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New renderings reveal Cleveland's mini-Blossom amphitheater

The 6,200-capacity venue is poised to compete with the similarly sized Jacobs Pavilion.

Music

Plans are taking shape for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="proposed riverfront amphitheater" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/02/new-amphitheater-live-nation-aeg" data-vars-content-id="066d93d1-5537-43c4-ab73-70ffee89075c" data-vars-headline="New renderings reveal Cleveland&#x27;s mini-Blossom amphitheater" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/03/02/new-amphitheater-live-nation-aeg" target="_self">proposed riverfront amphitheater</a> that would place a smaller version of Blossom Music Center along downtown&#x27;s riverfront.Why it matters: The 6,200-capacity amphitheater would give Cleveland another major concert destination while intensifying competition between the country&#x27;s two biggest concert promoters.

Cuyahoga County levies pass by wide margins

Voters greenlight additional social service spending, despite an even greater tax burden.

Money

Two major <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="property tax levies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/26/cuyahoga-county-ballot-issues-levy-2026-election" data-vars-content-id="ad5e1794-7e9a-4a8e-beb0-6723833029d3" data-vars-headline="Cuyahoga County levies pass by wide margins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/26/cuyahoga-county-ballot-issues-levy-2026-election" target="_self">property tax levies</a> passed Tuesday by significant margins, per unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Board of Elections" data-vars-click-url="https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/elections/GetDocumentById/20096519-6ca4-4375-b2f3-d07c61762bfb/" data-vars-content-id="ad5e1794-7e9a-4a8e-beb0-6723833029d3" data-vars-headline="Cuyahoga County levies pass by wide margins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/elections/GetDocumentById/20096519-6ca4-4375-b2f3-d07c61762bfb/" target="_blank">Board of Elections</a>. Why it matters: Issues 10 and 11 will secure hundreds of millions of dollars annually for developmental disability services and the county&#x27;s broader social safety net.

Remembering the King's Cleveland comeback: Elvis Presley in 1971

Presley's Nov. 6, 1971, concerts at Public Auditorium captured the King at a crossroads.

By 1971, Elvis Presley had traded his blue suede shoes for a flashy jumpsuit. But Cleveland fans discovered the King could still bring down the house.Why it matters: Presley&#x27;s Nov. 6, 1971, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concerts at Public Auditorium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.elvisconcerts.com/newspapers/press215.htm" data-vars-content-id="9c9b5b7a-b2cd-4fed-b03c-49c17658d8ac" data-vars-headline="Remembering the King&#x27;s Cleveland comeback: Elvis Presley in 1971" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.elvisconcerts.com/newspapers/press215.htm" target="_blank">concerts at Public Auditorium</a> captured the King of Rock &#x27;n&#x27; Roll at a crossroads — no longer the rebellious heartthrob of the 1950s, but a rejuvenated superstar entering his Vegas showman era.

Strongsville schools face sweeping cuts if levy fails

District officials warn rejection could mean cutting positions and school sports, plus reducing bus service.

Education

Four school districts in Cuyahoga County are asking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="voters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/27/2026-election-voter-guide-candidates-issues-cuyahoga-county-ohio" data-vars-content-id="c9a51ac4-56d2-42f8-bb80-34b048f1d146" data-vars-headline="Strongsville schools face sweeping cuts if levy fails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/10/27/2026-election-voter-guide-candidates-issues-cuyahoga-county-ohio" target="_self">voters</a> to pitch in additional dollars Tuesday, but the stakes are particularly high in Strongsville, where officials are warning of sweeping cuts. Why it matters: If voters reject Issue 9, Strongsville City Schools says it could eliminate all middle and high school sports, sharply reduce busing and limit high school students to five classes per day.

Wes Craven's Cleveland roots revisited as "Scream" turns 30

Craven used his Northeast Ohio childhood to create some of Hollywood's greatest nightmares.

History

Thirty years after &quot;Scream&quot; revived the slasher genre, the horror classic is returning to theaters for Halloween — a reminder of the lasting legacy of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cleveland-born director" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/10/13/horror-movies-ohio" data-vars-content-id="c98792c5-075b-4d07-bdcc-002c551433af" data-vars-headline="Wes Craven&#x27;s Cleveland roots revisited as &quot;Scream&quot; turns 30" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2023/10/13/horror-movies-ohio" target="_self">Cleveland-born director</a>.Why it matters: Wes Craven revolutionized horror movies, drawing from his Northeast Ohio childhood to create some of Hollywood&#x27;s most enduring nightmares.

When Jay-Z and LeBron James rallied Cleveland for Obama in 2008

The free concert aimed to mobilize young voters and encourage early voting in Ohio.

Jay-Z may be headlining the Super Bowl these days, but in 2008, he was doing everything he could to help Barack Obama become president.Why it matters: Jay-Z&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oct. 29 concert/rally" data-vars-click-url="https://www.today.com/popculture/jay-z-lebron-james-get-out-vote-obama-1c9419780" data-vars-content-id="559145c5-eccf-453e-8943-30db0c399efa" data-vars-headline="When Jay-Z and LeBron James rallied Cleveland for Obama in 2008" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.today.com/popculture/jay-z-lebron-james-get-out-vote-obama-1c9419780" target="_blank">Oct. 29 concert/rally</a> at Cleveland&#x27;s Quicken Loans Arena drew nearly 20,000 fans, showcasing the growing influence of hip-hop and celebrity activism in American politics.

