☕ From Buckeyes to Bradstreet’s: Big local wins

Cleveland’s comeback by the numbers

Good morning, Buzz Nation.

I’m writing this from a boys’ golf trip in northern Michigan. The courses are beautiful, the laughs are endless, and the memories will last a lifetime. But let’s be real—once Buckeye football kicks off, you won’t catch me anywhere near that school up north.

So here’s to great golf, even better friends, and a huge shoutout to all the Westside Buckeyes. Saturday can’t come soon enough.

Today we’re buzzing on:

  • 🫓 Tick Tock’s time was up, but a new concept takes its place

  • 🌊 Bradstreet’s big plans

  • 🖼 Berea Arts Fest is coming…mark your calendars

We hope you have a great weekend. See you out there!

—The Briggses

WALK THE WESTSIDE

After thousands of votes, one thing is clear: this community shows up. We asked which charity should get the $10,000 goal from our 20-mile walk, and two stood taller than the giraffes at the Cleveland Zoo.

These two organizations had by far the most votes, so we are splitting the funds 50/50 between City Dogs and Laura’s Home. Two causes that are pure Westside: one helping pups find homes, the other helping families rebuild theirs.

On Saturday, October 4th, Jodie and I will walk from the Rock Hall to Avon Point. 20 miles, countless blisters, and hopefully a pile of donations. September will be full of updates with routes, ways to participate, and how you can help us hit the goal.

Question is: will you walk with us, or cheer us on from the sidelines? Either way, it’s going to be one for the books.

COMMUNITY BLEND

Bradstreet’s Big Plan 📍 Rocky River

Photo courtesy Marie Wise-Miu

Rocky River isn’t just fixing a pier—they’re about to turn Bradstreet’s Landing into one of the best parks in the region.

A $1.4 million plan is on the table to restore Spencer Creek back to its natural flow, making it a spot where you can fish, birdwatch, or just sit and let nature do its thing.

Right now, Bradstreet’s feels like potential waiting to be unlocked. If this plan goes through, it won’t just be “that park by the pier”—it’ll be a destination.

NEW RESTAURANT

A New Chapter Begins on Clifton 📍 Cleveland

The former Tick Tock Tavern space in Cleveland’s Edgewater neighborhood is being transformed into Safar City Fine Casual Dining, a new Indian restaurant from local restaurateur Saravanan Chandrababu, who’s known for Sausalito on Ninth and Sausalito Kirtland.

More than just a restaurant, Safar City represents a fresh start for a beloved historic space.

It will bring global flavors, vibrant design, and a hopeful sense of community to the Clifton-West Boulevard Historic District.

With catering potential, a beautiful bar space (aptly named the Legacy Bar), and nearly $200K in renovations underway, this new dining spot could become a welcoming anchor for neighbors to gather, share meals, and create new memories in a place with deep roots.

📸 @THEWESTSIDEBUZZ

We were so excited at the news that dropped this week, that we made about 50 memes about it. Above are the best ones.

We apologize for the unnecessary shot at our friends who recently moved to Avon.

Follow us on Instagram for fun content and updates on our happenings around town.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Berea Arts Fest Brings Fresh Energy to Coe Lake 📍 Berea

Now in its 35th year, the Berea Arts Fest is making waves with a brand-new lakeside location at Coe Lake and a lineup bigger than ever.

On Sunday, Sept. 14, guests can enjoy 140+ artists, food trucks, live music on two lakeside stages, interactive art, and a Kids Kreation Station — all set against a beautiful natural backdrop that reflects how much this community celebration has grown.

More than just a festival, it’s a celebration of creativity, connection, and community spirit, likely to draw 10,000 to 12,000 attendees and support local artists, students, and businesses alike.

BY THE NUMBERS

Cleveland’s economy is quietly flexing

Photo courtesy CPP

In July 2025, the region’s labor force hit 1.15 million—the highest since 2009. Even better, the number of people actually employed reached 1.09 million, a level we haven’t seen since 2006.

Translation: more people in Cleveland are working now than at almost any point in the last two decades. The charts show clearly that the city started climbing out of the post-industrial slump in the mid-2010s, took a hit from the pandemic, and then came roaring back even better than before.

