Ohio City
West Side Market - Photo Bob Perkoski
No Cleveland community, perhaps, is evolving as quickly as Ohio City. In the blink of an eye, residents have watched W. 25th transform from a partially developed neighborhood main street to a bona fide entertainment district filled to the gills with bars, restaurants and shops. Anchored by the 100-year-old West Side Market, this near-west community has always been food-focused, but joining those farm-to-table bistros, urban farm plots and farmers markets are most of the city’s new craft breweries. Epicenter for the so-called hipster movement, Ohio City is walkable, bike-friendly and diverse, making it a natural choice for today’s makers and artisans who are cobbling together a livelihood one flea market at a time.
Cuyahoga County secured $23.1 million in state historic tax credits for 10 projects in the second half of 2025, with the West Side Market and a former Flats grain mill each receiving the maximum $5 million allocation. The credits are crucisl to Cleveland's urban revival, generating hundreds of millions in investment while preserving the city's historic identity.
The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) is marking its 110th anniversary in 2026. To celebrate, museum officials are inviting artists to submit works for “Lake Effect: Artists from Cleveland Now”—a juried group exhibition that will showcase Northeast Ohio's creative community.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day this Monday, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Museum of Art, and CMA's Community Arts Center, will offer free admission and programming to celebrate Dr. King's legacy. The celebrations feature activities ranging from planetarium shows and wildlife encounters to art-making workshops, live performances, and storytelling sessions. Several other University Circle institutions are also participating, with University Circle Inc. providing free CircleLink shuttle service to all locations.
Several events are planned this weekend around he 90th anniversary of the Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards, honoring outstanding works that contribute to our understanding of racism and human diversity. With a diverse lineup of award-winning authors, panel discussions, and interactive events, the Cleveland Book Fest solidifies the Cleveland as a major literary hub.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northeast Ohio this week donated 20,000 pounds of food to the Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland, significantly boosting its food pantry supplies at a time when households are financially tight. The donation is part of the Salvation Army's "Need Knows No Season" campaign to raise awareness about year-round hunger.
The Assembly for the Art's Creative Impact Fund help provide financial assistance to Cleveland's creative community. Backed by Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, the Creative Impact Fund is available to both emerging and established artists across various disciplines, and applications are open through July 18.
Cleveland organizations are preparing for Juneteenth celebrations with support from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, offering a variety of events that honor the holiday's historical significance. Organizers say they hope the events will educate, entertain, and foster community engagement while highlighting the contributions of Black artists and entrepreneurs in the region.
he exhibition "Love is Resistance," featuring works by CIA students, faculty, and alumni, explores love as a radical act against oppression and will be at the Cleveland Museum of Art's Transformer Station until April 6. Photographer Leah Trznadel documented the opening night activity.
Jakiah Moore experienced homelessness three years ago while pregnant with her daughter and fleeing domestic violence. The nonprofit A Place for Me helped her get back on her feet, rent an apartment, and offered her a job. Today, Moore is helping Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, A Place for Me, and other community partners in the fight to open a Drop-In Center for homeless youth in Ohio City.
The Grocery at City Goods, a new food-focused retail concept in Ohio City, brings together local food entrepreneurs under one roof. Launched through a partnership between City Goods, JumpStart, and Ohio City Incorporated, the pilot program offers a platform for small businesses to showcase their products during the holiday season and grow their brands.
This week marks the beginning of Cleveland Independents' Cleveland Restaurant Week—with deals on three-course dinners at 30 local restaurants. Read about what Bruno's Ristorante & Catering is offering at its Ohio City Italian eatery.
Since 2012, Bike Cleveland's Random Acts of Brightness program had ensured cyclists riding after dark are visible by distributing free rechargeable light sets to riders across the city—giving out more than 5,000 light sets in 12 years.
Slow Roll Cleveland, a community cycling group that takes leisurely 10-mile bike rides each week through various Cleveland neighborhoods, concludes its 2024 season next week with a Halloween ride—costumes and bike decorations encouraged.
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski provides a peek into the everyday lives of Clevelanders going about their business in the neighborhoods and on the streets of Cleveland.
St. Emeric Catholic Church's Hungarian Fall Festival is this Sunday at the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Hall. The free event features live music, four dance performances, and catered food by Balaton Restaurant.
Loretta Paganini opened her International Culinary Arts and Science Institute 20 years ago to give area culinary students advanced career training. This weekend, local celebrity chefs will help raise scholarship money for the school at the Cleveland's Top Chefs event.
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski provides a peek into the everyday lives of Clevelanders going about their business in the neighborhoods and on the streets of Cleveland.
GardenWalk Cleveland will feature more than 400 gardens in 11 Cleveland neighborhoods this weekend—showing off the work, creativity, and neighborhood pride of local gardeners.
The Cleveland Museum of Art and Ideastream Public Media kick off their Third Thursdays series with live local music from Talons' and related conversations, this Thursday, June 20 at CMA's newest venue, the Transformer Station in Hingetown. This week's show is sold out, so don't miss your chance to attend the future free Third Thursdays this summer.
Morris Ervin overcame a troubled past to become a passionate educator and advocate for social justice. His memoir, “Reflections of a Troubled Black Man,” recounts his transformation and his ongoing work to foster empathy and inclusivity in challenging environments. Ervin will host a book signing infused with music and meditation at The Yoga Lab, reflecting his journey and mission.