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🗞️ Pasta La Vista, Baby

🗞️ Pasta La Vista, Baby

July 11, 2025

Good Morning, Akron!

Did you hear about the Italian chef that died?

He pasta way. We cannoli do so much. His legacy will become a pizza history. How sad that he ran out of thyme. Sending olive my prayers to the family. His wife is really upset. Cheese still not over it. You never sausage a tragic thing.

Let’s dive into this week’s issue.

The Digest

CitiCenter's New Chapter: From YWCA to Downtown Digs 🏢

The historic CitiCenter building just got a major makeover, and Akron's downtown is about to be a whole lot livelier. After sitting mostly vacant since Akron Public Utilities moved out in 2017, this 10-story Art Deco beauty (originally a YWCA from 1931) has been sold to Welty Development Group. They're transforming it into 116 residential units with all the modern amenities—including an outdoor dog area because even our four-legged friends deserve downtown living. This isn't just about pretty apartments; it's part of Akron's ambitious plan to add 1,200 residential units and grow the downtown population to 5,000 by 2030. With walking distance to the University of Akron, Akron Art Museum, and Bounce Innovation Hub, future residents will be living that car-free, walkable lifestyle we all secretly envy. Plus, the project is expected to generate 500+ jobs and $77 million in economic activity within five years.

National Night Out: When Neighborhoods Unite (With Snacks) 🌃

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 5, because Akron's throwing its 42nd annual National Night Out party—and yes, every single ward is invited. This isn't your typical community gathering; it's a city-wide celebration designed to strengthen police-community relations and neighborhood unity. Each of the 10 wards will host their own event at different times throughout the evening, complete with free snacks, refreshments, music, and kid-friendly activities. Think of it as the ultimate block party where you actually get to meet your neighbors instead of just awkwardly waving from your driveway. From Patterson Park Sports Complex to Firestone Stadium, every corner of Akron will be buzzing with community spirit. Mayor Malik put it perfectly: it's about creating "safe, fun spaces for Akron families to gather." And with over 38 million people participating nationwide across 16,000 communities, you'll be part of something pretty massive. Details and Schedule Here.

What’s Happening

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

Italian-American Festival: Mangia, Music, and More 🍝

Get ready to carb-load in the best possible way because the 75th Annual Summit County Italian-American Festival is taking over Lock 3 Park from now through Saturday. This isn't just any food festival—it's a three-day celebration that's been voted the best festival in the Akron Beacon Journal's "Beacon's Best" contest for 11 consecutive years (2009-2020). From 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM each day, you can feast on authentic eats while catching performances from the Avanti Italian Band, Jersey Beat, and an ABBA tribute band, Abbamania. The best part? Admission and parking are completely free, and the festival's profits go toward scholarships and local Summit County charities. The festival features everything from bocce tournaments to a homemade wine contest, and there's even a Sunday mass followed by a spaghetti dinner. With over 25,000 attendees expected and the newly renovated Lock 3 as the backdrop, this is your chance to experience authentic Italian culture without the passport. Info Here

Carmina Burana: When Classical Music Gets Epic 🎼

If you've ever wondered what 24 medieval poems about love, drinking, and fortune sound like when set to music, Saturday at 7:00 PM is your chance to find out. The Cleveland Orchestra is bringing Carl Orff's powerhouse cantata "Carmina Burana" to Blossom Music Center, and it's the kind of performance that makes you feel like you're in an epic movie trailer. Conducted by Osmo Vänskä, this isn't just an orchestra performance—it features the Blossom Festival Chorus, Cleveland Orchestra Children's Chorus, and internationally acclaimed soloists Shelén Hughes, Reginald Mobley, and John Brancy. The program also includes Sibelius's bittersweet tone poem "En Saga," because apparently one emotionally stirring piece wasn't enough. Known for its famous opening "O Fortuna" (you'll recognize it even if you think you won't), "Carmina Burana" is considered a real test of technical skill and stamina. Set in the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Blossom offers the perfect outdoor amphitheater experience where great acoustics meet beautiful nature. Info Here

