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- ☕ Kneading Dough and Derby Day
☕ Kneading Dough and Derby Day
Plus Midwest Wine Fest and Avon Lake powerplant plans
Happy Friday, Buzz Nation.
A recycling center in Wisconsin just posted a new speed limit: 17.3 mph. Not 15. Not 20. Exactly 17.3. Why? Because oddly specific numbers grab your attention.
This small thing is brilliant, and also exactly the kind of psychological warfare Cleveland should deploy on the shoreway where if you go 10 over the limit people are honking at you to get out of the way.
Today we're buzzing on:
Lakewood is renovating another pool
We made Pierogis
North Ridgeville OKs beer sales for Summer Concert Series
Slow down out there, Buzz Nation. Have a great weekend.
—The Briggses
Community Blend
More Browns Off-field Drama
The Browns are again at the center of off season drama, but this time it won’t negatively affect their play on the field.
Hulu’s upcoming Browns-centered drama “The Land” was back in Cleveland for a brief two-day shoot downtown, with filming around Superior, Euclid, E. 9th, and Public Square. The series comes from Dan Fogelman, the creator behind “This Is Us” and “Paradise,” and has already received nearly $860,000 in Ohio Motion Picture Tax Credits to film in the state.
The show is being described as an intergenerational family drama set inside the NFL. Translation: family tension, front-office drama, football stakes, and probably at least one scene where someone stares dramatically across a practice field.
The cast is stacked:
Christopher Meloni plays Danny Roarke, the Browns’ head coach. Yes, Detective Stabler is now leading the Browns. We are choosing to believe this improves clock management.
Mandy Moore plays the daughter of the team owner and the apparent heir to the franchise.
William H. Macy plays the team owner.
Chace Crawford plays the Browns’ general manager.
Sam Corlett appears to play Connor Roarke, a fictional Ohio State quarterback with a pretty important last name.
And the wildest part? The NFL Draft got in on it. During a staged scene in Pittsburgh, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the Browns selecting fictional Ohio State QB Connor Roarke with the No. 1 overall pick before cameras cut to Corlett reacting backstage.
Becks is Next 📍 Lakewood
Three years after the city spent about $6 million renovating Foster Pool at Lakewood Park, Becks Pool in Madison Park is next up. The 60-year-old Birdtown favorite is slated for a major refresh, with plans calling for a new pool, updated pool house, concessions area, and a splash pad.
The city plans to spend $275,000 this year on preliminary design and public engagement before heading into a larger construction project estimated between $4 million and $6 million. The current timeline has construction starting after the 2027 pool season, with Becks reopening sometime during the 2028 season.
The catch: 2028 may come with a shorter swim season because some construction work depends on the weather cooperating for days or weeks at a time. Which, as anyone who has lived through a Cleveland spring knows, is less of a timeline and more of mother nature wait and see.
Buzz Night Out
The Night We Made Pierogis (and Friends) 📍 Lakewood
Mykola and Tamila of Sunflower Gourmet
We finally snagged tickets to one of Gingham Market's Maker Series classes (AKA the hottest ticket on the Westside), and now we totally get the hype.
Wednesday night we made authentic Ukrainian pierogis with Tamila and Mykola from Sunflower Gourmet. They left their award-winning business in Kyiv, Ukraine when the war started and rebuilt their lives here in Northeast Ohio. Their story hits hard.
We kneaded dough (more feel than recipe, apparently), mixed potato-cheddar filling, and hand-folded pierogis alongside a great group. Shoutout to Alison, the LCA crew, Mugsy Bakes, and the whole crew — you made the night.
Then we sat down to mushroom soup, butter-crisped pierogis, and Ukrainian cake.
We walked in as strangers and left as friends.
Something about making food together that makes life sweeter.
Real Estate Development
Former Power Plant Site Energizes Discussion 📍 Avon Lake
Avon Lake has a rare chance to turn its old coal-fired power plant site into something Westsiders almost never get: public lakefront access.
This could be a huge win for Avon Lake — or a very expensive lesson. Like the time I tried to make ‘The World’s Longest Divot’ in my backyard growing up. Yeah… I didn’t exactly run that one past my Dad first.
What’s going on?
