Welcome to a new year, with new (and some repeat) events scheduled for your entertainment pleasure. Signal Akron has rounded up more than 25 events and activities to keep your social battery running from now to April.
Per usual, this is a sampling, not an exhaustive list of happenings in and around Akron. For more event calendars, check out the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, Downtown Akron Partnership and Live Akron.
Ongoing events
Smokeface Jam Session
Every Wednesday through March 25 | 9 p.m. to midnight, bar opens at 7 p.m.
Musica (51 E. Market St.)
Bring your instrument, join the improv-based jam session and experience music, creativity and excitement. Free entry for performers, $7 at the door for non-performers. downtownakron.com
“Alfred McMoore: All This Luck in My Head”
Through Feb. 15 | Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Akron Art Museum (1 S. High St.)
View the first solo museum exhibition for artist Alfred McMoore (1950–2009), who lived and worked his entire life in Akron, creating enormous drawings that depict many of the people he encountered. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, McMoore turned to art as a daily practice of expression and connection. For more information about visiting, go here. (The museum’s galleries are free to visit on Thursdays.)
January events
Akron Society of Artists 94th Annual Juried Exhibition
Through Jan. 8 | Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday: 9 a.m. to noon
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (1361 W. Market St.)
Browse 54 mixed media artworks from watercolor to assemblage. Keep an eye out for the first place winner, “End of the Line,” an oil painting by Tom Jackson. akronsocietyofartists.org
“American Idiot” presented by the Millennial Theatre Project
Jan. 9 to Jan. 25 | Fridays and Saturdays: 7:30 p.m., Sundays: 2:30 p.m.
The Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St.
Follow the exhilarating journey of a new generation of young Americans as they struggle to find meaning in a post-9/11 world, borne along by Green Day’s electrifying score (derived from the “American Idiot” album). Tickets start at $20. akroncivic.com
“Rent” at Weathervane Playhouse
Jan. 15 to Feb. 1 | Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: 7:30 p.m.; Sunday: 2:30 p.m.
Weathervane Playhouse (1301 Weathervane Lane)
Follow a year in the life of young artists as they survive, navigate conflict and figure out how to pay last year’s “Rent.” Weathervane Playhouse kicks off its year with Jonathan Larson’s award-winning musical through Feb. 1. Tickets prices start at $17 plus fees. weathervaneplayhouse.com
Y2AKRON 2000’s Night
Jan. 16 | 8:30 p.m.
Afterlife Nightclub (1763 Goodyear Blvd.)
Like Mariah Carey’s 2005 hit “We Belong Together,” you and the 2000s belong together. Enjoy a flash back to the past with songs from the late ‘90s, the 2000s and the early 2010s. This event will also include karaoke for you to sing your heart out or play racing games like Mario Kart or rhythm games like Guitar Hero. This event is open to ages 18 and older. Standard tickets are $15. ticketnut.com
Beethoven’s Seventh
Jan. 17 | 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
The Akron Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 during a melodic Beethoven concert. University of Akron students and professors will play additional harmonic music throughout the concert. Admission starts at $20. akronsymphony.org
Broadway in Akron: “Mrs. Doubtfire”
Jan. 20 and 21 | 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Akron in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny.” Tickets start at $33. ticketmaster.com
“Ordinary Miracles: Robert Glenn Ketchum’s Photographs of Cuyahoga Valley National Park”
Through Jan. 25 | Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Akron Art Museum (1 S. High St.)
Photographer Robert Glenn Ketchum captured the nature of Cuyahoga Valley National Park through the four seasons. Ketchum’s photographs are available to view until Jan. 25. Admission is charged. akronartmuseum.com
Carpe Vitam: I Promise 2 Fashion Show
Jan. 30 | 7 – 9 p.m.
House Three Thirty (532 W. Market St.)
Carpe Vitam, East CLC, the Lebron James Family Foundation and Kent State University School of Fashion will collaborate on a charity runway fashion show that celebrates student creativity. Watch designs created by Kent State fashion student Cassidy Phidd strut down the runway at this fashion show run completely by future designers, stylists and graphic designers. Tickets start at $55.20. Ticket purchases and donations support the Carpe Vitam scholarship fund. eventbrite.com
February events
Blue Man Group
Feb. 3 | 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
Three of the most chaotic yet silent performers are heading to Akron. The blue-faced Blue Man Group uses paint balls, art and PVC pipe instruments to captivate the audience with a non-verbal comedic and satire show. Tickets are selling quickly and start at $36.25. ticketmaster.com
Masquerade Mystery Dinner
Feb. 7 | 6 – 9:30 p.m.
Memory Lane Event Center (456 College St., Wadsworth)
Unmask the murderer of the evening during a murder mystery dinner. This elegant dinner will combine art and comedy into an evening of suspense and entertainment. Attendees will receive masks and are encouraged to dress up. There will also be a cash bar, raffles and prizes. Tickets are $50. eventbrite.com
Akron Symphony Orchestra: Gospel Meets Symphony
Feb. 7 | 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
Join the Akron Symphony Orchestra and the powerhouse voices of the Gospel Meets Symphony Choir for this celebration of community and culture. For more than three decades, this annual musical experience has blended the soul of gospel with the grandeur of the symphony. Tickets start at $28. ticketmaster.com
Valentine’s Charcuterie Class
Feb. 14 | 2 – 4 p.m.
