Stories
Stories from Street Level
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From a reggae-filled after-hours party to chamber music by Cleveland Orchestra musicians and a free concert in the Italian Baroque gallery, the Cleveland Museum of Art has plenty of ways to get your groove on this week.
Near West Theatre will wrap its 2026 Community Celebration Summer Plaza Concert Series with a free Hispanic Heritage Celebration this Friday, Aug. 28, with music, dance, performances, cultural resources, crafts, and Puerto Rican food. The event takes place at Near West Theatre's outdoor plaza in the Gordon Square Arts District.
Cleveland designer Valerie Mayén channels the splashy glam-rock era of the 1970s and ’80s in her latest Yellowcake collection, unveiled at a runway show at Lago East Bank. Inspired by music icons including Prince, David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, the collection features bold colors, asymmetrical designs, sheer materials and accessories for today’s woman on the go.
Concord Casimir, the weather-predicting cat rescued from Historic St. Casimir Church in 2013, died on July 22 at age 13. Known for his annual Groundhog Day pierogi forecasts and his ability to bring smiles to Northeast Ohio, Casimir leaves behind a legacy of community, tradition, and joy that his caretaker hopes to honor every Feb. 2.
Stories from Features
Cleveland Oktoberfest returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds Friday for six days over two weekends. The popular event offers German traditions, beer, food, live music, and plenty of new attractions.
Despite rain, wind and thunderstorms, South Euclid’s Rock the Block drew crowds to the Food Truck Park for two nights of live music, food, drinks and fun. FreshWater photographer Reuben Kutash captured the weekend’s rocking festivities.
Dress designer Kori Brightharp turned a passion for sewing into a growing dress design business with help from the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Warrensville Heights Innovation Center. From mentors and fellow creators to access to equipment and customers, the Innovation Center has helped Brightharp build her skills, expand her business, and inspire the next generation of young designers.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture grants are helping Cleveland-area nonprofits use art and music to support people with disabilities and cognitive differences. From art therapy and pottery to music-making, these programs build confidence, encourage creative expression and help participants find connection and community.
Stories from Breaking Ground
One of the grandest houses on Lakeshore Boulevard in Bratenahl is Moyenage—a 1904 Elizabethan Tudor that has been home to several of Cleveland's most notable business families. Now it belongs to Jason Kelce and Taylor Swift.
Cleveland’s Southeast Asian Festival returns to Edgewater Park for its second year, bringing together Cambodian, Laotian, Vietnamese, Burmese, Malaysian, Filipino, and other cultures for a day of food, music, art and connection. Organizers expect the free festival to thousands of visitors to share celebrate cultures and build connections across communities.
Jesse Owens returned to Cleveland from the 1936 Olympics in Berlin with four gold medals that came with four English oak saplings. The last surviving tree stood at Rhodes High School until 2022. Now, cloned saplings from the historic oak are putting down new roots in Cleveland while helping preserve Owens’ legacy and support the work of the Black Equity and Humanity Fund.
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.
Stories from Buzz
Northwest Neighborhoods will host a free Do It Yourself Home Repair Workshop on Friday, Aug. 14, offering residents practical home maintenance tips, tool safety instruction, and guidance from local experts. The family-friendly event is open to all skill levels, with activities for both adults and children.
The Salvation Army's West Park Corps and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank will distribute more than 12,000 pounds of fresh produce this Friday, July 17, in a monthly program that serves hundreds of individuals and families.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and partners will host the sold-out eighth annual "A Taste of Black Cleveland: The Food Showcase 8.0" tonight at Rocket Arena, featuring tastings from 28 Black-owned restaurants, chefs, caterers, dessert makers, and food trucks while celebrating Cleveland's Black culinary community.
Hundreds of railroad fans and onlookers lined the historic Nickel Plate Road rail corridor to watch Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 roll through the region as part of the America 250 celebration. FreshWater writer Elizabeth Hille shares her firsthand account from Avon Lake of the historic train’s passage and the community excitement it inspired.
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From a reggae-filled after-hours party to chamber music by Cleveland Orchestra musicians and a free concert in the Italian Baroque gallery, the Cleveland Museum of Art has plenty of ways to get your groove on this week.
Dress designer Kori Brightharp turned a passion for sewing into a growing dress design business with help from the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Warrensville Heights Innovation Center. From mentors and fellow creators to access to equipment and customers, the Innovation Center has helped Brightharp build her skills, expand her business, and inspire the next generation of young designers.
Cuyahoga Arts & Culture grants are helping Cleveland-area nonprofits use art and music to support people with disabilities and cognitive differences. From art therapy and pottery to music-making, these programs build confidence, encourage creative expression and help participants find connection and community.
Despite rain, wind and thunderstorms, South Euclid’s Rock the Block drew crowds to the Food Truck Park for two nights of live music, food, drinks and fun. FreshWater photographer Reuben Kutash captured the weekend’s rocking festivities.
The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s annual Exploration fundraiser invites guests to rediscover the magic of camp while supporting the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center. The Sept. 26 event features outdoor experiences, a family-style dinner by Chef Vinnie Cimino and opportunities to support immersive nature-based education for thousands of Northeast Ohio students.
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s new ArtLens Reimagined gallery invites visitors to experience the collection in new ways through interactive technology, artificial intelligence, movement, sound, and hands-on exploration. Spanning 10,000 square feet, the gallery features 21 experiences designed to make art more accessible, approachable, and engaging.
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Cuyahoga Arts & Culture grants help Greater Cleveland nonprofits bring a vibrant lineup of arts, cultural, and community events to residents as summer winds down. From One World Day and Waterloo Arts Fest to Fresh Fest, the grants support programming that celebrates the region’s diverse communities and creative spirit.
After months of preparation, the Cleveland Museum of Art's 34th annual Parade the Circle filled Wade Oval with color, creativity, and community spirit. Enjoy photos by Reuben Kutash and Bob Perkoski, who captured this year's "Momentum"-themed celebration.
The Cleveland Museum of Art just released additional tickets for its annual Solstice celebration on Saturday, June 20. The sold-out event returns with live music, acrobatics, dance, art, food and drinks, and after-hours access to museum galleries and exhibitions.
Cuyahoga County Public Library will host the inaugural first Fiber Fest at the Warrensville Heights Branch Innovation Center, bringing together fiber artists, makers, and beginners for a day of demos, workshops, and vendors. Sew4Service joins the event—highlighting the growing interest in hands-on creativity while showcasing the CCPL branch's textile-focused makerspace.