Cleveland is weird right now. It's in that middle-child phase where it isn't just a "rust belt" relic anymore, but it hasn't quite finished its massive $3.5 billion facelift yet. If you walked down Euclid Avenue today, you'd see construction cranes competing with the Lake Erie skyline. There is a lot to keep track of.
Honestly, people still think Cleveland is just about the Rock Hall and maybe a losing football team. They’re wrong. Well, halfway wrong—the Browns are still a headache—but the city is pivoting. Hard.
From a massive trauma center turf war on the East Side to a $175 million expansion of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame that’s finally connecting the city to its own lakefront, the "Land" is currently a giant construction site with a really good food scene.
The Lakefront and the $175 Million Glass Pyramid Gamble
If you've visited before, you know the Lake Erie waterfront has always felt... awkward. You have to cross a highway or a bridge to get there. It’s disconnected. That is finally changing.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is deep into its massive expansion. We’re talking 50,000 square feet of new space. They aren't touching I.M. Pei’s original glass pyramid, but they are wrapping a new structure around it that includes a performance venue for 1,000 people. It’s expected to finish up later this year.
Why the North Coast Master Plan Matters
It isn't just about the museum. The North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation just tapped DiGeronimo Development to lead the charge on the downtown lakefront. This isn't just "let's put a park here." It’s a multi-year slog to build residential units, retail, and a public walkway that actually makes sense.
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- The Land Bridge: There is a serious push for a pedestrian bridge connecting the Mall to the lake.
- The Bedrock Project: Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock is working on a $3.5 billion riverfront master plan. The first piece, the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center, is basically a vertical fortress for sports medicine.
What’s Going on in Cleveland Ohio’s Food Scene?
Forget the old "pierogi and beer" stereotype. Okay, keep the pierogi, but add some wagyu frites.
The big news this month is Rosy. It’s the new live-fire restaurant from the team behind Cordelia (which, if you haven’t been, is basically the gold standard for "Midwest Nice" dining). They’re opening in Hingetown, specifically focusing on European-style shareable plates. It’s part of a larger trend of high-end chefs ditching white tablecloths for open flames and loud music.
New Spots to Hit Right Now
- Le Burger 4304: This one just landed in the Intro building in Ohio City. It replaced Pioneer. It’s a Minneapolis import that serves wagyu-blend burgers.
- Safar: Opening Jan. 28 at Edgewater. It’s a "three-venue concept"—an upscale bar, modern Indian fusion, and a speakeasy all under one roof.
- Funshi: Conveyor belt sushi is apparently taking over the suburbs. They just opened their third location in nine months over in Beachwood.
Sports: The Annual Winter of Discontent
It wouldn't be Cleveland without a little sports drama. As of mid-January 2026, the Browns are once again looking for a soul.
The coaching carousel is spinning. Todd Monken is a name being thrown around for the head coaching gig. Meanwhile, fans are debating whether Kevin Stefanski should have stayed or gone after the team struggled through a 7-27 or 8-26 stretch over the last two years. And then there's the Deshaun Watson contract, which continues to hang over the city like a Lake Erie snow cloud.
On the brighter side, the Cavaliers are actually good. They went 64-18 last season, though the second-round loss to Indiana stung. Keep an eye on Jaylon Tyson; he’s been a breakout wing player averaging double digits.
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The Guardians? They won back-to-back AL Central titles, but the offense is still anemic. Spring training is six weeks away, and the front office just traded for Franklin Gomez, a 20-year-old lefty from the Mets. It’s classic Cleveland: building for 2028 while we're still in 2026.
Major Events You Can Actually Go To
If you’re in town this week, it’s cold. Really cold. A winter storm warning just hit. But if you can brave the slush, here’s what is actually happening:
- Cleveland Boat Show: Running through Jan. 18 at the I-X Center. It's where we all go to pretend summer exists.
- Disney on Ice: At Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse through Jan. 18.
- Brite Winter: This is the big one for February. On Feb. 21, the festival moves to the Waterloo Arts District. It's basically a massive outdoor party with art, fire, and indie bands.
The Hospital War You Didn't Know About
Cleveland is a medical city. But right now, the Cleveland Clinic and MetroHealth are squaring off. The Clinic announced plans to open a Level 1 trauma center at its main campus on the East Side.
You’d think "more healthcare = good," right? Not necessarily. MetroHealth—the city’s safety-net hospital—is worried it will cannibalize their patient base and hurt outcomes. City Council is split. Some say we need more beds; others worry it will "institutionalize" gun violence care rather than preventing it. It’s a complex, messy debate about who gets to save lives in the city.
Logistics for Travelers
If you are flying in, be prepared for some mess. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is starting a $1.6 billion renovation. It's desperately needed—the terminal is aging and the parking is a nightmare—but it means your Uber ride might take ten minutes longer than usual.
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Also, the city just achieved a CDP "A" score for environmental leadership. Mayor Bibb is leaning hard into sustainability, installing EV charging stations at Michael Zone and Sterling Rec centers.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to see what's going on in Cleveland Ohio for yourself, don't just stay downtown.
- Visit Hingetown: Grab a coffee at Rising Star, check out the new Rosy when it opens late January, and walk through the Transformer Station art gallery.
- The Waterloo Shift: If you’re here in February, skip the Flats and head to Waterloo for Brite Winter. It’s the most "Cleveland" experience you can have—drinking a local beer while standing in a snowbank listening to a local band.
- Museum Hop: The Cleveland Museum of Art is still free. They currently have a "Renaissance to Runway" Italian fashion exhibit running through Feb. 1.
- I-X Center: Check the schedule for the "Great Big Home and Garden Show" (Jan. 30–Feb. 8) if you need a break from the wind chill.
Cleveland isn't trying to be Chicago or New York. It’s trying to figure out how to be a modern version of itself without losing that weird, gritty edge. It’s a work in progress.
If you’re heading to the city this month, pack a heavy coat, download the RTA app for the Red Line, and maybe don't bring up the Browns at the bar unless you want to hear a 20-minute rant.
For the most up-to-date daily changes, checking the local "Signal Cleveland" or "Cleveland Scene" reports will give you the granular details on restaurant soft openings or sudden lakefront closures. The city moves fast, even when it's buried in six inches of snow.