The power of the jet, the silence in the cockpit, the rush of inverted flight at 500 miles per hour, Major Jeff Downie lives it every time he takes to the skies as Thunderbird No. 5. During this year’s Cleveland National Air Show, Cleveland 13’s Gremi got exclusive access to the pilot behind one of the most adrenaline-fueled roles in aerial demonstration.

Before taking off, Fitzgerald met with Cleveland 13’s Gremi at the Red Bull helicopter for an exclusive pre-show look. He opened the chopper for a full tour, giving viewers a glimpse inside the aircraft engineered to perform extreme maneuvers. “It’s an incredible machine,” Gremi said after getting inside. “The way Aaron controls it in the sky is something you have to see to believe.”

For Executive Director Kim Dell, Cleveland’s premier Labor Day weekend event is not just a job, it’s a year-round mission. As the force behind the Cleveland National Air Show, Dell orchestrates one of the most complex and thrilling spectacles in the region, all while juggling planning, logistics, marketing, and coordination with the world’s top aviation talent.

Thanks to unprecedented access, Cleveland 13 was embedded with the teams, performers, organizers, and aircraft that brought Labor Day weekend to life in one of the most thrilling air shows in the country. This wasn't just a show, it was a behind-the-scenes pass into what it takes to defy gravity, command the skies, and deliver a performance packed with speed, skill, and spectacle.

Alyson Court, who played Loonette, continues to be both an ambassador and a guardian of the show’s memory. In a recent interview, she shared that she owns one of the original couches from the touring mall shows, though it does not fit in her home and is currently in storage. She elaborated “When people see that, I would say about 40 percent will end up in tears. They don’t even know why they’re having this emotional moment. They’re like ‘I’m just having this childhood thing r

A unique blend of vintage runway fashion and aviation heritage lit up Burke Lakefront Airport on Friday, Aug. 22, as 'Corks on the Concourse' returned with its “Glory Days of Aviation” theme to benefit the International Women’s Air & Space Museum. The event, held just ahead of the Cleveland National Air Show, spotlighted women’s contributions to aviation while raising funds to restore a historic artifact once worn by Katharine Wright, sister to the famed Wright brothers.

Thomas, the founder and president of Vet Fest, started this event with a mission that cuts deep: to stop veteran suicide. “We’re tired of losing our brothers and sisters,” he told me. His voice was steady but heavy with purpose. As a veteran himself, Thomas knows the weight of transitioning to civilian life. The isolation, the unspoken struggles.

Don't miss the Broadway hit "Beetlejuice" live at Cleveland's Playhouse Square through August 17. Based on Tim Burton’s cult classic, this hilarious musical brings ghostly thrills, bold performances, and jaw-dropping visuals to the stage. Ideal for teens and families, the show features standout talent and unforgettable moments. Get ticket details, showtimes, and insider reactions in our full story.

Aviation history meets fashion at Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront Airport as the International Women’s Air & Space Museum hosts a vintage stewardess runway show during its Corks On The Concourse event, featuring Fox 8 News personalities, wine tasting, auctions and a tribute to Katherine Wright. Celebrate women in flight and bid on historic aviation items at this one-night-only event on August 22, 2025.

Experience the 8th annual Asian Lantern Festival at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, featuring over 1,000 dazzling lanterns, a dragon-themed showcase, live acrobatic performances, and an Asian food market. Open through August 24, 2025, with walk-through and drive-through options. Don’t miss unique attractions like the zipline, swan boats, and the Lantern 5K. Buy tickets online for discounts and plan your visit to this must-see Cleveland summer event.

Cleveland’s EJ Kovacic Rec Center hosted its 2nd annual community event, bringing together residents, local organizations, and small businesses for a day of unity, outreach, and empowerment. Despite rainy weather, groups like The Foundry, Workmen’s Circle, Teen Enterprise, and local entrepreneurs provided resources, support, and inspiration. The renovated historic facility served as a vibrant hub for celebrating neighborhood pride and connection.

Regal Cinemas is celebrating the magic of Harry Potter with a “Back to Hogwarts” event that includes a sweepstakes for fans to win an exclusive Hogwarts trunk filled with themed merchandise. The promotion, which began July 1, will run through October 1, and coincides with the return of all eight Harry Potter films to theaters from August 23 to 31 for $9.75 per ticket.

The immersive event, which draws reenactors from across the country, will highlight both military and civilian life during the Civil War era. Highlights include a full-scale reenactment of the Battle of Sailor’s Creek, cavalry demonstrations, appearances by President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, and live period music from Camp Chase Fifes and Drums. “This event brings history to life in a way that people can see, hear, and feel,” said a spokesperson for the Western

The arcade remains a key draw, now boasting a selection of cutting-edge games including immersive darts, Social Shuffle and The Arena, a multi-player interactive experience. For families and groups, Dave & Buster’s continues to offer promotions such as the Eat & Play Combo and All You Can Eat Wings nights.

Kimberly Akimbo has arrived in Cleveland and is playing at Playhouse Square now through August 3. This Broadway musical centers on Kimberly, a teenager with a rare genetic condition that causes her to age four times faster than normal. The story follows her as she navigates life with determination, humor and resilience, while juggling the emotional ups and downs of high school, family dynamics and a desire for independence.

Now in its 13th year, the event will begin Friday evening in the Cedar-Fairmount neighborhood, continue Saturday with performances at the Noble Road Library and throughout the Cedar Lee District, and conclude Sunday in Coventry Village. Featuring 36 artists and 22 venues to date, the 2025 festival aims to highlight the vibrancy of the local arts scene while driving foot traffic to area businesses.

Across the country, similar events have earned strong support. Gunnar Edwards, who attended the Des Moines hike on July 12, wrote on Facebook, “If you're a veteran I highly encourage you to check out one of these events in a city near you.” He added, “Well worth the trip and new tan lines.”

Tuesday evening, futuristic nostalgia and hometown pride converged at the Phoenix Theater as Cleveland and Superman fans gathered for an advance screening of Superman, set to hit theaters Friday, July 11. The Dolby Encore sound system makes you feel like you are flying with Superman. The film opened with sweeping shots of Cleveland landmarks and featured action-packed scenes that captivated family audiences.

The Cleveland National Air Show is set to return to Burke Lakefront Airport over Labor Day weekend, running August 30 through September 1, with an aerial lineup designed to thrill and awe spectators. Among the headliners are the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, and the Red Bull Air Force, all delivering gravity-defying demonstrations.

Organizers say next year’s event will again be free and, for the first time, professionally filmed for remote audiences, even as the legal dispute with the Jewish Federation over the withheld principal continues. Workmen’s Circle Chairman Neal Grossman and Yiddish Concert co-chair Amy Roth extended their thanks to the community, performers, Cain Park staff, volunteers, and the city of Cleveland Heights.