📰 Big-city prices? Not in Cleveland

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: Sometimes a rivalry gets so personal you forget to win the actual game 🏈✅

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

Americans have resolved to save money in 2026 – and they’re off to an early start.

Most are opting for low-key, low-cost gatherings for New Year’s Eve rather than extravagant outings.

About 55% plan to celebrate with family or friends, often at home.

People are spending modestly but steadily:

A couple could spend around $772 on dinner and a show in NYC, L.A. or Chicago.

In Cleveland – hailed all year as a bastion of affordability – you can do more with less to welcome ‘26.

Here are 16 NYE parties amid the hundreds of events out there – for your partying pleasure.

Few require an outfit. Many are casual and won’t snatch your wallet. Most require no reservation. (Check out the 216 Rundown below.)

Happy New Year and best in 2026!

Cleveland’s food scene saw impressive growth in 2025. But inflation, recession fears and high borrowing costs weighed on restaurants.

They just conspired to take down Kyuu-juu.

The sleek Japanese eatery will close on Wednesday, six months after opening in Ohio City.

“After an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments shared with our guests, team, and community, our investors have decided to end their financial support,” said Ryan Endrian and Chef Kwan.

Located in a Victorian house, it’s an affordable counterpoint to its upstairs sibling, Sushi Kuwahata -- which serves 15 to 20-course meals for $350 a plate. The Chef Kwan-owned spot will continue to operate.

The sudden closing of Kyuu-juu blind-sided management, but it promises to go out on a high note:

“Enjoy your favorite dishes or cocktails, share a toast, and please help us say goodbye in the best way we know how…together.”

The Steelers came to Cleveland with a weird strategy: Do whatever it takes to prevent Myles Garrett from getting the sack record, even if it means losing.

They succeeded, well, sort of.

Pittsburgh QB Aaron Rodgers hurried on most throws even when he had time to throw. And at the slightest threat of getting sacked by Garrett, he got rid of the ball.

As a result, Pittsburgh managed only six points, which wasn’t enough to beat the Browns’ 10.

The Browns victory was an emotional boost, even though it hurt their draft stock.

A loss would’ve guaranteed the second pick in the first round. They’ve now fallen to No. 6.

So, scoreboard aside, who won?

10-9-8-7-6-5-4-… OK, you know the rest. Let’s party.

Pierogi Drop: Partyers are buzzing over this doughy spectacle. Parma rings in its bicentennial celebration with a massive dumpling drop near Sloppy Bob’s on State Road, which will be closed for the bash. Info.

Murder on the Dance Floor: Another fun theme from Mahall’s. This one boasts five decades of music and nostalgia, from the ‘60s to Y2K; three different venues; glitzy masquerade vibes. Info.

Nightmare After Christmas: It’s an EDM, rave-like dance party in a warehouse in St. Clair-Superior with dubstep, drum & bass, house and a laser light show. 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Info.

Irish New Year:  Gormley’s Pub starts early (2 p.m.) to synchronize the pints and to hoist an Irish NYE toast at 7 p.m. Bonus; It goes late into the evening, local time. Info.

Brazilian NYE: Winter got you down? It’s summer in Brazil and Batuqui Larchmere has a bash that feels like Rio. Regular dining runs 5-9 p.m., followed by a NYE bash with themed food, drinks and dancing. Info.

Comedy & a Murder Mystery: Class and panache minus the crazy prices. Pickwick & Frolic hosts two shows – comedian John Heffron (5, 7:30 & 10:15 p.m.) and the Psych Ward Whacker murder mystery show – to go with dinner and drink options. Info.

Jolene’s: The cowpoke coral brought new energy to East Fourth in ’25 – and will keep it coming with a NYE bash… Yes, country DJs, cocktails, photo booths and a balloon drop. Info.

Ski Lodge Party: The taproom at Mosaic Brewing in Tremont transforms into a ski mountain party with food, drinks and guests in alpine sweaters and snow suits. 8 p.m. Info.

Goth NYE Dance Party: Break out your dark clothes and darker desires to dance to synth-pop, darkwave, industrial and, yes, Goth. Victorian garb is encouraged! 9 p.m. Info.

Studio 54 NYE: The 1970s-themed club Good Night John Boy will soon be moving into old Jade spot. But it’s going out with a bang of glam and sweat with this vintage disco party. 9 p.m. Info.

Haus of Hops: Hofbrauhaus’ soiree crosses the sounds and spirits of a polkafied Bavaria with techno Berlin…  Two floors of dancing, a Hors D'oeuvres Buffet and open bar. Info.

NYE 2026 at Twist: Parties are always lively at this gay dance club and neighborhood bar – so count on NYE to get sweaty. Count on some fun outfits. 8 p.m. Info.

NYE Pre-Party with Pups: Taps & Tails – the cocktail bar and doggie park – throws a pooch party that features hot cocktails, Champagne and photo props. 2-7 p.m. Free. Info.

Midnight Under the Big Top: It always feels like a night out in the Big City at the Metropolitan. The party features performers, bites, cocktails, carnival games and dueling pianos. Info.

EMO New Year’s: The Lake Erie Emo Club throws a masquerade ball – so revel in melancholy, dance and sing along to emo and pop-punk. 9 p.m. Info.

New Orleans NYE bash: Bourbon Street Barrel Room breaks out beads, masks and Big Easy vibes – not to mention drinks, food and music for its 10^th annual NOLA NYE party. 9:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Info.

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For more than two decades, it was a destination for music fans and vinyl collectors far beyond Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood.

Square Records was an institution in the scene – one that attracted long lines on Record Store Day and was a magnet for like-minded music lovers.

The shop sold its last record and has closed, due to medical issues, according to co-owner Juniper Sage. It could reopen later next year, though there are plans at this point.

Cleveland Municipal Stadium, 1960. Painters cover over the Browns schedule to prepare for the upcoming Indians season.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoopcle on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

56 °F 🌡️ 28 °F | 🌧️ → 🌨️ (rain changing to snow / overcast) | ~64% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 32 mph (≈ 28 knots)

31 °F 🌡️ 26 °F | 🌨️ (light snow / overcast) | ~58% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 22 mph (≈ 19 knots)

36 °F 🌡️ 27 °F | ☁️ (overcast) | ~64% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 19 mph (≈ 17 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Away vs. Spurs, 8:00 PM December 29 (Monday)

Home vs. Suns, 3:30 PM December 31 (Wednesday)

Home vs. Nuggets, 7:30 PM January 2 (Friday)

Home vs. Pistons, 2:00 PM January 2 (Sunday)

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