Michael Stanley Band's legendary "Stage Pass" concerts turn 50

The October 1976 concerts at the Agora captured a pivotal moment for MSB.

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Michael Stanley Band&#x27;s unforgettable <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three-night stand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cleveland.com/galleries/B4LVQXEOFJE4LJCE5C6ZH2EFYM/" data-vars-content-id="7efb69a5-b916-4bf2-8c28-f67e2a22880b" data-vars-headline="Michael Stanley Band&#x27;s legendary &quot;Stage Pass&quot; concerts turn 50" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cleveland.com/galleries/B4LVQXEOFJE4LJCE5C6ZH2EFYM/" target="_blank">three-night stand</a> at the Agora, which produced one of the most beloved live albums in Northeast Ohio music history.Why it matters: The Oct. 22-24, 1976, concerts captured MSB&#x27;s transformation from a popular local act into a regional powerhouse, cementing its place in Cleveland rock lore.

Cleveland museums have a spooky side

Northeast Ohio's cultural institutions offer plenty of real-life nightmare fuel.

Things to Do

Some of Northeast Ohio&#x27;s most prestigious cultural institutions harbor artifacts that could give even the bravest visitors the creeps.In the spirit of Halloween, here are four spooky museum highlights:

Grateful Dead's 1970 Cleveland debut was nearly lost to history

The Oct. 17, 1970, concert captured the Dead at a pivotal moment for the Dead.

The Grateful Dead made its Cleveland debut 56 years ago with a marathon show at Music Hall that would become one of the most sought-after recordings among devoted fans.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oct. 17, 1970, concert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/100063491171505/posts/october-17-1970cleveland-music-hall-cleveland-oh-no-tapes-circulated-until-one-s/325033602721589/" data-vars-content-id="5bc7e4ae-5f66-4de8-9eeb-19ad8cc6fa75" data-vars-headline="Grateful Dead&#x27;s 1970 Cleveland debut was nearly lost to history" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/100063491171505/posts/october-17-1970cleveland-music-hall-cleveland-oh-no-tapes-circulated-until-one-s/325033602721589/" target="_blank">Oct. 17, 1970, concert</a> captured the Dead at a pivotal moment, transitioning from psychedelic pioneers into one of America&#x27;s most influential touring acts.

Record Store Day digs up jazz history for Black Friday

A rare recording of jazz legend Charlie Parker live in Cleveland arrives on vinyl.

This year&#x27;s Record Store Day <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Friday sale" data-vars-click-url="https://recordstoreday.com/NewsItem/12610" data-vars-content-id="ec2bfd7c-5cbd-4af2-bed1-1de1650abd04" data-vars-headline="Record Store Day digs up jazz history for Black Friday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://recordstoreday.com/NewsItem/12610" target="_blank">Black Friday sale</a> will include a rare bit of Cleveland music history.State of play: 1,500 vinyl copies of jazz legend Charlie Parker&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bewitching Bird: Bird at Cafe Society and The Sky Bar&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/20504" data-vars-content-id="ec2bfd7c-5cbd-4af2-bed1-1de1650abd04" data-vars-headline="Record Store Day digs up jazz history for Black Friday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/20504" target="_blank">Bewitching Bird: Bird at Cafe Society and The Sky Bar&quot;</a> will go on sale at select record stores around the country on Nov. 27.

How Cleveland helped launch the automobile age

Cleveland's Winton Motor Carriage Co. was a pioneer of America's fledgling auto industry.

News

One of the most significant remnants of Cleveland&#x27;s early automotive history has been saved from demolition.Why it matters: Before Detroit became synonymous with cars, Cleveland was a center of America&#x27;s fledgling auto industry — and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Winton Motor Carriage Co." data-vars-click-url="https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/267" data-vars-content-id="dad115e0-4477-4c04-8dab-1b4927f03059" data-vars-headline="How Cleveland helped launch the automobile age" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clevelandhistorical.org/items/show/267" target="_blank">Winton Motor Carriage Co.</a> was one of its pioneers.

The Who's loud, legendary "Tommy" concerts in Cleveland

The Who brought "Tommy" to Cleveland twice during its celebrated 1969-70 tour.

A touring production of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;The Who&#x27;s Tommy&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/the-whos-tommy" data-vars-content-id="bdbbbc17-bdf7-4507-8542-0c4a08b9f524" data-vars-headline="The Who&#x27;s loud, legendary &quot;Tommy&quot; concerts in Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.playhousesquare.org/events/detail/the-whos-tommy" target="_blank">&quot;The Who&#x27;s Tommy&quot;</a> opens at Playhouse Square&#x27;s Connor Palace this week.Why it matters: Long before &quot;Tommy&quot; became a Broadway musical, Clevelanders experienced The Who&#x27;s rock opera the way it was originally intended: very, very loud.

Bidding Cleveland's Sachsenheim adieu 

The cultural hall in the Stockyards neighborhood is shutting down Sept. 27 due to mounting repair costs

Food and Drink

The best thing I drank this week was a liter of Warsteiner at Sachsenheim. Why it matters: In all likelihood, it&#x27;ll be the last big mug of German beer I&#x27;ll enjoy at the cultural hall in the Stockyards neighborhood.