Akron Digest
November 21, 2025
Good Morning, Akron!
The temperatures are starting to drop, and we're just going to say it: You are now officially allowed to watch Christmas movies. Hot cocoa and fuzzy socks strongly encouraged.
One of the movies in the Hallmark Christmas lineup this year is called "Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story."
I'm personally looking forward to next year's installment, "Why Do I Keep Going Back? A Browns Love Story."
Let’s dive into this week’s issue.
🗞 The Digest
Goodyear Blimp Hosting Toys for Tots Again 🧸
For the 15th consecutive year, Goodyear is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for Toys for Tots toy drives at its Wingfoot Lake blimp base. And this year is extra special—it's the Goodyear Blimp's 100th anniversary year.
From December 5-7, residents can drive through the Wingfoot Lake Blimp hangar from 2-7 PM for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the iconic blimp while dropping off toy donations to a U.S. Marine. Over the past 15 years, these toy drives have delivered over 275,000 toys and raised $765,000 for the program. Mark your calendars and start gathering those new, unwrapped toys—it's for a great cause and you get to see the blimp up close.
Elaine the Tunnel-Boring Machine Breaks Through 🏗️
If you've been following the saga of Akron's underground infrastructure improvements, you'll be thrilled to know that "Elaine" has officially completed her work. The 450-ton tunnel-boring machine, named after longtime environmental advocate Elaine Marsh, just finished carving out the 6,660-foot Northside Interceptor Tunnel beneath North Hill and the Cascade Valley area.
The tunnel is a major piece of the city's Akron Waterways Renewed project, designed to keep up to 10 million gallons of combined sewage from flowing into the Cuyahoga River during heavy storms. The $215 million project represents one of the final federally-mandated infrastructure improvements for the city. It's not the most glamorous news, but it's the kind of behind-the-scenes work that makes a real difference for our waterways—and for anyone who enjoys a cleaner Cuyahoga.
🔥 Top 5 Events This Week
Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:
Trey Anastasio Band 🎸
Sunday, November 23 | 7:30 PM | Akron Civic Theatre
Phish frontman and guitar virtuoso Trey Anastasio brings his solo band to the Jewel on Main Street. With over three decades of genre-defying work under his belt—from rock to classical to theatrical—expect an evening of exploratory jams and musical surprises.
This is part of TAB's November tour leading up to their sold-out Beacon Theatre residency in New York. Tickets are available through the Akron Civic Theatre website.
Akron Children's Hospital Holiday Tree Festival 🎄
Saturday — Sunday, November 15-23 | John S. Knight Center
Step into a winter wonderland at Akron Children's Hospital's 44th Annual Holiday Tree Festival, featuring 153 beautifully decorated themed trees, 70 wreaths, and 172 holiday gifts available for purchase. From classic Christmas themes to pop culture icons like Barbie and Charlie Brown, there's a tree for every taste.
This beloved Northeast Ohio tradition is free to attend and raises funds for Akron Children's Hospital's medical research, education, and patient care programs. Enjoy live musical performances throughout the nine-day event, with the festivities kicking off Saturday, November 15 at 10:00 AM.
Press Continue: The Video Game Symphony 🎮
Saturday, November 22 | 7:30 PM | Akron Civic Theatre
Get ready to level up your concert experience. The Video Game Symphony returns to Akron with over 120 musicians performing epic scores from beloved games including Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, World of Warcraft, and many more.
Whether you've been gaming since the original Nintendo or just discovered the magic of video game soundtracks, this is a must-see symphonic celebration of gaming's greatest musical moments. Tickets start around $41.
Good Witch Bad Witch: Diva Showstoppers ✨
Saturday, November 22 | 7:30 PM | E.J. Thomas Hall
Broadway stars Alli Mauzey and Alyssa Fox—who portrayed Glinda and Elphaba in the Broadway production of Wicked—bring their powerhouse vocals and playful banter to Akron. Expect showstoppers from Wicked, Frozen, Funny Girl, Hairspray, and more.
With the Wicked movie sequel hitting theaters this weekend, the timing couldn't be more perfect for this celebration of Broadway's most beloved divas.
Frostbite Twinsburg Parade of Lights & Festival ❄️
Saturday, November 22 | 5:30 PM | City of Twinsburg City Hall
Kick off the holiday season in Twinsburg with the Frostbite Parade of Lights. The illuminated parade begins at Twinsburg Waterpark and travels down Tiger Trail, arriving at Twinsburg City Hall to light up the building with holiday cheer.
Plenty of family activities like a life-size Candyland, crafts, face painting, food trucks, and more. After the parade, the festival concludes with a holiday drone light show at 7:30. Bundle up and get into the holiday spirit!
📌 Everything Else Worth Knowing
Some bonus picks from us:
🎶 Music & Live Performances
Anne Wilson: The Stars Tour
Friday, November 21 | 7:30 PM | Akron Civic Theatre
Grammy-nominated country/Christian artist Anne Wilson brings her Stars Tour to Akron with special guest Jordan Rowe.
More info →
Adam Hawley Christmas
Sunday, November 23 | 7:00 PM | The Knight Stage
Billboard chart-topping smooth jazz guitarist Adam Hawley performs holiday favorites with his signature funky, soulful spin.
More info →
Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now
Friday, November 21 | 7:30 PM | E.J. Thomas Hall
Tony nominees Kerry Butler and Laura Bell Bundy, plus Tony winner Marissa Jaret Winokur, reunite for a night of Broadway hits from Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Wicked, and more.
More info →
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Friday, November 21 | 8:45 PM | Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
A string quartet performs hits from Coldplay and Imagine Dragons—including "Viva la Vida," "Believer," and "Fix You"—all under the gentle glow of candlelight in one of Akron's most beautiful historic churches.
More info →
🛒 Holiday Shopping
Jingle at the Jenks
Friday - Saturday, November 21 - 22 | The Jenks Building, Cuyahoga Falls
The second annual local artisan and craft fair featuring handmade, unique items. Friday night preview includes a complimentary beverage, plus raffle entries for a curated gift basket.
More info →
Hoppy Holidays Market
Sunday, November 23 | 12-5 PM | HiHO Brewing, Cuyahoga Falls
Shop hand-crafted gifts from local vendors while enjoying a cold brew. From ceramics to candles, artwork to jewelry—find something special for everyone on your list.
More info →
📸 #SeenInAkron
🎬🎥 Akron Weekend Movie Action
Nightlight Theatre
Note: For a full list of showings, follow one of the links below.
Rental Family
“Set against modern-day Tokyo, RENTAL FAMILY follows an American actor (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese "rental family" agency, playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients’ worlds, he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging, and the quiet beauty of human connection.”Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Peter Hujar's Day
“A recently discovered conversation between photographer Peter Hujar and his friend Linda Rosenkrantz in 1974 reveals a glimpse into New York City’s downtown art scene and the personal struggles and epiphanies that define an artist’s life.”Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Lost & Found in Cleveland
“A slice of life set over a 24-hour period that follows the personal odysseys of five very different people, whose lives intertwine when America’s favorite televised antiques appraisal show comes to Cleveland, ‘the best location in the nation’”
Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
Highland Theatre
Wicked: For Good
“Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. The second of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical.” (IMDB)Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Weather
Today
51 🌡️ 38 | ☁ | 25% 🌧️
Saturday
46 🌡️ 32 | ⛅ | 9% 🌧️
Sunday
52 🌡️ 32 | ⛅ | 4% 🌧️
Thanks!
Thanks for reading Akron Digest today. If you found this newsletter useful, please share it with someone you know.
If you are reading this and you are not subscribed, you can do so here.
Talk to you next Friday!