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Springsteen returns to Ohio at another political flashpoint

The May 22 concert at Rocket Arena is part of the Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour.

Music

Bruce Springsteen heads to Cleveland on Friday at yet another political inflection point.State of play: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concert at Rocket Arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rocketarena.com/events/detail/springsteen-e-street-260522" data-vars-content-id="ccc3928c-f516-4087-b51c-bb452d240b17" data-vars-headline="Springsteen returns to Ohio at another political flashpoint" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rocketarena.com/events/detail/springsteen-e-street-260522" target="_blank">concert at Rocket Arena</a> is part of the Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour, with the anti-Trump rallying cry &quot;No Kings&quot; splattered across promotional posters.

Cleveland's Flock fight heads to city council

Bibb won't bypass lawmakers this time on the controversial license plate reader contract.

News

After pressure from Cleveland City Council members and activists, Mayor Justin Bibb on Monday said the administration would seek council approval for an extension of the city&#x27;s contract with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock Safety" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/05/13/resistance-flock-cameras-cleveland" data-vars-content-id="13a94ee9-832f-43b7-8de3-b6a1d5337cd7" data-vars-headline="Cleveland&#x27;s Flock fight heads to city council" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/05/13/resistance-flock-cameras-cleveland" target="_self">Flock Safety</a> for automated license plate readers.Why it matters: Bibb has drawn the ire of the council — especially the vocal safety committee chair, Mike Polensek — for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extending contracts" data-vars-click-url="https://signalcleveland.org/cleveland-shotspotter-gunshot-detection-renewal-city-council/" data-vars-content-id="13a94ee9-832f-43b7-8de3-b6a1d5337cd7" data-vars-headline="Cleveland&#x27;s Flock fight heads to city council" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://signalcleveland.org/cleveland-shotspotter-gunshot-detection-renewal-city-council/" target="_blank">extending contracts</a> through the city&#x27;s Board of Control, sidestepping council approval.

Cleveland slides one spot in annual parks rankings

The Forest City continues to earn high marks for access and amenities, but hurt by below-average acreage

Environment

Cleveland has slipped from No. 30 to No. 31 in the Trust for Public Land&#x27;s ParkScore rankings. The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tpl.org/parkscore" data-vars-content-id="a9bc4f57-fafa-4e4d-8fdc-3128adafe04d" data-vars-headline="Cleveland slides one spot in annual parks rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tpl.org/parkscore" target="_blank">annual report</a> ranks the 100 most populous U.S. cities&#x27; park systems relative to one another based on five categories: access, acreage, amenities, equity, and investment.

From Drake to Johnny Depp: Our dream Rock Hall ceremony guest list

Past ceremonies have featured guests including Taylor Swift, Julia Roberts and Paul McCartney.

One of the best parts of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/14/rock-hall-2026-ceremony-cleveland-return" data-vars-content-id="2a9ecf65-c504-4620-912f-1b3d58fa0dc2" data-vars-headline="From Drake to Johnny Depp: Our dream Rock Hall ceremony guest list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/14/rock-hall-2026-ceremony-cleveland-return" target="_self">Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame</a> ceremony is watching celebrities turn into fanboys and girls for their favorite music artists.The intrigue: The Rock Hall is usually tight-lipped about the list of special guests, but we couldn&#x27;t resist making our picks for who might show up for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="class of 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/14/2026-rock-hall-inductees-iron-maiden-wu-tang" data-vars-content-id="2a9ecf65-c504-4620-912f-1b3d58fa0dc2" data-vars-headline="From Drake to Johnny Depp: Our dream Rock Hall ceremony guest list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/04/14/2026-rock-hall-inductees-iron-maiden-wu-tang" target="_self">class of 2026</a> on Nov. 14 in L.A.<ul><li>There are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A LOT of inductees" data-vars-click-url="https://rockhall.com/2026-inductees/" data-vars-content-id="2a9ecf65-c504-4620-912f-1b3d58fa0dc2" data-vars-headline="From Drake to Johnny Depp: Our dream Rock Hall ceremony guest list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rockhall.com/2026-inductees/" target="_blank">A LOT of inductees</a> this year, so we&#x27;re only picking presenters for the honorees in the &quot;Performer&quot; category.</li></ul>

Step aboard Titanic at immersive new Great Lakes Science Center exhibition

The showcase offers a stunning look at the infamous British ocean liner's history.

