☕ Lakewood Vape Shops Go Up In Smoke

Too Hot? Chill with These Plans

You’ve just opened The Westside Buzz, the digital version of drinking cold water from the garden hose in 90° heat.

It’s refreshingly unfiltered, surprisingly tasty, and just the right amount of nostalgia.

Today we’re buzzing on:

  • 🎸 Our weekend recap

  • 🎢 The newest Cedar Point Coaster opens this weekend

  • 🎫 Too many fun things going on this week

Hope to see you there!

—The Briggses

WEEKEND RECAP

Jacob’s Pavilion looking stunning

Like a lunch from Slyman’s, Jodie and I had a full plate of activities this weekend. We started things off at a Goose show, which is one of the premier jam bands out right now.

We ended the night on the other side of the river at the outdoor-themed rooftop bar Glamper. Head there around sunset to get some of the most stunning views in the Flats.

Saturday morning? Let’s just say these two Suncruisers cruised a little too close to the sun. But with a Tremont siblings night out on the docket, we couldn’t rest for too long.

Dinner of small plates at Fat Cats (the steamed buns are insane), Patio margs at Hi and Dry, a Guinness or two at Treehouse, getting locked out of Hotz Cafe (😡), a slice at Lil Ronnie’s, then two last stops on East 4th to Jolene’s and Wunderbar.

On Sunday, we chilled by the pool. Ready to do it all again next weekend. Until then, we Buzz.

COMMUNITY BLEND

Westside city takes a thoughtful look at vape shops | Lakewood

Lakewood City Council has enacted a temporary moratorium on new smoke and vape shop openings through December 31, 2025, as part of a broader effort to reevaluate how these businesses fit within the city’s long-term commercial planning.

The resolution responds to growing concern over the rapid rise of vape-related retailers, with more than 10 already operating in the city’s commercial corridors.

Key points of the moratorium:

  • Applies to any retail business dedicating 20% or more of shelf space to smoke shop products (CBD, Kratom, synthetic or hemp-derived cannabinoids)

  • Does not affect licensed medical or recreational marijuana dispensaries

  • Existing vape shops can continue operating as usual during the moratorium

  • City aims to adopt updated zoning legislation by the end of 2025

  • Focuses on unregulated products not overseen by the FDA, rather than banning vaping outright

This is part of Lakewood’s broader strategy to balance business development with thoughtful land use, ensuring commercial growth aligns with the city’s vision for vibrant, safe, and well-regulated neighborhoods.

Fostering Hope Ohio | Tremont

During our night out in Tremont, I noticed a few of these boxes with cool art in each.

This piece was created by an 11-year-old in foster care. “This piece is about peace, love, and care”

Fostering Hope Ohio has partnered with the Restor art ive gallery to shine a light on youth in Foster Care and give them a way to express themselves artistically.

As part of the recent Tremont Art Walk and the theme "Healing Through Art", these young artists showcase their emotional journeys through mini-gallery displays. Each piece is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the strength found in self-expression.

🎨 Experience the outdoor gallery in Tremont and celebrate the courage of these young creators:

📍 Gallery Locations: 221 Professor Ave, 2190 & 2418 Professor Ave, 820 College Ave, and 2061 W. 10th St.

🔗 Learn more about the project and the stories behind the artwork: restorartive.org/fostering-hope

If you are down in Tremont, take a moment to let these young artists inspire you—and open your heart.

CEDAR POINT

🎢 Siren’s Curse Opens This Weekend | Cedar Point

This is like an entire week of Christmas Mornings for us here at The Buzz. Cedar Point's highly anticipated new roller coaster, Siren’s Curse, officially opens to the public this Saturday!

Season passholders get exclusive early access Friday, 2:00–10:00 PM. Grab your most comfortable line-standing shoes, thrill seekers, and prepare to be among the first to ride!

