Flats dine-and-drink guide, Parade the Circle, 'Moulin Rouge' at Playhouse Square, the Cure at Blossom & more

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Entertainment | Music | Events

THIS WEEK'S TOP PICKS

Best places to eat and drink in Cleveland’s Flats

The summer season is in full swing in Greater Cleveland and that’s a great reason to head to the the Flats, the low-lying entertainment district along the east and west banks of the Cuyahoga River for lunch, dinner and/or cocktails. After all, Northeast Ohio summers -- at least the good weather days -- are limited. Dining al fresco makes the most of those days. And there's plenty of patios and other riverfront fun to take advantage there. Plain Dealer/cleveland.com food writer Paris Wolfe has your guide to best places to eat and drink in the Flats, outside and in. READ MORE

Parade the Circle and Circle Village are back

Parade the Circle and Circle Village return to Wade Oval, after a three-year, COVID hiatus. Check out the vibrant artistic expression from giant puppets to colorful costumes. Created by The Cleveland Museum of Art, the 2023 theme is “Transformation,” a healing concept meant to bring hope, joy and new beginnings. Circle Village offers crafts and other activities. Free event, pay for parking. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 10, Circle Village. Noon, June 10, parade. Wade Oval, 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland. DETAILS

Cleveland Museum of Natural History free on Saturday

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is offering free admission during the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Parade the Circle on Saturday, June 10. Free. June 10. 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland. DETAILS

The Cure at Blossom Music Center

The Cure is on its first North American Tour in seven years and the band is coming to Blossom Music Center on Sunday. The show is sold out. Look for resale tickets in the pavilion or on the lawn. Tickets $75+. June 11. Blossom Music Center, 1145 West Steels Corners Rd, Cuyahoga Falls. DETAILS

Wade Oval Wednesdays kick off June 14

It’s that time of year when Wade Oval -- green space amidst Cleveland’s great cultural assets – becomes a mini-music fest. Set up your lawn chair or blanket from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wade Oval Wednesdays for live music, local food vendors, adult beverages and more. Free. Wednesdays through August 16. 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland. DETAILS

Cedar Point Frontier Festival

Everybody needs a break from roller coasters, right? This street festival in the amusement park’s Frontier Town celebrates hope, health and harvest with live music, character appearances, themed activities, and specialty food and beverages. Park admission starts at $49.99. Through June 18. 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky. DETAILS

Egyptomania: Fashion’s Conflicted Obsession

Exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art features dozens of objects exploring the influence of Egyptomania in fashion by juxtaposing contemporary clothing and jewelry with fine and decorative artworks from the museum’s collection. Free. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. Through January 2024. DETAILS

‘Moulin Rouge’ at Playhouse Square

Three years after winning the Tony for Best Musical, the North American tour of “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” opened this week at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre. Tickets $29+. June 7 to July 2. 1519 Euclid Ave, Cleveland. DETAILS

Related: Playhouse Square-bound ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ is one of the best movie-to-stage adaptations, actress says

Cleveland Guardians vs. Houston Astros

The Guardians will play three home games against the Houston Astros. Tickets are $25 to $75. 7:10 p.m. June 9, 6:10 p.m. June 10, 1:40 p.m. June 11. Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario St., Cleveland. DETAILS

Juneteenth commemoration at Dunham Tavern

Learn more about the history of Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The afternoon at Dunham Tavern Museum will include performances, storytelling, crafts and more. Free, but registration is encouraged. Noon to 3 p.m., June 10. 6709 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. DETAILS

Chagrin Falls’ Art by the Falls

The 39th Art by the Falls is bringing more than 130 booths featuring national artists to Riverside Park in Chagrin Falls this weekend. The event includes live music, food vendors, an interactive community art project, and fun art activities for children. Free. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., June 10 & 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 11. Riverside Park, Chagrin Falls. DETAILS

Take a Hike through Cleveland

Take A Hike offers free tours of neighborhoods surrounding downtown. Learn more about the Superior Art District or take the new Erie Street Cemetery tour. These are two of 14 tours available for in-person guided and self-guided tour options. Free. Various times and locations. DETAILS

