Things to Do This Halloween Weekend In Cleveland: Oct. 30-Nov. 2

Thursday, Oct. 30

Michael Blackson at the Goodyear Theater
Known as the "African King of Comedy," Michael Blackson developed his comedic skills with original humor and the ability to be fearless on stage. He jokes about current affairs and takes aim at celebs such as Kim Kardashian and Michael Jordan. He performs at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Goodyear Theater in Akron. 1201 East Market St., Akron, 330-659-7118, goodyeartheater.com

Dial M for Murder at the Hanna Theatre
Great Lakes Theater presents its take on the classic thriller adapted from the original by Frederick Knott. Thursday's performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Hanna Theatre, where performances continue through Nov. 9. 2067 East 14th St., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org

Wycliffe Gordon at Edwins
The jazz musician swings into town to play Edwins in Cleveland Heights. A trombonist, arranger, composer, band leader and teacher, the well-rounded musician reportedly started playing jazz at 13 while growing up in Georgia. He performs at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. 12383 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-921-3333, edwinsrestaurant.org

The Christine Jorgensen Show at the Outcalt Theater
Cleveland Play House Artistic Director Michael Barakiva, who directed the show’s Off-Broadway premiere, brings this show about the person who reportedly became "the first transgender celebrity in America." Thursday's performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. at the Outcalt Theater, where performances continue through Nov. 16. 1407 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org

Michael Longfellow at Hilarities
The comedian and actor who spent three seasons on Saturday Night Live appears Thursday at 7 p.m. at Hilarities, where he has shows scheduled through Saturday. 2035 East Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com

Ohlsson Plays Mozart at Mandel Concert Hall
Garrick Ohlsson, the only American winner of the prestigious Chopin Piano Competition, joins the Cleveland Orchestra Thursday at Mandel Concert Hall to play pieces by Tyler Taylor, Mozart and R. Schumann. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and performances continue through Sunday. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-231-1111, clevelandorchestra.com

The Psychology of Cults at Connor Palace
Cult interventionist Ashlen Hilliard gives a talk about how cults form and why people join them. The show will feature true stories and interactive discussions. It begins at 8 p.m. at Connor Palace. 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org

They Are Gutting a Body of Water at Mahall’s 20 Lanes
This group that started as a solo project for singer Doug Dulgarian draws upon '90s drum n' bass and shoegaze. On tour in support of their new album, LOTTO, the group comes to Mahall's 20 Lanes in Lakewood. The show begins at 7 p.m. 13200 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-3280, mahalls20lanes.com

Friday, Oct. 31

Bias Selector at No Class
This relatively new Cleveland group headed up by Adam Boose (formerly of Golden Streets of Paradise, Swarm of Bats, Furnace St.) plays a special Halloween show at No Class. The band promises it'll have fog, strobe lights and masks at the gig, which also features indie acts Healng, Pleasure Dome, Deadweight Date and Rhythm. The show begins at 8 p.m. 11213 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-221-8576, noclasscle.com

Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena
The Cavs take on the Toronto Raptors on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at Rocket Arena. Since it's Halloween, you can expect that at least some fans will come in costume. One Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com

Ashland Craft at Beachland Tavern
This country singer-songwriter who just released her sophomore album, Dive Bar Beauty Queen, has opened for big-name country acts such as Luke Bryan and Cody Johnson. A Top 10 finisher on season 13 of The Voice, she comes to the Beachland Tavern at 8 p.m. Singer-songwriter Caleb Lee Hutchinson opens the show. 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com

Zainab Johnson at the Funny Bone
Having grown up in Harlem as one of 13 siblings in a Muslim family, comedian Zainab Johnson has plenty of material at her disposal. Originally, she worked as a teacher, but after appearances on HBO's All Def Comedy and BET's Comic View, her career in comedy began to take off. She performs Friday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. and Saturday night at 6:30 and 9 p.m. at the Cleveland Funny Bone. 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-4677, cleveland.funnybone.com

Saturday, Nov. 1

The 40-Year-Old Burton at Kennedy’s Cabaret
Comedian Burton Miller brings his show about his religious small-town upbringing to Kennedy's Cabaret. The performance begins at 8 p.m. 1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org

