10 Things Going on this Weekend in Cleveland (December 19 - 21)

December’s Third Friday monthly open house at 78th Street Studios features a number of opening receptions for gallery exhibitions, as well as local artisans selling unique holiday gift items. Highlights include an opening reception for Dwelling at HEDGE Gallery (second floor) featuring new work by Catherine Beaudette, Christopher Kier and HEDGE owner Hilary Gent. FORUM Artspace (enter through separate door in parking lot near West 78th Street) presents Legacy and Labor, an exhibition curated by Caitie Moore and Trevor Powers, featuring work by Daniel Shea, Alex Lukas, Tammy Mercure, Melissa Catanese and Tom Hoying. Additionally, a number of galleries are filled with great gift ideas. Be sure to check out 112 Days of Christmas at E11even 2 (first floor) and the Annual Members’ Holiday Sale at Cleveland West Art League (first floor). Stop by this Friday to explore all four floors of Cleveland’s “Art Maze.” (Josh Usmani)

After Kyrie Irving’s terrifying near-injury against the Thunder, it’s just a relief to see him back on the court, doing — as sportswriters like to say — “Kyrie things.” We’re in the middle of a nice little homestand here, so go check out the Cavs take on the Brooklyn Nets at the Q tonight at 7:30. You can expect all the fireworks and alley-oops from last week’s matchup, which the Cavs decisively won, but just don’t expect Jay-Z, Beyonce, Prince William and Kate to show up. On this court, there’s only one King anyway. Tickets start at $25. (Sam Allard)

Whiskey (or whisky) demands to be savored. Whether you have it neat, dirty, on the rocks, straight or mixed, you should treat it like a fine wine. You’ll get that opportunity tonight at Whiskey Business, a Scene event that allows you to sample the best in scotches, bourbons and whiskeys. Expect there to be a little bit of everything, from locally produced bourbons to single malts, and from small batches to single grains. Brand ambassadors will be on hand to offer their insights and descriptions of the libations. Food, beer and music (courtesy of DJ Godfather) round out the event, which takes place from 8 to 11 p.m. at RED Space. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. A designated driver ticket will set you back $10. VIP tickets can be purchased in advance for $50 and those tickets will include early entry, 15 drink tickets and complimentary appetizers. (Niesel)

You have one final opportunity to visit the outdoor North Union Farmer’s Market at that's today. A wide array of vendors will be on hand with 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 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)

Plenty of seasonal activities continue today in Peninsula to get you in the mood for the Yuletide holiday. From 1 to 3 p.m., you can visit Santa at Trail Mix Peninsula, the National Park-themed store in the heart of downtown; from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. you can cut your own Christmas tree at Heritage Tree Farm. You can also visit with lambs from Spicy Lamb Farm at Yellow Creek Trading Company, and see the display of holiday mini-trees decorated by local merchants and organizations at Peninsula Library from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other area businesses will also feature special holiday attractions, including local musicians and author booking signings. Learn more on the website. (Niesel)

Dressing up as Santa Claus can be good fun. That’s the sentiment driving Santacon, an international event that’s become a big ol’ Christmas party. Today along West 25th Street, Scene magazine and Future Friends and Associates have teamed up to sponsor a local incarnation of Santacon. Santas should meet at Bar Cento/Bier Markt from 3 to 4 p.m. The $10 registration includes drink specials, wristbands, and map of participating venues. (Niesel)

It’s fitting, indeed, that Cleveland Cinemas and the Capitol Theatre will screen Tim Burton’s 1992 Batman Returns at midnight tonight as part of its ongoing late-night cult programming. This one’s especially relevant given Michael Keaton’s Oscar buzz (and Golden Globe nomination) for his leading role in Birdman. This sequel to the 1989 Batman pits the Dark Knight against the Penguin (Danny DeVito) while Catwoman has her own agenda in rainy Gotham City. If the Capitol’s still playing Birdman this weekend, see it first and make a Keaton night out of it. Tickets for the midnight show are only $5. (Allard)

Some say Santa loves brunch almost more than milk and cookies. Come join us at Spice Kitchen + Bar as Santa makes a special appearance on December 21st for Brunch! Bring your family and friends for a special seasonal holiday fare. We're also having a cookie decoration station for the kids, so parents can relax and enjoy our amazing brunch menu. Reservations are encouraged, so please give us a call at 216-961-9637.

The acclaimed Almeda Trio, an ensemble-in-residence at the Music Settlement, has partnered once again with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for their fifth anniversary celebration of the winter solstice in the museum’s Shafran Planetarium. The program includes works by Turina, Ravel, Vivaldi and Cleveland composers Stanziano and Ferguson. Tonight’s performances take place at 5 and 6:30 and tomorrow’s performances take place at 7 and 8:30. Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members. (Niesel)

Last year's Black Flag might be some of Machine Gun Kelly's best work to date. It shows so much potential and suggests MGK could be a socially conscious artist who supports the community and can mix one hell of a hook. The last song off Black Flag, "Dark Side Of The Moon," is an intensely lyrical song that follows the life of Tommy, who has an abusive father; Tommy eventually takes that hate in his life to his high school with a gun in his hand. Likewise, "Swing Life Away," which samples a Rise Against song, has a solid message about how MGK has matured over the years. Even "Mind of a Stoner" isn't completely without substance as Wiz Khalifa joins the track's catchy chorus. With a new studio album looming on the horizon, expect to hear some new tracks at tonight's show, a warm-up of sorts for his NYE concert. (William Hoffman) $19