Akron’s Summer Concerts in the Parks series
Akron’s Summer Concerts in the Parks series kicks off this week and runs through Aug. 14. The first week and the last week will feature a “Bicentennial festival” before the music starts, with yard games, face painting and food. The festivals begin at 6 p.m., followed by the free concert from 7 to 9 p.m. (Courtesy of the City of Akron)

Here are three things to do in and around Akron this weekend.

Your Akron weekend plans

The City of Akron’s free Summer Concert Series kicks off this week with shows at parks and community centers around town. In honor of the city’s bicentennial, the first and last weeks of the series will feature festivals before the concerts. On Friday, head to Ellet Community Center for yard games, face painting and food, plus music from Kent band American Steal. The festival begins at 6 p.m., and the concert goes from 7 to 9 p.m.

Akron isn’t the only thing celebrating a milestone birthday in 2025. Firestone Stadium turns 100 this year and will mark the occasion Saturday with a day of festivities. The fun starts at 11 a.m. with a parade from Firestone Park Community Center to the stadium. Afterward, guests can enjoy live entertainment, food trucks and touch-a-truck for the kids. And it wouldn’t be a stadium celebration without some games. Five softball games will take place, from a high school girls’ fast pitch game to a match between Akron Police and Akron Fire.

Join Summit Metro Parks for a Sunday bike ride on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Cyclists will meet at the Big Bend Trailhead (1337 Merriman Road) at 10:30 a.m. During a 12-mile round trip, you’ll learn about water reclamation in the area and the role people and the local environment play in the process. Attendees should bring their own bikes and helmets, which are required to participate.

Looking for more things to do? Check out our guide to summer events in and around Akron.

In case you missed it

Akron’s biggest parade in 100 years is taking to the streets July 5. If you or your organization want to take part in the Akron Bicentennial Downtown Parade — whether as a participant, sponsor or volunteer — you have until July 1 to sign up.

Culture & Arts Reporter (she/her)
Brittany is an accomplished journalist who’s passionate about the arts, civic engagement and great storytelling. She has more than a decade of experience covering culture and arts, both in Ohio and nationally. She previously served as the associate editor of Columbus Monthly, where she wrote community-focused stories about Central Ohio’s movers and shakers. A lifelong Ohioan, she grew up in Springfield and graduated from Kent State University.