The Westside Buzz
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☕ Farewell to a Local Landmark

☕ Farewell to a Local Landmark

New wine bar and pooch parade fun

September 23, 2025

Good morning, Buzz Nation!

The air is crisp and full of hope. The Browns pulled off an improbable comeback against the Packers, and the Guardians are impossibly hot, looking to secure a spot in the Fall Classic.

Maybe it’s something in the water, maybe it’s the tapping of the pumpkin beer kegs across the city, but Cleveland sports actually gave us something to smile about.

Let’s keep the winning going with an incredible lineup of Westside happenings that'll keep that good energy going all week long.

Today we’re buzzing on:

Two new additions to the Cleveland Zoo
A Westsider dominates the sports world
The Mutt Gala 2025

Hope to see you out there!

—The Briggses

COMMUNITY BLEND

Community Comes Together to Build a Playground 📍 Fairview Park

[Photo courtesy Westlife News]

A new all-inclusive playground has opened at Gilles-Sweet Elementary School in Fairview Park, thanks to a community effort that raised $141,835.

Funds came from local businesses like Impäkt Organic, Klotzbach Custom Builders and Remodelers, Inc., Community West Foundation, Legacy Spa, Fairview Park Youth Association, and the Fairview Park Women’s Club, as well as more than 50 families.

We say goodbye to a local landmark 📍 Avon

Jameson Homestead Antiques, the last antique shop in the French Creek District, will close its doors at the end of this year.

Opened in 1979 by Mary Ann Brown, the cozy treasure trove endured for decades until Brown’s recent passing, which marked the end of its story.

What happens next?

Now, the city plans to honor the property’s history by transforming the house into the Parks and Recreation headquarters and restoring its barn into a lively educational hub where children and seniors alike can step back in time and experience Avon’s roots. This and more in Short Takes

WESTSIDE POUR OVER

🚧 Brook Park: ODOT is reversing an August decision that denied the construction permit because the structure exceeded the height limit by 58 feet. at its highest point. A third-party consultant confirmed that it wouldn’t interfere with normal flight operations.

👟 Olmsted Falls: Former Bulldog Katie Moon continued her dominance in track and field, winning her third straight world pole vault title by clearing 4.9 meters at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Playhouse Square: Ever catch a Broadway touring show at Playhouse Square and assume the cast just rolled in from New York? Here’s the twist: many Broadway tours don’t just visit Cleveland—they often start here.

METROPARKS

Double Dose of Cute Arrivals 📍 Cleveland Zoo

Leela the Red Panda

Cleveland has a new celebrity, and she’s only the size of a loaf of bread.

Meet Leela, the baby red panda born this summer at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Just two months old, this fuzzy fireball already has a fan club forming. She’s the daughter of proud parents, Poppy and Willie, who picked out the name “Leela” just days before International Red Panda Day (Sept. 20). Talk about perfect timing.

Now here’s a fun fact you can drop at your next trivia night: despite sharing a name, red pandas and giant pandas aren’t actually close cousins. Red pandas are more like distant relatives of raccoons and weasels, while giant pandas belong to the bear family.

Source: Cleveland Metroparks

And if that wasn’t enough excitement, just in time for World Rhino Day (Sept. 22), the Zoo welcomed a critically endangered Eastern black rhino calf on September 13. Born to mom Kibibbi, this wobbly-legged youngster is already bonding with the animal care team and exploring the habitat. With fewer than 600 adults left in the wild, every new birth is a powerful symbol of hope.

Neither baby is quite ready for their public debut just yet—but you best believe The Westside Buzz will be there to get a glimpse.

NEW RESTAURANT

The Olde Wine Cellar Turns Into the Westside’s Newest Hidden Gem 📍 Olmsted Falls

Vino Di Luca, 7932 Main St, Olmsted Falls

Olmsted Falls’ historic Main Street has a fresh new flavor with the arrival of Vino di Luca, a wine bar designed around the joy of sharing.

Walls lined with bottles set the stage for a menu built on abundant small plates, antipasti platters, bruschetta, smoked salmon crostini, and hearty pastas like gnocchi and ricotta-stuffed purses. Luca Sema of Luca West has expertly curated the selection, featuring wines from Italy, France, Argentina, and beyond.

With its cozy dining room, chef’s table, and inviting patios, Vino di Luca offers guests a chance to sip, sample, and linger over an evening of wine and bites.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Pooch Parade’s 18th Edition 📍 Lakewood

[Courtesy: Lakewood Alive] Early contender for Mutt Madness 2026?

