☕ Your Westside Guide to the Fourth of July

Plus Bay Days, what is replacing One World Shop, and Lekko expands

June 23, 2026

Happy Tuesday, Westsiders.

Fun fact I learned this weekend while wiping mayflies off my windshield: an adult mayfly lives for about 12 to 48 hours.

That's it.

They spend a year or two growing up in Lake Erie just to emerge, swarm the entire Westside, fly into my face, and then call it a life.

Anyway, life's short — shorter if you're a mayfly — so let's make this one count.

Today, we’re buzzing on:

  • Getting ready for a Westside July 4th

  • A smorgasbord of Westside events

  • Weird looking things floating on the Rocky River

  • Arthur Treacher’s opening in Lakewood

Have a great week!
—The Briggses

The Westside Buzz Bee break

🏙️ Community Blend

The Rocky River is Getting a Spa Day

Like finally pulling the fridge out from the wall since you moved in — and discovering what's been living back there — Rocky River Harbor is getting its first deep clean since 2004.

What is dredging?

Quick refresher: dredging is just scooping built-up sediment off the bottom of a waterway. Sand and silt naturally wash downstream and slowly fill channels — left alone long enough, it can cause boats to run aground and get damaged from debris.

Since boating is a big deal at the Rocky River Metroparks, this is important and long overdue.

What is it and where does it go?:

  • It's a lot of sand. 18,400 cubic yards came out in '04. This summer? 59,000 cubic yards — roughly 4,900 dump trucks, or enough to bury a football field almost three stories deep.

  • It's a safe harbor. When Lake Erie turns nasty, this is where boats duck in to ride out a storm — which only works if they can get in.

  • The sand gets a second life. Most of what’s dredged is coarse sand that gets repositioned along the shore to fight beach erosion.

The project is expected to wrap by end of August so use caution while out on the water until then.

🗞️ Short Takes

Short Takes on the Westside by Julie Short. We can’t fit everything into the email newsletter so you can find the full column on our website.

Avon

‍Independence Day celebrations: The city’s annual Bike Parade takes place at 10 a.m. July 4 at the Avon Aquatic Center, 36265 Detroit Road. The parade crosses over to Healthway Drive then heads back to the pool area. Spectators can watch on Healthway Drive. Participants will receive one complimentary admission to the pool (valid through the end of this season).

If you want to catch fireworks in the city, there are two opportunities after upcoming Lake Erie Crushers baseball games.

The city will host a Red, White, and BOOM! July 3 after the baseball game. If you miss that fireworks show, another fireworks show celebrating America’s 250th anniversary will take place July 4 after the game. You don’t have to attend the games to see the shows as there are ample parking areas near the stadium where you can view the shows, but the best seats are at the game (support the Crushers). Tickets for the games are available online.

Avon Lake

250th Jubilee: The party continues as the city continues to host a number of events to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The Lake Erie Liberty 5K Run/Walk takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. June 27 at Beach Park Station, 33489 Lake Road. Registration is available online. A complete list of other events is also available online.

Let freedom ring: The city’s 250 Jubilee Fireworks Celebration, presented by Ford Motor Company and Kopf Builders, will take place July 3 at Weiss Field, 33401 Webber Road.

Food trucks will be onsite from 4 to 9 p.m. Additional activities from 5 to 7 p.m. include live music by Rock Academy, contests, dunk tank, and kids’ activities. From 7 to 10 p.m. Music by 97 Crosses (John Cougar Mellencamp tribute band) will take the stage. A grand fireworks show begins at 10 p.m.

Bay Village

Bay Days events: The 2026 Annual Bay Days, sponsored by the Bay Kiwanis Club, is packed with fun for the whole family. The four day carnival from July 1-4 offers rides, food, music, pooch parade, fireworks, and much more. There is so much to do it’s impossible to list everything here. A complete schedule of events is available on the city’s website.

The Patriotic Pooch Parade, sponsored by For the Love of Bay Village Dogs, takes place at 12:30 p.m. July 4. At 1 p.m. a concert featuring Monic Robins and the Whiskey Kings will take place at the Cahoon Memorial Park Gazebo. Grand Marshal for the parade is Chomps from the Cleveland Browns. The event features vendors, pup cups rescue groups, and contests Dogs must be on non-retractable leashes.

Fire station concerns: Bay Village's firefighters are unhappy with how the city handled the design of the new $11.4 million fire station, and they brought their concerns to a recent City Council meeting on June 15. Ward 2 Councilwoman Lydia DeGeorge shared what happened on social media last week.

North Ridgeville

Freedom festival: Victory Park Ohio, 7777 Victory Lane, will host its Freedom Festival from 4 to 11 p.m. July 3. The event features food vendors, live music, games, and other activities.

During the Freedom Festival, there will be food and beverages available to purchase onsite from local vendor trailers, carts and the Victory Grille. There will be several family-fun activities including inflatables, carnival games, miscellaneous sporting activities, a balloon twister, patriotic stilt walker, pony rides and petting zoo, three different shows by Performance Dogs of Ohio, an animal show with Jungle Bob, a Ninja Warrior Course, and live music.

