Karin Connelly Rice
Stories by: Karin Connelly Rice
Karin Connelly Rice enjoys telling people's stories, whether it's a promising startup or a life's passion. Over the past 30 years she has reported on local community members and businesses for publications such as Inside Business, Cleveland Magazine, the Rocky River/Lakewood edition of In the Neighborhood, and the Amherst News-Times. At Fresh Water Rice focuses on Clevelanders who are shaping and embracing Cleveland—especially those making positive changes in the city's underserved neighborhoods.
The Heights Music Hop returns the weekend of Aug. 28 through 30 with its biggest lineup yet: 90 bands performing at 46 venues across four Cleveland Heights districts: Cedar Fairmount, Noble, Cedar Lee, and Coventry. From rock-and roll and funk to line dancing and Nepalese music to silent films with live piano accompaniment and late-night performances, the free three-day festival offers a little something for everyone.
Rock the Block will get South Euclid Food Truck Park pumping when it returns for its 12th year on Aug. 21 and 22 with 17 bands on three stages, food trucks, family-friendly activities, and local vendors. The free festival brings the community together while showcasing the businesses and community of Downtown South Euclid.
Every transplant tells two stories—one of hope and one of extraordinary generosity. As Lifebanc prepares for its annual Gift of Life Walk & Run on Aug. 23, transplant recipients Griff Hill and LaShawn Taylor, living donor Freeman Mahone, and CEO Katie Payne share why organ donation saves lives, strengthens communities, and should be part of every family's conversation.
Cleveland Heights artist and entrepreneur Michael Manne encourages people to wear their values with Humannetees, a new online apparel brand featuring designs centered on humanity, unity, and hope. Manne hopes every shirt, tote, mug, and sticker becomes more than merchandise—it becomes the start of a meaningful conversation.
One World Day returns to the Cleveland Cultural Gardens on Sunday, Aug. 30, celebrating its 80th anniversary with cultural performances, international food, a naturalization ceremony, and special America 250 programming that highlights the immigrant stories that shape the nation.
FreshWater owner and managing editor Karin Connelly Rice reflects on the mission that first brought her to the publication 15 years ago, why she remains committed to the publication, and how community support helps sustain independent local journalism and FreshWater Cleveland.
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Ten years after its dramatic redesign, Cleveland's Public Square has emerged to be the vibrant gathering place planners envisioned. As Downtown Cleveland, Inc. celebrates the anniversary, leaders are looking ahead with expanded programming, continued improvements, and a long-term vision of keeping the city's "living room" active year-round.
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For 25 years, Inlet Dance Theatre has embraced a mission of "using dance to further people." Inlet founder Bill Wade reflects on the philosophy that shaped the company, its nationally touring productions, and its commitment to community-centered artistry as they prepare for a Cain Park celebration.
FreshWater Cleveland continues to celebrate the power of independent journalism. Since 2010, our independent newsroom has been telling the stories of Cleveland's neighborhoods through community-centered, solutions-focused reporting. Learn why your support matters.
The BorderLight Theatre and Fringe Festival returns to Playhouse Square with more free programming, stronger partnerships with Cleveland artists, and a lineup of international productions that aim to bring new audiences together through theatre, music, dance, and performance.
This Independence Day, FreshWater Cleveland is celebrating the power of independent journalism. Since 2010, our independent newsroom has been telling the stories of Cleveland's neighborhoods through community-centered, solutions-focused reporting. Learn why your support matters.
One South Euclid is celebrating he unveiling of artist Olivia Oltmanns' "Grow Together" landmark mural in the city's Mayfield-Green district. The nonprofits is gearing up for a summer of engagement through Food Truck Park events, the return of Recess Rewind, and programs designed to connect residents with resources and each other.
The 15th International Horror Hotel Film Festival returns to Northeast Ohio this weekend with more than 175 selected films and scripts, special guest Dan O'Shannon, new events like Filmmaker Bingo and a costume competition. Be sure to catch four days of film screenings, networking, and celebrations of independent horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and action filmmaking.
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.
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.
The Cleveland Museum of Art celebrates its 110th birthday on Saturday, June 6 with free admission to two special exhibits, member perks, and special discounts. The milestone reflects more than a century of fulfilling its founders' vision to provide world-class art "for the benefit of all the people forever."
The South Euclid Food Truck Park kicks off its fourth season on June 5 with live music, food trucks, and a full summer calendar of concerts, food trucks and events. After infrastructure improvements, city officials say the park has evolved into a true gathering place in the downtown district.
Cuyahoga County Public Library invites readers of all ages and abilities to dig into books this summer with its 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. "Unearth a Story" features a prehistoric-theme, a focus on dinosaurs and archaeology, and urges participants to build daily reading habits—offering activities and rewards that spark curiosity and prevent summer learning loss.
The Cleveland Museum of Art’s Parade the Circle returns June 13 with a "Momentum" theme inspired by CMA’s “American Printed Silks” exhibit. Parade prep is in its new creative home at the CMA Community Arts Center. Lead artist Hector Castellanos Lara says participants are ready with elaborate costumes and decorations!