☕ Lakewood Rallies, Globe Iron Rocks

25 springtime events this week | Lake Erie Sailing Center Breaks Ground

Good morning, Buzz Nation! Wake up with us and get your daily dose of Westside goodness. It won’t prevent springtime sneezes, itchy eyes, and runny noses, but it will make you the most informed Westsider in your neighborhood.

Today we’re buzzing on:

  • ⛵ A world-class sailing center

  • 🏆 Westside establishments on the Cleveland Best Of List

  • 🌷 25 sweet springtime activities

T-minus 11 days until our fundraiser supporting The Cleveland APL, in partnership with Voyager Wines, at Rozi’s Wine House in Lakewood. (Rolls off your tongue like the Michael Scott's Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run Race for the Cure)

Hope to see you there!

—The Briggses

METROPARKS

World-class sailing center breaks ground | East 55th

the patrick parker community sailng center

Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center at East 55th Street Marina

The Cleveland Metroparks and key partners broke ground on the Patrick S. Parker Community Sailing Center at the East 55th Street Marina. When it opens in 2026, it will be the first sailing center of its kind on the shores of Great Lake Erie.

Here are the highlights:

Facilities: The plan is to build two facilities totaling over 28,000 square feet featuring learning spaces, indoor/outdoor community areas, waterfront dining, sailing simulators, and boat storage.

The Mission: To provide unparalleled public access to sailing the Lake Erie shoreline, and educate and inspire the next generation of sailors in Cleveland.

Programming: Year-round Sailing STEM programs operated by The Cleveland Foundry at the Charlie Britton Sailing School, including youth and adult sailing classes and water safety certifications.

Even though Patrick S. Parker, the former Chairman and CEO of Parker Hannifin, was an Eastsider, he was an avid sailor and philanthropist who wanted to expand public access of Lake Erie. No matter what side of town you grow up on, we appreciate how massive these improvements to our city will be for this and future generations.

Can’t wait to see this when it is finished!

WESTSIDE POUR OVER

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Lakewood: Lakewood families are rallying to save their seven neighborhood elementary schools through events like a student bike parade with decorated bikes and signs, while parents oppose consolidation plans citing longer walking distances and safety concerns, despite the district's significant enrollment decline since 2003.

🚴‍♂️ Lakewood: Friday is National Bike to Work Day. Bike Lakewood is celebrating by offering up coffee and snacks from 7:30 - 9:00 AM at 📍 Madison Square Park.

🏌️‍♀️ Greater Cleveland: Golf is booming across Cleveland Metroparks' nine courses with a record-breaking 415,671 rounds played in 2024. That’s about 40% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Recently, they added Ironwood to the portfolio and made improvements to Seneca. 2025 looks to be the best year yet for golf in Cleveland!

LOCAL LEVIES

What passed and what failed? | Westside

A few Westside communities had a chance to vote on levies, bond issues, and other primary issues last week. Here is a quick look at how they fared.

Avon: ✅ PASSED an income tax increase from 1.75 to 1.95 to fund police and fire services.

Avon Lake: ✅ PASSED a 1.97-mill operating levy for general expenses.

Avon Lake: TOO CLOSE TO CALL bond Issue passed by 19 votes, may trigger recount.

Bay Village: ✅ PASSED a 3.15-mill tax levy for permanent improvements.

Parma City Schools: ❌ FAILED a 6.9-mill additional emergency levy. Staffing reductions and cuts to programs are possible.

SUPPORT LOCAL

Cleveland Scene Best Of voting ends May 21st | Cleveland

The west side is the best side cleveland

Every year, the Cleveland Scene takes nominations for the Best of Cleveland for Clevelanders to vote on their favorite restaurants, bars, businesses, and more.

The finalists have been set, and it’s time to support some Westside spots who are deserving of being dubbed The Best of Cleveland 2025.

Here are some notable Westside establishments you can support:

FunktiniLand, Salty Not Sweet, Spellbound: Best Boutique

All Saints Public House, Nano Brew, Twist Social Club: Best Bar Patio

Flight Cleveland, Humble Wine Bar (Where Jodie and I had our 1st date!), La Cave Du Vin, Wine Bar Rocky River: Best Wine Bar

Cocky’s Bagels: Best Bagels

Gibbs Buthcer Block, Ohio City Provisions, TJ’s Butcher Block & Deli: Best Butcher Shop

Dahlia Coffee Co.: Best Coffee Shop

As you can tell, the Westside dominates many of these categories, which is further evidence that the West is the Best!

Voting ends May 21st so let’s rock the vote, Buzz Nation.

WHAT THE HECK?

They moved into their new home and found what? | Westlake

Buying a home can be both a stressful and exciting time in our lives.