Get ready to un-leash your creativity—LakewoodAlive’s 18th Spooky Pooch Parade is back on Oct. 11, and it’s basically Halloween meets “Best in Show.” (Jodie’s favorite movie)

The Mutt Gala lasts from 12:30 to 3:30 PM, where Madison Park turns into a furry festival with pumpkin painting, food trucks, and more four-legged costumes than a doggy Comic-Con.

Register your pooch early so you can join the dog parade at 2 PM, which has turned into one of the Westside’s most anticipated traditions.

PRO SPORTS

The Guardians are the hottest team in baseball after seemingly coming out of nowhere to win 15 of their last 17 games to pull within 1 game of the Tigers in the division and claim the third and final wild card spot.

They were once 15.5 games back of Detroit!

Since then, they’ve gone on an unprecedented run spurred by clutch hitting, solid pitching, and a relentless attitude.

Here’s a look at their final six games:

Tuesday @ 6:40: Home vs. Tigers
Wednesday @ 6:40: Home vs. Tigers
Thursday @ 6:40: Home vs. Tigers
Friday @ 7:10: Home vs. Rangers
Saturday @ 7:15: Home vs. Rangers
Sunday @ 3:10: Home vs. Rangers

Avon’s Caden Clapham [Courtesy Aimee Bielozer – for The Morning Journal]

Here's a look at last Friday's high school football action from around the Westside, plus a peek at this week's matchups.

🏈 Last Week's Scores: September 19, 2025

St. Ignatius (1-4) 45, Riverside 33
Washington 21, St. Edward (4-1) 14
Avon (4-1) 28, Olmsted Falls (1-4) 0
Valley Forge 42, Westlake (2-3) 38
Rocky River (4-1) 39, Lakewood (3-2) 13
Buckeye 34, Bay Village (3-2) 28
Avon Lake (4-1) 31, Steele 21
North Ridgeville (4-1) 35, Elyria 7
North Olmsted (2-3) 47, Normandy 13

🏈 This Week's Games: September 26, 2025

Friday, September 26 - 7:00 PM

Westlake (2-3) vs. Bay Village (3-2) at Westlake High School
Lakewood (3-2) vs. North Olmsted (2-3) at Lakewood High School
Rocky River (4-1) vs. Normandy at Rocky River High School
Avon (4-1) at Berea-Midpark
Avon Lake (4-1) vs. Elyria at Avon Lake High School
North Ridgeville (4-1) at Midview
Olmsted Falls (1-4) at Steele

Saturday, September 27 - 1:00 PM

St. Edward (4-1) vs. Bishop McNamara at St. Edward High School

Coming Up: Friday, October 3 - 7:00 PM

St. Ignatius (1-4) at St. Edward (4-1)

Enjoy the games!

Should we continue to include the Westside High School Football roundup?

WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦=Family Friendly
📅= Multi-Day Event

Wednesday, September 24th
Mark + Muse: Custom Bookmark Event Table for 2, Ohio City \| 6–8 PM Craft your own bookmark at Table for 2, a vintage shop full of artisan touches. With snacks, refreshments, and all supplies provided, it’s a cozy night for makers and book lovers alike. Save your spot
Public Square Concert Series: Hey Mavis Public Square, Downtown \| 5–8 PM Hey Mavis brings their North Coast, Americana sound to the Square for this week’s outdoor concert. Grab a drink, find a spot, and enjoy live music framed by the city skyline.
Fall Charcuterie & Wine Pairing Night Home Appliance Avon Showroom, Avon \| 6–8 PM Build your own fall-inspired charcuterie board while sipping curated wine pairings at this intimate workshop. You’ll taste, learn, and leave with a mini board ready for your next gathering. Pair it perfectly
Plant Bingo The Winchester, Lakewood \| 7 PM Bingo meets botanicals at The Winchester. Play for plant-themed prizes in a night sponsored by Serendipity Botanicals. No cost to join, but seats sprout up fast, get there early!
Whiskey Row Flight Tasting The Wine Room, Avon \| 6:30–8:30 PM Sip your way through a curated bourbon lineup featuring Old Forester, Michter’s, Angel’s Envy, and more. Paired with a mini charcuterie board, it’s an evening built for whiskey lovers and bourbon-curious alike. Raise a glass