It was hailed as an unsinkable ship and the pinnacle of human engineering — now it&#x27;s a thrilling exhibition at the Great Lakes Science Center.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://greatscience.com/Titanic" data-vars-content-id="10d8a955-cdd5-4aef-9a30-b9340825ad1d" data-vars-headline="Step aboard Titanic at immersive new Great Lakes Science Center exhibition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://greatscience.com/Titanic" target="_blank">&quot;Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,&quot;</a> which opens Thursday, offers a highly immersive look at the infamous British ocean liner that has captivated generations.

Paul McCartney's post-Beatles years get the Rock Hall treatment

The exhibition includes several of McCartney's guitars, notes from his diary and handwritten lyrics.

If most of what you know about Paul McCartney is from his time with the Beatles, the Rock Hall&#x27;s new exhibit will prove quite an eye-opener.The intrigue: The showcase, titled <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Paul McCartney and Wings,&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/18/paul-mccartney-wings-rock-hall-exhibit-may" data-vars-content-id="5037fab1-1bba-4ab1-8377-af56c73530e1" data-vars-headline="Paul McCartney&#x27;s post-Beatles years get the Rock Hall treatment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2026/02/18/paul-mccartney-wings-rock-hall-exhibit-may" target="_self">&quot;Paul McCartney and Wings,&quot;</a> opens Friday on Level 6 of the museum and details McCartney&#x27;s life from 1970 onward.

From Shawshank to tattoos: A history of the Ohio State Reformatory

The reformatory in Mansfield has existed for 130 years and been used for a variety of things.

Things to Do

One of the most distinctive landmarks in all of Ohio is a roughly 80-mile drive southwest of Cleveland.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ohio State Reformatory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mrps.org/" data-vars-content-id="6fcc7f21-c521-43e3-813c-1785c3ca2f05" data-vars-headline="From Shawshank to tattoos: A history of the Ohio State Reformatory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mrps.org/" target="_blank">Ohio State Reformatory</a> dates back 130 years, having been a prison, a premier <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="haunted destination" data-vars-click-url="https://usghostadventures.com/americas-most-haunted-trending/the-ohio-state-reformatory-mansifeld-ohio-dark-legacy/" data-vars-content-id="6fcc7f21-c521-43e3-813c-1785c3ca2f05" data-vars-headline="From Shawshank to tattoos: A history of the Ohio State Reformatory" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://usghostadventures.com/americas-most-haunted-trending/the-ohio-state-reformatory-mansifeld-ohio-dark-legacy/" target="_blank">haunted destination</a> and the site of major conventions and festivals.

Make Memorial Day plans with rides, slides and savings

Build the perfect Memorial Day weekend at Cedar Point — and then plan a whole season around it.

Partners

Spring is giving way to summer — and in the Roller Coaster Capital of the World(R), Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff to hotter weather, longer days and cooling off the fun way.What you need to know: Cedar Point is putting its season into full gear with summer operations officially starting May 9. Cedar Point Shores Waterpark will open May 23.<ul><li>Plus, the park&#x27;s Gold Pass includes perks like free parking, access to Cedar Point Shores Waterpark and other regional parks.</li></ul>

Destination Cleveland launches "Brag Movement"

A new campaign from the tourism organization turns locals into marketers.

Travel

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Destination Cleveland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/09/16/cleveland-ohio-tourism-spending-record-travel" data-vars-content-id="8b86b53b-d180-47a9-ad12-ece7a7ac18fe" data-vars-headline="Destination Cleveland launches &quot;Brag Movement&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/09/16/cleveland-ohio-tourism-spending-record-travel" target="_self">Destination Cleveland</a> wants residents to become a little more braggadocious.Why it matters: Tourism officials increasingly believe that word-of-mouth recommendations from locals shape travel decisions more effectively than traditional advertising.

Cedar Point bets on season passes with $105 gate price

The amusement park opens with its at-the-gate exceeding $100 for the first time ever.

