Candlelight Melodies and Espresso Martini Magic Today in Cleveland

A Vibrant Thursday in the 216

Cleveland is alive with culture this Thursday, February 12, 2026. From the glowing stages of Playhouse Square to the underground beats of the House of Blues, the city offers a diverse array of events to keep you entertained. Whether you are in the mood for a Broadway-style musical, a boutique festival, or a quiet evening at the museum, today’s schedule has something for everyone.

Theater and Stage Highlights

The local theater scene is particularly busy tonight. At the Connor Palace, the hit musical Suffs takes the stage at 7:30 PM, offering a powerful look at the women’s suffrage movement. For those seeking something adventurous and new, Cleveland Public Theatre premieres The Exit Door tonight as part of its Test Flight series. This production explores the psychological and physical costs of migration through a lens of magical realism. Additionally, the Hanna Theatre continues its run of The Heart of Robin Hood, a swashbuckling reimagining of the classic legend that promises plenty of action for the evening crowd.

Concerts and Special Festivals

Music lovers have several distinct options. At the Maltz Performing Arts Center, the popular Candlelight Concert series presents a tribute to The Lord of the Rings at 8:30 PM. The venue will be illuminated by thousands of candles as a string quartet performs Howard Shore’s iconic score. Earlier in the evening, the House of Blues welcomes indie-rock favorites The Wombats as part of their Oh! The Ocean Tour, with doors opening for a 7:00 PM show.

For those looking to celebrate a local legend, The Sixty6 on East 66th Street is hosting a 90th Birthday Concert for blues icon Wallace Coleman. The festivities begin at 5:00 PM with the 150 Trio, followed by the Wallace Coleman Band at 6:00 PM.

Markets and Public Exhibitions

• Espresso Martini Festival: Head over to 78th Street Studios for a caffeinated celebration. Starting with early entry at 5:30 PM, this festival features samples from a dozen local bars, live music, and food trucks.
• Cleveland Museum of Art: If you prefer a quieter afternoon, the museum’s newest exhibition, still/emerging: Native American Works on Paper, is currently open. This showcase features over 30 works highlighting the unique perspectives and histories of Indigenous artists.
• Comedy at Hilarities: For a night of laughs, comedian Aaron Weber performs at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre at 7:00 PM.

Whether you’re grabbing a cocktail at the studios or settling into a velvet seat at Playhouse Square, make the most of what Cleveland has to offer this Thursday.