Despite the up and down nature of our current weather, summer in Ohio is just around the corner. And with that comes plenty of things to do. I compiled 70 events happening in and around Akron from June through September. It has a bit of everything: long-running favorites such as Rhythm on the River and the Italian-American Festival, special bicentennial events and a packed Blossom Music Festival schedule from the Cleveland Orchestra.
Speaking of events, Thursday is the first Sojourner Truth Day. Akron and Summit County will celebrate the holiday with a program at the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza (37 N. High St.) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event will include a brief commemorative program, community vendor tables and light refreshments.
Explore downtown Akron’s art scene
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the weather — and some public art. Curated Storefront’s 2025 Spring Media and Tour Guide makes it easy to explore downtown’s art scene, from digital installations to murals to window displays.
Here are three things to do in and around Akron this weekend.
Your Akron weekend plans
Help transform a local community at Habitat for Humanity’s Neighborhood Reborn in Lakemore. Habitat volunteers and staffers will help Lakemore homeowners with landscaping and minor home repairs. Tasks may include lawn mowing, power washing and trash removal. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and volunteer slots are available for both days. Volunteers should meet at Lakemore United Methodist Church (1536 Flickinger Road).
Meet local and regional artists and vendors and enjoy live performances and interactive workshops at Saturday’s Black Excellence Arts Festival at Hardesty Park. The family-friendly event is free to attend and goes from noon to 7 p.m. at the Wallhaven park. To see some of this year’s artists and vendors, check out the festival’s Instagram page.
Dance and art collide Saturday at Cleveland Ballet’s Impressions of Picasso at the Akron Art Museum. The ballet program is inspired by the artist’s works, including “Guernica” and his harlequin paintings. The performance starts at 7 p.m. Beforehand, guests are invited to attend a free pre-performance discussion with Cleveland Ballet’s artistic staff from 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $50 for patio seating and $30 for lawn seating.