Here’s what makes Siren’s Curse an unforgettable experience:

  • A 61-foot vertical stall that holds riders at a full 90º angle for 10 suspenseful seconds

  • First-ever onboard audio and visual effects for a fully immersive thrill

  • Top speed of 58 mph and a towering 160-foot peak

  • 13 airtime moments, two zero-gravity barrel rolls, and a unique triple-down drop through 2,966 feet of twisted, overbanked track

You must be 48 inches tall to ride, so if your kid is just shy, make sure to bring one or five extra pairs of socks (Tim Misny, please don’t read this last sentence…The Westside Buzz is not liable for any irresponsible fun had)

🎟️ Early Access for Passholders: Friday, June 21 | 2:00–10:00 PM

🎡 Open to All Guests: Saturday, June 22

WESTSIDE POUR OVER

🏫 Avon: Avon Local Schools is restarting its superintendent search after community backlash led the Board of Education to withdraw interim finalist Joseph Clark, following the departure of Superintendent Ben Hodge, who begins a new role at Polaris Career Center on August 1. Full Story

🦝 Westlake: To ease staffing challenges and speed up response times, Westlake Police Department is testing AI technology that can automatically reroute non-emergency calls—ranging from illegally parked cars to quirky complaints like a raccoon allegedly mowing the lawn.

🚸 Strongsville: Former Cleveland Browns executive and Ohio State wide receiver Kevin Griffin has been appointed to the Strongsville Board of Education, filling a vacant seat through December 31 and bringing decades of leadership, board service, and a strong commitment to public education. Full Story

OPINION

The Compelling Case for the Browns Leaving Downtown

Image by The Buzz Staff

It’s time we stop thinking of the Browns’ potential move and the IX Center closing for large events as a loss—and start recognizing it for what it really is: a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Cleveland for the better.

A recent piece from NEO Trans Blog laid out a vision that’s hard to ignore.

Let’s break it down.

Right now, Huntington Bank Field (formerly FirstEnergy Stadium) sits unused for 352 days a year. That’s nearly a full calendar of wasted opportunity in addition to 80 acres of lakefront surface parking sitting dormant for all but 13 events. If we are striving to grow our downtown residential population, that kind of underutilization is unacceptable.

Now imagine this: a vibrant, walkable lakefront neighborhood, buzzing with life, anchored by green space, cultural events, restaurants, shops, and housing—designed not for occasional foot traffic, but for everyday living. Cities like Boston, Seattle, and New York have embraced this model, and it’s time Cleveland followed suit.

The numbers speak for themselves: a redeveloped lakefront could generate an estimated 11 million visits annually, compared to just 1.6 million trips currently made to and from the stadium. That’s not just a statistic—it’s an economic engine, a catalyst for local business, and a clear path to a more livable, people-first city.

And with the IX Center’s events potentially shifting downtown, the momentum builds. Suddenly, downtown Cleveland becomes a true regional magnet that is convenient, compelling, and constantly active.

The Browns can thrive in Brook Park. Cleveland can thrive in their absence. And together, we can build something greater than what exists today.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Third Annual Remembrance Walk Announced | Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

University Hospitals invites families, friends, and community members to the Third Annual Remembrance Walk on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. This deeply meaningful event is dedicated to honoring the memory of babies and children who have died, offering a space of comfort, connection, and reflection. Held during International Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, the walk underscores UH’s compassionate commitment to supporting grieving families through personalized and ongoing bereavement care.

The event will include:

  • 9:00 a.m. – Remembrance Program begins, featuring a keynote speaker and the heartfelt reading of children’s names by hospital chaplains

  • 9:15 a.m. – A peaceful one-mile walk around the zoo grounds

  • All-day access to the zoo is included with registration

Participants can also engage in meaningful memory-making activities, such as:

  • Creating memorial quilt squares

  • Contributing to the annual remembrance scrapbook
    (All materials will be provided)

This event is free of charge and open to the public. To register online in advance, visit 👉 HERE
Or register on-site the morning of the event.

Come walk with us in remembrance, unity, and love—surrounded by others who truly understand this sacred journey of grief and healing.

