With the annual Akron Pride and Equity Parade on Saturday, the city’s summer festival season is slowly coming to an end. Don’t fret, though, if you haven’t made it to any events this season. There are still a few more on the schedule for August and September, including the Hungarian Vasar (Aug. 25); Akron Pizza Fest (Aug. 30-31); Akron City Festival (Sept. 1); and the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival (Sept. 5-7).

Speaking of festivals, this week’s cool weather got me thinking ahead to fall festivals and events. As with the summer, I plan to put together a guide to all things fall happening in Akron and the surrounding area — and I’d like your suggestions. Whether it’s a festival, a corn maze or the best place to pick pumpkins, I want to know what you’re looking forward to as the weather cools and the days get shorter. 

Have a fall event you want to share? Fill out this form.

Your Akron weekend plans

Start the weekend with a visit to Clayton Bailey’s World of Wonders. The downtown museum (225 S. Main St.), which is run by arts nonprofit Curated Storefront, features the wacky and wonderful creations of Bailey, an artist who was known for his eccentric sculptures. (Giant robots, anyone?) The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. and is free to visit.

This weekend in Akron number 2

Whether you use your powers for good or evil, all superheroes are welcome at the Akron Zoo for Saturday’s Heroes & Villains Unite. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can enjoy crafts and games, character meet-and-greets and animal encounters. Capes and masks are encouraged. Zoo admission is $9 to $19 for non-members. Children 2 and younger are free.

On Sunday, join Summit Metro Parks for its 2024 Fall Hiking Spree Kickoff at Cascade Valley Metro Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants have from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30 to hike eight designated trails in the park system. First-year hikers who complete the Fall Hiking Spree will receive a hiking staff and shield, and returning hikers will receive a shield. Those who attend the kickoff event can pick up their hiking forms and hike the new Missing Link Trail (in the Valley View area of Cascade Valley Metro Park) to earn spree credit. 

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.