Crocker Park Block Party

The annual Crocker Park Block Party returns June 11. Young children will enjoy “Touch-a-Truck,” where they can get close to Westlake Police’s bomb squad, SWAT and drone units as well as the city’s fire truck. Other agencies present are the Cleveland Metroparks Mounted Unit, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Internet Crimes Against Children and more. Activities include face painting, chalk zone, food trucks, vendors and exhibits. Free. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 11. Crocker Park, 177 Market St., Westlake. DETAILS

Parma Rib ‘n’ Rock

This year marks Parma’s 31st annual Rib ‘N Rock at the Cuyahoga Community College Western Campus. Ribs will be from BG’s Main Event, Armadillo’s, Mojo’s Rib Shack, Smokin T’s, Swine BBQ, Broncos Western BBQ and Off The Bone BBQ. Admission $2.50. June 8-11. 11000 W. Pleasant Valley Road, Parma. DETAILS

2023 Riverfront Irish Festival

The Riverfront Irish Festival will be at Falls River Square in Cuyahoga Falls from Friday through Sunday. A family-friendly festival, it offers music, an Irish Market Place, Irish Mass on Sunday, and traditional Irish dance. Free. June 9-11. Falls River Square, 2085 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls. DETAILS

Alter-Ethos Tattoo, Music and Arts Festival

Alter-Ethos Tattoo, Music and Arts Festival is Cleveland’s new tattoo convention at Mulberry’s. Vendors will include tattoo artists, piercings and fine jewelry sales, life performances, art installations, food trucks and live music. Tickets start at $20. 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. June 10. 2316 Mulberry Avenue Cleveland. DETAILS

Sean Kenney’s “Nature Connects” made with Lego bricks

Holden Arboretum invites you to explore the grounds and check out 14 larger-than-life flora and fauna exhibits brought to life through the use of over 350,000 building blocks assembled by noted LEGO artist Sean Kenney. Admission $13-$19. 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland. Through Sept. 4. DETAILS

“Doubt: A Parable” in Lakewood

Based on John Patrick Shanley’s 2008 award-winning movie, this Beck Center for the Arts stage production follows a nun who’s suspicious of a priest’s behavior and relationship with a young student. Tickets $10 to $38. Through June 25. 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood. DETAILS

‘The Light’ by Ensemble Theater

Ensemble Theatre presents the Cleveland Premiere of “The Light,” by Loy A. Webb. The play is described as “a 70-minute, real-time rollercoaster ride of laughter, romance, and despair that uncovers how the power of radical love can be a healing beacon of light.” Tickets $15 to $32. June 9, 10 & 11. Ensemble Theatre, 4545 College Road, South Euclid. DETAILS

BAYarts Art and Music Festival

More than 75 vendors will be at the annual BAYarts Art and Music Festival in Bay Village. They will be joined by crafts, food trucks and more. Music will be by Small Craft Advisory. Admission and parking are free. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 10. 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village. DETAILS

‘Lies about Love’ at Blank Canvas Theater

Fatima Matar presents a poignant rendition of her own poetry, and that of other poets she admires for two nights only at Blank Canvas Theater. “Lies About Love” includes poetry, music, images, and dance. Tickets $25. June 9-10. 1305 West 80th Street, Suite 211, Cleveland. DETAILS

‘Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures’ at Akron Civic Theatre

Verb blends ballet and Indian dance styles with colorful costumes to present “Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures.”

