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Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop. Cleveland’s serving nostalgia, nightlife, and nerdy fun. From patios to pinball, here’s your weekly scoop on where to vibe and unwind. 🍹🎶🎰

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Happy Birthday, America!

Fourth of July celebrates of all things Americana. Of course, there are fireworks shows. Check out our guide to them here.

But this long Fourth of July weekend is also high time for exploring spots that summon nostalgia and romance for summer pastimes. We’re lucky to have so many of them here:

Kuhnle Motorsports Park: Now in its 65^th year, it’s one of the longest-running drag racing strips in the Midwest – and thrill ride loaded with crazy gassers. Info.

Headlands Beach State Park: The longest natural beach in Ohio was a filming location for ‘Superman.’ It’s a destination for beach bums and picnickers — but also dune walkers and bird, butterfly and wildlife watchers. Info.

Szalay’s Farm Market: Started in1931, it’s the go-to spot for sweet corn and an old-fashioned market stocked with a variety of fruits, vegetable and homemade treats. Info.

Bay Days: Started in 1950, the celebration brings a Patriot Pooch Parade, carnival food, rides, bands and fireworks to Cahoon Memorial Park. Friday and Saturday. Info.

Geneva-on-the-Lake: It's like Coney Island, small-town America and old postcards all rolled into one. Look at those burger joints, penny arcades, candy shops and flickering signs, a circa-1924 putt-putt course – and the views of Lake Erie. Info.

Join us Friday, July 25th from 2–11 PM in Downtown Cleveland for a sunset celebration of music, tech, and culture. Network with creatives, enjoy food, drinks, and experience TECHTALKs that inspire. From entrepreneurs to artists, this is where Cleveland connects.

🎟️ Tickets start at $25 — grab yours before prices go up!

🌐 RSVP now and secure your spot

Let’s vibe at the lakefront and celebrate everything #GoldenHourCLE.

Don't miss the most vibrant evening of the summer!

👉 Follow @scoop_216 for event updates!

It’s the biggest light show of the summer – and it doesn’t need fireworks. The eighth annual Asian Lantern Festival opens Saturday at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoon.

This year’s edition features 40 large-scale, illuminated creations – from a four-story-tall hydrangea to a massive butterfly tree, walk-through tunnels and ocean creatures. You also get giant pandas, glowing moons and pagodas.

The Zoo’s newest summer attraction, Dragons Landing, rolls out a dozen illuminated dragons -- hand-fabricated by artists that have been working at the zoo for more than a month.

The festival, which has attracted more than a million visitors since its inception, includes performing acrobats every hour and themed cuisine at the Asian Food Market. It runs through Aug. 24. Info.

King or drama queen? He sure loves to hijack the spotlight with cryptic comments. Well, he’s at it again – and the latest episode has resulted in speculation that LeBron is coming back to Cleveland. Here we go:

But a return isn’t that simple.

The Cavs could sign him for a minimum contract if the Lakers bought him out of his $52 million deal to let him walk. If not, the Cavs would have to rip up its roster to shed $20 million in salary and then another $52 million to trade for LeBron.

For years, Dan Gilbert and the Cavs have made it clear that they want to build a champion. Would they toss those plans away for LeBron?

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J.K. Rowling worked her magic on pop culture when she released "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in 1997. A pop phenomenon was born when the film adaptation came out four years later. The Cleveland Orchestra will bring the life and times of Harry and his Hogwarts mates when it hits Blossom Music Center to perform John Williams’ score as the movie screens. 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Info.

Crazy flipper fingers and a pocketful of quarters. Woohoo, it’s Superelectric Pinball Parlor. Yeah, you get to play vintage arcade games and drink a cocktail. Saturday, you also get to hang and bang with Cle punk maestro and DJ Tony Erba – who will spin heavy jams while celebrating his birthday. 8-11 p.m.

Raise a glass to the golden days of summer… It’s the 216 Scoop Cleveland Patio Guide -- our road map to the best bar and restaurant patios in the area.  Check it out here.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

The political divide has turned many a comedian into partisans. Kurt Metzger stands out as a voice against conformity. The writer for Chappelle’s Show and the Comedy Central Roast is one of comedy’s most irreverent figures – thanks to appearances on The Joe Rogan Experience and Jimmy Dore Show.

He’s been called all sorts of things – anti this and pro that -- but never a follower. His takes on sex, politics and culture are iconoclastic and embody the spirit of a long line of stand-up troublemakers, from George Carlin to Bill Burr. Metzger hits Pickwick and Frolic for three shows: 6:30 and 9:15 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Info.

Cleveland, July 4, 1941: Soldiers on a float in Municipal Stadium for the Festival of Freedom Parade.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoop_216 on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

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82 🌡️ 72 | ☀️ / ⛅ | 10% | 💨 SSW 9 mph (8 knots)

87 🌡️ 77 | ☁️ / 🌩️ | 40% | 💨 SSW 10 mph (9 knots)

90 🌡️ 74 | ☀️ / 🌩️ | 30% | 💨 SW 11 mph (10 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

^{For tickets and more info}

Home vs. Tigers, 07:10pm Friday

Home vs. Tigers, 07:15pm Saturday

Home vs. Tigers, 01:40pm Sunday

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