The city is weighing a zoning change that could help redevelop the 43-acre property into a mix of housing, businesses, and at least 20 acres of public parkland along Lake Erie, which is a big opportunity.
In a Linkedin post, Councilman Rob Shahmir says the proposed change would allow much more development than current rules, potentially creating huge private value.
The Catch?
It could leave the city to figure out how it affects roads, utilities, cleanup, park maintenance, and long-term costs. More residents = more students, traffic, and demand for public goods.
Some of that could be funded through a TIF, possibly approaching $60 million over 30 years. Translation: future tax dollars get redirected to support the project.
The big question: Can Avon Lake unlock a once-in-a-generation lakefront win without handing over too much leverage too soon?
Westside Pour Over
North Ridgeville - City council OK’d beer sales at the 2026 Summer Concert Series. Mayor Corcoran says proceeds will first reimburse city for costs and will donate the remaining funds to local organizations. Hopefully, it draws a bigger crowd and gives a few dads the confidence to dance like no one is watching.
Olmsted Falls - New finance director wants to move more city cash into STAR Ohio so taxpayer dollars earn stronger interest instead of sitting in a checking account earning less interest than New Year’s resolutions in February.
Rocky River - Union Pacific Railroad’s famed Big Boy No. 4014 will pass through for a whistle stop on July 13 at 19060 Depot St. (12:45 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.). The world’s largest operating steam locomotive is traveling from Cheyenne to Philadelphia to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
📸@THEWESTSIDEBUZZ
We snapped this photo of these stunning tulips on a neighborhood Westside walk.
Know where we are? Reply with the correct location and we’ll send you a sticker!
Buzzstrip
Pat Geyser, the immensely talented artist who makes the weekly Buzzstrips, does incredible watercolor paintings.
What’s Happening, Westsiders?
Friday, May 1
Midwest Wine Fest: Night 1 – Lago, The Flats | 6-9 PM (Check link for full weekend line up, Runs til Sunday)
A full weekend of wine tastings, pairings, and guided pours from people who know their stuff. Come curious, leave with a favorite. Festival details
Spring Art Market – Screw Factory Artists Lofts, Lakewood | Fri 6–10 PM, Sat 10 AM–6 PM
Resident and visiting artists take over the space with original work across mediums, from paintings to ceramics and everything in between.
MIX: Year of the Horse – Cleveland Museum of Art | 6 PM
A museum-wide night blending dance, music, fashion, and AAPI cultural programming, with performances, DJs, and exhibitions woven throughout the space. Mix up your Friday
Saturday, May 2
Will Run for Tacos – Towpath Trail, Tremont | 8:30 AM
An annual race supporting the Hunger Network, with a built-in reward system: miles first, tacos after. Costumes encouraged, energy high. Post-run feast
Flower Fest 2026 - 5 Points Coffee, West Park | 9 AM - 2 PM (Farm Dog + Music run til Sunday)
Farm Dog Fresh and 5 Points are bringing back the Fest to mark market season! Listen to live music on the patio and stock up on hanging baskets & local produvce. Also, shop vintage finds and handmade goods at 5 Point’s new venue, The Shebeen! Flower Power
Cleveland Bazaar at Market Square Park – Ohio City | 10 AM–4 PM
One of our favorite summer staples is back! A rotating outdoor market of local makers and handmade goods, set right across from the West Side Market.
Cleveland Taco & Tequila Bar Crawl – Downtown Cleveland | 1–6 PM
A hop between downtown spots pouring tequila, shaking margaritas, and serving up tacos along the way, with a mapped route to keep you on track. Crawl Responsibly
Brews & Browse Pop-Ups: Advocate Skate Works – Great Lakes Brewing Co., Ohio City | 1–5 PM
A pop-up market inside the Beer Symposium featuring Advocate Skate Works, with merch, community-focused programming, and drinks on tap. Learn more
Derby Day at Westsiders – Westsiders, Rocky River | 2:30–7 PM
Mint juleps, race coverage, and a crowd that understood the assignment. There’s also a costume contest with engraved Woodford bottles up for grabs. Big hats encouraged
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight – Playhouse Square, Downtown | 8 PM
A full rock set reworked through a 14-piece classical ensemble, performed in a candlelit setting that leans dramatic in the best way. Expect everything from Metallica to My Chemical Romance. Now that’s what I call Classic Rock
Girls Night Out The Show: Australia Takeover – Georgetown Vosh, Lakewood | 8–10:30 PM
An Aussie-themed male revue with choreographed routines, crowd interaction, and zero intention of keeping things subtle. You’ve been warned
Sunday, May 3
Taylor Swift Brunch with The Ladies Night Band – Music Box Supper Club, The Flats | 12 PM
A full Taylor Swift set performed live during brunch, with singalongs, themed drinks, and plenty of Eras energy baked in. Make the friendship bracelets
I Know That Song (Music Trivia) Brunch – The Winchester Music Tavern, Lakewood | 11 AM
Brunch meets music trivia with throwbacks, confident wrong answers, and at least one table taking it a little too seriously.