3:30 p.m., June 11. Akron Civic Theater, 182 South Main Street (King James Way), Akron. DETAILS

FOOD & DINING

Hola Island Kitchen

Hola Island Kitchen, 2235 East 55 St., Cleveland, has just opened inside a refreshed cafeteria at the Vocational Guidance Services Building south of Carnegie Avenue. Pay attention to the temporary signage or you’ll miss the new, from-scratch Puerto Rican kitchen operated by Chef Luis Roman. The cafeteria-style dining room offers custom, Caribbean bowls, sandwiches, and sides like authentic, fresh empanadillas. The restaurant also sells three Hola Island Provisions marinades. The lunch-only destination is worth a detour on your way to/from the city center. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. DETAILS

Royal Park Fine Wine tasting

Years ago, a wine shop was simply a place where you could pop in and grab a bottle and leave. Now, they are pseudo bars, and many – like Royal Park Fine Wine – have regular tastings. Case in point: Royal Park will hold a tasting of wines from Donnafugata winery of Sicily. It’s a great way to experience wines and different varietals in a casual setting. Charcuterie also will be served. The tasting is 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 10. The shop is at 12770 Royalton Road, North Royalton. DETAILS

Brew At The Akron Zoo

Check out the groovy tunes and hip breweries at the Akron Zoo’s Brew at the Zoo on June 10. The 70s Disco Party-themed night will include live music by Cold Blue Steele as well as beer (and wine). Food trucks will be on the scene. Tickets are $30. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., June 10. 505 Euclid Ave, Akron. DETAILS

‘Dine Drink CLE’ offers lively guide to restaurant, bar scenes

Get the latest news about Cleveland’s restaurant and bar scene in the new weekly "Dine Drink CLE" newsletter. With the latest on openings, closings, tastings and other events, plus recommendations, features and guides from our team of writers and critics. SUBSCRIBE

TV & MOVIES

‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’

The “Transformers” live-action franchise has always been about spectacle. But what happens when, six movies in, the novelty wears off and you’re left trying to find a human connection with an 18-wheel tractor-trailer? Enter “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” directed by Cleveland native Steven Caple Jr. and arriving in theaters today. The film, starring Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Pete Davidson and Michelle Yeoh, offers up the best of both worlds: compelling emotion and intense, white-knuckle action. Expect a summer popcorn blockbuster with thrills, heart and surprise ending you won't see coming. DETAILS

‘Flamin' Hot’

Nike,Tetris and Blackberry have all gotten the big-screen treatment this year. Now, it's Cheetos' turn. "Flamin' Hot," which debuts Friday, June 9, on Hulu, is about Richard Montañez, a Frito-Lay janitor who claims to have invented the spicier Flamin' Hot Cheetos. Directed by Eva Longoria, the movie is based on Montañez's memoir, "Flamin' Hot: The Incredible True Story of One Man's Rise from Janitor to Top Executive." Though reports have cast doubt on the veracity of his claims, "Flamin' Hot" abides by the old movie maxim: Print the Frito-Legend. DETAILS

‘Never Have I Ever’

Netflix's "Never Have I Ever" drops its fourth and final season on Thursday. The series stars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan in a coming-of-age story about an Indian American high school teen coping with the sudden death of her father, first loves and lusts, friendship, and self-identity. Even better, it's narrated by John McEnroe. In season four, Ramakrishnan's Devi is in her senior year of high school and getting ready to go to college. The show, co-created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher is whip smart (as is Kaling's trademark), up to date on pop culture, funny and touching. DETAILS

‘Stars on Mars ‘

Twelve celebrities, including former cyclist Lance Armstrong, Ariel Winter of "Modern Family" and Tom Schwartz of "Vanderpump Rules," are put in a Mars simulation and presented with a series of challenges to colonize their version of the Red Planet. William Shatner, Captain Kirk from "Star Trek" and the oldest person to fly to space, serves as host from mission control. "If you need anything, anything at all, you're on your own," says Shatner in the trailer. "Stars on Mars" debuted Monday on Fox. DETAILS

‘Cruel Summer ‘

When "Cruel Summer" debuted its first season in 2021 on Freeform, it was an immediate hit for the network. Season two features a new cast and new mystery but, like its predecessor, takes place over alternate timelines. Lexi Underwood of "Little Fires Everywhere" stars alongside Sadie Stanley, and Griffin Gluck with Jessica Biel as a co-executive producer. The story is set in the Pacific Northwest against the backdrop of the Y2K time period, when the tech world feared computers and government systems would malfunction over programming when the calendar flipped to the year 2000. Fans of the Shonda Rhimes series "Private Practice" may also be tickled to see KaDee Strickland, Paul Adelstein and Gluck reunite in "Cruel Summer" after working together on the former ABC series. DETAILS

