15 Things Going on in Cleveland Memorial Day Weekend

Guide to Kulchur, fast becoming a hub for hypnotically unusual events on Cleveland’s west side, hosts WOMYN at 6:30 this evening. WOMYN is a monthly collaboration with She Speaks Collective to offer a “women-centric reading experience.” The goal, according to their literature, is to create a movement of those willing to confront both themselves and the issues women face today. As with most of the G2K events, it’s free, open to the public and BYOB. It’ll start with an open mic followed by three featured readers — women with impressive national writing credentials. Though men are free to attend in support, there will be a women-only forum after the readings on the subject of accountability. (Allard)

Memorial Day Weekend wouldn’t be Memorial Day Weekend without the Marc’s Great American Rib Cook-off and Music Festival. The four-day event kicks off today at noon at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica. Rib cookers from all around the country will set up booths so you can sample their variations on barbequed ribs. Entertainment acts are scheduled for each night too. Tonight, local cover bands Disco Inferno and the Spazmatics offer a “bone-crushing dance party.” Tonight’s admission is only $1 but tickets for tomorrow, Sunday and Monday start at $8. Classic rocker Joan Jett headlines tomorrow, emo rockers Taking Back Sunday play on Sunday and country rockers Blackberry Smoke headline on Monday. (Niesel)

Indulge in some Mediterranean jubilation this Memorial Day with the 44th Tremont Greek Fest. Held at Annunciation Church in Tremont, this four day-long celebration has all the Greek food, drink and dance you can handle. An extensive menu of authentic Greek cuisine is available; the food is made from homemade recipes passed down to parishioners from generations ago. The fest includes outdoor eateries and a wine garden as well as entertainment from Greek dancers, musicians and “The Most Interesting Greek Guy in the World.” Festivities run from noon to midnight today, tomorrow and Sunday, and form 12 to 9 on Monday. (Gonzalez)

The Cleveland Gladiators are dominating the Arena Football League, folks. Though the AFL doesn’t have the following of the NFL (YET!!!) the Gladiators are 7-0 and, along with the Arizona Rattlers, are the only undefeated team in the country. Gladiator, of course, is now available instantly on Netflix, so it’s reasonable to assume the team has been channeling Maximus in a pretty regular way. Tonight, they take on the Philadelphia Soul at the Quicken Loans Arena. With a 50-yard field, look for lots of touchdowns, athletic interceptions and crazy trick plays. Tickets starts at $10 — incredible bang for your buck. (Sam Allard)

Jazz and cinema are two art forms that developed in tandem, and the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque celebrates this relationship in what’s been dubbed the Double-C JazzFilmFest. This first-ever jazz film series is dedicated to the memory of WCPN’s Jazz Tracks host Bobby Jackson. The series runs until June 21 and serves as a fitting prelude to the Tri-C JazzFest. This week’s 1954 biopic, The Glenn Miller Story, stars James Stewart as the ’40s era jazz trombonist/bandleader. A few famous jazz performers grace the silver screen in the film, including Louis Armstrong and Gene Krupa. The screening features a 35mm archive print, and starts at 5:15 tonight and at 5 tomorrow night. Tickets are $9. (Gonzalez)

On Memorial Day weekend, join some of the top stars in professional wrestling at Turners Hall in Cleveland, OH for the JT Lightning Invitational Tournament. See former WCW Superstar Buff Bagwell, Michael Elgin, Matt Cross, and many more in the this spectacular two-night tournament. On Saturday night, see former TNA Impact Wrestling Heavyweight Champion Chris Sabin take on Johnny Gargano.

Spring is finally here and the North Union Farmer’s Market is back for its 10th season at Crocker Park. A wide array of vendors will be on hand selling everything from local, organic produce and meats to honey, preserves and baked goods. You can also purchase plants you can take home to start your own organic garden. This year’s new location is across from Dick’s Sporting Goods. Hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the market takes place every Saturday through December. (Trenholme)

For the first time ever, you can come to Wade Oval and get into the Cleveland Botanical Garden, Museum of Natural History and Western Reserve Historical Society for free. Since the Art Museum normally has free general admission, they are offering free tickets to the hugely popular Van Gogh exhibit for the first 500 visitors. This Cleveland Foundation Day is designed to celebrate the collective support these gems of Cleveland have received over the last 100 years. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Trenholme)

Two of the most iconic James Bond characters of all time — the aptly named Pussy Galore and hat-hurling bad guy sidekick Oddjob — appear in Goldfinger, screening tonight and tomorrow at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. It’s the film’s 50th anniversary, which means that Sean Connery (who plays agent 007) is really, really old. Goldfinger is the third in the Bond saga, following Dr. No (1962) and From Russia with Love (1963). Precious metals magnate Auric Goldfinger seeks global domination via the disruption of the American gold supply at Fort Knox in this oh-so-'60s tale of international espionage. Tickets are $9 for tonight’s 9:15 screening. Same for tomorrow at 7:15. (Allard)

Cleveland’s comedy scene is growing. Apart from creating comedic greats like Drew Carey and Dave Hill, the underground scene is quickly producing solid comedians with unique life perspectives. The Chucklefck comedy shows are at the forefront of this intentionally hilarious movement. For $6 tonight at Reddstone, you can check out some of Cleveland’s funnier assets in this five-comedian-deep line-up. While most of these comedians are still early in their careers, they’re more than capable of creating a night full of laughs. The bar upstairs opens at 9 and the show starts at 10 with $5 burgers, pizzas and wings and drink specials. (Patrick Stoops)