COLUMBUS, Ohio—Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens announced Monday he will not seek another two years as speaker, bringing an abrupt end to his months-long, behind-the-scenes leadership fight with outgoing Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman.

The decision by Stephens, a Lawrence County Republican, makes it far more likely that Huffman, a Lima Republican, will be elected next January as speaker, a job that brings enormous power to determine which bills pass the legislature and which fail.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Weather might be cooling a bit, but events are heating up. From a celebration of Amy Winehouse music to Monsters hockey games, Sleigh pop-up bar, a cooking demo, Charo and more, tons of events are going on throughout Greater Cleveland.

Here’s a look at 49 concerts, games, fests and events taking place from Thursday, Nov. 21, to Wednesday, Nov. 27:

Christmas Connection

The massive shopping extravaganza is back with 550 (!) exhibitors, a new holiday train display, a beauty feature and earlier Saturday hours to peruse artisan gifts and décor. Admission prices vary.

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 (Friday early bird hours are 8 to 10 a.m. with advance purchase online only. Also Friday: Bring two cans of vegetables for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and receive $4 off general admission.)

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 (Sunday is Hero Day. All active military personnel, veterans, police, fire and first responders can attend for free with valid ID)

Cleveland International Exposition Center, One I-X Center Dr., Cleveland

clevelandchristmasconnection.com + (here’s our story on what to expect at Christmas Connection)

Back to Black: The Amy Winehouse Celebration

The entire classic Back to Back album will be performed with 12-piece band and singers. Features Post Saga and Mikey Silas (Apostle Jones). Winehouse died July 23, 2011. (This is a new date for the show. Tickets from the previously scheduled performance on Aug. 6 are valid.) Tickets: $25 (advance), $28 (day of show), $40 (reserve)

6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) Thursday, Nov. 21

Beachland Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland

beachlandballroom.com/

Wild Winter Nights

The illumination display at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo features more than 1.5 million lights across holiday-themed areas including Enchanted Forest, Swan Lake, Candy Lane, Polar Pathway and Santa’s North Pole Lodg. Photos with Santa Claus are available. The area features a 50-foot tree. Prices vary with walk-through and drive-through options.

5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21, to Wednesday, Nov. 27

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland

clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo

An Evening with Jon Stewart

The acerbic comedian and former “Daily Show” host brings his political commentary to Cleveland for a sold-out show. Tickets available via secondary markets.

8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22

KeyBank State Theatre, 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

playhousesquare.org

Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

The acclaimed folk duo does their thing. Tickets start at $44.50.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron

ticketmaster.com

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’

The 50-plus year-old show meshes dreams, music and not-so-brotherly love. It opens a monthly run. Tickets: $16 to $36.

Times vary. Friday, Nov. 22

Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron

weathervaneplayhouse.com

Dirt Monkey

The electronic-music artist brings his sounds and style to Masonic Temple. Tickets start at $24.50.

8:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

The Asylum at Masonic Temple, 3615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

templelive.com

University of Akron School of Music

Take in an opera! Frank Ward directs Act 1 of Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love.” Free.

7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22

Guzzetta Recital Hall, 157 University Ave., Akron

Email music@uakron.edu or call 330-972-7590

Bird

Academy Award-winner Andrea Arnold’s “Bird,” a coming-of-age fable described as a “portrait of the transition from childhood to adolescence.”

Multiple showtimes vary. Nov. 22-27

The Nightlight, 30 N. High St., Akron

nightlightcinema.com

Diana Chittester

The acclaimed Northeast Ohio-based singer-songwriter plays downtown.

9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22

House of Blues, Crossroads Stage, 308 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

houseofblues.com/cleveland/concert-events

Frost

Cleveland Botanical Garden’s indoor and outdoor gardens come alive with dazzling lights, a tunnel of flowers, seasonal soundscapes and much more to create a holiday experience. Admission prices vary. Check website for hours.

Saturday, Nov. 23, to Sunday, Jan. 5

Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland

holdenfg.org/

The Potluck

The Potluck has been around since 2007, establishing themselves as what B Side Lounge touts as a “neighborhood staple amongst Cleveland & Cleveland Heights kids coming home from HBCU’s and other colleges on break.” Enjoy some potluck before Thanksgiving. Tickets: $20.

