Summer is just around the corner, and there’s no shortage of activities in the city during the warmer months. Plus, this year Akron is celebrating its bicentennial, so there’s even more happening in the city. As always, this is not a complete list of summer 2025 events. For more things to do, visit Downtown Akron Partnership, Summit Metro Parks and SummitLive365.
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Ongoing events
Party on the PNC Plaza
Fridays through Aug. 29, 5 – 7 p.m. | Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
Pull up a chair outside the Akron Civic Theatre and enjoy music from local acts, including The Delta Hand, Marcc Nutter and Goody and the Gospel. Free, akronohio.gov
Wellness on the Plaza
Various days and times through Sept. 4 | Cascade Plaza (122 S. Main St.)
Get your body moving with a variety of exercise classes this summer, from yoga and Zumba to kickboxing and line dancing. Free, downtownakron.com
Food Truck Wednesdays
Through Sept. 10, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Bounce Innovation Hub (526 S. Main St.)
No sad desk lunches this summer — or at least on Wednesdays. Sample eats from local and regional food trucks at this weekly gathering. Prices vary, bouncehub.org
Concerts at Lock 3
Various dates and times through Sept. 13 | Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
This season at the newly renovated downtown park will feature performances from 60 bands, such as national acts Chris Janson, The Legendary Wailers and Priscilla Block and local groups The Labra Brothers, The Vindys and Off Leash. Prices vary, akronohio.gov
Peninsula Flea
June 7 and 28, July 5 and 26 and Aug. 9; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Heritage Farms (6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula)
Now in its 10th year, the Peninsula Flea showcases 50 to 70 vendors selling collectibles, art and handmade goods. Be sure to take some time to explore the grounds of the 177-year-old family farm, which includes two barns, a gazebo and a great view of its Christmas tree lot. Plenty of parking is available, and the flea markets happen rain or shine. Free, heritagefarms.com
Rhythm on the River
June 8, July 13 and Aug. 10; 3:30 – 6 p.m. | Howe Meadow (4040 Riverview Road, Peninsula)
The annual concert series is back, this time with the Theron Brown Sextet, Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band and Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder. Free, conservancyforcvnp.org
Akron Bazaar
June 12, Aug. 29-31 and Sept. 12 | Various locations
Shop wares from local and regional vendors at this sister market to the Cleveland Bazaar. The June and September bazaars will be at Summit Artspace as part of the gallery’s quarterly ArtWalk. In August, the Akron Bazaar will be at Hardesty Park for the Food Truck Festival. Free, clevelandbazaar.org
Outdoor Movie Night
June 12 and 26, July 16 and 30, Aug. 13 and 27; 9 p.m. | Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
Watch “Emperor’s New Groove,” “Hocus Pocus,” “Beetlejuice” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” outside on the big screen. Attendees can bring blankets and chairs. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Free, akronohio.gov
ArtWalk
June 12 and Sept. 11, 5 – 9 p.m. | Summit Artspace (140 E. Market St.)
View Summit Artspace’s latest exhibits, browse artist studios, meet local creatives and explore other downtown venues at this quarterly event. Free, summitartspace.org
Skate Night on the Plaza
June 14 and 28, July 19, Aug. 23 and Sept. 9; 5 – 8 p.m. Cascade Plaza (122 S. Main St.)
Whether you have your own skates or rent a pair for $2, lace ’em up and get ready to roll around downtown. Each skate night has a unique theme, from flower power to disco cowboy to super hero. A DJ will be on-site playing music, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Free, downtownakron.com
Downtown@Dusk
July 10, 17, 24 and 31; 6:30 p.m. | Akron Art Museum (1 S. High St.)
