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- ☕ Westside goes Hollywood?
☕ Westside goes Hollywood?
Plus: Lightup Lakewood shines, Krampusfest, holiday bar crawls, and more.
Good morning, Buzz Nation!
Winter finally showed up, and we’ve officially entered “argue over the thermostat” season. If you live in a Lakewood century home like we do, finding that magic number between comfort and bankruptcy is a fine art.
The answer, in my opinion: 68 degrees. Just warm enough to avoid icicles on your nose, but it will keep your furnace from calling it quits by January.
Got a different number in mind? Hit reply — I’m looking for excuses to avoid my to-do list today.
But enough about heating bills. Let’s warm up your weekend plans. Here’s what’s buzzing around the Westside:
🎬 New film projects coming to Cleveland
🍽️ Restaurants closing faster than Browns pass attempts
📦 Doc’s Open Box = hidden gem
🎉 47 Westside events this weekend
Stay warm, stay curious — and see you out there!
—The Briggses
Community Blend
Tinsel-town Land
Ohio just rolled out more than $17 million in film and TV tax credits, and nearly all of it in Cuyahoga County.
This means new productions, new jobs, and a whole lot of camera crews pretending not to block traffic. The three NEOH projects that snagged the funding are Reaper, Somedays, and Season 1 of The Land.
If you’re a fan of the NBC shows ‘This is Us’ and Law and Order: SVU you should be getting excited. Christopher Maloney, Mandy Moore, and ‘This is Us’ creator Dan Fogelman are teaming up in a Hulu drama about the Browns franchise.
There’s no word on what the show is going to be about, but if they are going to make it hyper-realistic, it might just be classified as a horror/comedy.
While there isn’t any public information available about the films, the projects together are expected to bring in 115 jobs, nearly $60 million in eligible spending, and more than $200 million in total production action.
The Remarkable Story of a Quintessential American Suburb 📍 Rocky River
Postcard from 1924 showcasing Cleveland’s fashionable suburb
There is a new book out by author, Doug Kurkul about the fascinating history of one of our beloved Westside cities, Rocky River.
Here is the summary of an excerpt from the book:
Crossing the Rocky River wasn’t always as easy as it is today, and in the 1800s it meant navigating mud, cliffs, and whatever luck the ferry operator felt like giving you.
A determined tavern owner named Rufus Wright pushed for the first bridge in 1821, a scrappy community project that still required travelers to climb down one cliff and back up the other. Over the next several decades, new bridges kept appearing, including a toll bridge and even an early iron span, but none of them fully solved the problem.
Everything changed with the 1910 concrete viaduct, which became a record-setting landmark that carried streetcars, cars, horses, and pedestrians and even ended up featured in school textbooks and postcards.
You can read the full excerpt or get more information about the book if you are interested. It might make a good gift for your favorite Pirate.
Restaurant News
City Slice Says Goodbye 📍 Lorain Ave
If you’ve ever needed a slice of pizza roughly the size of a small toddler, City Slice on Lorain has always had your back. Vanessa Reyes built that place from scratch — one massive, human-sized piece of ‘za at a time — which is exactly why this update hits like dropping your last garlic knot face-down on the floor.
She announced that they will be closing the iconic Westside shop located on Lorain Ave to fully move into their spot in Cleveland, 6217 St. Clair. On their official facebook post she wrote that the move is not goodbye but a new chapter. The new kitchen will allow them to expand their menu and increase their capacity for more business.
We’re genuinely thrilled for Vanessa and everything she’s built. City Slice has been one of our favorite pop-in stops, and yeah… we’re a little heartbroken that our next slice run might require a 20–30 minute drive.
But on the bright side: if you’re downtown, at Playhouse Square, or just need a mid-city pizza pilgrimage, City Slice will be right there waiting for you.
Jade Owl Announces Closing 📍 Fairview Park
The Westside is getting more sad news: Jade Owl announced on Facebook that they’re closing immediately.
I first wandered into Jade Owl thanks to Westside Buzz advocate John Dailey (AKA the Westside Mayor), and from that day on, Jodie and I were hooked. The place had that rare magic: the kind where the owners greet you like you’re already family and somehow remember your order better than you do.
The ladies who ran it built a little pocket of warmth in Fairview, and we’re grateful for every bowl, plate, and smile they served up.
If you want to send them some love on their way out, their farewell post is up on Facebook. Go drop a comment, send a heart, or share a favorite memory
Westside Pour Over
Lakewood - Studio West 117 closes, ending a short but ambitious run. More from Mark Oprea at the Cleveland Scene
East Bank of the Flats - Rum Runners and Inferno close permanently, leaving a once raucous street corner dormant.
Northeast Ohio - WKYC has your guide to the best Christmas light displays
Friday Night Lights
Avon cruised past Walsh last week 38-7, to advance to the Division II state final, where a rematch with Cincinnati Anderson awaits. Anderson has a revamped offense and will be a tough test for the Eagles is they want to repeat. Good luck Avon!
