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🗞️Akron is for Lovers 💘

🗞️Akron is for Lovers 💘

February 14, 2025

Good Morning, Akron!

Happy Valentine’s Day! If you have a special someone this year, do yourself (and them) a favor—grab a gift before the after-work rush turns the card aisle into a survival-of-the-fittest situation. Nothing says romance like the last crumpled card and a gas station bouquet, right?

Whether you're celebrating with a partner, friends, or a discounted box of chocolates today, we've got plenty happening around Akron to make the day a little sweeter.

In this week’s issue:

Blossom adds a few big names
Tangier is coming to the East End
A few Valentine’s weekend ideas

…And much more.

But First… Let’s get to know each other a little bit.

We’re going to insert a quick poll here and there to help us know our audience better. This way, we’re always serving up the most relevant content. Thanks for helping!

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The Digest

Blossom Drops Big 2025 Lineup Additions 🎵

Blossom Music Center just cranked up the volume on its 2025 lineup, adding a mix of classic rock, pop, and '90s nostalgia to Northeast Ohio’s summer soundtrack.

Who’s in?

Halsey – Kicking off the new additions with a June 13 show, expect high-energy alt-pop and dramatic stage vibes.
Barenaked Ladies – Dropping in August 1, bringing their signature humor, harmonies, and “One Week” of earworms.
Doobie Brothers – Closing out summer with smooth rock grooves on September 15.

Check out their most up to date 2025 lineup here.

Akron Pours Millions Into Sidewalks and Streets 🚧💰

Akron is putting its money where its pavement is, with $2.27 million earmarked for sidewalk repairs and new construction, plus $5.75 million to resurface 48 miles of roads in 2025.

Mayor Shammas Malik says the investments will keep the city on track to clear a backlog of sidewalk repair requests while also tackling key pedestrian safety projects like Portage Trail West and a Safe Streets for All study.

On the road side, resurfacing is now miles ahead of pre-2017 levels, when Akron could only repave 15 miles a year. Expect a finalized list of road projects by spring—because let’s face it, smoother streets are a win for everyone.

From Bank Vault to Banquet Hall: Tangier Expands at Akron’s East End 🏛️🎉

The old Goodyear Bank in Akron is getting a major glow-up. Tangier Banquets and Catering is set to transform the long-vacant, 8,000-square-foot space into a high-end banquet hall, complete with a dark wood dance floor, chandeliers, and seating for 270 guests.

Slated to open in late August 2025, the hall already has 12 weddings booked and will cater to ethnic and high-end weddings, a market Tangier has been eager to reclaim since leaving its iconic Akron location in 2021.

Beyond weddings, expect dinner-and-show events in partnership with Goodyear Theater, plus a return of Georgie’s bistro for breakfast and lunch service nearby. Total investment? $1 million.

With this move, Akron’s East End continues its revival, adding another layer of history and hospitality to the former Goodyear headquarters.

What’s Happening

Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:

Akron Home & Garden Show: DIY Dreams Start Here 🏠️ 🔨

Got big home renovation plans or just looking to spruce things up? The Akron Home & Garden Show is bringing over 160 vendors, expert design advice, and live demos to the John S. Knight Center today through Sunday.

Attendees can shop the latest home products and services, explore garden displays, and check out innovative designs. Industry professionals will be taking the stage to share insights on everything from flooring trends to backyard makeovers. If you’ve ever wondered whether your Pinterest board ideas will actually work in your home, now’s the time to ask the experts.

Whether you're planning a full remodel or just looking for fresh inspiration, this is the spot to be. Doors open at 10 AM daily. Info and Tickets Here

Akron Rings in the Year of the Snake with Lunar New Year Celebration 🐍

Downtown Akron is set to light up for the 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday at 3:30 PM at the Akron Civic Theatre. Expect a festive mix of delicious food, hands-on crafts, and jaw-dropping performances, blending professional acts with talent from NIHF STEM Middle School and local community members.

The celebration doesn’t stop at the stage—after the show, step outside for a thrilling fireworks display to cap off the night.

Tickets are just $5, you can purchase them here.

Don’t Stop Believin’—E5C4P3 Brings Journey’s Biggest Hits to Akron 🎤

Journey fans, this one’s for you. Tonight at 8 PM, the legendary tribute band E5C4P3 is bringing the arena rock energy of the ‘80s to the Akron Civic Theatre.

Fronted by Jason Kelty, a dead ringer for Steve Perry, E5C4P3 delivers note-for-note accuracy, high-energy performances, and all the greatest hits—think “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Separate Ways.” Celebrating over 30 years as the original Journey tribute band, they’re known as the first and the best to ever do it.

Tickets starting at $25, on sale here.

Party Like It’s 1925: Circa Deco Brings the Roaring ‘20s to Life 💃

Step into a Great Gatsby-level gala this Valentine’s Day at the Akron Art Museum, a Roaring ‘20s bash that promises jazz, glam, and speakeasy vibes all night long.

Expect a live big band from Dave Banks, Jazz Age dance lessons, a secret speakeasy scavenger hunt, and even the chance to craft your own flapper headdress or boutonniere. Whether you’re a fearless flapper, a dapper gent, or just here for the giggle juice, this is the place to be tonight!

Tickets start at $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers, or go all-in with a $75 VIP ticket that includes an open bar, swag, VIP lounge, and free parking. Get ready to dress to the nines and dance like it’s 1925. Tickets Here.

Love & Light on Canvas 🕯️🎨

Looking to level up your Valentine’s plans? Street Craftery is setting the mood with Paint Night by Candlelight—a cozy, candlelit evening of creativity, connection, and complimentary mimosas. Couples will start by crafting their own custom-scented soy wax candle before picking up brushes to paint each other (no pressure, just vibes). The best part? You leave with a keepsake that lasts longer than a box of chocolates. It all goes down Tonight at 6:30. Limited Tickets and Info Here.

Akron Weekend Movie Action 🎬️ 🎥

Nightlight Theatre

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Joel Barish, heartbroken that his girlfriend underwent a procedure to erase him from her memory, decides to do the same. However, as he watches his memories of her fade away, he realises that he still loves her, and may be too late to correct his mistake.
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Showtimes
Becoming Led Zeppelin
The individual journeys of the four members of the band, as they move through the music scene of the 1960s, playing small clubs throughout Britain and performing some of the biggest hits of the era, until their meeting in the summer of 1968 for a rehearsal that changes their lives forever.
Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
Showtimes

Highland Theatre

Captain America: Brave New World
Anthony Mackie returns as the high-flying hero Sam Wilson, who's officially taken up the mantle of Captain America. After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 52%
Showtimes

Live Music Breakdown

Here is a summary of live music happening all around Akron this weekend:

Sunday
Jilly’s Music Room | Canapi Big Band Brunch | 12:00
Goodyear Theatre | The Folsom Prison Experience | 4:00

Weather

Today

29 🌡️ 26 | ⛅️ | 0% 🌨️

Saturday

39 🌡️ 30 | 🌧️ | 91% 🌧️

Sunday

38 🌡️ 16 | 🌨️ | 88% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!