Akron Digest
October 24, 2025
Good Morning, Akron!
A new YouGov poll tackled America’s most pressing food debates. A few interesting findings:
53% say a hot dog is not a sandwich
A diagonal cut sandwich is preferred to a horizontal cut, 49% to 29%
4% pour the milk before the cereal
Let's get something straight. If I see someone pour the milk before the cereal, I'm calling the police.
Let’s dive into this week’s issue.
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🗞 The Digest
Leaf It to Akron 🍂
Akron’s annual leaf pickup kicks off Monday, Nov. 3 in Ward 3, rolling through the city ward by ward until mid-December. Crews will post signs before they arrive, so don’t rake leaves to the curb until the day before your pickup—and definitely not into the street.
You can track real-time progress (and check if your street’s done) on the city’s leaf dashboard.
Missed your pickup? Call 3-1-1 or use the Akron311 app for a late collection or to schedule a free bulk pickup—just make sure your leaves are bagged.
Akron’s New Natural Gas Rate 🔥
Starting this November, Akron’s natural gas aggregation program will lock in a fixed rate of $4.55 per Mcf with IGS Energy—up from last year’s $3.81. The new rate runs Nov. 2025 through Oct. 2026, covering most residents automatically unless they opt out by Oct. 31.
You can still shop around, switch suppliers anytime, or rejoin later without fees. Enbridge Gas Ohio will continue handling billing and delivery, no matter who supplies your gas.
Translation: your heat’s still coming from the same pipes— it might just cost a few bucks more this winter. More on that next…
⚡ Power to Choose
Here’s something not everyone knows — and many forget: in Ohio, you don’t have to stick with your default electric or gas supplier. You can shop the open market for potentially better rates or fixed-price peace of mind. Consider this your friendly reminder.
Your delivery (the pipes and wires) still comes from Enbridge Gas Ohio or Ohio Edison — but the supplier who sells you the energy? That’s up to you.
Grab a copy of your latest electric and gas bill to see what you’re currently paying. Then visit energychoice.ohio.gov — the state’s official marketplace — to compare rates. You can filter by fixed vs. variable plans, term length, and renewable options.
Our recommendation when using the tool: filter for term lengths of at least 12 months, a fixed rate, and a $0 monthly fee. For example, using those criteria, there are currently options as low as $3.91/Mcf for natural gas — about 14% cheaper than Akron’s aggregation program.
Beware of short-term teaser rates that jump later.
Bottom line: same utility, same service — just possibly a smaller bill.
🔥 Top 5 Events This Week
Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:
The Big Money Tour - Jon Batiste Plays America 🎹
Sunday, October 26 | 8:00 PM | Akron Civic Theatre
Five-time Grammy winner and Academy Award recipient Jon Batiste brings his genre-defying sound to Akron as part of his expansive "Big Money Tour." Experience the Louisiana native's unique blend of jazz, blues, soul, and gospel music in an electrifying live performance that critics are calling healing and liberating.
Tickets are available through the Akron Civic Theatre website. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see one of music's most innovative performers in an intimate venue setting.
Masters of Illusion 🪄
Sunday, October 26 | 7:30 PM | Goodyear Theater
Prepare to be amazed by the world's greatest award-winning magicians as they bring modern illusions and arts of deception to the Goodyear Theater. This 21st-century magic spectacular combines jaw-dropping grand illusions with hysterical comedy magic that will leave you wondering what's real and what's impossible.
The show features international performers who will have you both laughing out loud and sitting at the edge of your seat with their mind-bending feats and magical artistry.
Dusty Slay: The Neighborhood Guy Tour 😎
Saturday, October 25 | 7:00 PM | Goodyear Theater
With his trademark look of long hair, tobacco, oversized glasses and a trucker hat, comedian Dusty Slay brings his relatable working-class humor to Akron. The Nashville native and former bandleader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is touring in support of his Netflix special "Workin' Man."
Known for his bourbon-voiced Southern charm and observational comedy about everything from Cracker Barrel to his aversion to soap, Slay's laidback style has earned him appearances on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Transylvania Timewarp After Party 💋
Saturday, October 25 | 7:30 PM | Akron Civic Theatre
It's just a jump to the left! Akron Pride Festival presents this iconic cult classic screening followed by the Transylvania Timewarp After Party—a benefit for CANAPI. Come dressed to impress for an evening of drag performances, a costume contest, and dancing all night long.
Express yourself and celebrate with fellow fans at this special Halloween season event. As they say: don't dream it—BE IT!
Dead Media Market 3.0 📼
Sunday, October 26 | 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Missing Falls Brewery
Killer Video is hosting their third Dead Media Market, building on the success of previous events. This nostalgia-packed marketplace features an impressive lineup of vendors offering everything analog and digital from the past decades.
Browse through an extensive collection of VHS, Laserdisc, DVD, Vinyl, Cassette, CD, Video Games, and Collectibles, alongside a curated roster of artists and makers. Admission is just $5 at the door, or free with purchase of a Killer Video Exhibit Admission!
📌 Everything Else Worth Knowing
Some bonus picks from us:
🎶 Music & Live Performances
MANIA: The ABBA Tribute
Friday, October 24 | 7:30 PM | Goodyear Theater
Experience all of ABBA's greatest hits performed live with stunning costumes, energetic choreography, and impeccable musicianship.
More info →
The Vampire Circus
Friday, October 24 | 7:30 PM | Akron Civic Theatre
A thrilling mix of circus, cabaret, and theater showcasing international performers in a mysterious, cutting-edge production.
More info →
Taylor Swift Folklore & Evermore Concert
Saturday, October 25 | Duration: 2 hrs | Jenks Building, Cuyahoga Falls
FREE show featuring songs from Taylor Swift's Folklore and Evermore albums.
More info →
🛍 Shopping and Shows
Gemboree — Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show
Saturday, October 25 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Emidio and Son’s Banquet Center, Cuyahoga Falls
Jewelry, activities for kids, gem mine, geode cracking, and more.
More info →
📸 #SeenInAkron
Check out this beautiful shot at Seiberling Nature Realm.
🎬🎥 Akron Weekend Movie Action
Nightlight Theatre
Frankenstein
“Dr. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but egotistical scientist, brings a creature to life in a monstrous experiment that ultimately leads to the undoing of both the creator and his tragic creation.”Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Shelby Oaks
“A woman’s obsessive search for her missing sister leads her into a terrifying mystery at the hands of an unknown evil.”Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
The Mastermind
“In a sedate corner of Massachusetts circa 1970, an unemployed carpenter turned amateur art thief plans his first big heist. When things go haywire, his life unravels.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Highland Theatre
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere
“Bruce Springsteen's journey crafting his 1982 album Nebraska, which emerged as he recorded Born in the USA with the E Street Band. Based on Warren Zanes' book.” (IMDB)Rotten Tomatoes: 64%
Weather
Today
49 🌡️ 37 | ☀ | 25% 🌧️
Saturday
52 🌡️ 37 | ☀ | 2% 🌧️
Sunday
57 🌡️ 36 | ☀ | 11% 🌧️
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Talk to you next Friday!