Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers kicked off the 2024-25 season with an NBA-best 15-0 win streak. They wrapped up the regular season with an impressive 64-18 record to secure the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Facing the No. 8 seed Miami Heat, the Cavs opened the postseason with an impressive 121-100 victory April 20. Follow the Cavs throughout the playoffs as they host each round in which they advance at Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland. cavs.com
Lake County Captains
The Lake County Captains, High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, has several promotional events planned for the 2025 season like Dawg Night, Family Fun Sunday and Senior Day, among others. Classic Auto Group Park is 15 minutes from downtown Cleveland in Eastlake. milb.com/lake-county
Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians started May with a road trip before returning home to Progressive Field the weekend of May 9 to face National League opponents – the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers. Each homestand will feature themed promotional events for fans at the corner of Carnegie Avenue and Ontario Street in downtown Cleveland. When at the game, grab a kosher dog from Mendel’s Dogs and Deli. mlb.com/guardians
Celebrate Israel’s 77th Indepedence Day
JewishAkron will host a celebration of Israel’s 77th Independence Day, Yom Ha’atzmaut, with the “Israel @ 77” event featuring a live performance by John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting at 7 p.m. May 4 at the Goodyear Theatre in Akron. Israeli singer-songwriter and community shaliach Rami Feinstein will open the show. jewishakron.org
‘Fiddler on the Roof’
“Tradition!” comes to life at Cleveland Play House with the beloved classic “Fiddler on the Roof.” Step into the heart of Anatevka, where Tevye the milkman and his wife Golde navigate the delicate dance between cherished traditions and a changing world. Set at the dawn of a new century, this timeless story celebrates faith, family, and the enduring bonds that hold communities together. With its unforgettable music, heartfelt humor, and powerful themes of love, resilience, and generational strength, Fiddler on the Roof is a must-see theatrical experience with an extended run at the Allen Theatre through May 25. clevelandplayhouse.com
Park Synagogue Mitzvah Day May 4
Park Synagogue in Pepper Pike will hold its annual Mitzvah Day on May 4. The day of community service features a Mitzvah Day Fair from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at which volunteers of all ages can drop-in to help with different projects, as well as to donate blood from 9 to 2:30. Mitzvah Day includes 14 other projects that require pre- registration. Unwanted electronics can be dropped off for a recycling drive taking place in the parking lot off of Shaker Boulevard from 10 to 2. The complete schedule and registration link can be found at parksynagogue.org/mitzvahday or contact Ellen Petler for more information at epetler@parksyn.org or at 216-371-2244, ext. 122. parksynagogue.org/mitzvahday
CJN Mahjong Night
What started out as the Cleveland Jewish News Mahjong Night has turned in to an all-day event on May 8 due to popular demand. 9 With the evening event from 5:30 to 8:30 quickly selling out, an afternoon session from noon to 3 p.m. was added. The action will take place at StoneWater Golf Club in Highland Heights. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Tickets are $36 per person and include a gift bag, one drink ticket, heavy appetizers and a chance to win prizes. Those who purchase an individual ticket will be paired up with a group or other individual ticket holders. Attendees should bring your own tiles and 2025 rule cards. A foursome ticket is $125 and includes a reserved table, plus everything above. To register, visit cjn.org/mahjongnight. For more information, contact Sam Spiegle at 216-342-5198 or sspiegle@cjn.org.
