☕ APL Fundraiser Tonight + 47 Events

Your Guide to Westside Summer Kickoff

May 23, 2025

Happy Friday, Westsiders, and welcome to The Westside Buzz. We are hoping to see everyone tonight at Rozi’s for our fundraiser for the Cleveland APL!

Can’t make it? Crack open a cold one and kick off your weekend in style.

Today we’re buzzing on:

  • 🎶 The Metroparks Summer Concert Series

  • 🥇 Avon schools earn a top music education award

  •  🕺 47 fun things to do on the Westside this weekend

Let’s make it a great day,

—The Briggses

COMMUNITY BLEND

Metroparks Concert Series returns to waterfront venues | Cleveland

Get ready for weekly live music, happy hours, and enough outdoor vibes to make your introverted uncle wearing cargo shorts dance awkwardly in public. Greater Cleveland is about to be one big backyard party, and you’re invited.

From June 11th through August 16th, Thursdays are your new favorite day of the week. Happy hour runs from 4–8 pm and hops between Edgewater Beach, Euclid Beach, and Wallace Lake with top local bands hitting the Wayside Furniture Stage at 5 pm.

If Thursdays don't work, you can catch the vibe on Wednesdays at Huntington Beach, Fridays at Emerald Necklace Marina, or Saturdays at Merwin's Wharf (all from 5-8 pm). Select nights will feature a Leinenkugel's beer garden, food trucks, and those million-dollar Lake Erie views.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Affordable Lofts Rise Amid Soaring Rents | Clark Fulton

📍 2700 Vega Ave., Cleveland

In a housing market where prices seem to be higher than ever, developer Ben Beckman is taking a different route—one that puts affordability front and center. His latest project, the Vega Avenue Studio Lofts, is a bold response to the affordability crisis gripping Cleveland’s near west side.

With rents starting around $1,000 for thoughtfully designed efficiency units, Beckman is creating real, attainable options for working Clevelanders who are getting priced out of trendier neighborhoods like Tremont and Ohio City.

Beckman’s not just building apartments, he’s building smarter ways to live. With plans for geothermal heating, solar panels, and utility transparency baked into the project, tenants will not only save on rent but also on monthly living costs. Coming off the success of the BVQ Lofts, the proof is in the pudding. And if the pudding is reasonably priced, energy-efficient, and still gets you to a Guardians game in 10 minutes? Even better.

WESTSIDE POUR OVER

What else is brewing?

Avon: Avon Schools just struck a high note—earning a top national music education award for the second year in a row, and their band (and choir, and orchestra) is only getting louder. (Julie Short)

Lakewood: LakewoodAlive has launched a strengthened effort to help low-income seniors age safely in place, using a new $10,000 McGregor Foundation grant to fund in-home safety upgrades, critical repairs, and personalized support for residents living in challenging and often unsafe conditions. (LakewoodAlive)

TRY THIS OUT

Hot Dogs, Milkshakes, and Summer Nostalgia | Avon Lake

📍 33473 Lake Road, Avon Lake

Goonie’s Dog Shop kicked off their summer season yesterday by throwing financial caution to the wind—offering $2 hot dogs (down from the usual $3!) like it’s 1994 and your allowance just hit.

Their nostalgic little stand on Lake Road in Avon Lake is slinging everything from all-beef classics with free toppings (because charging for mustard is a crime) to the $10 Cleveland Polish Boy, which is basically a full meal and a dare.

Goonie’s is exactly the kind of retro hot dog joint you’d dream about while zoning out in math class, before school let out for the summer. Opened last year by the creative wizards at Edacious Kitchen, the place is bursting with their signature blend of culinary mischief and good taste.

Swing by this May and try their shake of the month: an orange creamsicle milkshake that tastes like childhood summers and zero responsibility

ADOPT

Need a furry friend in your life? | Cleveland APL

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I ran into Big Bubble Fun on the corner of Madison and Cordova

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🧠 TRIVIA

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Cleveland APL Fundraiser at Rozi’s Wine House | Lakewood

The Westside Buzz is hosting a fundraiser TONIGHT from 5-8 benefiting the Cleveland APL!

Here are the details:

  • 🍷 Voyager Beverage will be pouring samples of their natural wines

  • 💸 Rozi’s is donating a portion of the drinks purchased to the APL

  • 🎫 Win raffle prizes like a night at the Schofield Hotel or a drink package from Rozi’s.

