The best things in life are free, indeed, and our monthly "Free Stamp" feature rounds up all of the free #CLE events that get our "stamp" of approval. Got a free event you want us to include? Drop us a line here. 

What the World Needs
Two events at Case Western Reserve University will feature actor Levar Burton of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” fame. The first will be an award ceremony, where Burton will receive the Inamori Ethics Prize for his efforts toward children’s literacy and give a lecture from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center. The second is an academic panel, where Burton and other distinguished panelists will give a lecture and participate in a discussion. This event will take place from 12:45 to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the Tinkham Veale University Center. Space is limited. Claim your spot here.

A Writing Good Time
The Great Lakes African American Writers conference will take place at the East Cleveland Public Library on Saturday, Sept. 28. Noteworthy events include entertainment from storytellers, networking with fellow literary creatives, and meaningful dialogue in an intimate setting. For more information, click here.

A Historical, Art-filled Experience
The Shaker Historical Society’s Lissauer Gallery will host an opening reception for Paul Spina’s Image as a Poem: Works on Paper collection from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14. Spina’s work is described as combining painting and commercial illustration and covers a variety of topics ranging from World War II, women and sharks. Appetizers and drinks will be provided for guests. Click here for more information.

Going Solar
Solar United Neighbors will meet three times this month to discuss climate change and how solar power benefits homeowners. The first meeting will take place Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Melt Bar and Grilled in Independence. The second will occur Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Paragon Wine Bar in Euclid, and the third will be Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Michael J. Zone Recreation Center, 6301 Lorain Ave., Cleveland. All meetings will last from 6 to 8 p.m. To learn more about solar power and Cuyahoga County’s sustainability efforts, send an email to sustainability@cuyahogacounty.us.

Music is Power
Famous conductor Leonard Bernstein will be commemorated at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage on in an exhibit that opens Wednesday, Sept. 25. In light of his 100th birthday, the Beachwood museum will feature approximately 100 artifacts and photographs that highlight his talent, Jewish identity and social activism. This musical display will be open to the public until March 1. Click here to learn more.

Appreciation … With Breakfast
The city of Beachwood will host an Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday, Sept. 12, filled with speakers (including Mayor Martin Horowitz and representatives from the Greater Cleveland Partnership) and networking opportunities at the Beachwood Community Center from 7:30 to 9 a.m. To learn more about this exciting business opportunity, click here.

Ohio City Street Festival
West 25th Street will be closed off for this fifth annual day-long celebration Sunday, Sept. 29, from noon to 8 p.m. A full schedule of music is planned for the Market Square Stage, more than 40 businesses will have tables and booths, and a Kid Zone will offer family-friendly activities, inflatables, interactive games, crafts and art performances. The West Side Market will be open, and the Tabletop Board Game Cafe will host a game area with large-scale versions of favorite games. For details, click here.

Box Spot Open Air Market
Live music, games, food and small-business shopping highlight this family-friendly, pet-friendly event from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at 8005 Kinsman Road, Cleveland. Find details of the free event here.

Avenue of the Arts
See how Superior Avenue's historic garment district has transformed into an arts district with this indoor and outdoor event from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13. Highlights include a local clothing fashion show, live music, food trucks, walking tours, open artist studios and an outdoor bar. It all takes place between East 18th Street and East 25th Street. Details are here.