latto, The-Dream, H.E.R., BTS member Jungkook and Pheelz. "Stacked" is the word. DETAILS

Christian McBride performs ‘The Movement Revisited’

Jazz bassist and composer Christian McBride performs ‘The Movement Revisited’ on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Maltz Performing Arts Center in Cleveland. The four-part suite is dedicated to four icons of the Civil Rights Movement: Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Muhammed Ali and Martin Luther King, Jr. In 2008, McBride updated the suite with an additional movement inspired by the election of Barack Obama. Local luminaries will speak the words of the icons. Tasha Baston, spouse of Tri-C President Michael A. Baston, will be Rosa Parks. Martin Luther King Jr. will be voiced by WKYC-TV/Channel 3 anchor Leon Bibb, while WJW-TV/FOX 8 anchor Wayne Dawson will read Muhammad Ali’s words. Former state representative and actor Peter Lawson Jones speaks for Malcolm X and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb will be Barack Obama.7:30 p.m. $35. 1855 Ansel Rd., Cleveland. DETAILS

Deap Vally

Drummer-vocalist Julie Edwards and guitarist-vocalist Lindsey a.k.a. Deap Vally are on a farewell tour that brings them to the Beachland Ballroom on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Once described as a “scuzzy” Zeppelin-inspired rock duo, comparisons to the White Stripes and the Black Keys were inevitable. But collaborations with everyone from Peaches and KT Tunstall to Phantogram and Kacey Musgraves gave Deap Vally a massively intriguing career trajectory. They’ve shared bills with Blondie, Garbage, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Queens of the Stone Age, among countless others. The duo is playing its 2013 debut album, “Sistronix,” in its entirety. 8 p.m. Sloppy Jane and Samantha Grace open. 15711 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 day of show. DETAILS

Zara Larsson

Swedish pop singer Zara Larsson will release her fourth studio album, "Venus," on Feb. 9 — an album full of shimmery synth-pop and Euro dance-pop that burns bright, hot and fast like a Saturday night. "On My Love" with EDM giant David Guetta proves it, but Larsson's commitment to feel-good club bangers exists throughout: like on the strings of "End of Time," which she said was inspired by Rihanna and ABBA in equal parts. Now that's a combination. DETAILS

Johnny Mathis at MGM Northfield

At 88 years old American pop singer Johnny Mathis is still crooning his popular hits. He’ll be performing at MGM Northfield this weekend. 7:30, Feb. 10. 10777 Northfield Rd, Northfield. DETAILS

Helado Negro

If you frequent indie music corners of the internet, you might've seen the shirts released by Helado Negro, the musical moniker of Roberto Carlos Lange, before you heard his music: "Young and Latin and Proud," they read, a celebration of the South Florida native born to Ecuadorian immigrants' identity, but also the identity of many of his listeners. It's a great framework to consider Helado Negro's latest album, "Phasor," a day-dreamy collection of experimental pop (like on "Best For You and Me"), psych rock ("LFO (Lupe Finds Oliveros)") and alternative rhythms and flutes ("I Just Want To Wake Up With You.") It is a celebration of an incredible diversity of Latin music, including one that gets lost when listeners focus too closely on geography: atmospheric sounds. DETAILS

Entertainment | Music | Events

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