Akron Digest
October 17, 2025
Good Morning, Akron!
If Fall is your favorite sport, then we’re approaching the Super Bowl.
The trees are officially warming up — Explore Fall’s foliage tracker puts Northeast Ohio at “Moderate Color,” about ten days out from peak. Translation: the next two weeks are prime time for hikes, Sunday drives, and pretending your coffee run is a scenic tour.
Let’s dive into this week’s issue.
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🗞 The Digest
Roadside Delivery 🛣
When expecting parents create their birth plan, "Side of I-77 North" usually isn't option A. But that’s exactly where Christina Mitchell delivered a baby last week, assisted remotely by Summit County Dispatcher Madison Sharp.
The father, Marco Cuadra, frantically told 911, “My fiancée’s water just broke in the car”. Sharp’s guidance was mission-critical: the baby arrived just 2 minutes and 15 seconds after the call began.
For her calm demeanor during the "unconventional roadside delivery," Sharp earned a commemorative stork pin. This was the fourth active childbirth call handled by Summit Emergency Communications Center since 2023. Talk about high-stakes road trips.
🧀 Akron Bites
Akron’s about to get a little cheesier—in a good way. Constance Fromagerie & Café is having a soft opening later this month, opening in the Pilgrim Square Plaza on West Market (next to West Side Bakery and 750 ML Wines).
The cafe will be serving up artisanal cheeses, curated small bites, and a Euro-inspired vibe. Owner Rachel Balko is betting locals will trade their usual dinner spot for a chic, share-plate hangout where the focus is quality, not quantity. Think: less greasy spoon, more Parisian café energy.
Follow their Instagram page to keep up with the opening schedule.
🔥 Top 5 Events This Week
Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:
Downtown Akron Fall Fest 🎃
Saturday, October 18 | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Lock 3
A kid-forward Halloween takeover of Main Street with trick-or-treat stations, a zombie dance party, stilt walkers, a mini train ride, face painting, s’mores, and magician Bill Bishop. Live music from Wishgarden keeps the vibes festive—not frightful.
It’s free to wander, snap all the photo ops, and soak in the fall chaos. Food trucks and beverages on site if your little goblins need fuel. Also, adult beverages if you need fuel.
Akron Stories Screening 🎬
Saturday, October 18 | 1:00 PM | Rialto Theatre
Dive into Akron's rich history through a curated selection of mini-documentaries that tell the tales of those who built the Rubber Capital of the World. These films capture the grit, determination, and community spirit that shaped our city.
Admission is free, making this the perfect afternoon activity to slide between brunch and pumpkin-patch plans.
Nightmare on Front Street 🍺
Saturday, October 18 | 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Downtown Cuyahoga Falls
This isn't your typical Halloween event – it's five hours of Ohio breweries, craft cocktails, food trucks, and spine-tingling fun. The signature fundraiser for the Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Partnership brings costume contests, live DJ entertainment, and market vendors to the pavilion.
While the event is free to enter, tasting packages get you exclusive keepsake cups and samples from local breweries. Pro tip: snag your tasting tickets early for the discount and a commemorative tasting cup!
Neil Zaza's One Dark Night 🎸
Sunday, October 19 | 7:00 PM | Akron Civic Theatre
Rock meets classical in this Halloween spectacular that started right here in Akron. Neil Zaza transforms masterworks by Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin into a gothic rock symphony complete with ballet, theatrical elements, and multimedia production.
This isn't just a concert. It's an immersive experience that begins in the lobby with organ music and encourages audience costumes. After touring the country, this hometown production returns to where it all began for a night of musical macabre.
7th Annual Pumpkin Patch Shopping Event 🎃
Saturday, October 18 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Emidio and Sons Banquet Center, Cuyahoga Falls
More than 80 local vendors are setting up shop for a day packed with handmade goods, home décor, fashion finds, and seasonal treats. Whether you’re stocking up for the holidays or just love browsing artisan booths, this market’s got something for everyone.
Add in live music, tasty bites, and plenty of raffle prizes (plus a 50/50 drawing if you’re feeling lucky), and you’ve got the perfect Saturday outing. Admission is totally free—just bring your shopping bag and your fall spirit.
📌 Everything Else Worth Knowing
Some bonus picks from us:
🎶 Music & Live Performances
Akron Symphony: The Firebird
Saturday, October 18 | 7:30 PM | E.J. Thomas Hall
Stravinsky’s Firebird headlines opening night—mystery, drama, and big symphonic energy.
More info →
Dupree’s Dead Band (Grateful Dead tribute)
Friday, October 17 | 7:00 PM | The Jenks, Cuyahoga Falls
Good vibes and Dead tunes. Pre-game your spooky weekend with a jam night.
More info →
Ruben Studdard: My Tribute to Luther
Friday, October 17 | 7:30 PM | Goodyear Theater
Silky vocals + Luther Vandross classics = date-night gold. Limited seats left.
More info →
Octubafest (UA School of Music)
Friday, October 17 | 7:30–9:00 PM | Guzzetta Recital Hall (UA)
Yes, an entire concert celebrating tubas. It’s charming, quirky, and free—the most Akron thing you’ll hear all week.
More info →
👻 Festivals & Halloween Fun
Tallmadge Fall Street Festival
Saturday, October 18 | 1:00–5:00 PM | Tallmadge Rec Center
Inflatables, hayrides, petting zoo, crafts, DJ, food trucks, and a beer garden—free to attend.
More info →
City of Green Trick-or-Treat Trail
Saturday, October 18 | 2:15 PM | Central Park, Green
Bring a non-perishable donation and wander the candy loop; stay for “E.T.” at 5:30 PM
More info →
Cuyahoga Valley Fall Festival
Saturday, October 18 | 3:00–8:00 PM | Cuyahoga Valley Adventures (Cuyahoga Falls)
Hayrides, crafts & games, and trunk-or-treat—low-cost fall fun for families.
More info →
📸 #SeenInAkron
🎬🎥 Akron Weekend Movie Action
Nightlight Theatre
Note: For a full list of showings, please visit one of the links below.
Orwell: 2 + 2 = 5
“Definitive feature-length documentary on visionary author George Orwell.”Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
Urchin
“A young addict living on the streets of London is given a shot at redemption, but his road to recovery soon curdles into a strange odyssey from which he may never escape.”Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Anemone
“Family bonds between fathers, sons, and brothers are explored as complex relationships unfold through personal journeys and generational conflicts.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 54%
Highland Theatre
Tron: Ares
“A highly sophisticated Program, Ares, is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission.” (IMDB)Rotten Tomatoes: 54%
Weather
Today
64 🌡️ 48 | ☀ | 0% 🌧️
Saturday
78 🌡️ 61 | ☀ | 25% 🌧️
Sunday
66 🌡️ 44 | 🌦 | 84% 🌧️
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Talk to you next Friday!
