A historic visit
For the first time in the country鈥檚 250-year history, a U.S. Navy warship will be commissioned in the state of Ohio. A weeklong celebration begins early Saturday morning as the USS Cleveland (LCS-31) makes its way across Lake Erie to the Port of Cleveland. Observers can gather from Vermilion to Cleveland to welcome the vessel. Meet the crew and learn more about the ship Sunday, 10:30 a.m.鈥� 4:30 p.m., at North Coast Yard on Downtown Cleveland鈥檚 lakefront . Return May 16 for the commissioning ceremony, when USS Cleveland will officially be placed into active service.
Shop local in Kent
The kicks off its 2026 season just in time for Mother鈥檚 Day. Shop for or with mom on the grounds of the historic home of Marvin Kent, a prominent 19th century businessman for whom the city was named. Whether you鈥檙e into antiques, vintage clothing, handmade gifts or sweet treats, there鈥檚 more than 70 local vendors attending Saturday from 10 a.m. 鈥� 4p.m.
An epic finale
Composed in 1936 by Carl Orff, 鈥淐armina Burana鈥� has become one of the most recognizable pieces in classical music, particularly the opening and closing movement, 鈥淥 Fortuna.鈥� It wasn鈥檛 long until the highly dramatic score crossed over into popular culture 鈥� maybe you鈥檝e heard it at sporting events, in commercials and especially in films (it made its cinematic debut during the battle scene in 1981鈥檚 鈥淓xcalibur鈥�). The with this powerful piece, complete with a full chorus for maximum impact. Showtime is Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall in Akron.
Modernist retrospective
William Sommer moved to Cleveland in 1907 to work as a lithographer. Several years later, he co-founded the Kokoon Arts Klub, an organization that promoted the Modernist ideals of rejecting tradition and finding alternative means of artistic expression. Sommer went on to become one of the most respected artists in Cleveland, painting modern, rural landscapes with a vibrant palette. See a retrospective of his work at , which opens with a reception Friday night and runs through Aug. 15.
Beers, brats and bands
The historic village of Zoar in Tuscarawas County was founded by German immigrants in the early 1800s. That heritage is celebrated , a traditional German festival that marks the arrival of spring. Plan on plenty of German food and music, local craft beers and dancing around the maypole. Festivities begin Friday evening and run through Saturday, when there鈥檚 also an antique German-made car show. All activities take place around Main Street in the village.