This summer concert series will feature performances from Wishgarden, The Numbers Band, The Surfrajettes and Benny Lava & The Guavas. Free, akronartmuseum.org
Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival | various locations
July 25 and 26, Aug. 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 8:45 p.m.; Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
The long-running fest honors the Ohio Ballet’s founding artistic director. This year’s festival will include performances from the Ohio Contemporary Ballet, Inlet Dance Theater and Pilobolus at three parks around Akron, plus a special family night at the Akron Art Museum. Those with kids should come early for the children’s interactive program at 7:45 p.m. The dance festival will also offer free 10 a.m. yoga classes on the mornings of its shows. Free, akrondancefestival.org
June events
Downtown Akron Juneteenth Celebration
June 1, noon to 6 p.m. | Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
The theme of this year’s event is “Revisiting Our History: Reclaiming Our Community.” Activities will include performances, live music, crafts and small group workshops and demonstrations. Free, downtownakron.com
Kirat Cultural Festival
June 1, 1 – 5 p.m. | North Hill Community Development Corp. (760 Elma St.)
This event celebrates the cultural and religious traditions of the Kirat people, who are indigenous to South Asia, specifically Bhutan, India and Nepal. Free, facebook.com
Cruise into Summer
June 5, 5 – 7:30 p.m. | Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
Start the season right with this event featuring food, games, inflatables and community resources. Free, akronohio.gov
The Groundhog Show
June 6-14 | Summit County Building 3 (21 N. Main St.)
Now in its fifth year, the pop-up art show highlights the work of Northeast Ohio artists, many of whom are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Free, clappforart.com
Cuyahoga Valley 5K & Family Fun Run
June 7, 8 – 11 a.m. | Old Trail School (2315 Ira Road)
Runners choose from one of two trails that pass through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The 5K course is a hilly, wooded path, and the family fun run is a 1-mile route on a flat, grassy trail. $12-$40, runsignup.com
BLVD Block Party
June 7, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Kenmore Boulevard
This family-friendly event will start with the Kenmore Cowbell 7K Walk/Run at 8 a.m., followed by a parade at 10 a.m. Events and attractions throughout the day include a petting zoo, a TikTok dance contest, canoe rides at Summit Lake, a pop-up art gallery and live music, plus inflatables, games and crafts for kids. Free, betterkenmore.org
Duck Derby
June 7, noon to 4 p.m. | Cascade Locks (57 W. North St.)
How much is that duck in the water? A steal at $10 — and all for a good cause. This annual fundraiser supports the Cascade Locks Park Association and the Mustill Store Museum. Sponsor a rubber duck and see if it has what it takes to win a race down the Ohio & Erie Canal. Guests can also enjoy food, games and crafts. Free to attend but $10 to sponsor a duck, cascadelocks.org
Polymer Palooza
June 7, 1 – 6 p.m. | Akron Children’s Museum and Lock 3 (216 S. Main St.)
Little ones can learn about the role polymers play in their lives through interactive exhibits and activities. Vendors and experts will be on-site to share their polymer knowledge and know-how. Free, akronkids.org
Sow and Grow Festival
June 7-8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Hale Farm & Village (2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath)
Discover the agricultural traditions of a working 19th century farm through hands-on activities like planting, harvesting, beekeeping and more. $8-$15 (Western Reserve Historical Society members, active military and youth 2 and younger are free), wrhs.org
Civic Saturday Akron
June 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Bounce Innovation Hub (526 S. Main St.)
Get to know your neighbors at this community-centered event through open discussions, collaborations and civic matchmaking. Free, eventbrite.com
Father’s Day Car Show
June 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (714 N. Portage Path)
Celebrate the dad in your life with a visit to Stan Hywet for the estate’s annual car show. The grounds will be filled with hundreds of antique, classic and collector vehicles. This year’s show, the 67th, will celebrate the Ford Thunderbird. Admission includes a self-guided tour of the main house and the grounds. Parking for the event is off-site at four locations. Shuttle service will be available. $8-$16 (children 2 and younger are free), stanhywet.org
Juneteenth Celebration – Genius of Freedom
June 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Hale Farm & Village (2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath)
The historic farm will go back in time to 1872, when America was in the middle of Reconstruction and Ohioan Ulysses S. Grant was running for the presidency. Visitors will learn how this important time in history shaped, and continues to shape, the country. $8-$15 (Western Reserve Historical Society members, active military and youth 2 and younger are free), wrhs.org
“Dearest Enemy”
June 21, 7-9 p.m. | Goodyear Theater (1201 E. Market St.)