  • 🎉 Mingle, meet, and party with the Buzz Nation community

We are excited to see everyone there to raise money for the animals!

Friday, May 23rd

Berea's National Rib Cook Off (**Runs til Monday)
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Berea | 12 PM - 11 PM

Berea’s National Rib Cook-Off fires up Memorial Day Weekend with four days of award-winning ribs, live music, carnival eats, and family fun at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. With the country’s top grillmasters serving up their best, it’s the perfect way to kick off a saucy summer.

Tremont Greek Festival (**Runs til Monday)
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Tremont | 12 PM - Midnight

The Tremont Greek Festival is a beloved Memorial Day tradition, serving up 4 days of homemade Greek fare like gyros, baklava, dolmathes, and loukoumades—all from the heart of the community at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Expect live music, traditional dancing, church tours, and a lively flea market. It’s less like a festival and more like being welcomed into one big Greek family. Information here

Steamroller: The James Taylor Tribute
Music Box Supper Club, The Flats | 7:30 PM

Can’t wait til June 24th to see JT at Blossom? The Supper Club has your fix for an evening of heartfelt hits and classic tunes that’ll hold you over in the best way. Tickets

Music In The Park (**Runs til Sunday)
Crocker Park, Westlake | 6:30 - 8:30 PM Friday/Saturday, 4 - 6 PM Sunday

Crocker Park’s Music in the Park series kicks off Memorial Day Weekend with live performances every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Labor Day. Grab some takeout, bring a chair, and enjoy local artists on the East Park Stage all summer long!


Saturday, May 24th

Sora Sushi School
Sora, E 4th | 12 - 2 PM

Roll into the weekend with Sora Sushi School, a hands-on class led by their Executive Sushi Chef. Learn to make uramaki, hosomaki, and temaki while enjoying lite bites, a complimentary mimosa, and take-home tools like chopsticks, a bamboo mat, a recipe booklet, and more. Tickets

Reggae Fest Cleveland (**Runs til Sunday)
Voinovich Park, Downtown | 12 PM - 10 PM

Reggae Fest Cleveland returns for its 9th year! It is now a two-day celebration to kick off summer with roots, modern, and dub reggae right on the lake at Voinovich Park. Enjoy 10 bands, food trucks, craft beer, and skyline views that’ll make you feel like you're on an island in the heart of downtown. Bring a blanket or chair and catch the rhythm all weekend long. Show information

Pop Up: Hello Kitty Cafe
Crocker Park, Westlake | 10 AM - 7 PM

The Hello Kitty Café Truck is back at Crocker Park for one day only on Saturday, May 24! Stop by between 10 AM and 7 PM near Nordstrom Rack and Regal to grab limited-edition treats, plushies, mugs, and more. Come early—these adorable goodies go fast!

Sunday, May 25th

Oregon Trail Sourdough Workshop
Holmesteading Farms, Olmsted Township | 2 - 4 PM

Learn the art of sourdough baking with a starter that dates back to 1847 at this hands-on workshop. You'll leave with a printed guide, a fresh Oregon Trail sourdough starter, and the skills to bake delicious, time-honored bread from scratch. Tickets

Memorial Day Weekend with Alt95 Cleveland & RockHouse
Whiskey Island, Cleveland | 1 PM & 7 PM

Live music is back at Wendy Park as Whiskey Island Still & Eatery kicks off the season! Catch Alt95 at 1 PM and Rockhouse at 7 PM, with food, drinks, and unbeatable lakefront views all day long.

Monday, May 26th

Avon Lake Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

Avon Lake’s 51st annual Memorial Day Parade steps off at 10 AM from Avon Lake High School and concludes with a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park. Join local organizations, veterans groups, and Mayor Mark Spaetzel in honoring those who served.

Bay Village Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

Bay Village’s Memorial Day Parade begins at 8:45 AM, heading west on Lake Road to Lakeside Cemetery for a 9 AM ceremony, then east to Cahoon Park for a second ceremony at 9:45 AM. Organized by American Legion Post 385 with support from Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 249.

Fairview Park Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

Fairview Park’s Memorial Day observance begins with a “We Do Care” ceremony at 8 AM at City Hall, followed by a 9 AM parade from Corrigan Craciun Funeral Home to Fairview Park Cemetery. A tribute ceremony by American Legion Post 738 will honor the city’s fallen heroes.

