When Jon Kozesky and Amber Toth say “I do” at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo this Saturday, they’ll also be celebrating the nonprofit they work together to support. Instead of a traditional wedding registry, the Fairview Park couple is asking friends, family, and the community to support The Littlest Heroes Pediatric Cancer Foundation, with a goal of raising more than $100,000 for Northeast Ohio families battling childhood cancer.

Award-winning Akron dancer and choreographer Dominic Moore-Dunson is taking his latest work out of the theater and onto the trails. “Black by Nature,” a site-specific performance exploring race, belonging and the outdoors, will lead audiences through Cascade Valley Metro Park in the Summit Metro Parks on Sept. 19 and 26, combining dance, music, poetry and storytelling along the way.

EDWINS owner Brandon Chrostowski will make his fifth humanitarian mission to Ukraine Oct. 5, joining an ambulance convoy before continuing his hands-on work. His Sept. 30 fundraiser at EDWINS has already raised $18,000 toward a $25,000 goal.

Afro hair is beautiful, diverse, and, according to Cleveland Heights cosmetologist Ladosha Wright, often misunderstood. World Afro Day Cleveland returns Saturday, Sept. 19 with hands-on hair-care demonstrations, practical tips, giveaways, music, dancing, and a Biggest Afro Contest, all built around one message: “Your Hair Is KNOT the Problem.”

It survived a century, a devastating Akron church fire and a painstaking restoration. Now, a 109-year-old Tiffany stained-glass window is the centerpiece of “Higher Ground,” a new Peg’s Gallery exhibit in Hudson that explores resilience, recovery, transformation, and new beginnings.

A few early raindrops couldn’t dampen the spirit of this year’s Waterloo Arts Fest. Once the skies cleared, crowds filled the Waterloo Arts District for a day of music, art, vendors, aerial performers and acrobatics across eight stages. Photographer Reuben Kutash captured the late-summer fun from start to finish.

Engage! Cleveland will honor 21 individuals and companies at its fifth annual Generation NEXT Awards on Sept. 23, recognizing emerging talent, mentors, employers and organizations helping make Greater Cleveland a destination for the next generation.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and KeyBank teamed up with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank for a fifth year of Community Markets, bringing free fresh produce and pantry staples to Cleveland neighborhoods. The fourth of five summer markets takes place Sept. 16 at Hayes Temple Church of God in Christ in Kinsman, where volunteers will distribute about 8,000 pounds of food to local residents.

Lake View Cemetery’s annual Run Through History returns Sept. 20, giving runners and walkers a chance to explore the cemetery’s historic grounds while taking part in a 5K or 2-mile course. Early-bird registration is available through this Thursday, Sept. 17.

Strongsville native Wilbert L. Cooper’s book, “The Black Shield,” combines memoir, history and journalism to explore three generations of Black police officers in his family and the history of race, policing. and power in Cleveland. Cooper will discuss the book at Cuyahoga County Public Library’s South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch on Sept. 17 and at Visible Voice Books on Sept. 18.

From a reggae-filled after-hours party to chamber music by Cleveland Orchestra musicians and a free concert in the Italian Baroque gallery, the Cleveland Museum of Art has plenty of ways to get your groove on this week.

One of the grandest houses on Lakeshore Boulevard in Bratenahl is Moyenage—a 1904 Elizabethan Tudor that has been home to several of Cleveland's most notable business families. Now it belongs to Jason Kelce and Taylor Swift.

Dress designer Kori Brightharp turned a passion for sewing into a growing dress design business with help from the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Warrensville Heights Innovation Center. From mentors and fellow creators to access to equipment and customers, the Innovation Center has helped Brightharp build her skills, expand her business, and inspire the next generation of young designers.

Cleveland Oktoberfest returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds Friday for six days over two weekends. The popular event offers German traditions, beer, food, live music, and plenty of new attractions.

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture grants are helping Cleveland-area nonprofits use art and music to support people with disabilities and cognitive differences. From art therapy and pottery to music-making, these programs build confidence, encourage creative expression and help participants find connection and community.

Despite rain, wind and thunderstorms, South Euclid’s Rock the Block drew crowds to the Food Truck Park for two nights of live music, food, drinks and fun. FreshWater photographer Reuben Kutash captured the weekend’s rocking festivities.

Originally published in October 2024. Since 2017, The Literacy Cooperative has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to send free books each month to local children. Working with local groups like Heights Family Foundation, United Way, and the Bruening Foundation, as of October 2024, the groups have now distributed two million books.

The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s annual Exploration fundraiser invites guests to rediscover the magic of camp while supporting the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center. The Sept. 26 event features outdoor experiences, a family-style dinner by Chef Vinnie Cimino and opportunities to support immersive nature-based education for thousands of Northeast Ohio students.

Near West Theatre will wrap its 2026 Community Celebration Summer Plaza Concert Series with a free Hispanic Heritage Celebration this Friday, Aug. 28, with music, dance, performances, cultural resources, crafts, and Puerto Rican food. The  event takes place at Near West Theatre's outdoor plaza in the Gordon Square Arts District.

Noblewins LLC, 2026 Cleveland Chain Reaction winner, is giving retired wind turbine blades a second life as functional public art. Founder and CEO Brian Donahue shares how a problem he spotted in the renewable energy industry led to an innovative Cleveland business — and ultimately a $40,000 first-place prize.