📸 @THEWESTSIDEBUZZ

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WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?


👨‍👩‍👧‍👦=Family Friendly

Events This Week

Cleveland Burger Week: Monday, 6/23 - Sunday, 6/29
Various Participating Restaurants

Get your hands on $9 burgers from some of Cleveland’s best restaurants during this week-long tribute to America’s sweetheart, the burger. Download the official Burger Week app to explore specials, plan your stops, and check in for prizes. More information here.

46th Annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland: Thursday, 6/26 - Saturday, 6/28
Playhouse Square + Various Locations

Now in its 46th year, this world-class festival returns with ticketed performances in the historic theaters of Playhouse Square and free outdoor sets all weekend long on U.S. Bank Plaza. View the schedule here

Tremont Food Truck Festival: Friday, 6/27 - Sunday, 6/29

Back for a second helping, the Tremont Food Truck Festival is rolling into Lincoln Park with some of Northeast Ohio’s tastiest trucks. Expect boozy lemonades, a mobile cigar lounge, live music, local makers, and a food truck throwdown worth loosening your belt for. The festival starts at 5 pm on Friday, and 12 PM on Saturday & Sunday.


Wednesday, June 25th

Stitch + B*tch: A Neon Heron Craft Meetup
BAYarts, Bay Village | 6:30 - 8:30 PM

Wind down midweek with hands-on needle arts in a supportive, social setting. Each session includes a starter kit (crochet or embroidery), access to materials, and expert crafters to help guide you.

June Decorate and Sip Cake Decorating Workshop
Wyne Tasting Bar, Gordon Square | 7 - 8:30 PM

Unleash your inner cake artist at this fun, wine-filled decorating night. All supplies are provided! Reserve

Pressed Flower Lantern Workshop
The Wine Room, Avon | 6 - 8 PM

Create a dreamy glass lantern using dried florals and a flameless tea light at this laid-back crafting night. Supplies are included, and snacks and drinks will be available for purchase while you work. Tickets

Good Vibes Yoga at Edgewater Beach’s Willow Tree
Edgewater Beach, Cleveland | 6 PM

Join Bottoms Up! Yoga and instructor Paige Melton under Edgewater’s iconic willow tree for a feel-good evening flow. This all-levels class runs on suggested $10 donations (just bring a mat, water, and sunscreen). Reserve

Sip & Swap: A Sustainable Style Social
Bloom Social Haus, Westlake | 5:30 - 8 PM

Missed the swap window? You can still join the fun! A GA ticket gets you snacks, sips, access to local vendors, and on-site monogramming—all while supporting children in foster care through Honey from the Rock.

Public Square + The Malls - Take a Hike Summer Series 
Public Square, Downtown CLE | 6 - 7:30 PM

Take a free 90-minute walking tour through the heart of Cleveland. Learn about its founding, landmark architecture, and the iconic 1903 Group Plan. Reservations encouraged, walk-ups welcome. Tour Information


Thursday, June 26th

Flow + Glow
Soul Space, Gordon Square | 6 - 8 PM

Unwind with an evening of vinyasa yoga, sound baths, and wellness pop-ups at SoulSpace. Enjoy complimentary snacks, juice, and pampering experiences like skincare scans, holistic massage, tarot pulls, and more. BYO yoga mat. Tickets

Beach Pawty
Nano Brew, Ohio City | 5:30 - 8:30 PM

Dress your pup in their best beach look and head to Nano Brew for pet photos, games, raffles, and more. Support Companion Pets of Cleveland’s spay/neuter assistance program, prizes awarded for beach-ready pets! Event information here

Yoga in the Park with YogaSix
Rocky River Park, Rocky River | 6 PM

Enjoy an all-levels outdoor flow with lake views every Thursday evening on the grassy knoll at Rocky River Park. Free to attend with optional donations supporting Rocky River Parks & Rec. Registration required via the Y6 app or by calling 440-754-1824.

