Downtown

Heroes unite in Public Square to mark major fundraising milestone for United Way
For more than 100 years, officials at United Way of Greater Cleveland have worked tirelessly to make sure local children get a quality education; help residents find food, shelter, and transportation; find jobs for those seeking to rise out of poverty; and tackle prevalent issues around health, substance abuse, and violence. Through all their work, the United Way acknowledges who the true heroes are in the organization’s mission: the people of Cleveland. This evening, the organization recognized those “superheroes” by urging the community to come fly their hero capes at a thank-you event in Public Square.
Days to remember: Canalway Partners celebrates our city's rich past with Cleveland History Days
In 1969, Cleveland became the butt of jokes when an infamous burning river attracted national attention. Beyond the punchline, the incident on the Cuyahoga became the precipice of the country’s environmental movement—inspiring Earth Day, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the passage of the Clean Water Act. This is just one example of how Cleveland has impacted the nation, and the first Cleveland History Days celebrates that legacy (and so much more).
Hue Jackson wants to make the world a safer place for human trafficking victims—starting with CLE
Although Ohio ranks fourth in the country for reports of human trafficking cases, there are just six beds available in Cleveland for rescued victims of modern-day slavery—and all six beds are in Cleveland’s Salvation Army Zelma George Family Shelter. Starting in July, Cleveland will have a total of 18 beds for human trafficking victims—thanks to a joint effort by the Hue Jackson Foundation and the Salvation Army Northeast Ohio Division.
Free Stamp: All things free in the #CLE for June 2018
Fresh Water's monthly "Free Stamp" feature rounds up the freshest free events in Cleveland.
Lawyers by day, rockstars by night: Legal Aid busy prepping its Jam for Justice in July
When Faith & Whiskey got involved with the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland's Jam for Justice six years ago, drummer and singer Rich Wesorick admits they mainly viewed it as a great opportunity to play the House of Blues. But for Wesorick and many others, the event has become so much more. Showcasing musical acts comprised of local lawyers and judges, the annual benefit helps provide legal services to low-income or vulnerable Northeast Ohio residents.
Hemlock Creek Trail will connect Independence to CVNP, Towpath Trail
After more than a decade of planning, the Hemlock Creek Trail in Independence is finally becoming a reality, with a public groundbreaking planned for this Saturday, June 2. The 1.7-mile asphalt Hemlock Creek trail’s western terminus will begin at Brecksville Road and Selig Drive in Independence, traverse through parts of historic Independence and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and ultimately meet up with the Towpath Trail at its eastern terminus.
Why Cleveland is an underrated coffee town
Some people may instantly think of Seattle—the birthplace of Starbucks—when they discuss leaders of the national coffee scene. Others might point to trendy newcomers like Portland or major metropolitan cities like New York and San Francisco. But there’s a potent coffee scene percolating right here in Cleveland, with new java stops cropping up almost as quickly as breweries and restaurants.
Creativity and catharsis on display at Recovery Resources Art Show
In Susan Joyner’s painting “Darkest Before Dawn,” a city skyline looms, dark and ominous against a gloomy witching-hour sky. Electrical lines criss-cross against the outline of grey clouds. But beyond the darkened buildings and the vast night sky, there’s a glimpse of sunrise: a sliver of hope. Change is imminent.

The painting is one of many artworks on display at the Cleveland Justice Center throughout May as part of a special exhibit that seeks to dispel myths about mental health conditions in Cuyahoga County and beyond.
There's a new spa on the block in downtown Cleveland
Downtown-based boutique gym Vedas Fitness is celebrating the final phase of a nearly $3 million renovation of its second location—a state-of-the-art gym that opened in January inside the space that was once home to The Club at Key Center. On May 1, co-owners Tammy Polenz and Ricky Buoncore unveiled a new Ayurvedic spa and salon inside the 20,000-square-foot facility.
Spring has sprung: Four ways to get outside and enjoy the month of May
Warm, sunny weather has finally arrived in Northeast Ohio, and folks are eager to shake off those winter blues. Clevelanders know how to take advantage of the summer months like no other, and Cuyahoga Arts & Culture meets that need with a wide range of outdoor activities offered by their grantees. 
Stronger together: Your Local Girl Gang highlights and unites Cleveland's woman-owned businesses
While browsing The Wandering Wardrobe's online boutique last spring, Maria LeFebre stumbled upon a shirt screen-printed with the slogan “Support Your Local Girl Gang.” The second-grade teacher had never heard the phrase before, but it resonated with her and she promptly purchased the garment. More than just a style statement, LeFebre took her shirt’s message as a call to action, and a personal mantra that prompted her to create Cleveland’s first online hub of women-owned businesses: Your Local Girl Gang.
The Cuyahoga River is now two steps closer to being eco-friendly
Environmental action group Cuyahoga River Area of Concern celebrated a victory last weekend by checking two items off a list of 10 Beneficial Use Impairments that must be addressed before the river is delisted as one of the most polluted waterways by the Ohio EPA.
I Live Here Now: Chris Hawk of Levy Catering
Cookie-cutter Caesar salads and boxed turkey sandwiches? Not on Chris Hawk’s watch. As the new Executive Chef at Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC), Hawk foregoes stereotypical fare in favor of fresh, carefully sourced ingredients and a fully housemade menu.
Go the extra mile: How you can help Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon's charity partners go the distance
With the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon just over three weeks away, thousands of runners are ramping up their regimen—not only to take on the course, but to raise more money for causes close to their hearts. Not hitting the pavement this year? You can still make a difference. Meet the marathon’s gold-level charity partners and learn how to help them fight for the finish.
Rock on! Best backstage moments at the 2018 Rock Hall inductions
Cleveland rocks, and rarely moreso than it did this weekend at the 33rd annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductions. A sold-out crowd of 6,000 people gathered at Public Auditorium to fete 2018 honorees Bon Jovi, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Nina Simone, Moody Blues, Dire Straits, and The Cars, and the show didn't disappoint. Get a sneak peek of the night's highlights from our perch in the press room as we round up the best backstage moments.
Arts for all: How Cuyahoga Arts & Culture helps local arts organizations meet special needs
Much like the Cleveland Museum of Art's motto, “for the benefit of all of the people forever,” many other local arts organizations also try to ensure that everyone can enjoy their offerings—no matter what life challenges they may face. Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC) supports area cultural organizations that put forth an extra effort in accommodating patrons with special needs.
Neighborhoods by the numbers: How the new Progress Index is a win for CLE residents
Three years in the making, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) is ready to release its Progress Index to the public. Aimed at fostering inclusive Cleveland communities of choice and opportunity, the Index had previously been available to Cleveland’s 31 community development corporations (CDCs), who helped test and fine-tune the tool.
Putting the "Cleveland" in CIFF: A cheat sheet for supporting CLE films and filmmakers
From April 4-15, Tower City is set to yet again become a center for celluloid as host to the 42nd annual Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF)—considered to be the world's largest film festival to take place mostly under one roof. This year's installment will showcase close to 500 feature films and shorts from 72 countries, and true to form, Cleveland is well-represented among those ranks.
JACK Casino boosts the energy with opening of Synergy Table Games
Nightclub, meet casino. Thanks to its brand-new Synergy Table Games arena, JACK Casino’s downtown location now offers guests of all skill levels an upbeat and social way to get their game on.
5 Must-Try Dishes to Bookmark for #CLE Restaurant Week
Cleveland Restaurant Week may be winding down, but there's still plenty of time to get your culinary kicks in the 216. Check out our list of the top five bites to bookmark for optimal enjoyment.