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🗞️ Akron's Historic Revival

🗞️ Akron's Historic Revival

June 27, 2025

Good Morning, Akron!

We estimate that 80% of Ohioans will complain about the humidity for three months straight, then spend all of January romanticizing "the amazing summer we had." It's like having relationship amnesia, but with seasons.

Let’s dive into this week’s issue.

The Digest

Akron's Bicentennial Story Gets the Book Treatment 📚

Want to dive deep into 200 years of Akron history? A new book titled "Akron at 200: A Bicentennial History" is hitting shelves just in time for the city's big birthday celebration. This comprehensive tome chronicles the Rubber City's journey from its humble beginnings to its current status as a diverse, evolving metropolis. The book covers everything from the tire industry boom to modern-day revitalization efforts, making it the perfect coffee table companion for anyone who loves local history. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the area, this is your chance to understand how Akron became the city it is today. Fair warning: you might find yourself randomly dropping fascinating Akron facts at dinner parties. You can pick up a copy at the Akron History Museum next week or preorder a copy online here.

METRO Rides to National Recognition 🚌

METRO Regional Transit Authority is proud to announce that it has been named the Outstanding Public Transportation System of the Year by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). This isn't just a pat on the back—it's a major recognition that puts Akron's public transit on the national map. METRO was selected from public transportation systems across North America in the category of agencies with more than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips. CEO Dawn Distler and her team have been killing it, and this follows Distler's own CEO of the Year award last year from APTA. The formal recognition happens at the APTA TRANSform Conference this September, where METRO will get to take a victory lap in front of transit leaders from across the country.

Legal Lifeline for Renters Launches This Fall ⚖️

The City of Akron and partners United Way of Summit & Medina and Community Legal Aid brought forth legislation to Akron City Council on Monday to launch a pilot program that would help those facing eviction. The Right to Counsel program is a game-changer for tenants who usually face eviction proceedings solo while landlords have legal representation. It's a three-year pilot program that is set to start in September with an budget of $250,000 each year. The program prioritizes families at 100% of the poverty line with children and seniors with disabilities. Given that Akron sees around 3,000 evictions annually, this could be the difference between someone keeping their home or ending up on the street. Cleveland's similar program has already proven successful, so there's real hope this will make a dent in Akron's eviction crisis.

Historic Buildings Get New Life with $12 Million Boost 🏭

Three old downtown Akron buildings are getting a major makeover thanks to $12 million in Ohio tax credits awarded this week. The lucky recipients are turning empty or underused industrial spaces into more than 140 new apartments. The stars of the show are two former B.F. Goodrich factory buildings and the old Akron Soap Company building, plus the Federal Warehouse. These aren't just random old buildings—they're genuine pieces of Akron's industrial past that helped make the city famous. Now instead of sitting empty and collecting dust, they're being transformed into modern housing that people actually want to live in. One Goodrich building alone will become 46 apartments for $18 million, while another will house 82 units. It's the perfect example of how Akron is honoring its history while building its future, giving new life to spaces that once powered the local economy.

What’s Happening

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

Roller Skating Meets High Art 🎨

The Akron Art Museum is opening its doors for free admission all day Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving families the perfect excuse to soak up some culture without spending a dime. But here's where it gets interesting—they're not just offering free gallery browsing. From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, they're hosting a Kid Dance Party, and there will also be a pop-up roller rink right in the museum garden. Picture this: kids skating around to live musical performances while parents enjoy world-class art just steps away. There are also musically themed creation stations and activities scattered throughout the experience, making it the perfect blend of high culture and high energy. Whether you spend the whole day exploring the galleries, join the dance party madness, or do both, you're getting premium entertainment at an unbeatable price. Registration is requested for the dance party portion, but the whole day won't cost you anything. Info Here