🏈 This Week's Playoff matchup:
Friday, December 5:
7:00 PM
Avon vs. Cincinnati Anderson at the Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton
Let’s go, Westsiders!
Hidden Gem
Doc’s Open Box 📍 Vermillion
Every once in a while, someone tells you about a hidden gem that makes you drop everything, grab your keys, and say, “Fine, I’ll drive to Vermilion.” Doc’s Open Box is that tip.
It’s a family-owned discount store + consignment treasure trove packed with overstock and returned items from big-name retailers. Think home goods, furniture, random delights you didn’t know you needed, and those quirky finds that make your partner say, “Where… did you get this?”
And unlike the usual bin stores — where you’re elbow-deep in chaos, questioning all your life choices — Doc’s is organized. Like, actually organized. You can see the floor. You can find things. You can even browse without developing a stress rash. Truly revolutionary.
They’ve also carved out space to spotlight local makers and vendors, which is extremely cool. If you’re a creator looking to snag a spot, there’s currently a waitlist, but you can sign up.
Where to go: 📍 4769 Liberty Ave, Vermilion 🕒 Tue–Wed 12–7 • Fri–Sat 10–7
If you love a great deal—or just enjoy telling your friends you “found it at this little place in Vermilion”—check out their Facebook page and swing by. Your wallet might cry, but your heart will not.
@TheWestsideBuzz
A Rainy Night in Cleveland
Our friend and favorite photographer captured this picture shortly before Cleveland turned into a frigid snowglobe
If you catch any cool photos around town that you think we should feature, shoot us a DM!
Also, if you are in need of a gift for the bookworm in your life, follow us on Instagram and stay tuned. That’s called a teaser in the biz…
How Did You Like Today's Email? |
WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?
👨👩👧👦=Family Friendly
Friday, December 5th
French Creek Theatre Presents: Merrily We Roll Along — Sheffield Village | 7:30 PM
*Runs this weekend and next. Stephen Sondheim's Broadway hit takes the stage at this community theater production. Dream big
MIX: Snow Globe — Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland | 6 PM–12 AM
A global music–inspired winter party with DJs, a live brass quintet, holiday photo ops, and themed food + drink in the museum atrium. Let it snow
👨👩👧👦 Bavarian Christkindlmarkt (Runs til Sunday) — Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Berea | 5–7 PM
Open-air booths, German-inspired food, and handmade goods bring a classic European market vibe to Northeast Ohio. Frohe Festtage!
Krampus Fest: Ugly Sweater Party — Hofbräuhaus, Downtown | 7 PM–12 AM
Krampus, stein-holding contests, live music, and an ugly-sweater showdown at this annual holiday bash.
Candlelight Wine Walk — Olde Avon Village, Avon | 6–9 PM
Back for it’s 7th year, take a twinkling stroll through Olde Avon Village with vino and local vendors.
👨👩👧👦 Public Square Cheer Garden — Public Square, Downtown | 5–10 PM
Fire pits, warm drinks, skating, and the Illuminate CLE light show glowing every half hour all evening.
House in the Heights: Cleveland Vintage Boutique Market (Runs til Sunday) — 3800 Lakeside Ave E., Cleveland | 5–8 PM
Vintage clothing, décor, jewelry, and furniture curated by 13 vendors for an early-evening treasure hunt.
👨👩👧👦 Little Italy Holiday ArtWalk (Runs til Sunday) — Little Italy, Mayfield Rd | 5–7 PM
Take out your passport, we are going to Italy the east side! Wander galleries, meet artists, and explore the Murray Hill Schoolhouse’s special holiday exhibits during this neighborhood tradition.
Saturday, December 6th
👨👩👧👦 Christmas by the Lake Craft Show — Avon Lake High School | 9 AM–4 PM
120+ handmade vendors fill the high school for a one-day craft show supporting ALHS students through the PTA.
Cleveland Bazaar — Lake Affect Studios, E 25th | 10 AM–6 PM
Shop 75+ makers and open artist studios throughout the building during this seasonal East Side Market.
Jingle Bell Jive: Bunts to Birdtown — Lakewood | 12–8 PM
A holiday shop-and-stamp crawl with raffle entries for purchases, plus photos with Krampus at Oktober’s.
9th Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl — Dive Bar, W 6th | 12–8 PM
A Warehouse District crawl featuring themed outfits, festive drink stops, and holiday energy all afternoon.
👨👩👧👦 BAYarts Santa Shop — BAYarts, Bay Village | 12-3 PM
Kids shop for handmade gifts with help from BAYarts’ “elves,” with cocoa and complimentary gift wrap. Not another hammer for dad
👨👩👧👦 Jack Frost Festival of Lights — Downtown Berea | 5–8 PM
A tree lighting, holiday parade, drone show, and family activities around Coe Lake launch Berea’s holiday season.
👨👩👧👦 2025 Light Up Lakewood — Downtown Lakewood | 4–8 PM
Downtown transforms into a holiday street festival with live entertainment, a family fun zone, the holiday parade at 5 PM, and a lighting ceremony at 6:30 PM in City Center Park. Enjoy the holiday market, seasonal bites, visits with Santa, roaming characters, and a beer garden for adults.