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Luncheon
Join the Northeast Ohio community in honoring Holocaust survivors – including the 2025 National Leadership Honoree John Newburger at the 2025 U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Cleveland Luncheon on May 9 at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights. Speakers include Vidhya Ramalingam, founder and CEO of Moonshot, and Edna Friedberg, museum historian. ushmm.org/online-calendar/2025-cleveland-luncheon
Cedar Point opening day
Get ready for thrills. Cedar Point kicks off its 2025 season on May 10. From world-class roller coasters to family rides, live entertainment and new surprises, there’s something for everyone at “Ohio’s Theme Park” in Sandusky. New for 2025 is Siren’s Curse, “North America’s tallest, longest and fastest tilt roller coaster.” cedarpoint.com
4th annual Ignite the Night
Gross Schechter Day School in Pepper Pike will hold its fourth annual Ignite the Night fundraiser, billed as “Cleveland’s Largest Lag B’Omer Celebration,” at 6:30 p.m. May 15. The festive Jewish holiday marking the end of the period of mourning between Passover and Shavuot is open to the entire Cleveland Jewish community. There will be a bonfire, food, live music and other entertainment. grossschechter.org
University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon
The 48th University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon will return to downtown Cleveland on May 17 and May 18. As Northeast Ohio’s leading distance running event, the weekend will offer something for everyone – ranging from the 5K and Kids Fun Run to the half- and full-marathons, along with the Two-Day Challenge Series. Following the race, all guests can enjoy the 26.3 Mile After Party and the Cleveland Marathon Health & Fitness Expo presented by University Hospitals. clevelandmarathon.com
Blossom Time Festival
Since 1935, Blossom Time has been a cherished Memorial Day weekend tradition in the Chagrin Valley, marking the unofficial start of summer with festive community spirit. Hosted by the Chagrin Valley Jaycees since 1956, the 2025 celebration will be held from May 22 to May 25, featuring a mix of classic favorites and new attractions – from the lively carnival and balloon glow to concerts, races and parades. Each day will offer something unique, all leading up to the Memorial Day Parade and commemorative ceremonies on May 25. cvjc.org/blossom-time
Reggae Fest Cleveland
If you’re craving good vibes and great tunes, get ready for a One
Love Irie Weekend at Reggae Fest. Since 2017, this feel-good celebration has filled downtown Cleveland’s Voinovich Park with the soulful sounds of live reggae and mouthwatering island-inspired eats. Happening May 24 and May 25, the festival draws over 4,000 people each year for a family-friendly experience. reggaefestcleveland.com
Cleveland Pops Orchestra presents Decades of Delight
Join the Cleveland Pops Orchestra and powerhouse vocalist Capathia Jenkins at 7:30 p.m. May 31 for Hits from the Great American Songbook – a nostalgic evening celebrating iconic songs by Neil Diamond, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Henry Mancini, Burt Bacharach and more. The concert will close with a heartfelt tribute to our armed forces and first responders. Led by founding conductor Carl Topilow, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra performs at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hall at Severance Music Center in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood. clevelandpops.com
Community-Wide Tikkun Leil Shavuot 5785
Tikkun Leil Shavuot is a meaningful tradition of all-night learning held on the first night of Shavuot, honoring the moment the Torah was given at Mount Sinai. Rooted in 16th-century Safed’s mystical community, this custom invites participants to spiritually prepare for receiving the Torah anew – some even view it as a way to “make up” for the Israelites’ drowsiness during the original revelation. Free and open to all, the community-wide Tikkun Leil Shavuot 5785 will take place from 7 p.m. June 1 to 7 a.m. on June 2 at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike. bnaijeshurun.org
FIDF Ohio Chapter Annual Guy’s Night Out
Guys Night Out will be June 5 and is designed to support the brave soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces while delivering a fun, unforgettable evening for all who attend. Guests will enjoy a top-shelf liquor bar, kosher strolling dinner, cigar lounge, scotch and tequila tastings, raffle prizes and casino games. Proceeds from the night will directly benefit the IDF soldiers who protect Israel and Jewish communities around the globe. Location will be provided at registration. fidf.org/guys-night-out
‘Hamilton’ at Playhouse Square
The epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation, the hit North American tour returns to the KeyBank State Theatre from June 17 through July 6. playhousesquare.org
Tri-C JazzFest
Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland is more than a summer celebration – it’s an educational, year-round experience that culminates in a dynamic three- day music festival held at Playhouse Square in the heart of Cleveland. Nearly 500 artists take the stage across indoor and outdoor venues, showcasing jazz and a wide range of musical genres. World-class performers headline the ticketed indoor concerts in Playhouse Square’s historic theaters, while free outdoor performances fill the streets with music, energy and community spirit. Partake in an unforgettable musical journey as the 46th annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland returns from June 26 to June 28 featuring a blend of cultures, styles and legendary talent.
tri-c.edu/jazzfest