Thursday, September 25th
Vance Joy Jacobs Pavilion, The Flats \| 6:30 PM The Australian singer-songwriter behind “Riptide” and “Mess Is Mine” brings his heartfelt indie-folk sound to the Flats. Expect a riverfront evening of anthems made for singing along. This cowboy's runnin' from himself
A Night At Cheese School Astoria, Gordon Square \| 6:30–8:30 PM Fifteen cheeses, two small plates, and expert guidance from cheese monger Tom make this class part tasting, part education, and all fun. Held in Astoria’s cozy speakeasy dining room. Say cheese
Paint & Sip Lark & Vines, Fairview Park \| 7–9 PM Watercolors, wine, and light bites set the mood for this beginner-friendly art night. With Emily Lex workbooks as your guide, you’ll paint, sip, and laugh your way through a creative evening. Brush it off
Sip & Snack Charcuterie Class Little Meraki Market, Avon \| 7–8:30 PM Learn the art of building a picture-perfect board (salami roses included), while sipping wine and sampling your creation. Take home your own wooden board and spreader to keep the practice going. Board certified

Friday, September 26th
Chunky Knit Blanket “Sip & Snuggle” Workshop Little Birdie Wine Nest, Parma \| 6–8 PM Sip wine, chat with friends, and learn to hand-knit a chunky chenille blanket…no needles required! It’s cozy, creative, and your new favorite fall project. Snuggle SZN
📅 September Open Studios Screw Factory Artist Lofts, Lakewood \| Fri 6–10 PM, Sat 10 AM–3 PM Explore Lakewood’s Screw Factory, meet artists in their studios, and see new works up close. It’s the perfect way to dive into the city’s creative scene.
📅IngenuityFest 2025: Forging the Future Ingenuity Cleveland, Hamilton Ave. \| Fri–Sun (check link for times) Cleveland’s wildest festival of art, tech, fire, and music returns with a newly expanded 100,000 sq. ft. creative playground. Ten themed villages, hands-on fun, and big spectacle celebrate 20 years of ingenuity. Forge your weekend

Saturday, September 27th
Ohio Wine & Beer Show Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds \| 3 PM Sip your way through Ohio wineries and breweries, with tastings poured by the makers themselves. Your ticket also gets you into the Food Truck Music Fest with 20 trucks, live bands, and giant lawn games. Pour it on
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Outdoor Fall Market on the Ridge Blue Barn Shops, North Ridgeville \| 10 AM–5 PM Antiques, vintage finds, handmade goods, and cozy fall décor fill the Blue Barn lawn for this family-friendly market. With food vendors, door prizes, and plenty of treasures, it’s a seasonal shopping tradition.
📅👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Johnny Appleseed Festival Mapleside Farms, Brunswick \| Sat 11 AM–9 PM, Sun 11 AM–6 PM Caramel apples, cider donuts, pumpkin village, and America’s longest slide? Mapleside’s 52nd Johnny Appleseed Festival has it all. Pick your own apples, catch live entertainment, and spend a fall weekend packed with family fun. Apple-solutely
Tacos & Tequila Festival Crushers Stadium, Avon \| 2 PM Street tacos, craft margaritas, lucha libre, a chihuahua beauty pageant, and a throwback hip-hop lineup featuring Lil Jon, Fat Joe, Ginuwine, Twista, and more. It’s the ultimate day-to-night fiesta. Get low
Flight Cleveland Clambake Flight Cleveland, Gordon Square \| 2–6:30 PM Chef David Kocab teams up with BassaBassa, a Cent’s Pizza concept, for Flight’s annual clambake. Expect a dozen clams with creative fall sides, chorizo, and wine pairings in one of Gordon Square’s coziest wine bars. Crack into it
Food Truck Challenge Crocker Park, Westlake \| 11 AM–4 PM Twenty food trucks face off with celebrity judges and your vote deciding the People’s Choice winner. Add live music and a hungry crowd, and it’s a food lover’s dream afternoon.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Westside Flea Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted \| 10 AM–4 PM Browse 100+ vendors of handmade goods, vintage finds, art, and more at this community market. With food trucks, live music, and family activities, it’s a full day of shopping local.
Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras House of Blues, Downtown \| 7 PM 2.5 years post-scandal and still craving the spotlight, Tom Sandoval brings his “Most Extras” cover band to Cleveland. Equal parts midlife crisis and karaoke fever dream. Worm with a mustache

Saturday, September 27th

Ohio Wine & Beer Show
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds | 3 PM

Sip your way through Ohio wineries and breweries, with tastings poured by the makers themselves. Your ticket also gets you into the Food Truck Music Fest with 20 trucks, live bands, and giant lawn games. Pour it on

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Outdoor Fall Market on the Ridge
Blue Barn Shops, North Ridgeville | 10 AM–5 PM

Antiques, vintage finds, handmade goods, and cozy fall décor fill the Blue Barn lawn for this family-friendly market. With food vendors, door prizes, and plenty of treasures, it’s a seasonal shopping tradition.