This musical comedy is set in New York during the American Revolution and follows Betsy Burke and Sir John Copeland, lovers on opposite sides of the war. When the production debuted in Akron 100 years ago, the Akron Beacon Journal called it “the biggest theatrical innovation on record here in the past 100 years.” Free, akron200.org
Summer Solstice Yoga
June 23, 7-9 p.m. | Hines Hill Conference Center (1403 W. Hines Hill Road)
Welcome a new season with an all-levels yoga class at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Bring a yoga mat. The class will take place under a tent if it rains. $20-$25, conservancyforcvnp.org
July events
Salute to America
July 3-4, 8 p.m. | Blossom Music Center (1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
Celebrate Independence Day with the Blossom Festival Band and fireworks in the national park. The musical program will include patriotic marches, Broadway hits and an armed forces salute. $25-$95, clevelandorchestra.com
Heart of Akron Festival
July 3-5 | Downtown Akron
This new event will feature performances from local musical acts, the annual Fourth of July fireworks and Sample the City, a “food tasting experience.” Free, akronohio.gov
“The Tempest”
July 3-20 (select evenings), 6 p.m. | Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (714 N. Portage Path)
The Ohio Shakespeare Festival kicks off its 2025-2026 outdoor season with this classic tale of revenge, redemption and magic. $15-$35, ohioshakespearefestival.com
City of Akron Fireworks
July 4, 9:45 p.m. | Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
The city’s annual Fourth of July show will take place during the inaugural Heart of Akron Festival. Free, akronohio.gov
Akron Bicentennial Downtown Parade
July 5, 10 a.m. to noon
Get ready for Akron’s biggest parade in 50 years. Organizations and businesses interested in participating have until July 1 to register. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Free, akron200.org
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” in Concert
July 5-6, 7 p.m. | Blossom Music Center (1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
Conductor Brett Mitchell will lead the Cleveland Orchestra as they perform the film’s score live along with the movie. $35-$125, clevelandorchestra.com
Summit County Italian-American Festival
July 10-12 | Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
Enjoy music, performances and plenty of food at this long-running favorite festival. Free, it-am.org
Carmina Burana
July 12, 7 p.m | Blossom Music Center (1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
Described as a “a sonic tour-de-force,” composer Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” is based on a collection of poems by the piece’s namesake. The Cleveland Orchestra will open the performance with Jean Sibelius’ “En Saga.” The Blossom Festival Chorus and The Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus will also be featured. $29-$109, clevelandorchestra.com
Music in the Valley – Folk & Wine Festival
July 12-13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Hale Farm & Village (2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath)
Folk musicians will perform throughout the historic farm as guests learn about the genre’s history and sample Ohio wines. $8-$15 (Western Reserve Historical Society members, active military and youth 2 and younger are free), wrhs.org
Vintage Base Ball
July 12-13, various times | Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (714 N. Portage Path)
What’s more summer than baseball? Enjoy an old-school version of the game as Stan Hywet’s home team, the Akron Black Stockings, takes on local opponents during the Akron Cup. Guests should bring blankets and lawn chairs. Spectators must purchase a grounds ticket to attend the game. $7-$15 (children 2 and younger and Stan Hywet members are free), stanhywet.org
Akron African American Festival
July 18-20 | Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
Details on this year’s festival are TBD, but guests can expect to enjoy food and games and explore local vendors and community organizations. Free, akronafricanculture.com
Canoe Adventure
July 19, 8:30 a.m. | Summit Lake Park Pavilion (390 W. Crosier St.)
Whether you’re new to canoeing or a seasoned paddler, this event is for you. Staff and volunteers from the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition will discuss the history of the canalway and improvements being made in the area as guests take a two-mile guided canoe ride across Summit Lake. This event is rain or shine. Price TBD, ohioeriecanal.org
Beethoven’s Violin Concerto
July 19, 7 p.m. | Blossom Music Center (1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
Violinist Veronika Eberle will join The Cleveland Orchestra for a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Violin Concerto. Afterward, the orchestra will perform Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 1. $29-$109, clevelandorchestra.com
Summit County Fair
July 22-27 | Summit County Fairgrounds (1050 North Ave., Tallmadge)
Where can you find carnival rides, animal competitions, magic shows, chainsaw demonstrations and all the fried food you can eat? The county fair, of course. $4-$22, summitfair.com
Rubber City Tattoo Invitational
July 25-27 | John S. Knight Center (77 E. Mill St.)