Cleveland’s been counted out before. But the numbers don’t lie: we’re trending up.

WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦=Family Friendly

Multi-Day Events

Cleveland Taco Fest (Friday, Aug. 29 - Monday, Sept. 1)
Jacob’s Pavilion, The Flats

Four days of tacos on the waterfront? Yes, please. From classic carne asada to creative twists, plus tequila, music, and riverside views, Cleveland Taco Fest is a long weekend built for flavor. Taco ‘bout a party

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Air Show (Saturday, Aug. 30 - Monday, Sept. 1)
Burke Lakefront Airport, Cleveland

The skies above Lake Erie roar back to life as the Air Show returns to Burke Lakefront. With military jets, stunt pilots, and gravity-defying tricks, it’s one of Cleveland’s most thrilling Labor Day traditions. Look up

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Cleveland Oktoberfest (Friday, Aug. 29 - Monday, Sept. 1)
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Berea

Steins, schnitzel, and nonstop polka! The region’s biggest Oktoberfest takes over the fairgrounds with beer tents, live music, and Bavarian traditions. If you can’t make it this weekend, the party keeps going next weekend too.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 St. Rocco Festival (Friday, Aug. 29 - Monday, Sept. 1)
St. Rocco Parish, Clark-Fulton

A Cleveland tradition for generations, the St. Rocco Festival brings Italian food, carnival rides, and community spirit to the Clark-Fulton neighborhood. From sausage sandwiches to parish games, it’s a Labor Day weekend staple.

Cleveland Wing Week (Now til Sunday, August 31st)
Participating Restaurants

Get your napkins ready! Cleveland Wing Week means seven days of saucy specials from restaurants across the city. Everything from classic buffalo, dry rubs, to creative flavors, all wing lover’s can unite. Wing it


Friday, August 29th

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Pop Ups in the Parks
Davinwood Park, West Park | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Bounce houses, arts activities, games, and ice cream turn the park into a family playground. With crafts, performances, and even school supplies, it’s an easy weeknight outing for kids and parents alike. Pop over!

Funky Flea
Goodnight John Boy, The Flats | 5 - 9 PM

Support small businesses while browsing local vendors inside Cleveland’s disco throwback bar. With drinks, DJs, and plenty to shop, it’s part market/part night out/100% groovy.

Dueling Pianos with The Cleveland Keys
Music Box Supper Club, The Flats | 7:30 PM

Greg Coffey and The Cleveland Keys bring an all-request dueling piano show where the crowd drives the setlist. Expect sing-alongs, creative covers, and a night that only gets louder as it goes. Call the tune

Emo Night
Old 86, Gordon Square | 9 PM

Cleveland’s favorite emo dance party returns to Old 86’s garage bar patio. From pop-punk to alt anthems, it’s a night built for singing until your voice cracks and dancing until last call.

Rock Hall Live: St. Vincent
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Downtown | 8 PM

Grammy-winning powerhouse St. Vincent brings her genre-bending sound to the Rock Hall stage. Equal parts art rock and spectacle, all on the lakefront.

Tate McRae: Miss Possessive Tour
Rocket Arena, Cleveland | 7 PM

Pop sensation Tate McRae brings the Miss Possessive Tour to Cleveland with the powerhouse vocals and choreography that made her a breakout star. Radio hits, viral tracks, and a high-energy show built for screaming along.



Saturday, August 30th

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 State Farm Customer Appreciation Event
5634 State Road, Parma | 12 PM - 3 PM

Bring the family out to Steve McIntosh State Farm for an Ice Cream truck, dunk tank, kids’ games, and more.

All-Levels Rooftop Yoga at Canopy
Market Garden Rooftop, Ohio City | 10 - 11 AM

Kick off your morning with a rooftop flow on Market Garden’s new rooftop patio. Stretch out with views of the West Side Market and W. 25th Street, then head downstairs for a post-class brew. Reserve

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Westside Flea
Great Northern Mall Parking Lot, North Olmsted | 10 AM - 4 PM

Shop 100+ vendors offering everything from handmade goods to vintage finds, with food trucks, live music, and family fun all day.