But dangerous?

the westside buzz westlake ohio

Courtesy Westlake PD

A Westlake homeowner had to call the Westshore Bomb Unit after they found World War II-era projectiles and a Japanese hand grenade in the basement of their recently purchased home.

As if moving wasn’t enough with nosy neighbors, unexpected leaks, and pesky ghosts, add exploding antiques to the list.

Speaking of ghosts, a hotly contested conversation topic with my friends often revolves around stories of friendly, frisky, or frightening supernatural encounters.

Do you believe in the supernatural/ghosts/spirits?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?

Cleveland’s newest concert venue opened up right here on the Westside! Globe Iron is a 1,200-capacity indoor concert venue featuring a wide range of auditory offerings.

They’ve already hosted Shakey Graves, who is a national act with millions of streams across the music apps.

Here are the upcoming shows at Globe Iron 👇

Want to feature an event with a custom poster in front of 16,000 Westsiders? Let’s talk! hello(at)thewestsidebuzz.com


Thursday, May 15th

Sip & Shop - Building a Capsule Wardrobe
Eleanor and Hobbs, Rocky River | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Join Cleveland Social Club at Eleanor & Hobbs for a stylish Sip & Shop event all about building your perfect capsule wardrobe. Learn how to mix high-end, affordable, and existing pieces into a timeless, versatile collection—plus, enjoy a $10 gift card to get started. Tickets

Patio Opening Party
Lago, The Flats | 4 PM - CL

Patio season kicks off May 15th with a sunset-ready celebration! Starting at 4 PM, enjoy new cocktails, DJ sets from @yomattitude, and bites from the new seasonal menu. Reservations encouraged!

Watershed Distillery Cocktail Class  
Bright Side, Ohio City | 6:30 - 8 PM

Bright Side and Watershed Distillery are teaming up for a hands-on cocktail class where you'll craft a Strawberry Martinez and an Espresso Martini. Perfect for cocktail lovers and curious beginners! Spots are limited, book now.

Cocktail Collection | Resin + Glass Sip & Pour Workshop
Little Birdie Wine Nest, Parma | 6 PM

Design your own set of cocktail glasses using vibrant resin art techniques in this fun, hands-on workshop. Sip wine, get creative, and leave with a stunning set that’s perfect for entertaining or gifting. Book here.

Prosecco & Pottery
Quill Pottery, Westlake | 6 - 9 PM

Enjoy a creative night out with Prosecco & Pottery, where you’ll make two projects—a floral bowl using transfers and a piece on the pottery wheel—guided by Corin (@csdhart_ceramics). A perfect mix of hands-on fun and relaxing clay therapy! Book here.

Friday, May 16th

Third Friday Art Walk
78 Street Studios, Cleveland | 5 - 9 PM

Explore local art, music, and community at the 78th Street Studios Third Friday Art Walk. Free and open to the public, it’s the perfect way to kick off your weekend with creative energy.

Bernie Kosar 
TempleLive: The Asylum | 7 PM

Cleveland legend Bernie Kosar is taking the stage for a special night of stories, football memories, and behind-the-scenes moments from his iconic career. Don’t miss this rare chance to hear directly from the Browns great in an intimate live setting. More info here.

Mosaic Turkish Lamp Workshop
Pinspiration, Avon | 6-9 PM

Design your own one-of-a-kind Swan Turkish Mosaic Lamp in this hands-on workshop, perfect for all skill levels. With guided instruction and all materials included, you'll create a stunning piece of decor that adds warmth and personality to any space, reserve your spot.

Club 2k- 2000’s/2010’s Dance Party
Mahalls, Lakewood | 10 PM

Club2K is bringing all your favorite 2000s and 2010s bangers to Mahall’s for a night of non-stop dancing. From Rihanna to Pitbull, it’s like your old iPod on shuffle. Tickets

Mon Cheri: A Wine + Vinyl Night
La Cave Du Vin, Tremont | 8 PM - 12 AM

French wine, smooth vinyl, and intimate vibes return to La Cave Du Vin for a one-of-a-kind night hosted by NicNacc. Come dressed to impress, bring a favorite record, and enjoy a soundtrack that’s as eclectic as the crowd—21+ only. Information here

Saturday, May 17th

Spring Green Market 
Miller Nature Preserve, Avon | 10 AM - 4 PM

Celebrate sustainability at the inaugural Spring Green Market hosted by Lorain County Metroparks. Enjoy eco-friendly shopping with nature-inspired vendors, native plant sales, composting demos, and a “Zero Waste” lunch at Orchid Café. Bonus: the event supports pollinators like butterflies and bees—so your garden can buzz with purpose!