Wine and Paint: Where Art Meets Animals 🎨

Tonight from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the Akron Zoo is hosting the perfect night out for anyone who's ever wanted to paint while sipping wine and learning about dragons. Yes, dragons—specifically Komodo dragons. This isn't your typical paint-and-sip; it's an 11" x 14" masterpiece creation session led by an instructor, complete with a Komodo Dragon Keeper Talk that'll teach you things you never knew you wanted to know about these fascinating creatures. Your ticket includes one drink, light snacks, all painting materials, and the chance to watch one of the zoo's animal ambassadors create their own art (which will be raffled off at the end). Doors open at 5:30 PM, so you can grab a drink and meet some animal friends before diving into your artistic adventure. No experience necessary, and additional drinks are available for purchase—just bring your card since they don't accept cash. It's the perfect blend of creativity, education, and just the right amount of wine to make everything more fun. Info Here

Music in the Valley: Folk Vibes with a Side of Wine 🎻

Step back in time at Hale Farm & Village for their Saturday and Sunday Music in the Valley Folk & Wine Festival, running from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day. This isn't just a music festival; it's a celebration of folk music's history and evolution set against the beautiful backdrop of a living history museum in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The festival showcases everything from banjos and guitars to fiddles, with live performances scattered throughout the historic site. But here's where it gets interesting: between musical sets, you can witness period cooking demonstrations, learn about fermentation (because history was boozy too), and watch ice cream being made the old-fashioned way. The Ohio wine tastings add a modern twist to the historical experience, featuring local vineyards that know how to make the most of our state's grape-growing potential. Info Here

Flix on the Falls: Movies Under the Stars 🎬

Tonight at 6:30 PM, Cuyahoga Falls is rolling out the red carpet (well, blanket) for their free outdoor movie series at the downtown pavilion and amphitheater. This week's feature is "Wicked," because nothing says summer fun like belting out "Defying Gravity" under the stars. The evening kicks off with live music, food trucks, and inflatables for the kids, creating that perfect festival atmosphere before the main event. When dusk hits, the movie starts on a big screen while you lounge on the lawn with your snacks and friends. It's the kind of community event that makes you remember why small-town vibes are sometimes the best vibes. Free admission, free fun, and the chance to sing along to Broadway classics without judgment—what more could you want? Info Here

Hidden Gems 💎

As demolition begins on the former Goodyear Middle School, a Facebook user stumbled upon some incredible murals still decorating the walls of the vacant building. These artistic treasures—likely created by students or teachers decades ago—are about to be lost forever along with the rest of the structure. Sometimes the coolest pieces of local history are hiding in the most unexpected places.

Source: Facebook

Akron Weekend Movie Action 🎬️ 🎥

Nightlight Theatre

Familiar Touch
“Familiar Touch is a coming of (old) age film. It follows an octogenarian woman’s transition to life in assisted living as she contends with her conflicting desires and self-narratives amidst her shifting age identity and memory.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Showtimes
Daniela Forever
“A man struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of his girlfriend in an accident six months prior signs up for a sleep trial that allows him to reconstruct his life with her through the use of lucid dreams.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
Showtimes
Shall We Dance?
“A bored Japanese accountant sees a beautiful woman in the window of a ballroom dance studio. He secretly starts taking dancing lessons to be near her, and then over time discovers how much he loves ballroom dancing. His wife, meanwhile, has hired a private detective to find out why he has started coming home late smelling of perfume..”
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Showtimes

Highland Theatre

Superman
“Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned.” (IMDB)
Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
Showtimes

Live Music Breakdown

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

Friday

Saturday

Weather

Today

90 🌡️ 70 | ⛅️ | 25% 🌧️

Saturday

91 🌡️ 71 | ⛅️ | 8% 🌧️

Sunday

82 🌡️ 67 | ⛈️ | 88% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!