This convention celebrates all things tattoos. Whether you’re looking to get some new ink or show off your tats, there’s something for everyone at this event. $25-$50, rubbercitytattooinvitational.com
An Evening with Cynthia Erivo
July 27, 7 p.m. | Blossom Music Center (1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
If you want to see the “Wicked” star join The Cleveland Orchestra for an evening of songs, you better act fast. Only lawn tickets remain. $35, clevelandorchestra.com
Earth, Wind & Fire
July 30, 7:30 p.m. | E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
It might not be September, but the legendary band knows how to get audience members off their feet in any month. $81.70-$374.70, calendar.uakron.edu
Outdoor historical drama
July 31 to Aug. 3 | Waters Park (140 Olive St.)
There are few details on the outdoor drama being produced in honor of Akron’s bicentennial, so keep an eye on the Akron 200 site for updates. akron200.org
“King Lear”
July 31 to Aug. 17 (select evenings), 6 p.m. | Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (714 N. Portage Path)
Father-daughter drama? A tale as old as time. King Lear deals with the repercussions of his daughter’s refusal in this Shakespearean classic. $15-$35, ohioshakespearefestival.com
August events
West Akron 5k Run/Walk
Aug. 2, 8 a.m. | Buchtel Community Learning Center (1040 Copley Road)
Funds raised from this race will help provide resources to students in the West Akron community. Participants can run or walk the 5K course or the 1-mile route. Both go through the neighborhood around Buchtel CLC. The price to register increases Aug. 2. $30, westakron5k.com
Brahms & Liszt
Aug. 2, 7 p.m. | Blossom Music Center (1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
The Cleveland Orchestra will be joined by conductor Daniele Rustioni and pianist Alessio Bax for a night of classical music performances, including Johannes Brahms’ Overture to Tannhäuser and Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1. $29-$109, clevelandorchestra.com
Laufey: A Night at the Symphony
Aug. 7, 7 p.m. | Blossom Music Center (1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
The Icelandic singer-songwriter will team up with The Cleveland Orchestra for this concert featuring performances of her original songs. $39-$199, clevelandorchestra.com
We are the Weirdos Punk Rock Flea Market
Aug. 9, noon to 6 p.m | Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
Browse goods from more than 125 vendors at this downtown market. While there, guests can also enjoy live music and grab a bite from one of the food trucks. Free, akronprfm.com
Mahler’s Titan
Aug. 9, 7 p.m. | Blossom Music Center (1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
Conductor Elim Chan will lead The Cleveland Orchestra in a performance of Gustav Mahler’s Titan featuring soprano Christiane Karg. $29-$109, clevelandorchestra.com
Civil War Weekend
Aug. 9-10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Hale Farm & Village (2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath)
Cavalry demonstrations, a dress parade and fife and drum performances are just a few of the activities on tap at this two-day event that transports visitors to the years of the Civil War. $8-$15 (Western Reserve Historical Society members, active military and youth 2 and younger are free), wrhs.org
Akron Pickle Fest
Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
Where else but the Akron Pickle Fest can you participate in the Picklelympics? Guests can try their hands at bobbing for pickles, a pickle-eating contest and a greased pickle toss. There will also be plenty of vendors and food trucks on site for those more interested in watching the Picklelympics than participating. Free, oddmall.info
Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath 50
Aug. 10 | Richard Howe House (47 W. Exchange St.)
