Cleveland Heights
Cleveland Hts - photo Bob Perkoski
Considering that most people choose to live close to their place of employment, it makes perfect sense that Cleveland Heights continues to thrive. Situated "up the hill" from University Circle, one of the largest employment centers in Northeast Ohio, Cleveland Heights is a hop, skip and jump for those who work in the area. That arts-minded populace fuels multiple artistic disciplines, including galleries, performing arts and live music venues. This near-east neighborhood dishes up fat slices of the American Dream, with beautiful old homes on tree-lined streets within close proximity to thriving commercial strips, parks, schools, libraries and public transportation.
Originally published in October 2024. Since 2017, The Literacy Cooperative has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to send free books each month to local children. Working with local groups like Heights Family Foundation, United Way, and the Bruening Foundation, as of October 2024, the groups have now distributed two million books.
The Heights Music Hop returns the weekend of Aug. 28 through 30 with its biggest lineup yet: 90 bands performing at 46 venues across four Cleveland Heights districts: Cedar Fairmount, Noble, Cedar Lee, and Coventry. From rock-and roll and funk to line dancing and Nepalese music to silent films with live piano accompaniment and late-night performances, the free three-day festival offers a little something for everyone.
Cleveland Heights artist and entrepreneur Michael Manne encourages people to wear their values with Humannetees, a new online apparel brand featuring designs centered on humanity, unity, and hope. Manne hopes every shirt, tote, mug, and sticker becomes more than merchandise—it becomes the start of a meaningful conversation.
Literary Cleveland has announced the schedule for its 12th annual Inkubator Writing Conference Sept. 9 through 12, with more than 75 hours of free programming, acclaimed authors, and keynote speaker Colson Whitehead. Part of Cleveland Book Fest, the conference includes workshops, panel discussions, networking events, and the year-long Ohio Celebrates Toni Morrison celebration.
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute has expanded its culinary campus with the opening of EDWINS Oyster Bar in Cleveland Heights. Inspired by Parisian oyster bars, the new restaurant offers premium seafood while creating hands-on training opportunities for formerly incarcerated students learning advanced culinary and hospitality skills.
A public art initiative will bring eight new murals and installations by seven artists to Cleveland Heights later this summer. Led by Heights Arts, in partnership with local artists, businesses, and LAND studio, the $250,000 project aims to strengthen the city arts districts' identities, celebrate local creativity, and create a more welcoming, vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike.
Lake View Cemetery will honor fallen service members during a Memorial Day observance at the James A. Garfield Memorial. Volunteers will place thousands of American flags on veterans’ graves ahead of the holiday.
After relocating from Shaker Square to Cleveland Heights 13 months ago, EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute has more than doubled its revenue and is now expanding its footprint with upgraded classrooms, teaching kitchen, and new oyster bar. Founder Brandon Chrostowski credits the Cleveland Heights community for EDWINS' continued growth and success.
The prestigious Michelin Guide is expanding to include Cleveland and five other Great Lakes cities, marking a significant milestone for the region's culinary scene. Local restaurateur Doug Katz explains why this is an important moment that will showcase Cleveland's diverse dining culture to a global audience.
Stacey Tenenbaum's "Tough Old Broads," profiles three women who broke barriers in male-dominated fields: marathon pioneer Kathrine Switzer, White House photographer Sharon Farmer, and climate justice activist Sheila Watt-Cloutier. Tenenbaum is offering two free tickets to one of the sold-out screenings. Find out how to enter and learn more about these real-life tough old broads.
Cleveland Heights native Laila Edwards helped Team USA's women's hockey team capture the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics this week Fans cheered at at New Heights Grill and Reuben Kutash documented the celebration.
Literary Cleveland and partner organizations this week are launching a year-long celebration honoring the legacy of author and Lorain native Toni Morrison, the first Black woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. The celebration kicks off in Cleveland on Feb. 18 at Karamu House, followed by monthly events throughout Ohio exploring Morrison's 11 novels.
Cleveland Heights native Laila Edwards is making history as a member of the U.S. Women's Hockey Team at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, and her community is rallying behind her at EDWINS Restaurant. EDWINS founder Brandon Chrostowski has been hosting free watch parties to celebrate Edwards' achievements and her role as the first Black woman on a Team USA hockey team.
Steve Presser has opened his beloved Big Fun store as a holiday pop-up for the third consecutive year, this time in the former Record Revolution space. Open through January 11, Big Fun features vintage posters, t-shirts, and memorabilia, while also serving this year as an incubator for four local entrepreneurs.
For more than a decade, residents of Scarborough Road in Cleveland Heights have transformed their street into "Scareborough"—a Halloween destination with extensive decorations and community spirit. Check out Reuben Kutash's photos of this year's Halloween on 'Scareborough!'
Lake Erie Ink and Cleveland State University English department will host the fifth annual Teen Writers' Symposium, allowing young writers in grades six through 12 to explore their creativity and develop their writing skills through workshops, panel discussions, and interactions with guest writers.
The Heights Music Hop, hosted by FutureHeights, brought live music to three Cleveland Heights districts over three days last weekend. Photographer Reuben Kutash documented performances on Friday and Saturday.
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The Heights Music Hop in Cleveland Heights this year has an expanded three-day format across three business districts. The event, presented by Future Heights, features a diverse range of musical genres, family-friendly programming, and plans for future growth to accommodate the city's evolving business landscape.
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute hosted a five-course dinner at Grafton Correctional Institution, prepared and served by incarcerated individuals participating in EDWINS owner Brandon Chrostowsski's culinary program. The event showcased the students' culinary skills and the produce grown in the prison's garden, while highlighting EDWINS' mission of providing second chances through culinary education.