Last year, Cedar Point beefed up its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="roller coaster offerings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/25/cedar-point-kings-island-sirens-curse-2025-season-preview" data-vars-content-id="f92bc533-ce59-432f-ab11-97f990aaa41b" data-vars-headline="Cedar Point bets on season passes with $105 gate price" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/04/25/cedar-point-kings-island-sirens-curse-2025-season-preview" target="_self">roller coaster offerings</a>. This year, it&#x27;s beefing up its price.State of play: The Sandusky amusement park opens for the season Saturday with its at-the-gate exceeding $100 for the first time ever.

Boxing champ Abdullah Mason brings title fight home to Cleveland

Mason will fight Joe Cordina at the Wolstein Center on July 4.

Sports

Boxing champion and Northeast Ohio native <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Abdullah Mason" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/11/24/abdullah-mason-wbo-youngest-boxing-champion" data-vars-content-id="03953997-59b3-4208-a491-f0bc02ab59bf" data-vars-headline="Boxing champ Abdullah Mason brings title fight home to Cleveland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/11/24/abdullah-mason-wbo-youngest-boxing-champion" target="_self">Abdullah Mason</a> will look to generate fireworks in Cleveland this summer.State of play: Mason, the current WBO lightweight champion, will defend his title against former IBF super-featherweight champion Joe Cordina at the Wolstein Center on July 4.

Summer concerts 2026: Zach Bryan, Foo Fighters, Springsteen & more

Artists like J. Cole, Paul Simon, Post Malone and Jelly Roll are also headed to town.

Culture

Northeast Ohio&#x27;s summer concert season is cooling down before it heats up.Why it matters: This year&#x27;s slate is topped by four stadium shows and a slew of Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Famers coming to town, but not without last-minute changes.

"The Outsiders" musical at Playhouse Square is a must-see

Playhouse co-produced the musical's 2024 Broadway production, which won four Tony Awards.

It began as a coming-of-age novel, became a classic film, and is now an award-winning musical.Why it matters: The arrival of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;The Outsiders&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/02/19/the-outsiders-playhouse-square-broadway" data-vars-content-id="2263a1bf-06e8-429f-9234-4fe6bf284658" data-vars-headline="&quot;The Outsiders&quot; musical at Playhouse Square is a must-see" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/02/19/the-outsiders-playhouse-square-broadway" target="_self">&quot;The Outsiders&quot;</a> at Playhouse Square this week marks a defining moment for the Cleveland theater organization.<ul><li>Playhouse co-produced the musical&#x27;s 2024 Broadway production, which won four <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tony Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://playbill.com/article/the-outsiders-wins-best-musical-at-the-2024-tony-awards" data-vars-content-id="2263a1bf-06e8-429f-9234-4fe6bf284658" data-vars-headline="&quot;The Outsiders&quot; musical at Playhouse Square is a must-see" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://playbill.com/article/the-outsiders-wins-best-musical-at-the-2024-tony-awards" target="_blank">Tony Awards</a>.</li></ul>

Boom's Pizza hosts dog adoption pop-up at Van Aken

Buy "Pup-eroni pies" and support the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter for National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day,

Boom&#x27;s Pizza is hosting a &quot;Pup-peroni Pie&quot; pop-up from 4-9pm Thursday at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Van Aken District" data-vars-click-url="https://www.boomspizza.com/vanaken" data-vars-content-id="71b9129b-7abf-42c4-a365-531ba789d358" data-vars-headline="Boom&#x27;s Pizza hosts dog adoption pop-up at Van Aken" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.boomspizza.com/vanaken" target="_blank">Van Aken District</a> (3427 Tuttle Road, Shaker Heights).Why it matters: Thursday is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, and 100% of Pup-peroni sales, plus 10% of all other sales, will go to the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter.

Things to Do 🗓

Step aboard Titanic at immersive new Great Lakes Science Center exhibition

Paul McCartney's post-Beatles years get the Rock Hall treatment

From Shawshank to tattoos: A history of the Ohio State Reformatory

Belgrade Gardens serves up Northeast Ohio’s unique fried chicken

Make Memorial Day plans with rides, slides and savings