Happy Halloween!
For those celebrating today, I hope you have a fun and safe holiday and get to eat all the fun-size candy bars you want.
As October comes to an end, restaurants, retailers and some local journalists are looking ahead to the busy holiday season. I’ve got a few holiday story ideas up my sleeve, but for one of them, I’d like your input.
November and December are popular months for volunteering, fundraising and donating. Do you work for a local nonprofit that could use more volunteers this time of the year? Or perhaps you’re hosting a toy drive, community dinner or winter coat distribution in your neighborhood.
Whatever it is, I want to hear about it. I plan to put together a list of ways people can get involved this holiday season. Suggestions can be emailed to hello@signalakron.org.
Your weekend plans
The Nightlight will host a showing of Akron native Jessica Michael Davis’ film “Escaping Ohio” Friday at 7:30 p.m. The movie follows best friends Sam (Davis) and JJ (Collin Kelly-Sordelet) as they navigate friendship, love and growing up during the summer after they graduate from high school. “Escaping Ohio” was filmed in and around Akron, so keep an eye out for some well-known local spots. Tickets are $11.
There are still tickets left for André 3000’s concert Saturday at the Civic. André is best known as one-half of the influential hip-hop duo Outkast. But last year, he surprised fans and critics when he dropped “New Blue Sun,” an experimental, instrumental album featuring André playing various flutes. It’s sure to be an interesting performance, but don’t expect to hear “Ms. Jackson.” Tickets for the 8 p.m. show start at $44.50 plus fees.
Also this Saturday is the Downtown Akron Partnership’s annual Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival on Cascade Plaza. The event pays homage to the TV show “Gilmore Girls,” whose main characters knew a thing or two about coffee. Attendees can sample coffee from local vendors as they enjoy live music, food, crafts and more. Former cast members John Cabrera and Todd Lowe will be on-site to meet fans, participate in a fireside chat and perform a couple songs with Run Katie Run. The free event goes from noon to 6 p.m.
