Creeping out in the Bratenahl woods with ‘Mary Sticks’
Cleveland artist Ben Small and his sister, Betsy Allen, have just published their graphic novella "Mary Sticks," which follows the ghost of Mary Clarence, who mysteriously disappeared in 1910. Small was inspired to write a ghost story after evening walks in Bratenahl. Mac’s Backs will host the authors for a book discussion and signing next week.
Prost! Cleveland Oktoberfest kicks off two-weekend run this Friday

Cleveland Oktoberfest, voted the best in the U.S. by USA Today readers, returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds Friday for two weekends. The festival features authentic German and European food, craft beer, live music, and attractions like the largest glockenspiel in the U.S., wiener dog races, and fireworks.

Remembering Scott O’Con, founder of Tours of Cleveland
Scott O'Con, who founded the popular Tours of Cleveland, LLC, died suddenly on Sunday. He moved from Virginia to the West Park neighborhood in 2017 with his husband, West Park United Church of Christ pastor Jason Thompson, and embraced the city.
Create Dangerously: Literary Cleveland’s Inkubator celebrates 10 years with packed conference
Literary Cleveland, the community of writers bringing people into the world of words with writing opportunities, with hold its annual Inkubator in September. Tickets go on sale this Thursday, Aug. 1.
Tender Roots: Art and nature unite in healing at newest Conservancy for CVNP  exhibit
The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is showcasing the work of five Northeast Ohio artists who explore the healing qualities of the natural world in the “Tender Roots” exhibit at The Gallery in the park.
It’s a Ship Show: Local sisters debut Titanic musical comedy at BorderLight
Twin sisters and Laurel School graduates Natalie and Sophia Casa will debut their new musical comedy "Ship Show" at the Hermit Club this week as part of the BorderLight Theatre Festival. When the lead character is injured during the opening number, two ensemble members make a hilarious attempt at holding true to saying, "the show must go on."
GardenWalk Cleveland: Changing neighborhood perceptions through creative landscapes
GardenWalk Cleveland will feature more than 400 gardens in 11 Cleveland neighborhoods this weekend—showing off the work, creativity, and neighborhood pride of local gardeners.
Take a hike: Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Trails Council releases new trail guide
This Saturday, June 29 in Peninsula, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Cuyahoga Valley Trails Council will celebrate the release of the fourth edition of the CVNP Trail Guide—designed around hikers of all abilities and interests.
Library jam session: East Cleveland Public Library Sunday concert series wows audiences
Live music has been a staple at the East Cleveland Public Library, thanks to former library executive director Greg Reese. A jazz lover and sax player, Reese first started the Sunday Concert Series at ECPL as a way to attract more Black men to the institution in the 1980s, and the series is going strong and will resume in August.
How I became a St. James altar boy: Father Bothe and the magnitudes of religion and war
In his final installment of "How I became a St. James altar boy," Ralph Horner shares his experiences with Father Bothe, assistant pastor to Father Peterson, and compares the magnitudes of both religion and war.
Starlight celebrations: CVNP Conservancy hosts two special events this weekend
Enjoy the beauty of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park under the stars this weekend when the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park hosts two evening fundraisers—dinner and dancing to live music at Elevation; and a light hike, cocktails, and elegant dinner at Topography. Proceeds from both events fund the Conservancy's Trails Now Fund to keep CVNP's 140 miles of trails and bridges safe and beautiful.
CMA kicks off Third Thursdays series this week at Transformer Station
The Cleveland Museum of Art and Ideastream Public Media kick off their Third Thursdays series with live local music from Talons' and related conversations, this Thursday, June 20 at CMA's newest venue, the Transformer Station in Hingetown. This week's show is sold out, so don't miss your chance to attend the future free Third Thursdays this summer.
Lucky 13: International Horror Hotel Film Fest to haunt Crown Plaza
The International Horror Hotel Film Festival will screen more than 150 films nominated to win in more than two dozen categories. Held at the Crowne Plaza Cleveland Airport, the festival features networking, competitions, and expert advice for both aspiring and successful filmmakers, as well as for horror film fans.
How I became a St. James altar boy: New heights with Father Pete
Ralph Horner writes about growing up near St. James Church in Goodrich-Kirtland Park, how he met Father Pete and became an altar boy and “a high Anglo Catholic, but not under the Pope Pius XII,” and the first time he saw the mansions of Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights.
Inkling of Summer: Celebrate Summer Solstice with Zygote Press
Zygote Press, the largest fine art printmaking studio and gallery space between Chicago and New York and the only green nonprofit studio of its kind, will celebrate the Summer Solstice with its Inkling of Summer fundraising event on Thursday, June 20. The deadline to buy tickets is this Saturday, June 15.
Beyond the Fringe: BorderLight Theatre Festival goes big in Playhouse Square
The BorderLight Theatre Festival returns for another spectacular variety of local, national, and international performances on 20 stages in the Playhouse Square District from Wednesday, July 24 through Saturday, July 27. Tickets are now on sale now.
Think & Drink with the Extinct: Get Groovy with Lucy at Natural History Museum 
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History will be partying like it's 1974 on Thursday, June 20 with a retro version of its Think & Drink (with the Extinct) event: Get Groovy With Lucy. The museum will celebrate the discovery of Australopithecus Lucy, along with partners from Kent State University and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in this adult cocktail, 70s themed event. Costumes welcome!
High energy: Excitement grows as the creative team readies for Parade the Circle
The Cleveland Museum of Art's 32nd annual Parade the Circle happens this weekend, expressing "Visions of Harmony" on Wade Oval in University Circle. Excitement and energy are palpable in the parade tent as lead artist Héctor Castellanos Lara and a team of creatives see to the last-minute details. Check out these photos.
How I became a St. James altar boy: God save the king!
Ralph Horner writes about growing up near St. James Church in Goodrich-Kirtland Park, how he met Father Pete and became an altar boy and “a high Anglo Catholic, but not under the Pope Pius XII,” and how his little sister humiliated him one day during mass.
All Out: Cleveland Museum of Art celebrates Pride Month at Friday’s MIX event
This Friday, June 7, the Cleveland Museum of Art will celebrate Pride Month in Cleveland during its monthly MIX: All Out, featuring Cleveland performers DJ Navy Jayde and Dakota Cox, for a night of rainbow light displays, dancing, food and drinks, and drag.