August Thrifts: Summer Vintage Sale
The Screw Factory Studio 1270, Lakewood | 11 AM - 4 PM

Refresh your closet with curated vintage finds at August Thrifts’ summer sale. From $5 bins to racks of statement pieces, plus snacks and sips while you shop, it’s the perfect weekend treasure hunt. Find your fit

Hingetown Jazz Festival 2025
Hingetown, Ohio City | 3 – 9:30 PM

Cleveland’s neighborhood jazz fest returns with live music across Hingetown spots like The Bop Stop, Jukebox, and Saucy Brew Works. From classic swing to modern sounds, it’s an all-day block party of music, food, and community. All that jazz!



Sunday, August 31st

Summer Sip & Shop
John Christ Winery, Avon Lake | 10 AM - 3 PM

Sip, stroll, and shop among the vines at John Christ’s first summer market, featuring handmade goods, fresh-cut flowers, and more. Brunch runs 10–2, with lunch specials to follow. PS: Seating is first come, first served.

Sunday Yappy Hour with City Dogs
The W Sports Bar, Gordon Square | 11 AM - 1 PM

Chef-made dog treats, watermelon pup refreshers, and drink specials for the humans make this Sunday Funday patio perfect. Plus, City Dogs Cleveland will be there with adoptable pups ready for forever homes. Raise a paw







🎷 Live Entertainment

Friday

Revolutionary Women in Music Fan Weekend | | Rock Hall, Cleveland 10 AM
Stay Gone | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6 PM
Chris Lugo | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 6:30 PM
Electric Badger | Front Street Social, Berea 7 PM  
Loose Tooth  | Whiskey Island 7 PM
The Prince Experience - A Tribute To Prince | House of Blues, Cleveland 7 PM
Dueling Pianos with Cleveland Keys! | Music Box CH, Flats 7:30 PM
Motown & More with Nitebridge | Music Box SC, Flats 7:30 PM
Bad Juju 90's Hair Nation 80's Rock | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Cuyahoga Slim | Tony K’s, Berea 8 PM
St. Vincent W/ Gustaf | Rock Hall, Cleveland 8 PM
Riley Burke Band x Calico x The Jo Shmos x The Velvet Gentlemen | Coda, 8:30 PM
The Powerful Pills – A Tribute to Phish | The Winchester, Lakewood 9 PM
Jukebox Breakdown AKA Emo Night Cle | Mahall’s, Lakewood 10 PM
Martin McDaniel | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM

Saturday

Revolutionary Women in Music Fan Weekend | Rock Hall, Cleveland 10 AM
Lee Gantt | Whiskey Island 1 PM
Chris Lugo | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 6:30 PM
Discovery Band | Whiskey Island 7 PM
EST Gee | House of Blues, Cleveland 7 PM
Monica Robins and The Ninja Cowboys |  Tony K’s, Berea 8 PM
Midnight Blue | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
The Crystal Method | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM
Cruze Campo x Ke’von & The Vybes x City Side Step x Calico | Coda, 9 PM
Martin McDaniel | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM

Sunday

Revolutionary Women in Music Fan Weekend | Rock Hall, Cleveland 10 AM
Chicago & More Brunch with Brass Express | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM
KC & Company  | Whiskey Island 1 PM
Reggae Sundays: Carlos Jones & The PLUS Band | Music Box SC, Flats 4 PM
Irish Trad Music Session  | Gormley's Pub, Rocky River 5 PM
Tricky Dick & The Cover-Ups | Whiskey Island 7 PM
Martin McDaniel | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 9 PM

Weather

Friday

65 🌡️ 52 | 🌤 | 5% | 💨 N 7-10 mph 🌊 1 foot or less

Saturday

69 🌡️ 52 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 N 3-7 mph 🌊 1 foot or less

Sunday

72 🌡️ 56 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 NE 5-9 mph 🌊 1 foot or less

Monday

76 🌡️ 58 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 E 5-9 mph 🌊 1 foot or less

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 73ºF

That’s it for today, Westsiders.

Until Friday,

—The Briggses

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