‘Indiana Jones’ on Disney+

"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" hits theaters later this month. Disney+ is streaming all four previous "Indiana Jones" movies, plus the series "The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones." Since May 31, subscribers have been able to watch "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." And, yes, "Raiders" is still No. 1. DETAILS

‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

"Avatar: The Way of Water" finally washed onto streaming shores this week. James Cameron's sci-fi sequel is now streaming on Disney+ and HBO Max after becoming the third highest-grossing movie of all time in theaters. "The Way of Water" has made $2.32 billion at the box office, trailing only the $2.9 billion of the original "Avatar" and the $2.79 billion of "Avengers: Endgame." In her review, AP Film Writer Lindsey Bahr called "The Way of Water," "a truly dazzling cinematic experience that will have you floating on a blockbuster high." DETAILS

MUSIC

Niall Horan

Niall Horan shows back up with "The Show," his third solo album and first since 2020's chart-topping "Heartbreak Weather." A coach for "The Voice" and former member of One Direction, Horan has released two singles from the new collection — the sweeping and driving "Heaven" and the catchy "Meltdown," a musical promise that "when it all melts down/I'll be there." He's also announced his first headlining shows in six years as well as his biggest venues to date across Europe, Oceania and North America. DETAILS

Janelle Monáe

Sensuality will be on tap when Janelle Monáe releases "The Age of Pleasure," her first album since 2018. "'Cause for your love, I'll take my time/Just wanna feel your hips on mine," Monáe sings in the single "Lipstick Lover." Another offering is "Float" featuring Seun Kuti and Egypt 80, which has been used by the NBA and contains the line "It's hard to look at my resume and not find a reason to toast." The album packaging and fold-out sleeve contains a hidden surprise for listeners: a close-up painting of Monáe's chest. DETAILS

Jason Isbell

—It's back to his day job for Jason Isbell. The singer-songwriter has already been the subject of the HBO documentary "Running With Our Eyes Closed" and got a role in Martin Scorsese's movie "Killers of the Flower Moon." Now comes the album "Weathervanes" with his band the 400 Unit. The 13-tracks include the powerful anti-gun violence song "Save The World" and the intimate "Death Wish," with a partner struggling to help the other cope with their self-destructive behavior. "Who's left to pray to/What's the difference in breakdown and a breakthrough?" he sings. DETAILS

Matchbox Twenty at Blossom Music Center

Matchbox Twenty and Matt Nathanson will be at Blossom Music Center on June 13. The band released its fifth studio set on May 26. Tickets $40+. June 13. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Streets Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. DETAILS

Tyler Childers at Jacobs Pavilion

Grammy-nominated songwriter Tyler Childers “Send in the Hounds” tour kicked off April 14 in New Orleans. Cleveland is on the schedule for June 11 at Jacobs Pavilion. Tickets from $200. June 11. Jacobs Pavilion, 2014 Sycamore St., Cleveland. DETAILS

Fleet Foxes at the Agora

Fleet Foxes 2023 tour kicks off June 13 in Cleveland at the Agora Theater and Ballroom. Tickets are on sale NOW - Use special code 1114RK15 to get 15 percent off. June 13. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. DETAILS

Gigs on the Green concert series launches

Downtown Cleveland Alliance and Axon Creative Agency are presenting Gigs on the Green, a free, Wednesday night concert series that changes venues every month. Local bands will be at Public Square in June, Worthington Yard Courtyard and Superior Hill Park in July, Voinovich Bicentennial Park at North Coast Harbor in August, and Fort Huntington Park in September. The concert for Wednesday, June 14, opens with Wave Rowanne, followed by The Labra Brothers. Free. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., June 14. Public Square. DETAILS

Want more concert & music picks?

Cleveland.com's weekly virtual concert guide is HERE

Cleveland.com's weekly new music guide is HERE

Entertainment | Music | Events

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