Maifest Family Day – Hofbräuhaus, Downtown | 11 AM–2 PM
Petting zoo, crafts, face painting, and a full Bavarian brunch situation happening alongside it. Something for everyone, including the adults. Gemütlichkeit
Cleveland Vintage Boutique Market – 3800 Lakeside Ave. E, Downtown | 12–4 PM
A curated mix of vintage vendors with racks worth digging through, plus coffee and cookies to keep you going. One of a kinds
Spring Fling: A Happy Dog Art Market – The Happy Dog, Gordon Square | 12–5 PM
Hot dogs, shopping local artists, handmade goods, and live music… is this real life or just a fantasy? Luckily, it’s real life.
Reali-TEA Brunch x Day Party with Tom Schwartz (Final Show) – Saucy Brew Works, Hingetown | 1–5 PM
Somehow, he’s back again. The last (allegedly) round of the Vanderpump-style brunch party—trivia, Q&A, themed drinks, and a crowd that’s fully committed. Saucy TomTom
Conditions |
|---|
Sunrise: 6:23 AM |
Sunset: 8:23 PM |
Moon Phase: Full Moon 🌕 |
🎷 Live Entertainment
Friday
The Pack Drumline School Matinee Performances | Keybank State Theatre, Playhouse 10 AM & 12 PM
Moving In Stereo - A Tribute To The Cars | House of Blues, Cleveland 7 PM
A Wilhelm Scream | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
Modern Hubris | Front Street Social, Berea 7 PM
Emma Nicholas | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 7 PM
The Outsiders | Connor Palace, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - APT. 2B | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Bobby Selvaggio Hope Quintet (and guests) | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7:30 PM
Böaterhead Yacht Rock Favorites | Music Box CH, Flats 7:30 PM
Breathe In Stereo | One Exit Down | Formerly Candice | Coda, 8 PM
Babes Against The Machine W/ Issues | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM
Bronx Country | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Janis Joplin Tribute | Music Box SC, Flats 8 PM
Brady Lorince Opening Act for Billy Morris | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Post Road | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Saturday
The Outsiders | Connor Palace, Playhouse 1:30 & 7:30 PM
Tribute to Stevie Wonder | Music Box SC, Flats 7 PM
Juvenile's Boiling Point Album Tour | House of Blues, Cleveland 7 PM
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - APT. 2B | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 1:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Bassel and The Supernaturals | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
Rumours – a Fleetwood Mac Tribute | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM
Boaterhead | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight | Keybank State Theatre, Playhouse 8 PM
DT and the Shakes | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Post Road | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Sunday
Tom Petty Brunch | Music Box SC, Flats 12 PM
Taylor Swift Brunch with The Ladies Night Band | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM
The Outsiders | Connor Palace, Playhouse 1 & 6:30 PM
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - APT. 2B | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 3 PM
Tommy Castro & The Painkillers | Music Box CH, Flats 7 PM
The Bryan Kennard Kennective | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM
That Handsome Devil | The Winchester, Lakewood 7:30 PM
Weather
Friday
51 🌡️ 39 | 🌧️ | 90% | 💨 E 5-7 mph
Saturday
50 🌡️ 39 | ⛅ | 30% | 💨 N 8-11 mph
Sunday
62 🌡️ 48 | ⛅ | 30% | 💨 W 9-15 mph
Monday
69 🌡️ 57 | 🌧️ | 50% | 💨 SW 15-19 mph
That’s it for today, Westsiders.
Have a great weekend,
—The Briggses