Cyclists can choose to bike 25 or 50 miles of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in this annual ride. Both routes start in downtown Akron. Participants can enjoy lunch when they return. Funds from the bike ride help support the Towpath Trail. Registration details coming soon, ohioeriecanal.org
The Music of Billy Joel
Aug. 10, 7 p.m. | Blossom Music Center (1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
Singer Tony DeSare will join The Cleveland Orchestra for an evening of Billy Joel tunes, including “Piano Man,” “New York State of Mind” and “Don’t Ask Me Why.” $29-$109, clevelandorchestra.com
PorchROKR Music
Aug. 16 | Throughout Highland Square
This long-running local festival is a favorite among Akronites. Musicians and bands perform on the porches of houses throughout the Highland Square neighborhood. With so many music genres represented, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Free, highlandsquareakron.org
A Rodgers & Hammerstein Celebration
Aug. 17, 7 p.m. | Blossom Music Center (1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
When it comes to musical theater partnerships, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II still sit at the top all these years later. Audience members will enjoy a medley of songs from the duo who gave us “The Sound of Music,” “South Pacific,” “Oklahoma!” and more. $29-$109, clevelandorchestra.com
Circa Surf
Aug. 22, 7:30-11 p.m. | Akron Art Museum (1 S. High St.)
Celebrate summer and all things surf culture with this event from the Akron Art Museum featuring screenprinting, beachy cocktails, outdoor games and more. $17.85-$81.88, akronartmuseum.org
Akron Pride Festival 5K
Aug. 22, 5-9 p.m. | Bounce Innovation Hub (526 S. Main St.)
This evening race takes runners through downtown Akron along the Towpath. Donations from the 5K help support local organizations serving the LGBTQ+ community. Can’t make the race? There’s also a virtual option. $30-$45, akronpridefestival.org
Akron Pride Festival & Equity March
Aug. 23, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
This day-long event kicks off with a parade and continues with performances, food trucks, vendors, a kid zone and more throughout downtown. Free, akronpridefestival.org
Heart
Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m. | E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
Akron rock radio station 97.5 WONE is celebrating 40 years with a performance from ’70s rockers Heart. $114.90-$442.50, calendar.uakron.edu
Akron PizzaFest
Aug. 29-30 | Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
Enjoy ’za — by the slice or the pie — and live music at this festival. Free, akronpizzafest
Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival
Aug. 29-31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Hale Farm & Village (2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath)
Ohio artisans will converge on the historic 19th century farm for this three-day festival celebrating makers from around the state. $8-$15 (Western Reserve Historical Society members, active military and youth 2 and younger are free), madeinohiofestival.org
Akron Food Truck Festival
Aug. 29-31 | Hardesty Park (67 Wallhaven Drive)
While the lineup for this fest isn’t out yet, expect more than 20 food trucks at this city park. Free, facebook.com
“The Lion King” in Concert
Aug. 29-31, 7 p.m. | Blossom Music Center (1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls)
The 1994 classic gets the orchestral treatment as The Cleveland Orchestra and the Blossom Festival Chorus perform the film score live along with the movie. $35-$125, clevelandorchestra.com
September events
Rubber City Jazz Fest
Sept. 4-6 | Various locations
The lineup for this event isn’t out yet, but expect local and national acts performing at venues in and around downtown Akron. rubbercityjazz.org
Dogtoberfest
Sept. 13 | Lock 3 (200 S. Main St.)
Details on this festival are scant, but Benny Lava & The Guavas and Black Cat Roberts are set to perform. akronohio.gov
Vintage Base Ball
Sept. 14, 1 – 4 p.m. | Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (714 N. Portage Path)
What’s more summer than baseball? Enjoy an old-school version of the game as Stan Hywet’s home team, the Akron Black Stockings, takes on the Spiegel Grove Squires. Guests should bring blankets and lawn chairs. Spectators must purchase a grounds ticket to attend the game. $7-$18 (children 2 and younger and Stan Hywet members are free), stanhywet.org
Bicentennial Soap Box Derby Race
Sept. 19 | Derby Downs (789 Derby Downs Drive)
Keep an eye on the Akron 200 site for updates. akron200.org
Downtown Akron Latin Festival
Sept. 20 | Lock 3
More details on this festival will be available soon. Free, downtownakron.com
FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay
Sept. 27, 7 a.m. | Akron Art Museum (1 S. High St.)
Runners will pass a host of Akron sites on this race, with a new course map that includes Firestone Park, Sand Run Parkway, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens and Highland Square. The event also includes a health and fitness expo the day before and a festival at the finish line. Starts at $67.18, akronmarathon.org
