3 things to do in Cleveland in November
Though fall semester at Case Western Reserve University is beginning to wind down, there is still plenty to do on campus and beyond.
In November, the performing arts scene at Case Western Reserve University comes alive. The annual MaDaCol dance concert (Nov. 19–20), the Department of Theater’s production of Romeo and Juliet (Nov. 13–22) and numerous concerts by Department of Music ensembles allow members of the campus and Cleveland communities to celebrate our students’ performances across disciplines.
Off campus, there also are plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the city. We’ve included three ideas to add to your monthly calendar, but check the Destination Cleveland website for more events happening in November.
Boris Lurie: Echoes of Memory
Nov. 2
Boris Lurie: Echoes of Memory is a special program to be presented by the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage and Case Western Reserve University on Monday, Nov. 2, at 6 p.m. in Thwing Student Center. The program is presented in connection with the Maltz Museum’s special exhibition “Boris Lurie: Nothing To Do But To Try,” on view Oct. 18, 2026–Jan. 27, 2027.
The program will pay tribute to Boris Lurie (1924-2008), a Holocaust survivor, artist, activist and founder of the NO! art movement who emigrated to New York in 1946. Through a combination of historical music, images of Lurie’s artwork and live performance, the program will explore Lurie’s life, work and legacy, as well as broader artistic and intellectual responses to the Holocaust.
Stephanie Stebich, executive director of the Boris Lurie Art Foundation, will discuss Lurie’s life, art and legacy. Violinist Ilana Zaks-Nederlander will then perform solo works by Jewish composers persecuted during the Holocaust, including Hans Krása, Szymon Laks, Dick Kattenburg, Erwin Schulhoff and Ernest Bloch, alongside works featured in the exhibition. The program will conclude with a Q&A featuring Stebich and Zaks-Nederlander.
The event is free and open to the community, with registration required. Undergraduate CWRU students can receive credit for attending.
Chick-fil-a and a kosher option will be served for dinner.
Día de Muertos
Nov. 7
Take part in a vibrant cultural celebration during Cleveland Public Theatre’s Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) observation Saturday, Nov. 7, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Día de Muertos is traditionally celebrated in Mexico and throughout Latin America in recognition of loved ones who have passed away. Families decorate altars—or ofrendas—with photos and offerings to honor their departed loved ones.
In keeping with tradition, Cleveland Public Theatre invites artists to create altars for the event. In addition to a main altar designed by Julia Pankhurst, there will be seven other installations open for viewing at the event.
Visitors also can watch performances, engage with the Folk Art Market and view the “Skulls & Skeletons” Procession (3:30 to 4:15 p.m.).
While the event is free and open to all ages, a $10 donation is suggested.
Get more details and watch a video of last year’s event.
Winterland kick-off
Nov. 28
Celebrate the unofficial start to the winter season in Public Square with fellow Clevelanders at the opening of Winterland Nov. 28 from 3 to 8 p.m.
This annual celebration will feature live music, games, giveaways, food trucks and trackless train rides. At 5:30 p.m., Destination Cleveland’s Illuminate CLE Light Show will debut with repeat performances every 30 minutes. The Downtown ice rink will be open from noon to 10 p.m. The cost to ice skate is $15 per person and includes skate rental.
To help combat the winter chill, there will be fire pits, s’mores and hot chocolate (while supplies last).