Bryan Adams: Roll with the Punches at Rocket Arena
Perhaps best known for his '80s hit "Summer of '69," singer-songwriter Bryan Adams returns to Rocket Arena. Adams has a new album out and at least a few tracks will come from it, including the rousing title track, "Roll with the Punches." In keeping with the show's nostalgic nature, '80s icons Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo will open. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. One Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com

ChargeFest at Public Hall
ChargeFest celebrates the return of NBA G League basketball to return to Public Hall. The event, which takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. will give fans an exclusive first look at the new Charge court and a chance to meet the new head coach. Local rock band Trailer Park Ninjas will provide entertainment while fans can shoot a free throw on the court, take locker room tours, and meet mascots such as Pozzie, Sir CC and Moondog. It's free with advance registration. 500 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-5555, cleveland.gleague.nba.com

Dia de Muertos at Gordon Square Arts District
Though it might not sound like it, the Detroit Shoreway's Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration is a family-friendly affair. Kids love to join the Parade of Skeletons that features life-sized puppets and plenty of people in costume. Vendors will set up inside Cleveland Public Theatre's Parish Hall, and Gordon Square Arts District bars and restaurants will have specials. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and goes until 10 p.m. 6415 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, cptonline.org

Mushroomhead at the Agora
The Cleveland band brings its annual Halloween show back to the Agora. Expect a festive affair since the group already performs in ghoulish costumes. Psychotick, Black Satellite, Mind Incision and Bittersweet Revenge open. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com

Opening Day Soirée at Guest Room
Guest Room, a new boutique, offers vintage clothing, original art and hand-picked books. The space will host regular community events, beginning with this Opening Day Soirée that pays tribute to New York gatherings. The event marks the start of an ongoing series of creative events, including live music, drawing sessions, gallery openings and local chef nights. It begins at 7 p.m. 2535 Scranton Road, Cleveland, guestroom-cle.com

The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Cedar Lee Theatre
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 1975 film that still draws an exuberant, costumed crowd that likes to throw rice and dry toast and sing along to the songs in the movie, still draws big crowds to local showings. Expect a throng to show up for Saturday's screening that takes place at 9:30 p.m. at the Cedar Lee Theatre. Tickets cost $12. It takes place the first Saturday of every month. 2163 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 440-528-0355, clevelandcinemas.com

Woodchoppers Ball 2025 at Kent Stage
Local musician Brian Henke curates this annual benefit for the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless. He'll be among the nine acts that perform on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Kent Stage. 175 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, kentstage.org

Sunday, Nov. 2

Deric Cahill at Hilarities
With his current tour, dubbed Unfortunate Son, this comedian promises to "delve deep into the chaos of his past." He performs at 7:30 p.m. at Hilarities. 2035 East Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-241-7425, pickwickandfrolic.com

Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Arena
The Cavs take on an Atlanta Hawks team that promises to be very competitive this season. Led by crafty point guard Trae Young, the team also includes star center Kristaps Porzingis. The game starts at 6 p.m. at Rocket Arena. One Center Court, Cleveland, 216-420-2000, rocketarena.com

Caroline Davis at the Bop Stop
Winner of Downbeat’s Critic’s Poll Rising Star Alto-Saxophonist in 2018, the jazz saxophonist performs on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Bop Stop. She’s released eight albums under her own name to date. 2920 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-6551, themusicsettlement.org

Theo Lawrence at Beachland Tavern
Inspired by the likes of Charlie Rich and Ray Price, this old school country singer-songwriter who's a native of France but now calls Austin, TX home brings his tour in support of his new album, Pickin’ & Singin’, to the Beachland Tavern. The show begins at 8 p.m. 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland, 216-383-1124, beachlandballroom.com

Lil Tecca at the Agora
Touring in support of his new album, Dopamine, the rapper comes to the Agora with opening acts ffawty and Hardrock. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Dopamine has yielded the huge hit, “Dark Thoughts,” a Neptunes-produced tune that features mushy mouthed vocals and smooth grooves. 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-881-2221, agoracleveland.com

The Stray Cats at MGM Northfield Park
Frontman Brian Setzer brings his rockabilly group back to MGM Northfield Park's Center Stage. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. 10705 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7793, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com

Verdin Brothers at Little Rose Tavern
The experimental folk group from Minneapolis headlines this concert at Little Rose Tavern that also features the Heavy Rains Stringband and Micheal Seiser, locals that offer original takes on traditional music. The music begins at 8 p.m. 14206 Lorain Ave., 216-331-1441, facebook.com/LittleRoseTavern