10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27

B Side Lounge, 2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland

eventbrite.com

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs are in action for a pair of home games over the next week. Prices vary.

Toronto Raptors, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24

Atlanta Hawks, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 1 Center Court, Cleveland

nba.com

Glow: Neon and Light

The Karl and Bertl Arnstein Galleries host this showcase of work from artists who use analog materials like glass, mirrors, light bulbs and other medium to create sculptural installations. Adult general admission: $12.

Through Sunday, Feb. 9

Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron

akronartmuseum.org

Sleigh

Sleigh, a pop-up bar, is back at Jack Casino. Enjoy a festive bar on the casino’s third floor.

5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday until Sunday, Dec. 29 (closed Thanksgiving, Nov. 28).

100 Public Square, Cleveland

facebook.com/events

Toledo at Akron

MACtion continues with the Toledo Rockets facing the Akron Zips in football. Prices vary.

7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26

InfoCision Stadium, 375 E. Market St., Akron

gozips.com

‘Black Dog’

The award-winning film is billed as a poetic tale of isolation, companionship and redemption. When a recently released prisoner returns to his desolate hometown, he creates an unlikely bond with a stray dog. Cleveland premiere, China, 2024, subtitles, 116 minutes. Admission: $12.

9:15 to 11:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22

4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

Cleveland Institute of Art, Cinematheque, 11610 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

cia.edu

Cooking Demo: Stroopwafel with Annie’s Signature Sweets

Hudson Library and Historical Society presents a cooking demonstration with Ann LoParo of Annie’s Signature Sweets. LoParo, former pastry chef at the Cleveland Museum of Art, will guide attendees on making stroopwafel, a traditional Dutch dessert. Registration is required. Email askus@hudson.lib.oh.us or call 330-653-6658, ext. 1010 if spots are available.

2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

96 Library St., Hudson

engagedpatrons.org/events

Charo

Spanish sensation Charo dazzles in her new show filled with humor, guitar skills and more. Cuchi cuchi everyone! Tickets: $40.

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26

EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron

calendar.uakron.edu

Clash of Dynasties: St. Edward vs. Walsh Jesuit

Check out a screening of two parts of the wrestling documentary that covers the rivalry between two of Ohio’s national wrestling powerhouses in the 1990s, St. Edward and Walsh Jesuit. Includes more than 40 interviews and thousands of hours of archival footage. Episodes 1 and 2 will be shown. Tickets: $25 (reserved), $125 (VIP).

7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22

182 S. Main St., Akron.

akroncivic.com

Holiday night market

Shop at night under the lights at the Common Ground. Gift wrapping, ugly-sweater contests, cookie-decorating workshops and more will be featured. Local makers, live music and festive holiday eats and drinks will be available. Free.

5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22

220 N. State Road, Medina

facebook.com/events

Creed

The Creed Are You Ready? tour hits the arena. 3 Doors Down and Mammoth WVH open. Tickets start at $39.50.

7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 1 Center Court, Cleveland

rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com

Jokes on You

It’s billed as Cleveland’s first crowd work comedy show, which challenges local and visiting comedians to think on their feet: Skip the prepared material and focus on the organic interaction with the audience. Who knows here the show will go? 21 and older. Tickets: $10.

7:15 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) Sunday, Nov. 24

Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, 2035 E. 4th St., Cleveland

https://hilarities.com/events

Sammy DeLeon Latin Jazz Orchestra

Drink good beer and hear some Latin sounds. Moises Borges opens. Tickets: $20

7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22

Market Garden Brewery tasting room, 1849 W. 24th St. Cleveland

marketgardenbrewery.com (Reservations: 216-621-4000)

Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland

The Browns host the rival Steelers on Thursday Night Football. Prices vary.

8:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21

Huntington Bank Field, 100 Alfred Lerner Way

clevelandbrowns.com

State Champs

The band – from Albany, New York – brings its pop-punk sounds to town. Openers: Knuckle Puck; Meet Me @ The Altar; Daisy Grenade. Tickets: $35 to $65.

6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) Sunday, Nov. 24

Agora Cleveland, 5000 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

agoracleveland.com/events

Make ’Em Laugh Mondays

Kevin Ford host a night of laughs. Tickets: $5 (advance), $10 (at the door).

