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From music and style to dining, nightlife and community celebrations, 2025 was a year that showcased the creativity, culture and spirit of northwest Ohio. Toledo City Paper highlighted the people, places and events that made the region buzz — from rising local bands and inventive poetry contests to standout restaurants, holiday dining options and playful hometown traditions. These ten stories captured the energy, diversity and local pride that defined the year, offering readers a snapshot of the moments, personalities and experiences that made 2025 unforgettable in Toledo and beyond.
10. 10 Northwest Ohio Bands to Watch in 2025
We highlighted 10 Northwest Ohio bands that were poised to make waves in the region’s 2025 music scene, celebrating the diversity and creativity of local acts from around northwest Ohio. The showcase featured rising and energetic groups bringing fresh sounds and live performances to venues and festivals throughout the year — from funk and jazz‑infused ensembles to rock and indie outfits eager to build audiences and leave their mark on the local live‑music circuit. The roundup offered music lovers a go‑to list of artists worth catching live as the year unfolded.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
9. Toledo GQ 2025: Local Men. Real Style. Pure Toledo.
In Toledo GQ 2025: Local Men. Real Style. Pure Toledo, Toledo City Paper spotlighted a group of stylish local men whose fashion and personal flair reflected both creativity and community spirit. The feature celebrated individuals from diverse walks of life — from watchmakers and jewelers to chefs and other local professionals — each sharing how their unique wardrobe choices and style philosophies express confidence and character. Rather than focusing just on clothes, the piece framed style as a form of self‑expression rooted in Toledo’s culture and individuality, showing how these men embodied both trend and hometown pride.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
8. Ode To The Zipcode 2025 Finalists
We showcased the 2025 finalists of “Ode to the Zipcode,” a community poetry contest that invited writers throughout northwest Ohio to capture the spirit, stories and identity of their local ZIP codes. Finalists were selected from hundreds of submissions that blended personal reflection with place‑based pride, celebrating everyday experiences and hidden gems across the region. The featured poems revealed a wide range of voices and styles — from nostalgic to humorous to deeply heartfelt — highlighting how geography, memory and community shape people’s lives. The showcase invited readers to explore and appreciate the creative expressions rooted in their own backyards.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
7. Trivia, Name That Tune and More Roundup
We put together a Trivia Night roundup featuring local bars and venues that hosted weekly quiz events for players of all experience levels. The guide highlighted spots like The Village Idiot, The Blarney Irish Pub, Bar 145 and others around town where teams could test their wits over categories ranging from pop culture to history, often paired with drink specials and prizes. Whether aimed at regular trivia buffs or groups looking for a fun weeknight outing, the list made it easy for readers to find times and locations to gather, compete and unwind with friends.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
Toledo City Paper’s Dining Guide 2025 Winners celebrated the region’s top eateries as chosen by readers and local food lovers. The list highlighted standout restaurants across categories like Best Burger, Best Pizza, Best Brunch and Best Fine Dining, showcasing local favorites from classic diners to trendy chef‑driven spots. Winners reflected Toledo’s diverse and thriving food scene, from longtime neighborhood staples to newer, buzzworthy restaurants earning acclaim. The feature offered both residents and visitors a go‑to list of must‑try places around the area, making it easier to taste the best of northwest Ohio’s culinary offerings
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
5. The Best Happy Hour Spots Near Me in Toledo
We mapped out some of the happiest hours in Toledo, spotlighting local bars and restaurants with standout drink deals and social vibes that made weekday evenings more affordable and fun. The guide featured spots like Blarney Irish Pub, The Village Idiot, The Oliver House, and Bar 145, each offering discounts on cocktails, beers and appetizers during designated times. Whether it was discounted drafts, $5 wells or special $1 off pours, the roundup helped locals find great places to unwind after work without breaking the bank. The piece served as a go‑to resource for budget‑savvy drinkers and social planners alike.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
4. Restaurants Open on Christmas Day
We rounded up a holiday dining guide for Christmas Day in the Toledo area, spotlighting local restaurants that stayed open so residents could skip cooking and still enjoy a meal. The list included spots such as Ameera Mediterranean Bistro, Bar Louie, Georgjz419 Food, Fun & Spirits, iHop and the Maumee Bay Brewing Company, offering a range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options on December 25. The feature gave diners a way to plan holiday meals at local eateries, with details on where they could find available food and festive dining without the kitchen cleanup at home.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
3. Something Wicked This Way Comes: The Pale Horse to Open in Downtown Toledo
Something Wicked This Way Comes: The Pale Horse was a special feature on a new horror‑themed bar opening in downtown Toledo, transforming the former Jed’s restaurant into a gothic cocktail lounge with eerie vibes and spooky flair. Local entrepreneur Jessica Delgado led the project, aiming to give patrons a unique night‑out experience with hauntingly crafted drinks, cursed small plates, and vintage‑gothic atmosphere that leaned into supernatural themes. The Pale Horse promised to stand out in the downtown nightlife scene as the city’s first bar of its kind, offering an immersive, chilling twist on classic late‑night social spots.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
2. Best of Toledo Awards 2024: The Results are in!
The Toledo City Paper Best of Toledo Awards 2024, celebrated the region’s most‑loved local businesses, services, people and places as chosen by community votes. More than 408,000 ballots were cast by over 42,000 readers across a wide range of categories — from restaurants and shops to services and entertainment — recognizing top picks in everything from landscaping and automotive to leisure and food. Winners reflected the vibrant culture, small‑business spirit and favorite hometown spots of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan residents. The full results and winners list were announced in our paper’s March 2025 edition.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
1. Single in the Glass City 2025
Single in the Glass City was Toledo City Paper’s playful annual contest that spotlighted eligible local singles through a mix of antics, on-stage games, and community voting, turning the search for love into a hometown summer event. Contestants competed to be named the city’s most desirable bachelor or bachelorette, with voters casting daily ballots for their favorites and cheering on participants at the live showcase held at Bar 145. The lighthearted competition drew attention across the region, celebrating local personalities and bringing the community together around fun, connection, and a little friendly rivalry.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.
