If you haven’t heard — and at this point, how could you not — Akron is celebrating a big birthday this year. In honor of its 200th anniversary, Akron 200, the organization in charge of all things bicentennial, is pulling out all the stops.
With a stacked events calendar, there will be plenty of chances for Akronites to celebrate their city all year. I’ve rounded up 22 bicentennial events happening this spring and summer. You can find even more events, including neighborhood gatherings, on Akron 200’s website.
I’ll update our list as I receive more information.
Your weekend plans
Benny Lava and The Guavas will take the stage at House Three Thirty on Friday night for an evening of soul, doo-wop and pop. After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the band reunited in 2023 and released a new single, “Get Along.” The group will kick the performance off at 8 p.m. on the venue’s historic Cabaret stage. Tickets are $12.29 with fees, and parking is available for free at the venue. Doors open at 7 p.m.
View works from 37 women artists spanning generations and artistic mediums in the Akron Art Museum’s new exhibit “She Said, She Said: Contemporary Women Artists,” which opens Saturday. Works from Cindy Sherman, Solange Pessoa, Cajsa von Zeipel, the Guerrilla Girls and more will be on display. On Saturday and Sunday, the Akron Art Museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission for adults is $12. For more rates, see akronartmuseum.org/visit.
Do you have what it takes to conquer Akron’s gnarliest hills on two wheels? Find out Sunday at Dirty River Bicycle Works’ 2025 Otis Roubaix. Cyclists can choose from a 20- or 40-mile route that will be posted Friday on the Facebook event page. Participants should meet at Dirty River Bicycle Works at 10 a.m. After the ride, join other cyclists for a celebratory drink at Missing Falls Brewery.