Friday, June 27th

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Lakewood Front Porch Concert Series
Lakewood Public Library, Lakewood | 7 PM

Moisés Borges Brazilian Jazz Quartet takes on the iconic steps of Downtown Lakewood this Friday for LakewoodAlive’s free concert series!

Chocolate Chip Cookies Baking Class
Annie’s Signature Sweets, Berea | 6 PM

Because who doesn’t want to learn how to master the iconic, go-to cookie? Tickets

Saturday, June 28th

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bluey & Bingo Party 
The Arcade, Lakewood | 9 AM - 12 PM

Spend the morning with your favorite Blue Heeler pups at this family-friendly bash filled with arcade games, themed drinks, and plenty of playtime fun. Perfect for Bluey fans of all ages! Tickets

Bay Arts Festival
BAYArts, Bay Village | 10 AM - 4 PM

Stroll the scenic BAYarts campus and shop 70+ local artists and makers, enjoy food trucks, and catch live music all day long.

Beer 101 Hop College Class
Great Lakes Brewing Co., Ohio City | 1 – 3 PM

Go back to (beer) school with GLBC’s Hop College! Learn the story and science behind craft brewing, enjoy a guided tasting of Great Lakes beers, and get a behind-the-scenes brewery tour with a take home a Hop College pint glass. Tickets

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Fam Jam
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland | 10 AM - 2 PM

The Rock Hall’s free summer family fest returns with live music, bubbles, balloons, crafts, and community fun. Have an instrument laying around? Bring it and donate it to local music education programs. RSVP required, museum admission not included.

ESPN Cleveland Block Party
The Flats East Bank | 12 - 5 PM

ESPN Cleveland’s biggest bash of the summer returns to Old River Road with live broadcasts, music, food, drinks, and sports-themed fun for all ages. Don’t miss team appearances, giveaways, and a daylong celebration benefitting Muttley Crue Rescue CLE. Admission is free! Information here

Up! A Creek 2025
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo | 6 – 11 PM

Celebrate 28 years of conservation with West Creek Conservancy at this lively after-hours zoo takeover. Enjoy food stations, cocktails, ziplining, live music, dancing, raffles, and more. Ages 21+, ticket includes access to the Asian Lantern Festival and zoo grounds. Tickets

Sunday, June 29th

Trinity Block Party
Trinity Block, Lakewood | 11 AM – 4 PM

Lakewood’s newest tradition kicks off with local makers, artists, food, drinks, and live music. Shop and sip with community favorites like LBM, Immigrant Son, Lakewood Bottle Shop, Trikeable Treats, and more. Music by NicNacc sets the vibe. Event info

Summer Sip & Shop Market
John Christ Winery, Avon | 11 AM - 4 PM

Sip summer cocktails and stroll the vineyard while shopping for handmade goods from local artisans. With brunch from 10 AM–2 PM and chef specials to follow, this sunny Sunday market is the perfect day trip.

Pride Happy Hour
Velvet Tango Room, Ohio City | 2 - 6 PM

Join us this Sunday from 2–6 PM for a Pride Happy Hour in our back room and Secret Garden featuring live music from Apostle Jones!

The Sunday Session
CLE Loft 40, Cleveland | 12 - 2 PM

Kick off your Sunday with a Yoga + core workout, refreshing bevvies, and a healthy bowl by Ryan Boone of Chips & Dip. All taken place inside Loft 40, a beautifully reimagined East Side space that once housed the American Tin Can Company. A little east of your usual scene, but totally worth the trek. Tickets

Weather

Tuesday

90 🌡️ 71 | 🌤⛈ | 30% | 💨 W 6-8 mph 🌊 2 feet or less

Wednesday

82 🌡️ 70 | ⛈ | 60% | 💨 N 5-7 mph 🌊 1 foot or less

Thursday

83 🌡️ 70 | ⛈ | 60% | 💨 NW 3-7 mph 🌊 2 feet or less

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 62ºF

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

Until Friday,

—The Briggses