Street Level

Welcome to Street Level, where you'll find a fresh perspective on all things 216 when it comes to who to meet and what to eat. We'll also check in with unique local businesses and a few things you may not know about Cleveland venues and favorite haunts. Also, look for our monthly calendar picks in our "Over the river" posts.

Winter Toyland: WRHS’ Cleveland History Center celebrates the season with HollyDays
The Western Reserve Historical Society's Cleveland History Center is hosting Winter Toyland, a holiday exhibition featuring the HollyDays miniature village. Other attractions include the Euclid Beach Park Carousel, the historic Hay-McKinney Mansion, decked out in holiday decor, and several ongoing exhibits—all included with admission.
Too Young for Cancer: Author inspires audience at The Gathering Place
Katie Coleman, a young cancer survivor, shares her inspiring story of battling a rare kidney cancer at age 29 in her book, "Too Young for Cancer," which chronicles her journey and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. Coleman shared her story an audience of young adults with cancer at The Gathering Place last month.
One for the underdogs: Victory in a neighborhood football scrimmage
Ralph Horner recalls a moment of triumph during a neighborhood football game when he unexpectedly outperforms a star opponent, leading to a moment of personal victory and reflection on the nature of the sport.
Monsters Among Us: A conversation with author Claire Dederer
Claire Dederer, bestselling author of "Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma," will speak at the Cleveland Museum of Art this week, when she will explore the challenges of appreciating great art created by controversial figures—addressing questions of genius, monstrosity, and our role in navigating these ethical dilemmas.
Celebrate the season across cultures at 'Christmas Around the World'
Christmas Around the World, a holiday event at Crushers Stadium in Avon, offers an immersive global Christmas experience with 16 themed rooms showcasing international holiday traditions, live performances, cultural cuisine, and activities.
Family affair: Cleveland Turkey Trot is a 43-year Thanksgiving tradition
More than 9,000 participants will celebrate Thanksgiving next week in the 43rd annual Cleveland Turkey Trot. And don't forget to vote for the winners of the annual costume contest on FreshWater after the event!
Wild Horses: Crawford-Auto Aviation Museum celebrates 60 years of the Ford Mustang
"Wild Horses: 60 Years of Ford's Mustang," is now on exhibit at the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum. The exhibit celebrates the iconic American car's 60th anniversary and features all seven generations of Mustangs, from the 1964 original to the latest 2024 models.
Art of the Game: Undefeated Cavs, Art Museum team up on City Edition uniforms, December MIX event
The undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Museum of Art debuted the 2024-25 Nike NBA City Edition uniforms and court design at last night's winning game against the Charlotte Hornets. The uniforms feature a coloring-book pattern that merge art and basketball, and will carry over into CMA's December MIX: Art of the Game event.
Meal steals: Cle Restaurant Week is underway at 30 local eateries
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.
Light it up: Wild Winter Lights returns to Metroparks Zoo
Wild Winter Lights returns this week for its sixth season at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, featuring more than 1.5 million lights, a 50-foot musical tree, carousel rides, and photo opportunities with Santa.
Things to Ponder: Santa’s ways, local tv in the 50s, and Euclid Beach
FreshWater columnist Ralph Horner goes back through 1950s and 1960s Cleveland, when he was in his childhood quest to understand the world. Horner explores local television, holiday traditions, and the beloved Euclid Beach amusement park, among other musings.
Random Acts of Brightness: Bike Cleveland equips cyclists with front, rear lights
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.
Boo! Get your supernatural on at Art Museum’s Halloween MIX dance party
Cleveland Museum of Art's MIX: Supernatural will combine Halloween spirit with art and music this Friday night, with DJ Fabrizio, themed food and drinks, dancing, and, of course, costumes!
Games on! Cavs, Monsters home openers celebrate Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse's 30th Anniversary
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is set for an exciting weekend with back-to-back home openers for the Cavs and Monsters—featuring fan giveaways, new food options, and special season-long celebrations for the venue's 30th anniversary.
Easy riders: Cycling group Slow Roll Cleveland to close out touring season with Halloween ride
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.
The sweetest thing: Malley’s Chocolates celebrates tradition of Sweetest Day
Malley's Chocolates' Mike Malley shares the Cleveland history and significance of Sweetest Day, a celebration of kindness and community—and chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate-covered grapes.
For the birds: Stock up at Nature Center’s bird seed sale
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes has teamed up with Wild Birds Unlimited in Mayfield Heights for its annual Bird Seed Sale fundraiser. A variety of seeds, suet, and accessories are available. Read some tips for feeding the birds in your yard this winter.
A delightful visit: Jane Austen Society invites fans into the author’s world at Cle meeting
The Jane Austen Society of North America, Ohio North Coast Region Chapter, is holding its sold-out annual meeting in Cleveland this weekend. "Austen, Annotated: Jane Austen's Literary, Political, and Cultural Origins" will bring together scholars, speakers, and Austen devotees for a weekend of activities and academic discussions.
Old Brooklyn StreetFest: A celebration and showcase of a thriving neighborhood
Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation will host OB Street Fest on Broadview Road this weekend, with plenty of live entertainment from Apostle Jones and Front Porch Lights, food and drink from Masthead Brewing Company, and vendors.
 #OBStreetFest
Fairytales in the Forest: Nature Center welcomes Fall with AutumnFest this weekend
AutumnFest: Fairytales in the Forest, a free family-friendly event, is set to enchant visitors at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes this weekend with a variety of activities, storytelling, s'mores, craft-making, and food trucks. Guests can also check out the annual bird seed and perennial plant sales.