Twenty-two Northeast Ohio businesses have advanced to the semifinals of Cleveland Chain Reaction's ninth season. The entrepreneurs will participate in a JumpStart bootcamp before competing for growth capital and business development support in the small business pitch competition.

Larchmere PorchFest returned for its 18th year on Saturday, June 13, filling the neighborhood with live music, dancing, and community spirit. FreshWater photographer Reuben Kutash captured scenes from the annual event as residents and visitors enjoyed performances from dozens of bands and DJs on a beautiful summer day.

A public art initiative will bring eight new murals and installations by seven artists to Cleveland Heights later this summer. Led by Heights Arts, in partnership with local artists, businesses, and LAND studio, the $250,000 project aims to strengthen the city arts districts' identities, celebrate local creativity, and create a more welcoming, vibrant environment for residents and visitors alike.

The Cleveland Museum of Art just released additional tickets for its annual Solstice celebration on Saturday, June 20. The sold-out event returns with live music, acrobatics, dance, art, food and drinks, and after-hours access to museum galleries and exhibitions.

The Saint Luke’s Foundation announced on Thursday, June 4, it had made its latest grants to support 13 organizations—advancing health equity through neighborhood development, education, health care, arts programming, and economic opportunity.

Cuyahoga County Public Library will host the inaugural first Fiber Fest at the Warrensville Heights Branch Innovation Center, bringing together fiber artists, makers, and beginners for a day of demos, workshops, and vendors. Sew4Service joins the event—highlighting the growing interest in hands-on creativity while showcasing the CCPL branch's textile-focused makerspace.

The Cleveland Museum of Art's 34th annual Parade the Circle is this Saturday, June 13, and lead artist Héctor Castellanos Lara shares his photos as he reflects on this year's theme, the artists and participants involved, and the creative energy driving one of Cleveland's favorite traditions.

Hundreds of rail enthusiasts lined Northeast Ohio's historic rail corridors on June 8 to witness Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014—the world's largest operating steam locomotive. The massive locomotive's appearance offered a rare chance to experience one of the most celebrated achievements of American railroad engineering as it travels the country in advance of the nation's 250th birthday celebration.

Rust Belt Photo Collective's new exhibition, "Touched," brings together 55 works by Northeast Ohio artists exploring intimacy, memory, nature, longing, and human connection. Curated by Richard Holmes, the show opens June 12 at Gallery East and invites visitors to reflect on the moments, people, and experiences that touch their lives.

Thousands gathered in downtown Cleveland on June 6 for Pride in the CLE 2026, celebrating the region’s LGBTQ+ community with a march, live entertainment, vendors, food, and a colorful display of pride and inclusion. Photographer Reuben Kutash captured scenes from the festivities.

Hundreds of railroad fans and  onlookers lined  the historic Nickel Plate Road rail corridor to watch Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 roll through the region as part of the America 250 celebration. FreshWater writer Elizabeth Hille shares her firsthand account from Avon Lake of the historic train’s passage and the community excitement it inspired.

For generations, the Abbey family has helped guide the evolution of Holden Forests & Gardens—from its founding vision to its modern role as a regional leader in conservation, research, and education. Today, Connie and Paul Abbey continue that legacy through leadership, advocacy, and philanthropy, including a recent $1 million gift to enhance the visitor experience at The Holden Arboretum.

Five members of the FreshWater Cleveland team earned six honors at the Press Club of Cleveland's 2026 All-Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards on Friday. The awards recognized FreshWater's excellence in journalism across a variety of categories.

Can't wait for Parade the Circle? The Cleveland Museum of Art is offering two free family events. This weekend, build mini floats and march in a mini-parade around the Pivot Center. On parade weekend, create puppets inspired by the larger-than-life creations that make the annual celebration a Cleveland favorite.

The world's largest operating steam locomotive, Big Boy No. 4014, will make stops in Lorain and Euclid on June 8 as part of its coast-to-coast America 250 tour. The historic locomotive is traveling to Philadelphia to help celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary before returning west later this summer.

More than 150 Cuyahoga County nonprofits received project support grants from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture for 2026—helping  fund everything from neighborhood concerts and youth theater productions to arts education programs. The grants provide critical resources to strengthen community connections, expand opportunities, and elevate local arts programming.

Rhythm on the River returns to Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Sunday, June 7—with Apostle Jones opening the season. Other acts this summer include Hubbs Groove, Athea René, and Forecast, with local community groups opening some of the  acts. Organizers have redesigned the event footprint, expanded programming, and enhanced ways for visitors to enjoy music, nature, and fun at Howe Meadow.

Downtown Canton’s June First Friday returns to its artistic roots with Chalk the Walk, gallery visits, live music from The SpYder Stompers, food trucks,  and a new  initiative designed to connect visitors with the city’s growing arts and culture scene.

After more than two decades of planning, land acquisition, and regional collaboration, the West Creek Greenway trail has officially opened in Parma. The new corridor expands recreational access while advancing a long-term vision to connect Northeast Ohio communities with Cleveland Metroparks and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

Valley Arts Center's Art by the Falls returns this weekend, June 6 and 7 with more than 150 artists from across the country, live music, food vendors, family activities, and more at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills. The annual festival is one of Northeast Ohio’s largest celebrations of art and creativity.