Things to Do in Northeast Ohio This Weekend: September 18–20, 2026

Looking for things to do in Northeast Ohio this weekend? From arts and live theater in Cleveland to birding, apple harvesting and fall hiking, there are plenty of events happening across the region from September 18 through September 20, 2026.

Here are seven activities to consider in Cleveland, Akron, Mentor, Kirtland and surrounding Northeast Ohio communities.

1. Explore the Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival

When: Saturday, September 19, noon to 7 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Park, Cleveland
Cost: Free

The Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival returns to Lincoln Park for its 27th season. This free, rain-or-shine event features local artists, cultural organizations, food vendors, music and dance performances.

The festival is divided into five areas, including an Artists’ Village, Cultural Village, Community Village, Children’s Village and food court. It is an easy way to experience Tremont’s creative community while supporting local artists and organizations.

2. See Death Becomes Her at Playhouse Square

When: Friday through Sunday, September 18–20
Where: KeyBank State Theatre, Cleveland
Tickets: Approximately $42 to $150

The Tony Award-winning musical Death Becomes Her is playing at Playhouse Square throughout the weekend. Based on the 1992 film, the production combines comedy, elaborate costumes and an over-the-top story about beauty, rivalry and immortality.

Weekend performance times include:

• Friday at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

• Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The show runs approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including intermission. Check Playhouse Square for current ticket availability.

3. Attend a Cleveland Orchestra Performance

When: Sunday, September 20 at 3 p.m.
Where: Mandel Concert Hall at Severance, Cleveland

The Cleveland Orchestra opens Franz Welser-Möst’s 25th and final season as music director with a program featuring Richard Strauss and Dmitri Shostakovich.

The afternoon performance includes Strauss’s Four Last Songs, featuring soprano Golda Schultz, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 8.

Tickets and complete concert information are available through The Cleveland Orchestra.

4. Visit the Headlands Birding Festival

When: Friday through Sunday, September 18–20
Where: Mentor and the Headlands Beach area
Cost: Several activities are free; registration may be required for certain programs

The Headlands Birding Festival celebrates fall migration along Lake Erie with guided bird walks, workshops, vendors, kayak outings and educational programs.

The weekend begins with a Friday evening keynote at Springbrook Gardens Park. A free scavenger hunt is available throughout the weekend, and the festival concludes Sunday afternoon at Headlands Beach State Park.

Programs are designed for a range of experience levels, including people who are new to birding. Review the festival schedule before visiting because some activities require advance registration.

5. Celebrate Apple & Honey Harvest Weekend

When: Saturday and Sunday, September 19–20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Lake Metroparks Farmpark, Kirtland
Cost: Regular Farmpark admission applies

Fall harvest season arrives at Lake Metroparks Farmpark with Apple & Honey Harvest Weekend.

Visitors can learn how apple butter and cider are made, sample different apple varieties, explore a three-acre corn maze and visit the apiary to learn about bees and honey production. The event also features seasonal demonstrations and the Johnny Appleseed Trail.

Pets are not permitted at the Farmpark, so plan accordingly before visiting.

6. Walk Through Skeleton Grove at Holden Arboretum

When: Saturday and Sunday, September 19–20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Holden Arboretum, Kirtland
Cost: Included with regular admission

Holden Arboretum’s Skeleton Grove opens for the season on September 19. The outdoor experience features giant artist-designed skeletons displayed throughout the landscape as the first signs of fall color begin to appear.

The attraction continues on selected dates through November 1, but opening weekend offers one of the first opportunities to see the new displays.

Admission information and advance tickets are available through the Holden Arboretum.

7. Begin the Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree

When: Now through November 30
Where: Participating Summit Metro Parks trails
Cost: Free to participate; some reward fees apply to nonresidents

This weekend is a good opportunity to begin the 63rd annual Fall Hiking Spree in Summit County.

Participants complete eight designated trails before November 30 to earn a hiking reward. Available routes include short, accessible walks and more challenging natural-surface trails.

Possible starting points include:

• Cascade Valley Metro Park’s Missing Link Trail

• F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm’s Seneca Trail

• Firestone Metro Park’s Willow Trail

• Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park

Check current park alerts and trail conditions before heading out.

Quick Weekend Guide

What free events are happening in Northeast Ohio this weekend?

The Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival is free to attend. The Headlands Birding Festival also offers several free programs, including its weekend scavenger hunt. Participation in the Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree is free, although reward fees may apply to people who live outside Summit County.

What family-friendly activities are available?

Apple & Honey Harvest Weekend, Skeleton Grove, the Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival and selected Headlands Birding Festival activities offer options for a range of ages. Check individual event pages for admission details, accessibility information and program requirements.

What is happening in downtown Cleveland?

This weekend’s Cleveland-area highlights include Death Becomes Her at Playhouse Square, The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance and the Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival in Lincoln Park.

What outdoor activities are happening near Akron?

The Summit Metro Parks Fall Hiking Spree offers multiple trail choices throughout the Akron and Summit County area. Participants have until November 30 to complete eight designated hikes.

Make the Most of the Weekend

Whether you want to see a Broadway musical, explore a fall festival, listen to The Cleveland Orchestra or spend the day outside, Northeast Ohio has something happening this weekend.

Event schedules, prices and availability can change. Confirm the latest details with the event organizer before leaving home.

At Glasshouse Realty, we believe getting to know a community includes experiencing what happens beyond the front door. If you are considering buying or selling a home in Northeast Ohio, our local real estate professionals are here to help you understand the communities, housing options and market conditions across the region. 

Published 9/17/26