8:30 p.m. (doors), 9 p.m. (showtime) Monday, Nov. 25

2785 Euclid Heights Blvd., Cleveland Heights

grogshop.gs/calendar/

Joseph Arthur

The Akron singer-songwriter has had a remarkable career, playing his unique alternative sounds with a bit of funk twirled in. He has recorded with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck and others. Tickets: $30.

7 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show) Wednesday, Nov. 27

House Three Thirty, 532 W Market St., Akron

housethreethirty.com for venue details and eventbrite.com for tickets

Chris Knight

The singer-songwriter-storyteller from Kentucky is out with Almost Daylight, his ninth album and first new recording in more than seven years. Tickets start at $25.

8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22

The Asylum at Masonic Temple, 3615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

templelive.com

Dinner & A Movie: The Last Waltz

Rolling Stone bills this as the greatest concert movie ever. Martin Scorsese directed the movie, which features a star-studded array of classic musicians at The Band’s final performance. Free; reservations required.

6 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show) Friday, Nov. 22

Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland

musicboxcle.com/

Professional Championship Bull Riders

World Class Bull Riding bucks and busts into Canton. Tickets: $25 to $50; discounts for kids.

7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

Canton Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. N, Canton

facebook.com

Pat Harris

The vocalist hits the Bop Stop with her six-piece band. Tickets: $20.

7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24

Bop Stop, 2920 Detroit Ave., Cleveland

themusicsettlement.org/events/2024/10

Panza Foundation’s 10th anniversary show

Panza Foundation’s anniversary show features Napsack, Free Black, Powers/Rolin Duo and Teamonade. The foundation provides financial support for local musicians. Tickets: $12.

8:30 p.m. (show) Saturday, Nov. 23

Happy Dog, 5801 Detroit Ave, Cleveland

facebook.com/panzafoundation/

Cleveland Monsters hockey

Drop the puck! The Monsters host the Milwaukee Admirals for a pair of back-to-back home games.

5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 (Pride Night)

Noon Sunday, Nov. 24 (Salute to Service, Family Day, Blue Jackets Night)

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, 1 Center Court, Cleveland

clevelandmonsters.com/games

Illuminate the Circle tree-lighting ceremony

Wade Oval becomes a winter wonderland, with immersive light show, holiday vignettes and seasonal traditions. The 30-foot tree-lighting ceremony includes live music, entertainment, games, food and more. Free admission.

5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

Wade Oval, 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland

universitycircle.org/illuminatethecircle

Cleveland Orchestra

Santtu-Matias Rouvali will make his Cleveland conducting debut as the orchestra performs Carl Nielsen’s Overture to Maskarade, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1.

(The previously announced orchestra performance of Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde and Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 7 has been rescheduled for the 2025–26 season.) Prices vary.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21

7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22

8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

clevelandorchestra.com

Cheese, Wine & Chocolate Fest Cleveland

The fest covers three favorites – cheese, wine and chocolate with more than 50 wines and 50 cheeses. It brings together food connoisseurs, wine enthusiasts and cheese lovers for nibbles and drinks. A marketplace will sell wines from the event. Prices vary.

5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

6111 Landerhaven Dr., Mayfield Heights

Taste CLE’s facebook page, tastecle.com plus here’s our story on the event

Crocker Park holiday festivities

The shopping-lifestyle center is set to host its annual tree lighting, holiday block party and other festivities. The lighting of a 50-foot tree kicks things off.

Saturday, Nov. 23:

4 p.m. Joe Bell and the Swing Lizards perform

7 p.m. tree lighting

177 Market St., Westlake

crockerpark.com/treelighting + here’s the schedule of activities

Kent State men’s basketball

Can you believe college basketball season is here? Kent State hosts Niagara. Prices vary.

7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21

Memorial and Athletic Convocation Center, 1871 Memorial Convocation Center, Kent

kentstatesports.com

The Sound of Music

The classic story of the musical Von Trapp family in Austria takes the stage. Will they escape? Prices vary.

