Free Stamp: All things free in the #CLE for September 2018

free_stamp_01.jpgCourtesy of ICA-Art Conservation

The best things in life are free, indeed, and our monthly "Free Stamp" feature rounds up all of the free #CLE events that get our "stamp" of approval. Got a free event you want us to include? Drop us a line here.

Ready to Launch
LaunchHouse has a compelling lineup of free events at both its Highland Heights and Lakewood locations throughout September. Listen to Ari Gunzburg share his story of turning "Obstacles into Opportunities" at a special Lunch + Learn on Thursday, September 13, from 12 to 1 p.m., or join Dirty Girl Soap Company for a happy hour event on Thursday, September 20, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Over in Lakewood, Bill Russell of CrossFit Cleveland will talk about how he founded the area's first CrossFit affiliate back in 2007 and fostered its success during a happy hour event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 21.

#IntheCircle
Head to University Circle for the last “Out to Lunch” music show of the summer. On Friday, September 14, the sounds of the Blues Devils will enliven Toby’s Plaza in University Circle from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Pack a lunch and join the festive fun! More details here. Then, on Sunday, September 16, head to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens to celebrate the 73rd Annual One World Day—a vibrant celebration of diverse cultures featuring a Parade of Nations, authentic ethnic food, and opportunities to tour the gardens.

Flat Out Fun
On Friday, September 14, Parrotheads will fill the Flats for the last edition of Flat Out Fridays featuring the Boat Drinks band. Enjoy live music on the waterfront, cool bevvies, and sweet treats at this outdoor event, which benefits Fostering Hope. Get the skinny here.

Out of the Park
League Park has a fascinating history, and author Ken Krsolovic (League Park, Historic Home of Cleveland Baseball) will be serving up some of its most compelling stories on Saturday, September 15, at 1 p.m. Join Krsolovic for a storytelling event centered on League Park’s legacy by registering here or calling 216-789-1083.

Classic!
The Cleveland Classical Guitar Society will present its season opener on September 15 at the Maltz Performing Arts Center, free and open to the public. Sibling duo Wesley and Jeremy Collins will headline the event with a world-premiere performance of “Impressions for Viola and Guitar,” in the style of Debussy and Ravel. Other local notables will round out the showcase concert, which kicks off the International Series season. Learn more about this and other upcoming shows here.

A Good Bet
Head to Midtown for a lively, family-friendly ode to the historic Leo’s Casino on Thursday, September 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. “Leo’s Listening Party” will feature Leo’s alumni Eddie Baccus and other performers sharing songs and stories that capture the spirit of Leo’s Casino. The event is designed to engage the residents of MidTown and Hough and will be held at Greenspace (1956 E. 75th Street, Cleveland). Please bring your own drinks and chairs, and a food truck will be on-site.

Art Appreciation, Dino-Style
Art and autism will intersect at DINOSHOW, a free event that will spotlight the collaborative work of Cleveland artists and local children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For the special showing, 10 children with ASD were asked to draw their favorite dinosaur, after which the participating artists—who included Derek Hess, Tim “Tim Jim” Eakin, Angela Oster, and more—interpreted the drawings in various mediums. Check out the one-night-only reception, which will benefit Connecting for Kids, on September 21, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Derek Hess Gallery. More details here

Straight Talk
Strongsville-based Blo Blow Dry bar is celebrating its one-year anniversary with a bona fide blowout bash! Get a free blowout on Friday, September 21, or visit the salon on Saturday, September 22, for refreshments, prizes, raffles, and to shop The Wandering Wardrobe mobile boutique.

Good Cents
At the Cleveland Learning Center and Money Museum, money really does grow on trees. Check out the 23-foot money tree, or just make your own currency at this one-of-a-kind free museum with lots of interactive exhibits about personal finance, economics, and the history of money. Learn more here.

Jen Jones Donatelli
Jen Jones Donatelli

About the Author: Jen Jones Donatelli

As an enthusiastic CLE-vangelist, Jen Jones Donatelli enjoys diving headfirst into her work with FreshWater Cleveland. Upon moving back to Cleveland after 16 years in Los Angeles, Jen served as FreshWater's managing editor for two years (2017-2019) and continues her work with the publication as a contributing editor and host of the FreshFaces podcast.

When not typing the day away at her laptop, she teaches writing and creativity classes through her small business Creative Groove, as well as Literary Cleveland, Cleveland State University, and more. Jen is a proud graduate of Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.