Westlake Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

Westlake’s Memorial Day Parade, hosted by the Kiwanis Club, steps off at 10 AM from St. Peter & George Coptic Orthodox Church and heads to Clague Park, where a commemorative ceremony will follow.

Memorial Day Ceremony with Joint Veterans Council of Lakewood & Rocky River
Lakewood Park Cemetery, Rocky River

Honor Memorial Day with the Joint Veterans Council of Lakewood and Rocky River at Lakewood Park Cemetery. Volunteers will gather at 8:30 AM to place over 4,000 flags on veterans' graves, followed by a 10 AM ceremony featuring the Rocky River High School Marching Band, scout troops, and community leaders.

Five for the Fallen
USS Cod 1201 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland | 11 AM Sign-Up

Join the Memorial Day Honor Ruck: Five for the Fallen for a meaningful 5-mile march starting and ending at the USS Cod in downtown Cleveland. Open to veterans, active duty, and civilians, this event honors fallen service members and supports T.A.P.S.—with tribute points along the route, a commemorative patch, and post-ruck festivities.

Good Vibes Park Yoga With Bottoms Up! Yoga
Solstice Steps at Lakewood Park, 6 PM

Join Bottoms Up! Yoga for weekly donation-based yoga at the Solstice Steps in Lakewood Park. Just bring your mat, breathe in that lakefront air, and flow at your own pace. Pay what you can! Information here

Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Jake, Downtown | 6 PM

Shrek Themed Trivia Night
Brewdog Cleveland, The Flats | 7 - 9 PM

Head to BrewDog Cleveland for Shrek Themed Trivia Night and put your knowledge of the swamp, the donkey, and all things Far Far Away to the test.

🎷 Live Entertainment

Friday

Dry Ice & Diet Smiles | CODA, Tremont 7 PM

The Doors on Fire – Tribute to The Doors | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM

Abstract Citizen Quartet from Miami | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM

Steamroller: The James Taylor Tribute | Music Box SC, Flats 7:30 PM

Live music by Kelly & Matt | Gormley’s, Rocky River 8 PM

SARA & THE EDDIES (Upbeat Rock, Blues & Funk) | Backstage Bar, Westpark 8:30 PM

Spazmatics | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM

Grungefest W/ Hollow (Alice in Chains) Creep (Stone Temple Pilots Tribute) | Mercury Music Lounge, Lakewood 8 PM

Saturday

EMP, Margeaux & the Grumpees, Nate Yingling Electric Trio | CODA, Tremont 7:30 PM

Noche en Blanco featuring Karibe Son | Music Box CH, Flats 9:30 PM

Everly Brothers Tribute by Lightning Express | Music Box SC, Flats 8 PM

Altin Sencalar "Unleashed" CD Release| The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM

Josh Donato All Stars (Favorites From Yesterday & Today) | Backstage Bar, Westpark 9 PM

J.J. Price, Matt Michener, Bailey Laszlo | Mercury Music Lounge, Lakewood 8 PM

Live music by Mike Kovach | Gormley’s, Rocky River 8 PM

Pop Punk & Emo Live Band Karaoke! | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM

Disco Inferno | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM

Sunday

Lynyrd Skynyrd Brunch with Mister Breeze Band | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM

Rat Pack Brunch | Music Box SC, Flats 12:00 PM

Oyster Bar Pop-Up – Free Music | Music Box SC, Flats 4:00 PM

NEO VINYL CLUB RECORD SWAP | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM

Alt95 | Whiskey Island Still and Eatery, Cleveland 1 PM

Rockhouse | Whiskey Island Still and Eatery, Cleveland 7 PM

Weather

Friday

57 🌡️ 48 | 🌧 | 30% | 💨 W 18 mph 🌊 2 to 4 feet

Saturday

61 🌡️ 48 | 🌤 | 10% | 💨 NW 11 mph 🌊 2 feet or less

Sunday

63 🌡️ 50 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 NW 5-7 mph 🌊 1 feet or less

Monday

64 🌡️ 55 | 🌤 | 10% | 💨 NE 6-10 mph 🌊 2 feet or less

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 58ºF

That’s it for today, Westsiders.

Enjoy Your Weekend,

—The Briggses

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