The city-sponsored fireworks show will last approximately 30 minutes. Proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit North Ridgeville Community Care, Canine Superheroes Foundation and Save 22.

Tickets are available online (per car, not per person).

Rocky River

Contractor registrations: The mayor recently advised City Council that the city will be sending a ReadyNotify alert from the Building Department about the need for residents to check their contractor’s registrations. All construction contractors, no matter their discipline, are to be registered with the city.

Shop closing: One World Shop, 19321 Detroit Road, will be closing its doors by the end of the month. While serving the community for 47 years, the owners posted on social media that ‘it’s time to make a change and see where our fair trade mission needs to go next.’ A closing sale is taking place.

Westlake

Preschool coming: Leon Sampat, representing Rise School, recently submitted a request to the city for a Conditional Use Permit for the property at 1299  Columbia Road (next to Taco Bell) for a preschool.

Business & Restaurant News

The fish are biting again on West 117th.

The iconic Arthur Treacher sign [Credit: mashed]

I've spent years quietly wondering who's keeping Long John Silver's in business. Fast-food fish sounds like something people do on a dare, not in their weekly routine.

George Simon and a team of investors are betting against me.

Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips is dropping its line in a fourth comeback location this July, taking up the old Joe's Deli spot at West 117th and Madison — practically where a Treacher's stood back in the '80s.

The magic? Thanks to longtime local owner Ben Vittoria, these locations still follow the original recipes — meaning those crispy pie-shaped fillets, breaded shrimp, fried clams, hush puppies, and thick ridged chips begging for malt vinegar are exactly as you remember.

And Simon's not done: "We'll be looking for our next location."

Lekko Coffee spills the beans

The Cleveland roaster just opened a new East Side roastery at the Twist Drill building on Lakeside Ave., and the jump in firepower is wild. Owner Matt Ashton traded up to a 32-pound Sivetz air roaster that can churn out nearly 150 pounds an hour — compare that to the five pounds his first little machine managed when Lekko opened back in 2021.

So what's all the extra capacity for? Getting Lekko into more places. They already supply around 20 local spots (Cocky's Bagels among them), and grocery shelves could be next.

The Ohio City and Warehouse District cafés aren't going anywhere, though.

Conditions

Sunrise: 5:54 AM

Sunset: 9:05 PM

Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous 🌔

What’s Happening, Westsiders?

Wednesday, June 24

CHIKA 地下 By KyuuJuu Underground Dining Experience — Chika, Tremont | 5:00 PM
A hidden 10-seat chef's counter tucked above Edison's Pizza serves a 12-course Japanese-inspired tasting experience blending premium seafood, seasonal ingredients, and a very Tremont vibe. Roll through

Marcus King Band: Darling Blue Tour Pt. 2 — The Agora, Downtown | 7:00 PM
Marcus King brings his Darling Blue Tour to Cleveland for a night of blues, Southern rock, and guitar work that somehow sounds even better live.

City Glow Yoga — Perk Plaza, Downtown | 7-8:30 PM
A silent disco yoga experience in the heart of downtown featuring headphones, local instructors, city views, and a unique outdoor workout. Flow in Silence

Summer Solstice Yoga & Community — Solstice Steps, Lakewood | 7-9 PM
Join Mama & the Moon and Kiwi’s Bakery for yoga, meditation, friendship bracelets, and baked goods. Set your intention

Thursday, June 25

Saint Demetrios Greek Festival — Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Rocky River | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Runs Through Sunday)
Four days of gyros, souvlaki, pastries, live Greek music, folk dancing, and enough baklava to test your self-control. One of the Westside's longest-running summer traditions returns with food, culture, and plenty of reasons to stay longer than planned.

Red, White Rosé: Summer Wine Tasting — Dante Restaurant, Tremont | 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Sample a lineup of seasonal reds, whites, and rosés during this laid-back summer tasting at one of Cleveland's favorite restaurants. Call to reserve!

Lakewood Neighborhood Sip & Shop — Detroit Avenue, Lakewood | 5:00 - 8:00 PM
An evening of local shopping featuring pop-ups, makers, and neighborhood businesses along Detroit Avenue. A portion of proceeds benefits the Cleveland Food Bank.

Bams & Beers: Mahjong Open Play — Pin High, Bay Village | 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Bring your Mahjong card and settle in for an evening of tiles, pizza, drinks, and friendly competition. Beginners and experienced players are welcome. Shuffle the Tiles

Farmer's Market Bingo — Meraki House, Avon | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
A farmers market-themed bingo night with local prizes, handmade goods, snacks, and plenty of chances to yell "Bingo." B-I-N-G-O!

