Cleveland Museum of Art offers colorful October programs, supernatural exhibits, frightening fare

Partner Content

Fall is most definitely in the air in University Circle, and the Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) is appealing to all the senses in October with a range of programs, activities, and exhibits that fit just about any style.

From spooky and eerie exhibits to the flavors of Fall, to family-friendly activities, or date nights and all-out Halloween partying—the museum has it covered.

FreshWater made a selection of all the not-to-miss events this month so you can choose your own adventure and get as freaky, or tame, as you like.

Autumn at CMAAutumn at CMADemons, ghosts, and goblins

Demons and other mythical creatures in Chinese art often are depicted as creatures that either bring harm or ward off evil spirits. In “Demons, Ghosts, and Goblins in Chinese Art,” running through January 20 in the Julia and Larry Pollock Focus Gallery, the 200 secular and religious paintings and sculptures in the exhibit explore the stories in which these creatures appear and the supernatural power that they exert.

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 16 through Halloween, take a free docent tour on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 p.m., and Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.

Then, on Saturday, Oct. 19, take inspiration from the “Demons, Ghosts, and Goblins” works and create your own interpretations of supernatural beings with illustrator Angela Joy Oster’s “Spooky Sketches” session during the free Artist in the Atrium series from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Ames Family Atrium.

During this collaborative drawing session, Oster will delve into narrative, humor, and character-driven visions—exploring themes of human frailty and the quest for immortality with a touch of whimsicality.

Enchanted Halloween music

On Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., head to the Ames Family Atrium for a special Halloween edition of the Chamber Music in the Atrium series with Musical Upcoming Stars in the Classics (M.U.S.i.C.) performing a free “An Enchanted Program.”

“In October we kick off our Fall Chamber Music in the Atrium and Galleries series, which are free concerts that showcase students and faculty from music schools and conservatories," says Gabe Pollock, director of performing arts. "On Oct. 23, outstanding young musicians from M.U.S.I.C. will perform songs that will get you in the Halloween spirit including Saint-Saën’s ‘Danse Macabre,’ Tartini’s ‘Devil’s Trill Sonata,’ Bolcom’s ‘Graceful Ghost Rag,’ and more.”

Boos & Brews - Doug KatzBoos & Brews - Doug KatzBoos and Brews

Leave it to Chef Doug Katz to come up with a frightfully delicious seasonal menu for October at Provenance Restaurant in the museum. Katz took inspiration from the hanging scroll “Shakyamuni under the Bodhi Tree,” in which Buddha Shakyamuni is seated in meditative posture upon the backs of three demons under the bodhi tree in the “Demons, Ghosts, and Goblins” exhibition to create his Taste the Art menu.

Katz’ menu includes a smashed cucumber salad with garlic & chili dressing, peanuts, toasted sesame, cilantro; a seasonal wild mushroom risotto with Tuscan kale, crispy beets, black walnut aillade; and Matcha cake with dark chocolate ganache—all paired with an Enlightenment Elixir made with mint green tea, vodka, lime, honey.

Provenance is open for dinner on Wednesdays and Fridays in October.

Family fun

If all the thrills and eerie themes are too much for the younger family members, stick with the feel of the season and take the kids to Play Day: Otherworld on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Ames Family Atrium.

The day plays off of “Demons, Ghosts, and Goblins” by celebrating diverse cultures and their enchanting folklore and discover how demons and monsters are revered around the world, including the unique role they play in Chinese tradition.

At 12 p.m., the Jingwei Lion Dance Association invites guests to experience magic with a mesmerizing performance of the Jingwei Lion Dance.

Then, kids can design their own magical creatures with featured local artist Chi-Irena Wong, who will help artists practice brushwork with magic disappearing ink.

Unravel a mysterious tale with a large-scale community scroll, play music, and play games.

MIX at CMAMIX at CMAMIX: Supernatural

It wouldn’t be Halloween without the monthly CMA’s monthly MIX art, music, and cocktail series. On Friday, Nov. 1 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., come celebrate the spookiest of holidays with MIX: Supernatural Halloween dance party.

Back by popular demand, and a favorite of club-goers, internationally acclaimed DJ Fabrizio will spin an all-night set—mixing his signature international dance music with selections that acknowledge the Halloween spirit.

“MIX: Supernatural is inspired by the concurrence of ‘Demons, Ghosts, and Goblins’ with Halloween,” says Pollock. “Guests are encouraged to dress up, dance to the beats of fan favorite DJ Fabrizio, and explore the galleries. The atrium will have festive decorations, and the café will be serving themed food items perfect for Halloween.'"

Spooky-themed food and drink items, including cocktails, beer, and wine, are available to purchase from CMA’s Bon Appétit. Guests can come in costume and have a wicked good time, but beware: No full-face masks, heavy face paint, glitter, weapon-like props, or excessively oversize costumes are permitted. This event is for those aged 21 and over. Reserve a ticket today!

Enjoy the colors

Once you’ve taken in all the exhibits and activities, step outside CMA’s south doors and you’ll be just steps away from the Fine Arts Garden and Wade Park Lagoon. Take a stroll and soak in the Fall colors as the season quickly fades into winter.

Or, you can always put a new angle on your visit using CMA’s Art Lens app.

Karin Connelly Rice
Karin Connelly Rice

About the Author: Karin Connelly Rice

Karin Connelly Rice enjoys telling people's stories, whether it's a promising startup or a life's passion. Over the past 20 years she has reported on the local business community for publications such as Inside Business and Cleveland Magazine. She was editor of the Rocky River/Lakewood edition of In the Neighborhood and was a reporter and photographer for the Amherst News-Times. At Fresh Water she enjoys telling the stories of Clevelanders who are shaping and embracing the business and research climate in Cleveland.