☕ Today's Trivia Could Win You $25 In Beer

Answer right and score a GLBC gift card | This Project Will Reshape Lakewood Forever

Happy Friday, Westsiders. The city of Cleveland has seen two consecutive years of population growth after decades of decline. Two consecutive wins reminded me of something from a movie…

From Lou Brown, the Cleveland manager in “Major League” | Top 5 sports movie (Mr. Buzz)

I’m endlessly inspired and deeply grateful to be surrounded by a community that doesn’t just dream of better. We show up every day and build it.

Today we’re buzzing on:

  • 💰 Answer the trivia correctly for a chance at a $25 GLBC gift card

  • ✅ The Bunts Road project gets the green light

  • 🧼 Volunteer to clean up the Rocky River on Saturday

Let’s make it a great day,

—The Briggses

COMMUNITY BLEND

Cleveland: Now With Slightly More People

All of the pockets that comprise Cleveland’s city boundary

After decades of dwindling numbers, Cleveland is showing signs of life again. For the second year in a row, U.S. Census data reveals a rare uptick in population, giving flickers of a pulse in a city long defined by exodus.

Back in 1950, Cleveland was a bustling industrial powerhouse, home to over 914,000 people. But over the years, that number drained steadily, as families sought fresh air, spacious yards, and quieter lives in the suburbs.

So, does this recent growth mean a stampede back to downtown streets? Not quite. But something is definitely stirring.

Aerial view of the Scranton Peninsual | Credit John Pana

New neighborhoods are rising like wildflowers through sidewalk cracks. The Scranton Peninsula, once forgotten land hugging the Cuyahoga River, is poised to deliver 600 sleek new apartments by year’s end—transforming a post-industrial patch into a buzzing riverfront community.

Just northwest, Hingetown has undergone a revival in the past five years, morphing into a hotspot of art galleries, cafes, and rooftop views. And perhaps most thrilling of all: the long-awaited Irishtown Bend Park is inching closer to reality.

When finished, it will carve out 25 verdant acres along the riverfront to create an urban oasis that could rival the green jewels of cities twice Cleveland’s size.

Poll:

Would you ever consider moving back to Cleveland?

Tell us why or why not and we might feature your response on the next Buzz!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

DEVELOPMENT

Sewer or Later, It Had to Happen | Lakewood

Rendering of the proposed Bunts Road Project

The Bunts Road Rehabilitation Project in Lakewood has been at the center of public discussion since the City Council began developing the plan in April 2024. After months of review, the ambitious infrastructure upgrade has officially received approval.

Designed to address aging infrastructure and modernize a key corridor, the project will completely replace underground utilities, including water mains, storm drains, and sanitary sewers—some of which are over 100 years old and at risk of failure. The improvements are not just functional; they aim to enhance safety and accessibility for all users of the road.

In addition to resurfacing the road, the $21.58 million project will install new curbs, sidewalks, and a shared-use path to better accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities. Streetscape enhancements will include upgraded crosswalks, bike-friendly features, and improved drainage systems to reduce flooding.

Construction is slated to begin in 2026 and will roll out in two phases, with final completion targeted for 2027. Once finished, Bunts Road will serve as a model for multimodal infrastructure in Lakewood, blending modern utility upgrades with community-focused design.

SPORTS

This week in Guardians

I have finally gotten over the Cavs’ meltdown in the playoffs, which means it’s Guards time!

Returning home after taking 3 of 4 from the 1st place Tigers, the Guardians faced the star-studded Los Angeles Dodgers. The Guards dropped the first two against the Dodgers, but Angel Martínez played hero in the series finale, delivering a go-ahead three-run homer in a five-run eighth inning rally, sealing a 7-4 victory and preventing a sweep.

José Ramírez extended his hitting streak to 21 games, reminding everyone why he's the heart and soul of Cleveland baseball.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Great Lakes Brewing Announces Brewmasters Dinner | West 25th

Back by popular demand—the West Side Market Brewmaster’s Dinner returns Tuesday, June 24 at 6 PM. Indulge in a five-course, open-air dining experience featuring farm-fresh ingredients from your favorite market vendors—each course perfectly paired with Great Lakes Brewing Co. beer.