Cleveland Bazaar's Summer Markets
Market Square Park, Ohio City | 10 AM - 4 PM

Cleveland Bazaar’s Summer Markets return to Market Square Park with a curated lineup of local makers, artists, and creatives. Shop handmade goods, enjoy the Ohio City vibes, and support small businesses all summer.

Exclusive Food & Wine Pairing Event with Private Reserve
The Wine Room, Avon | 12 - 2 PM

Join Michael from Private Reserve for an exclusive afternoon of expertly paired wines and gourmet bites. Enjoy five hand-selected wines, a beautifully curated charcuterie spread, and a decadent dessert course—all crafted to elevate your tasting experience. Reserve.

Cleveland Asian Festival
Asia Town, Cleveland | 11 AM - 7 PM

The Cleveland Asian Festival is back for its 16th year—yes, it’s on the east side, but we promise it’s worth the trip. Expect a packed weekend in AsiaTown with cultural performances, 100+ vendors, amazing food, free games, health screenings, and one epic Asian Pop Dance Cover competition. Fest goes until Sunday!

Great Lakes Health and Wellness Fitness Sampler
Church + State, Hingetown | 10:30 AM - 1 PM

Join the Great Lakes Health and Wellness Fitness Sampler at Church + State’s rooftop in Ohio City for a free day of mini workouts, wellness vendors, and good vibes. From pilates to sound baths, it’s the perfect way to move, connect, and recharge. Tickets

May Drag Brunch & Bingo
BrewDog, The Flats | 12 - 3 PM

Dauber Divas Drag Bingo takes over BrewDog Cleveland this Saturday with big energy, bigger laughs, and even better prizes—think smart watches, espresso makers, and surprise goodies. Hosted by the unstoppable duo, this isn’t your grandma’s bingo night. Tickets

Lakewood Taco & Tequila Bar Crawl
Lakewood, Lakewood Truck Park | 1 PM

The Lakewood Taco & Tequila Bar Crawl is back! Start at the registration party to grab your taco tokens and crawl map, then make your way through local favorites offering signature tacos, drink specials, music, giveaways… and taco pizza? Tickets

Molly Kearney Live
27 Club Coffee, The Flats | 8 PM / 10 PM

Catch SNL cast member and Cleveland native Molly Kearney live at 27 Club Coffee for two back-to-back shows. Don’t miss a night of sharp comedy in one of the city’s coolest spots. Tickets

Sunday, May 18th

The Cleveland Marathon
Downtown Cleveland | Varies

The Cleveland Marathon is this weekend! The full and half marathon take place Sunday—whether you're running or cheering, click here for the full schedule, routes, cheer zones, and event details.

Brunch & Brushes After-Mother's-Day Event
The Local Bar, North Olmsted | 12:00 PM

Brunch & Brushes is the perfect belated Mother’s Day celebration, combining creativity, great food, and quality time. Paint ceramic birdhouses in a relaxed, guided session while enjoying a delicious brunch. Best part? Bottomless mimosas are available for just $15. Tickets

Bingo with Mom
Schnitz Ale Brewery, Parma | 2 - 5 PM

Keep the celebration going with Bingo with Mom—an extra special, belated Mother’s Day event at Schnitz Ale Brewery. Enjoy an afternoon of brews, laughs, sweet treats, and fabulous prizes, all while supporting a local Girl Scout troop. Website

Madison Park Chalk Fest 
Madison Park, Lakewood | 2 - 3:30 PM

With nearly 1,000 pieces of chalk ready to go, all you need to bring is your creativity. Enjoy music, light refreshments, and prizes for “Best in Show” in both kid and adult categories. The goal is to cover the pavement around the Little Free Locker Room with color and community!

Live Music on Patio with Marcus Dirk
5 Points Coffee & Tea, Westpark | 10 AM

Spend your Sunday morning at one of Cleveland’s cutest coffee shops as Marcus Dirk brings his Celtic-inspired folk sound to 5 Points. With cozy vibes, a great patio, and live music, it’s the perfect way to ease into the day.

Weather

Tuesday

74 🌡️ 61 | ⛈ | 30% | 💨 SE 10 mph

Wednesday

74 🌡️ 61 | ⛈ | 60% | 💨 SE 6-8 mph

Thursday

78 🌡️ 65 | 🌤 | 20% | 💨 SE 7-11 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 53ºF

That’s it for today, Westsiders. Do us a huge favor and send this email to someone who bikes to work.

Until Friday,

—The Briggses

📢 Promote your company or event to 26,000 Westsiders

🐾 Come raise money for the Cleveland APL at Rozi’s on May 23rd