After months of preparation and build up, the city is finally ready to kick off Akron’s Bicentennial Signature Week. There will be music and food, baseball and bobbleheads and one epic parade. It’s also a holiday weekend, which means there are even more events going on than usual. (It also means that some places may be closed July 4 and 5, so be sure to check ahead of time.)
Here are three things to do in and around Akron this weekend.
Your Akron weekend plans
Boaters will compete for the top prizes at two local events this weekend. On Friday, head to Summit Lake for the neighborhood’s Fourth of July Boat Parade at 10 a.m. Awards for the best decorated, most patriotic and most crowd pleasing will be presented. And on Saturday, Portage Lakes will host its 48th annual boat parade at 1 p.m. (Here’s a map of popular viewing points.). Pack a picnic basket, find a good seat and get ready to cheer on some boats.
Kick off the holiday weekend with some of “nature’s fireworks” Friday at Munroe Falls Metro Park. At Firefly Fireworks, guests will learn about lightning bugs through hands-on activities, and they’ll have a chance to catch their own. Sparklers will be available while supplies last. Attendees should bring their own flashlights and bug jars. The event begins at 8:30 p.m. in the Tallmadge Meadows area of the park.
Experience “This is Spinal Tap” on the big screen when The Nightlight hosts six screenings of the classic mockumentary about an English metal band. In honor of its 41st anniversary, the theater will screen the film Saturday, Sunday and Monday, with two showings scheduled for each day. Tickets are $13.
Looking for more things to do? Check out our guide to summer events in and around Akron.