GLBC chefs and brewers have teamed up to deliver a bold, flavor-packed menu that celebrates the art of beer and food pairing. From a refreshing watermelon salad to a decadent chocolate raspberry cannoli, every bite and sip is designed to wow your senses.

🎟️ Tickets: $85
Includes 5 chef-crafted courses + 5 expertly paired GLBC brews (5 oz. pours)

💥 Limited seats. Book now and taste the market like never before.

Featuring ingredients from:
Habib’s Produce • Irene Dever Dairy • Ohio City Pasta • DW Whitaker Meats • J&J Czuchraj Meats

🧠 TRIVIA

Speaking of Great Lakes Brewing Company. We are just entering summer, but we're always thinking about Christmas Ale. Do you know how many pounds of honey are used in one 75-barrel batch of the holiday favorite?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

🎁 Big thanks to Great Lakes Brewing Co.! One lucky trivia champ who answers correctly will win a $25 GLBC gift card. Perfect for your next pint or dinner out!

The winner will be chosen randomly from the list who answer correctly

WESTSIDE POUR OVER

What else is brewing?

🚴 Downtown: Cleveland will install its first protected Downtown bike lanes in mid-June by converting Prospect and Huron into a one-way pair as part of a $200,000 “quick-build” project aimed at improving traffic flow and pedestrian safety near the Gateway District.

🏡 Strongsville: Union Home Mortgage has been named a 2025 Top Workplace by USA Today for the fifth consecutive year, a recognition driven by employee feedback that highlights the company's strong culture, career development programs, and commitment to making homeownership more accessible.

Rocky River: Want to volunteer your time to help clean up the Rocky River Watershed? On Saturday, June 7th, volunteers will meet at Emerald Necklace Marina at 8:45 to help the Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District clean up the river and the surrounding watershed. Call 216-503-1265 for more info.

📸 @THEWESTSIDEBUZZ

Buzz Nation raised $2,500 for the Cleveland APL! Please click the link above to see the video recap.

The Buzz Strip

For more of Patrick’s work, check out GeyserArt. com and follow him on Instagram: @GeyserArt.

Comic by Patrick Geyser

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

Friday, May 30th

Lake Erie Crushers Era’s Night
Crushers Stadium, Avon | 7 PM

Come watch the red-hot Lake Erie Crushers play the Windy City Thunderbolts for a Taylor Swift-themed evening with fireworks. The first 1,000 fans receive a Crushers friendship bracelet. $25 Tix

Little Italy's Annual Summer Art Walk (5/30-6/1)
Little Italy | Fri 5–9 PM, Sat 12–9 PM, Sun 12–5 PM

Cleveland’s longest-running art walk returns for a weekend of gallery hopping, outdoor exhibits, and cultural charm in one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. Explore a wide range of artwork while enjoying the food, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere of Little Italy. Information

Dave Matthews Band
Blossom Music Center, Cuyahoga Falls | 7 PM

Crash into the weekend with Dave Matthews Band at Blossom this Friday. Whether you’re on the lawn or down front, expect epic solos, jam sessions, and at least one guy shouting the setlist from memory.

History Happy Hour: Cleveland Food History & Tales of Urban Farming
Great Lakes Brewing Company, Ohio City | 5:30 PM

Join GLBC for a tasty look at Cleveland’s food history and urban farming roots. Sip a brew and dig into the stories that shaped how this city eats. Information

Don't Tell Comedy Show
It’s a “Surprise”!, The Flats East Bank |

No lineup, no address—just laughs. Don’t Tell Comedy is back with another secret show in Cleveland, and all you need to do is snag a ticket and wait for the details to drop day-of. It’s like comedy meets covert ops?? Show information


Saturday, May 31st

Beyoncé’s Universe: an all Beyoncé dance party
Mahall’s, Lakewood | 9 PM

Get in formation, BeyHive. Mahall’s is throwing a Beyoncé-themed dance party covering everything from Destiny’s Child to Renaissance, with disco vibes, iconic collabs, and enough cowboy boots and glitter to make Queen B proud.