June Craft Club — Tabletop Board Game Cafe, Ohio City | 6:30 - 9:00 PM
Choose between paper mosaics or thread painting while enjoying a relaxed evening of crafting, food, and conversation. Craft Beers & Crafts

Post Malone: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour — Huntington Bank Field, Downtown | 7:00 PM
Post Malone heads to Cleveland as part of his stadium tour, bringing one of the summer's biggest concerts downtown.

Friday, June 26

Tri-C 46th Annual JazzFest - Playhouse Square & Downtown | Check link for schedule, runs til Saturday
Two days of live jazz from local legends and national headliners, plus free outdoor performances throughout downtown. See the lineup

17th Annual Fat Little 5K — Fat Little Buddies Tavern, Olmsted Falls | 5:00 PM
Run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines while supporting the Alzheimer's Association. The evening includes live music, food, awards, and a post-race party. 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk too!

Fourth Fridays at the Hildebrandt Building — Hildebrandt Building, Clark-Fulton | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Browse work from dozens of local artists, explore resident studios, and grab a bite while wandering one of Cleveland's most creative buildings. Admission is free.

Tremont Food Truck Festival - Lincoln Park, Tremont | 5:00-9:00 PM (Runs through Sunday)
From barbecue and tacos to sweet treats, Lincoln Park turns into an outdoor food court for the weekend.

Psychic Fair — The Wine Room & Tavern, Avon | 7:00 - 10:00 PM
Meet readers, healers, mediums, and palm readers while sipping drinks from the bar. Readings are first come, first served. See What Awaits

Live at the Lake: 20 Ride — Coe Lake Park, Berea | 8:00 - 10:00 PM
Bring a lawn chair and settle in for a free lakeside concert featuring 20 Ride, a Zac Brown Band tribute act, plus food trucks and summer-night vibes.

Tito's Cruise — Lady Caroline, Downtown Cleveland | 7:30 - 10:30 PM
Set sail on Lake Erie for sunset views, dinner, dancing, and Tito's cocktails aboard the Lady Caroline.

Saturday, June 27

2026 CITY DOGS Run Cleveland 5K — Edgewater Park | 9:00 AM
Support Cleveland's homeless dogs during this annual race benefiting Friends of CITY DOGS Cleveland. Virtual and in-person participation options are available. Support the dawgs

Blue Barn Shops Summer Market on the Ridge — Blue Barn Shops, North Ridgeville | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Browse antiques, vintage finds, handmade goods, home décor, jewelry, candles, and more from dozens of local vendors.

Cleveland Railroad Festival — B&O Roundhouse, Downtown | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The historic American Freedom Train locomotive No. 250 will be fired up for the first time in nearly 20 years. Expect locomotive tours, whistle demonstrations, roundhouse access, and railroad history. Choo-choo!!!

Camp Pride Bar Crawl — Lakewood/Cleveland | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Celebrate Pride Month with a colorful crawl featuring themed cocktails, a limo shuttle, photo ops, and stops at some of Cleveland's favorite LGBTQ+ friendly bars. Pride on tap

Dads & Daughters: Pints & Ponytails — Dante Lucci Salon, Rocky River | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Dads (and father figures) can learn the basics of braids, ponytails, and hair styling while spending quality time with their daughters. Registration includes food, drinks, and a take-home bag of hair supplies. Braid Master

The Early Start: Sunset Fest By The Lake — North Coast Yard | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
An early-evening summer party along the lakefront featuring music, sunset views, and plenty of time to still get a good night's sleep. Home before midnight

Sunday, June 28

Kamm's Corners Farmers Market — Kamm's Corners | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Shop local produce, baked goods, artisan products, and more as the neighborhood market celebrates its 20th season.

Annie's Walnut Honey Baklava Class — Berea | 11 AM - 2 PM
Learn how to make classic honey-soaked baklava from scratch in a hands-on class led by pastry chef Ann LoParo. You'll leave with both new skills and dessert. Layer up

Garden Focaccia Workshop — Holmestead Farms, Olmsted Township | 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Turn fresh herbs and vegetables into edible artwork while learning the techniques behind beautiful garden-inspired focaccia bread. Let’s get this bread

The Queen Bees – Summer Concert Series — North Olmsted Recreation Center | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Pack a picnic dinner and enjoy a free outdoor concert as part of North Olmsted's summer music series.

Buzzing Blooms Cake Decorating Workshop — Wyne Tasting & Cocktail Bar | 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Learn how to decorate a bee-and-flower themed cake with guidance from Gartman Model Bakery and leave with your finished creation. Is it cake?

Weather

Tuesday

73 🌡️ 59 | 🌤️ | 60% | 💨 N 10-13 mph

Wednesday

76 🌡️ 65 | 🌤️⛈️ | 100% | 💨 N 5 mph

Thursday

79 🌡️ 65 | ⛈️ | 67% | 💨 SW 7-10 mph

Friday

76 🌡️ 66 | 🌤️ | 30% | 💨 W 5-7 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 67ºF

That’s it for today, Westsiders.

Cheers,

—The Briggses