Playhouse Square, will launch its 2025-2026 Children's Theater Series in October, featuring four productions ranging from classic adaptations to cultural celebrations. The series, includes sensory-friendly performances and educational workshops to enhance the theater experience for young audiences.

Several events are planned this weekend around he 90th anniversary of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, honoring outstanding works that contribute to our understanding of racism and human diversity. With a diverse lineup of award-winning authors, panel discussions, and interactive events, the Cleveland Book Fest solidifies the Cleveland as a major literary hub.

The Cleveland Museum of Art's annual Chalk Festival, a modern interpretation of a 16th-century Italian tradition, is this weekend on the south plaza, walkways, and the Fine Arts Garden. Artists of all skill levels are invited to create chalk masterpieces, with professional artists joining community groups and families in a colorful celebration of art and self-expression.

The Shaker Arts Council (SHAC) has unveiled nine newly wrapped utility boxes as part of its annual Painting the Town art competition. The project features designs by local professional artists and a high school graduate completing her senior project, bringing color and creativity to the streets of Shaker Heights along the Rapid Transit Green and Blue Lines.

The Cleveland Silent Film Festival and Colloquium's fall series features five silent films from the 1920s accompanied by live music. The festival, which includes screenings at the Cleveland Museum of Art and other venues, celebrates the centennial of these classic films and the Art Deco movement with a mix of orchestral performances, chamber music, and even a metal band.

The Heights Music Hop in Cleveland Heights this year has an expanded three-day format across three business districts. The event, presented by Future Heights, features a diverse range of musical genres, family-friendly programming, and plans for future growth to accommodate the city's evolving business landscape.

Rid-All Green Partnership's Fresh Fest Cleveland, now in its sixth year, will transform the Kinsman neighborhood into a vibrant celebration of food, art, wellness, and music this Saturday, Sept. 13. The free festival, headlined by hip-hop legend MC Lyte, will feature more than 80 local vendors, 12 food trucks, and a variety of activities at the revitalized Rid-All Farm and Otter Park.

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress is hosting a series of free summer events at Shaker Square. This week includes live music performances, the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Fest, Jazz from Stan Miller, and the North Union Farmers Market. The events are designed to encourage community engagement, support local businesses, and showcase the area's unique offerings, with activities running through the summer and into the fall.

Literary Cleveland's 2025 Inkubator Writing Conference, one of the largest free writing conferences in the country, is underway around Cleveland. The event kicks off its in-person activities, including workshops, panel discussions, and a book fair, with notable authors and industry professionals participating.

Rooms to Let, the annual art program in Slavic Village, has evolved from transforming vacant homes to revitalizing outdoor spaces. The 2025 exhibition will feature 14 local artists and music groups, creating temporary art enclaves on 12 vacant lots to bring attention to urban renewal and the power of art in transforming neighborhoods.

The Cleveland Museum of Art's young affiliates group, Column & Stripe, today will host the second installment of its Art of Fashion series. Art of Fashion: Makers and Innovators Panel features a panel of local designers and innovators who will discuss the future of fashion and Cleveland's role in the national scene.

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Cleveland public artist Stephen Manka designed and constructed a unique turnstile gate for the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, blending form and function in his newest installation. The gate, featuring silhouettes of red-winged blackbirds in an egg-like design, serves as a symbolic entrance into "a birding paradise" while also fulfilling practical needs.

The Rust Belt Photo Collective will host its exhibition, "Women: 50 Over/Under" at the Doubting Thomas Gallery in Tremont, featuring portraits by female photographers paired based on age. The show addresses concerns about visibility and validation among women photographers of different age groups, fostering connections and new perspectives through collaborative work.

The Slovenian National Home hosted its third annual Zabava festival, celebrating Cleveland's Slovenian culture and heritage. The free, family-friendly event featured traditional food, music, and activities, including a showcase of the Kurent costume used in the Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival.

The Cleveland Silent Film Festival & Colloquium will present a free double bill of silent shorts at the Cleveland Public Library as part of the library's 100th anniversary celebration. The event features "War Story," a contemporary silent film inspired by Charlie Chaplin's work, along with Chaplin's "Sunnyside."

Downtown Cleveland, Inc. is hosting a free Public Square Concert Series every Wednesday evening through September 24 with live music from local bands, food trucks, and a bar with local brews and cocktails.

The Improvaneers, the world's first all-Down syndrome improv troupe, will perform at the BorderLight Festival. The group uses improv comedy to improve communication skills and build self-confidence among performers with Down syndrome, while also entertaining and educating audiences about the capabilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

The City Club of Cleveland launches its annual Outdoor Summer Series this week, featuring free forums on topics ranging from Superman to the city's waterfront. Held at Playhouse Square Plaza, is meant to increase civic engagement and kicks off with a discussion on Superman's connection to Cleveland and the upcoming movie filmed in the city.

The BorderLight Festival will take over Playhouse Square later this month, featuring more than 40 performances across 16 stages in Playhouse Square. This year's festival expands its international programming and accessibility efforts while offering a diverse range of shows, including Fringe Jr. performances for younger audiences, street dance battles, and interactive theater experiences.