Boozy Bingo
West Park Station, West Park | 5:30 PM

Bingo just got boozy. Grab your crew and head to Westpark Station, where the music’s bumpin’, the balls are droppin’ at 6, and the only thing more competitive than the prizes is who can yell “BINGO!” the sassiest after a $5 entry and a few strong cocktails.

3rd Annual Crawl for a Cause at Flats East Bank
East Bank of the Flats | 4:30 PM - 10 PM

$25 gets you access to 8 bars, exclusive food and drink specials, a themed itinerary, and all proceeds benefit Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. Get lit for the kids

Sunday, June 1st

Symphony at Sunset
Voinovich Park, Cleveland | 7-8:15 PM

Enjoy free, family-friendly chamber music by OPUS 216 every Sunday from June 1–August 24, 7–8:15 PM at Voinovich Park, with Lake Erie sunsets, picnics, and relaxing vibes at Symphony at Sunset.

Drag Brunch at GLBC
Great Lakes Brewing Company, Ohio City | 12-3 PM


A dazzling drag brunch with exclusive cocktails, brews, a new brunch menu, and performances by Anhedonia Delight, Malibu Peruu, Kardi Redd Diamond, and Lady Inferno Diamond! Reserve

Make & Take Crochet Class
Verbena Free Spirited, Ohio City | 11 AM - 2 PM

Your ticket includes everything you need to make an unforgettable crochet project, no matter what your skill level. Reserve

🎷 Live Entertainment

Friday

Wanted: The Bon Jovi Tribute | Music Box CH, Flats 7:30 PM

A Night of Magic with David McCreary | Music Box SC, Flats 8 PM

Crusin’ | Whiskey Island Still & Eatery 7 PM

Lake Erie Crushers vs. Windy City Thunderbolts | Crushers Stadium, Avon 7 PM

The Flying Grey Suns, Sha Ku Se, Guiche, Exhale | The Foundry, Cleveland 7 PM

The Collective | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM

Guardians vs. LA Angels | Progressive Field, Cleveland 7:10 PM

Into The Blue Grateful Dead Revival | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM

Mossy Moran | Gormley’s, Rocky River 8 PM

Dan McCoy | Backstage Bar, Westpark 8:30 PM

SO$OLID ALBUM RELEASE PARTY | Mercury Music Lounge, Lakewood 8 PM

Tricky Dick and The Cover-ups | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM

Saturday

Backstreet Blues Band | Whiskey Island Still & Eatery 1 PM

Ratfest | Mercury Music Lounge, Lakewood 2 PM

Carlos Jones & The PLUS Band | Music Box SC, Flats 4 PM

Mister Breeze- Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute | Whiskey Island Still & Eatery 7 PM

Lil Poppa | Globe Iron, The Flats 8 PM

Winona Fighter | House of Blues, Cleveland 7:30 PM

Jamey Haddad Quartet Night | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM

Big Loser & Talk Less | Coda, Tremont 8 PM

Talk Box | Backstage Bar, Westpark 9 PM

Pretty In Black | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM

Faction | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM

Sunday

ABBA Tribute Brunch with Super Troupers | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM

Grateful Dead Brunch w/ Into the Blue | The Winchester, Lakewood 1 PM

Reggae Sundays: Carlos Jones & The PLUS Band | Music Box SC, Flats 4 PM

Weather

Friday

70 🌡️ 54 | 🌧 | 50% | 💨 W 5-7 mph 🌊 1 foot or less

Saturday

62 🌡️ 50 | 🌞 | 0% | 💨 NW 17 mph 🌊 1 to 3 feet

Sunday

67 🌡️ 51 | 🌞 | 0% | 💨 NW 6-10 mph 🌊 1 to 3 feet

Monday

72 🌡️ 57 | 🌞 | 0% | 💨 S 7 mph 🌊 1 to 2 feet

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 57ºF

That’s it for today, Westsiders.

Enjoy Your Weekend,

—The Briggses

One Westsider’s Review

What do you think, Buzz Nation?

How Did You Like Today's Email?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.