Caffeine Meets Chrome Magic ☕

Coffee + Cars is rolling into Cuyahoga Falls Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and it's exactly what it sounds like—two of life's greatest pleasures combined into one perfect morning. Whether you're rolling up in a classic beauty, a hot rod that purrs like a kitten, a custom creation that turns heads, or a muscle car that makes the ground shake, this is your crowd. Sponsored by Yada Yada Coffee, they're serving up free coffee while you admire automotive eye candy and swap stories with fellow car enthusiasts. The whole vibe is delightfully low-key: bring your pride and joy, sip some quality brew, and connect with people who understand that cars aren't just transportation—they're passion projects. Donuts are also rumored to be in the mix. Because really, what goes better with chrome and caffeine than a little sugar to fuel the morning magic? Info Here

Sweet Deals and Local Treats 🍯

The 12th Annual Akron Honey Market Day will be buzzing this Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, and organizers have nailed the vibe: "It's like a party, but you happen to be shopping and eating." This pop-up market brings together the best of Akron's local scene, with food vendors serving up everything from gourmet bites to coffee that'll make you forget about your usual chain store order. Local artisans will be showcasing their handcrafted goods, so you can score some unique finds while supporting small businesses. Whether you're sampling locally-made treats or just soaking up the community atmosphere, this market delivers the kind of authentic local experience that makes Akron special. It's the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon—part social gathering, part treasure hunt, with plenty of delicious discoveries along the way. Info Here

Bicentennial Serenade Under the Sky 🎺

The Akron Symphonic Winds is tuning up for a very special performance this Sunday from 2:00 to 3:30 PM to celebrate our city's 200th birthday in style. This professional wind ensemble knows how to bring communities together through music, and they're doing it outdoors at the Main Library Amphitheatre with overflow space in Library Park. Picture this: you're lounging on your picnic blanket, soaking up some Sunday afternoon sunshine while talented musicians serenade the city with tunes that range from classical to contemporary. It's an all-ages concert, so bring the whole family for this musical birthday party that's quintessentially Akron. There's something magical about live music in an outdoor setting, especially when it's celebrating two centuries of local history. Pack that blanket, maybe some snacks, and prepare for a soundtrack that honors both our past and our vibrant future. Info Here

Tom Petty Tribute Takes the Stage 🎸

Full Moon Fever and Buffalo Ryders are bringing the classic rock vibes to Lock 3 Tonight at 7:00 PM. Full Moon Fever was formed to pay homage to Tom's musical legacy and his band, The Heartbreakers. Having played in both original and cover bands over the last 20 years, Full Moon Fever's seven members have a collective wealth of experience, including national and international tours, record label signings, publishing agreements, and opening for the likes of Bon Jovi, The Doobie Brothers, Shakira, and Maroon 5. These aren't just weekend warriors—they're seasoned musicians who know how to deliver. This free outdoor concert is perfect for anyone who's ever cranked up "Free Fallin'" in their car. Bring a blanket, grab some food from nearby vendors, and prepare to sing along to hits that defined a generation. Info Here

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Akron Weekend Movie Action 🎬️ 🎥

Nightlight Theatre

Brokeback Mountain
“In 1960s Wyoming, two men develop a strong emotional and sexual relationship that endures as a lifelong connection complicating their lives as they get married and start families of their own.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Showtimes
The Life of Chuck
“Charles 'Chuck' Krantz experiences the wonder of love, the heartbreak of loss, and the multitudes contained in all of us..”
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
Showtimes
Ran (4K Restoration)
“Shakespeare's King Lear is reimagined as a singular historical epic set in sixteenth-century Japan where an ageing warlord divides his kingdom between his three sons.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Showtimes
Materialists
“A young, ambitious New York City matchmaker finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
Showtimes
The Mystery of Chess Boxing
“Evil Chun Shan uses chess boxing and a five-element ninja style to terrorize the martial arts world until he is challenged in a series of battles, then destroyed..”
Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
Showtimes

Highland Theatre

F1: The Movie
“A Formula One driver comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a younger driver.” (IMDB)
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Showtimes

Live Music Breakdown

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

Friday

Saturday

Weather

Today

90 🌡️ 70 | 🌦️ | 55% 🌧️

Saturday

84 🌡️ 68 | ⛈️ | 88% 🌧️

Sunday

90 🌡️ 68 | ⛅️ | 2% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!