Flannel & Finery: Ingenuity’s 2025 Holiday Fling — Ingenuity Cleveland, E 55th | 7 PM
A cozy, creative evening featuring performances, hands-on demos, holiday treats, and the full Ingenuity crew. Not-so-fancy!
Designer Bag Bingo: Adult Game Night — Little Birdie Wine Nest, Parma | 6:30 PM
A holiday edition of Birdie’s signature bingo night with designer bag prizes and seasonal sangria. Purses please!
Sunday, December 7th
👨👩👧👦 Christmas Pajama Brunch — Georgetown Vosh, Lakewood | 9 AM–1:30 PM
A cozy, come-as-you-are brunch with holiday flavors and festive pajamas encouraged.
👨👩👧👦 Breakfast with Santa — Alley Cat Oyster Bar, The Flats | 9 AM-12 PM
A waterfront breakfast buffet with cookie decorating, a cocoa bar, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
👨👩👧👦 Westside Flea Holiday Market — West Side Irish American Club, Olmsted Falls | 10 AM–4 PM
A holiday market with live music, free activities, and a seasonal charity collection.
Pet Photos with Santa & The Grinch — Paws By The Lake Pet Resort, Avon Lake | 11 AM–3 PM
A pet-friendly holiday photo event featuring both Santa and The Grinch.
2025 Holiday Spectacular — Flight Cleveland, Gordon Square | 2–6:30 PM
A two-session tasting with 40+ wines selected for holiday sipping, poured by industry favorites. Cheers!
A Charlie Brown Holiday Tribute — Music Box Supper Club, The Flats | 5 PM
The Cliff Habian Trio performs Vince Guaraldi’s beloved Peanuts score live. Not a bad little tree
🎷 Live Entertainment
Friday
Harrison Gordon | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
Jareth Marlow | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 7 PM
Kip Moore: Solitary Tracks Fall Tour | House of Blues, Cleveland 7 PM
A Motown Christmas | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Monty Python's Spamalot | Connor Palace, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Anthony Bruno Quartet | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7:30 PM
Quenton Rubin x Whatshisface | Coda, 8 PM
Mr Speed with Hair Nation | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Feliz Navi-Ska! | The Winchester, Lakewood 8
PM
Mike Kovach | Gormley’s, Rocky River 8 PM
The Jinkx & Dela Holiday Show | KeyBank State Theatre, Playhouse 8 PM
Tricky Dick and The Cover-Ups | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Post Road | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Saturday
The Ohio City Singers | Music Box CH, Flats 2 PM
The Elovaters-Staring at The Sun Tour W/Kash'd Out, Coyote Island | House of Blues, Cleveland 6 PM
Dave Hinrich | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 6:30 PM
Straight Outta The Multiverse Chris D’elia | Agora Theatre, Cleveland 7 PM
Cursive | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
A Motown Christmas | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 2 & 7:30 PM
Monty Python's Spamalot | Connor Palace, Playhouse 1:30 & 7:30 PM
A Magical cirque Christmas | Keybank State Theatre, Playhouse 3 & 7:30 PM
Chest Fever Presents: A Musical Tribute to The Last Waltz | The Winchester, Lakewood 8PM
Mr. Speed (Kiss) with 1988 | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
David Janeway Trio featuring Jamey Haddad and Jeff Pedraz | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
Moody Blues Tribute by Time Traveller | Music Box CH, Flats 8 PM
Lisa and the Deadbeats (Debut Show) | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Post Road | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Sunday
A Neil Diamond Christmas Tribute Brunch | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM
Rachel Brown’s Holiday Brunch | Music Box SC, Flats 12 PM
The Taylor Lamborn Band, Stakhouse, & Double Helix | The Winchester, Lakewood 3 PM
A Motown Christmas | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 3 PM
A Charlie Brown Holiday Tribute | Music Box SC, Flats 5 PM
Allen Stone and Ripe - The Get Sweet Tour | House of Blues, Cleveland 6 PM
Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2025 | KeyBank State Theatre, Playhouse 7 PM
Third Law Collective Poetry Project | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM
Christmas In The Heartland | Music Box CH, Flats 7 PM
Khandria 'The Mechanist' Single Release | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
Weather
Friday
31 🌡️ 22 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 W 8-11 mph 🌊 1 to 2, building to 2 to 4 feet
Saturday
36 🌡️ 26 | 🌨 | 30% | 💨 SW 10-14 mph 🌊 3 to 6 feet, occasionally 9 feet
Sunday
34 🌡️ 22 | 🌨 | 40% | 💨 W 8-11 mph 🌊 1 to 3, building to 3 to 5 feet
Monday
29 🌡️ 18 | 🌤 | 30% | 💨 N 8-11 mph 🌊 2 to 4 feet, building to 3 to 6 feet
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 44ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders.
Have a great weekend,
—The Briggses