Even though summer doesn’t officially end until mid-September, everyone knows August is the last chance to have fun for the rest of the year.  It’s true; there will be no fun to be had again until Christmas.  Luckily there are a ton of fun activities around the city this weekend.  Here are some highlights to help you make the most out of summer’s twilight!

Photo by Owen Carey for Portland Center Stage. Used with Permission.

One Night with Janis Joplin: Allen Theater – Friday, August 10 at 7:30 p.m.

An artist ahead of her time, Janis Joplin became one of the most influential artists of the 60s, inspiring fans with her unique blend of blues, rock and psychedelic jazz.  But the “Queen of Rock and Roll” burned brightly for only a short time, dying at the age of 27 following a drug overdose.

Now her spirit is being kept alive through the show “One Night with Janis Joplin” at the Allen Theater.  The show, written and directed with the cooperation of Joplin’s family, features more than 20 of Joplin’s songs performed by Cat Stephani.  The show also touches on Joplin’s musical influences ranging from Bessie Smith to Aretha Franklin.  Click here for more info.

Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox: Progressive Field – Thursday, August 9; Friday, August 10 at 7:05 p.m.; Saturday, August 11 at 6:05 p.m.; Sunday, August 12 at 1:05 p.m.

(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

There are two really special times to be a Cleveland sports fan:  Browns’ draft day, and the inexplicable few weeks in August where the Indians (50-60) climb out of the Central Division’s gutter to give fans hope they could possibly make the playoffs.  Of course they won’t, but the false hope generated by an Indians team that doesn’t lose 11 straight is fun to watch!

Head to Progressive Field this weekend as the “Tribe” takes on a struggling Red Sox (55-56) team for a four-game series.  And just in case the Indians decide to start their winning streak next week, did we mention Thursday’s game is also Dollar Dog Night?  Probably should lead with that next time.  Click here to buy tickets.

98.5 WNCX Presents ZOSO: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds – Saturday, August 11 at 8 p.m.

Thanks to a partnership between WNCX and the Cuyahoga County Fair, Led Zeppelin cover specialists ZOSO are coming to Northeast Ohio.  Sporting true-to-form 70’s outfits and replicating the legendary rocker’s style, ZOSO is considered the premiere Led Zeppelin experience around.  With a decade of experience perfecting their impersonation, the California based ZOSO has turned mimicry into a true art form.  If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the real Zeppelin should feel pretty good about themselves right about now.  Tickets start at just $9.

Cuyahoga County Fair: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds – Monday, August 6 – Sunday, August 12 from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

A time-honored tradition in Northeast Ohio, the Cuyahoga County Fair is back for its 116^th installment.  Don’t be fooled by fair’s classic exhibitions like cow milking, square dancing and tractor demos, this event also features a demolition derby, stunt shows and a rodeo.   Not to mention all the games, music and rides you can handle coupled with and endless supply of deep-fried carnival food!  Tickets start at just $7.  Click here for more info.

Cinema at the Square: Palace Theater – Friday, August 10 – Sunday, August 12 at various times

Are you sick of walking into your local theater only to be bombarded by screaming toddlers while simultaneously sticking to a floor (you hope) is covered in leftover popcorn and sodas?  Break the cycle and class things up by heading to the Palace Theater this weekend for Playhouse Square’s 15^th annual Cinema at the Square.

The festival features film classics like “Rebel Without a Cause,” “Some Like It Hot” and “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” on the theater’s signature 20×47 screen.  Guests can also enjoy a pre-show organ recital courtesy of a restored 1927 Kimball organ.  All tickets are only $5.  Click here for more info and movie schedule.

Legends of Country Rock: Cain Park – Saturday, August 11 at 8 p.m.

Cain Park has pulled out all the stops with this year’s concert lineup, and the Legends of Country Music showcase is no exception.  The concert features grassroots bands like Firefall, Pure Prairie League and Poco treating country music with a special reverence.  Casual country fans need not apply.  Click here for more info.

- John Milligan / 98.5 WNCX