📅👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Johnny Appleseed Festival
Mapleside Farms, Brunswick | Sat 11 AM–9 PM, Sun 11 AM–6 PM

Caramel apples, cider donuts, pumpkin village, and America’s longest slide? Mapleside’s 52nd Johnny Appleseed Festival has it all. Pick your own apples, catch live entertainment, and spend a fall weekend packed with family fun. Apple-solutely

Tacos & Tequila Festival
Crushers Stadium, Avon | 2 PM

Street tacos, craft margaritas, lucha libre, a chihuahua beauty pageant, and a throwback hip-hop lineup featuring Lil Jon, Fat Joe, Ginuwine, Twista, and more. It’s the ultimate day-to-night fiesta. Get low

Flight Cleveland Clambake
Flight Cleveland, Gordon Square | 2–6:30 PM

Chef David Kocab teams up with BassaBassa, a Cent’s Pizza concept, for Flight’s annual clambake. Expect a dozen clams with creative fall sides, chorizo, and wine pairings in one of Gordon Square’s coziest wine bars. Crack into it

Food Truck Challenge
Crocker Park, Westlake | 11 AM–4 PM

Twenty food trucks face off with celebrity judges and your vote deciding the People’s Choice winner. Add live music and a hungry crowd, and it’s a food lover’s dream afternoon.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Westside Flea
Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted | 10 AM–4 PM

Browse 100+ vendors of handmade goods, vintage finds, art, and more at this community market. With food trucks, live music, and family activities, it’s a full day of shopping local.

Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras
House of Blues, Downtown | 7 PM

2.5 years post-scandal and still craving the spotlight, Tom Sandoval brings his “Most Extras” cover band to Cleveland. Equal parts midlife crisis and karaoke fever dream. Worm with a mustache

Sunday, September 28th
Fleetwood Mac Tribute Brunch with Rumors Ohio Music Box Supper Club, The Flats \| 11 AM Start your Sunday with Stevie, Lindsey, and Christine (well… the next best thing). Rumors Ohio brings Fleetwood Mac’s hits to brunch, complete with Bloody Mary specials and that one song you’ll be humming all week. Play Silver Springs!!!
Sip & Shop Market John Christ Winery, Avon Lake \| 11 AM–4 PM Wander the vineyard with a glass in hand at John Christ’s summer market. Shop handmade goods and fresh-cut flowers, then refuel with brunch (10–2) or lunch specials after.
Island Beats Pink Mamas Zumba® Master Class Fieldhouse Gymnasium, Lakewood \| 1–3 PM Dance for a cause at this high-energy Zumba® Master Class supporting breast cancer awareness. Island Beats teams up with instructors from Ohio and Florida to bring the heat, honor survivors, and move together in strength. Get grooving

Sunday, September 28th

Fleetwood Mac Tribute Brunch with Rumors Ohio
Music Box Supper Club, The Flats | 11 AM

Start your Sunday with Stevie, Lindsey, and Christine (well… the next best thing). Rumors Ohio brings Fleetwood Mac’s hits to brunch, complete with Bloody Mary specials and that one song you’ll be humming all week. Play Silver Springs!!!

Sip & Shop Market
John Christ Winery, Avon Lake | 11 AM–4 PM

Wander the vineyard with a glass in hand at John Christ’s summer market. Shop handmade goods and fresh-cut flowers, then refuel with brunch (10–2) or lunch specials after.

Island Beats Pink Mamas Zumba® Master Class
Fieldhouse Gymnasium, Lakewood | 1–3 PM

Dance for a cause at this high-energy Zumba® Master Class supporting breast cancer awareness. Island Beats teams up with instructors from Ohio and Florida to bring the heat, honor survivors, and move together in strength. Get grooving

Weather

Tuesday

74 🌡️ 61 | 🌧 | 40% | 💨SW 6-8 mph 🌊 1 foot or less

Wednesday

73 🌡️ 61 | 🌧 | 80% | 💨 E 5-8 mph 🌊 1 foot or less

Thursday

70 🌡️ 59 | 🌧 | 80% | 💨 W 7-11 mph 🌊 1 to 3 feet

Friday

72 🌡️ 59 | 🌧 | 30% | 💨 NW 8 mph 🌊 2 feet or less

💧^{🌡️ Water temperature = 70ºF}

That’s it for today, Westsiders. Do us a huge favor and send this email to someone who has been to every Guardians home game this season.

Until Friday,

—The Briggses