7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays

Through Sunday, Dec. 15

Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, 40 River St., Chagrin Falls

cvlt.org/show-item/sound-of-music/

University of Akron men’s basketball

March Madness isn’t here, but it’s heating up in Northeast Ohio with the Akron Basketball Classic.

6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, vs. Lamar University

4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, vs. Nebraska Omaha

3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, vs. Alabama State

Rhodes Arena, 373 Carroll St., Akron

gozips.com

Cleveland State men’s basketball

A pair of Northeast Ohio colleges tangle in an inter-conference matchup. The Cleveland State Vikings of the Horizon League host the Kent State Golden Flashes of the Mid-American Conference. Prices vary.

7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

Wolstein Center, 2000 Prospect Ave., Cleveland

csuvikings.com

D.L. Hughley

The comedian-actor hits town with his humor. And if you get a chance, find “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip;” it’s one of Aaron Sorkin’s best, and Hughley starred in it.

6 p.m. (doors), 7 p.m. (show) Friday, Nov. 22

9:30 p.m. (doors), 10 p.m. (show) Friday, Nov. 22

5:30 p.m. (doors), 6:30 p.m. (show) Saturday, Nov. 23

9 p.m. (doors), 9:30 p.m. (show) Saturday, Nov. 23

5 p.m. (doors), 6 p.m. (show) Sunday, Nov. 24

Funny Bone, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland

cleveland.funnybone.com

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening

LZ drummer John Bonham’s drummer-son pounds his way to Cleveland with his band. Tickets start at $57.

8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22

MGM Northfield Park, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield

ticketmaster.com

Mood Swing exhibition opening

An opening party is set to celebrate the new exhibition curated by Marcella Hackbardt. It features work by Allana Clarke, Stephanie Rond, A.F. Oehmke, Jonathan Vega, Amber N. Ford, Michelle Burdine and Michael Coppage. Free.

5:30 to 8 p.m. (6:30 to 7 p.m. artist talk) Friday, Nov. 22

The Sculpture Center, 12210 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

sculpturecenter.org

Wine and food pairing dinner

M Cellars is having a four-course wine and food pairing dinner featuring chef Zachary Bond from The Spot on Lakeshore.

Check-in is 6 p.m. Dinner is 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22

M Cellars, 6193 S. River Road W, Geneva

mcellars.com + here’s the menu

The Wedding Singer

Broadview Heights Spotlights presents the romantic-comedy, taking you back to the 1980s. Based on the Adam Sandler movie, with music by Matthew Sklar and book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy. Tickets: $18 to $20.

7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, and Saturday, Nov. 23

Broadview Heights Cultural Arts Building, (next to the police station), 9543 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights

ticketpeak.co

Cleveland Restaurant Week

The promotional week ends its run this week, with almost 30 restaurants offering deals – mostly $39 prix fixe specials. The annual promotion helps kick off the holiday season for member restaurants. Dine-in and carryout options vary. The promotion serves as a way to draw diners to restaurants often during slower sales times.

Final days are Thursday, Nov. 21, and Friday, Nov. 22

Multiple locations

clevelandindependents.com

Candy Land: It’s Wild in Ohio

Experience the magic and whimsy of a life-sized gameboard and discover colorful habitats – forests, fields and wetlands – as well as animal displays. Hot chocolate will be available in Snowshoe Lodge, and you can shop for nature-themed gifts in The Nature Store. Plus there will be crafts, scavenger hunts and other interactive exhibits. Free.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, to Wednesday, Jan. 1 (Nature Center is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Penitentiary Glen Nature Center, 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road, Kirtland

goto.lakemetroparks.com/candyland

I cover restaurants, beer, wine and sports-related topics on our life and culture team. For my recent stories, here’s a cleveland.com directory. WTAM-1100’s Bill Wills and I talk food and drink around 8:20 a.m. Thursdays. Twitter and IG: @mbona30. My latest book, co-authored with Dan Murphy: “Joe Thomas: Not Your Average Joe” by Gray & Co.

Want to know what’s going on in the weekend? Sign up for cleveland.com’s weekly “In the CLE” email newsletter.

Our weekly DineDrink C-L-E podcast covers North Ohio’s food and drink scene. Go to cleveland.com/topic/dinedrinkcle. And follow @DineDrinkCLE on Instagram.