The Tea Lady Inc. (190 2nd St. NW, Barberton)
Building your own charcuterie on Valentine’s Day could be a cheesy dream come true. Grab your valentine, your galentine or build a cheese board solo. This hands-on charcuterie workshop will be equipped with gourmet meats, cheeses, fruit and sweet treats. The workshop will be led by personal chef and caterer Sarah Carlson. Advance tickets are required and include materials. Tickets are $45 plus tax. eventbrite.com
Broadway in Akron: “The Music Man”
Feb. 18 | 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
There’s trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian in Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy. Tickets start at $33. ticketmaster.com
Wine, Cheese and Chocolate, Darling!
Feb. 21 | 7 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
A well-liked food trio of 60 wines (international and domestic), cheeses and chocolates will be offered during this chic event. Attendees will sample flights of recommended reds, champagne and chardonnay at themed tables. Glasses of the wines attendees like most will be paired with different cheeses and chocolates. This event is open to people 21 and older. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. akroncivic.com
March events
Marsalis-McAllister Ames Trio
March 3 | 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
Award-winning jazz artist Branford Marsalis will perform alongside saxophonist Timothy McAllister and pianist Liz Ames. The trio will combine their musical talents and perform a blended jazz and classical music concert. Tickets start at $19 plus fees. tuesdaymusical.org
“Man of La Mancha” at Ohio Shakespeare Festival
March 5- 29 | Times vary
Greystone Hall (103 S. High St.)
The award-winning musical “Man of La Mancha” will be performed throughout the month of March at the Ohio Shakespeare Festival. This musical, based on Cervantes’ Don Quixote, follows one man who refuses to give up his dream. Admission is charged. ohioshakespearefestival.com
A Decade of Play: Grown-Up Birthday Edition
March 7 | 6 – 11 p.m.
The Crafty Steere (222 S. Main St.)
Akron’s Children’s Museum is celebrating 10 years with a birthday bash. At the party, attendees will mix and mingle while listening to music performed by Valerie’s Dueling Pianos, take a chance at casino tables, enter raffles and auctions and watch a performance by Martell School of Dance. VIP hour is from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets support the Akron Children’s Museum. akronkids.org
“Aladdin” at Ballet Excel Ohio
March 14 and 15 | Saturday: 2 p.m., 7 p.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
Follow the classic story of Aladdin in his pursuit of Princess Jasmine’s love. This ballet brings dance, music and stage magic to the city of Agrabah. The ballet is open to all ages. Tickets start at $36.30 and can be purchased online or at the box office. akroncivic.com
Bored Teachers
March 21 | 7:30 p.m.
Goodyear Theater (1201 E. Market St.)
A group of teacher-comedians are making a stop in Akron on their comedy tour. This is a show that teachers (and non-teachers) can relate to and let out a few laughs. Tickets start at $42 plus fees. ticketmaster.com
April events
Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat Live on Stage
April 1 | 6:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
“The Cat in the Hat” takes the stage in Akron. This live performance is based on Dr. Seuss’ rhyming children’s tales about a topsy-turvy cat who saves two children from boredom on a rainy day at home. With the help of Thing One and Thing Two, the kids and even their pet fish use their imaginations to have fun. Tickets start at $18 plus fees. downtownakron.com
40th Akron Antiquarian Book and Paper Show
April 3 and 4 | Times vary
John S. Knight Center (77 E. Mill St.)
The Northern Ohio Bibliophilic Society (NOBS) will hold its annual Antiquarian Book and Paper Show this April. Book lovers should prepare to browse a lineup of bookish item sellers. nobsbooks.org
Downtown Akron Sakura Festival
April 4 | Times to be determined
Towpath Trail in downtown Akron
Smell the cherry blossoms along the Towpath Trail during the annual Downtown Akron Sakura Festival. Attendees can check out a sake and sushi tasting, learn the art of Japanese tea making, or check out live performances and craft demos. In the evening, attendees typically light lantern boats at Lock 2. The festival is free to attend, but some activities may require registration.
Kent Monkman: History is Painted by the Victors
Opens April 11 | Times vary
Akron Art Museum (1 S. High St.)
View this exhibition that explores climate crisis, environment, government policies on Indigenous communities and more. Visual artist Kent Monkman’s large-scale history paintings spark discussions about societal concerns. Admission is charged. akronartmuseum.com
Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring”
April 11 | 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)
Composer Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” is an American masterpiece — gentle, powerful and full of wide-open skies and quiet triumph. Ticket prices range from $7 for students to $65. downtownakron.com
Puscifer “The Normal Isn’t”
April 16 | 7:30 p.m.
Akron Civic Theatre (182 S. Main St.)
The band Puscifer, known for dark electronics and punk music, will stop in the Rubber City on its “The Normal Isn’t” tour. Puscifer will play songs from its new album, “Normal Isn’t.” Admission is charged. akroncivic.com
Glenn Miller Orchestra
April 16 | 7 p.m.
Goodyear Theater (1201 E. Market St.)
A fan favorite is returning to Akron. Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform an evening of swing music. The group will play hits including “In The Mood,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “American Patrol” and more. Admission is charged. goodyeartheater.com
STOMP
April 22 and 23 | 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall (198 Hill St.)For two nights only, the popular percussion dance troupe STOMP will perform at E.J. Thomas Hall. Watch the group shuffle and create rhythms on stage using everyday objects from brooms to spoons. Tickets start at $38. playhousesquare.com