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🗞️ Ribs, Riffs & River Fun

🗞️ Ribs, Riffs & River Fun

May 23, 2025

Good Morning, Akron!

What's better than the first long weekend of summer? Cookouts, festivals, opening the pools?

You know what's cool? If you open your pool this weekend, you can use it as a cold plunge. Then next weekend, you can actually enjoy it!

We've got plenty of summertime events coming your way this weekend.

Happy Memorial Day. Stay Safe!

The Digest

California Dreaming Just Got Easier ✈️

Breeze Airways is back with its seasonal nonstop flights between Akron-Canton Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, starting with fares as low as $119 one-way. The airline operates this route twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays using their Airbus A220-300 aircraft, giving Northeast Ohio travelers a convenient way to reach the West Coast without dealing with connection hassles. What makes this even more exciting is that Breeze recently announced they're opening a new crew base at CAK this summer, bringing more than 60 pilot, flight attendant, and maintenance jobs to the area. This growing partnership between Breeze and Akron-Canton Airport continues to expand travel opportunities for the region, making those California dreams feel a lot more achievable. You can see all their destinations out of CAK and book here.

Concert Tickets That Won't Break the Bank 🎵

Live Nation's new "$30 Ticket to Summer" promotion kicks off this week, offering all-inclusive concert tickets to over 15 shows at Blossom Music Center. The deal includes major acts like Halsey, James Taylor, Nelly, Cyndi Lauper, The Black Keys, and the Doobie Brothers – quite the lineup for a bargain price. The $30 price includes all fees, with only taxes added at checkout, and more tickets will be added throughout the summer. This replaces Live Nation's decade-long "Concert Week" promotion and gives music lovers more flexibility to catch their favorite acts. With Blossom's beautiful outdoor setting and this wallet-friendly pricing, it's shaping up to be an incredible summer for live music in Northeast Ohio. The promotion launched on May 21st at 10 AM, so music fans better act fast. You can search for tickets on the Live Nation website.

Akron Bites 🍔

New Brewery Takes Over the Valley 🍺

Magic City Brewing Company is set to open its second location in the former R. Shea Brewing space in Merriman Valley, with owner Jay Graham announcing the news and dubbing the new spot "the Rabbit Hole." Expected to open in early to mid-June, this expansion comes after R. Shea closed both its Merriman Road and Canal Place locations in March 2024 due to financial difficulties. Magic City, known for its heavy metal-themed brewery and tasting room on Manchester Road in Akron since 2019, brings a unique vibe to the craft beer scene. The takeover represents an exciting new chapter for the beloved Merriman Valley brewery space, which has been a community gathering spot for years. Graham's creative vision and successful track record suggest the Rabbit Hole will be an exciting addition to Akron's brewery landscape.

Star Chef Collaboration Hits Swensons 🍔

James Beard-nominated chef Vinnie Cimino from Cleveland's acclaimed Cordelia restaurant is teaming up with Swensons Drive-In for a month-long collaboration featuring a Pimento Burger with Cordelia-style Pimento Cheese and Kool-Aid Pickles, plus Pimento Cheese served with Saltines. This exciting partnership runs throughout June at all 21 Swensons locations, with 2,500 pounds of handcrafted pimento cheese made by Cimino and his culinary team. The Akron native will even act as a carhop at the original West Akron Swensons location on June 1st from 11 AM to 2 PM to kick off the collaboration. This marks Swensons' second Ohio collaboration this year and celebrates the unique food culture of the state. For Cimino, it's a full-circle moment connecting his acclaimed fine dining background with the childhood memories of growing up near the first Swensons location.

Local Restaurant Chain Closing Location 🚪

The Rail, a popular Ohio-based burger and craft beer restaurant chain, is shutting down a Northeast Ohio location as part of ongoing changes in the regional dining scene. The Rail, which originally opened its first location at Akron's Summit Mall in 2011, built its reputation on locally sourced burgers made from Ohio beef and an impressive selection of all-Ohio craft beers. Founded by award-winning chef Mike Mariola, the chain expanded to multiple locations including North Olmsted, Canton, Strongsville, and Dublin, becoming known for their "All-Ohio Burgers, Beer & Camaraderie" motto. The closure reflects the continued challenges facing restaurant chains in the post-pandemic landscape, though other Rail locations continue to operate.

What’s Happening

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

Float the River Adventure 🚣

Get ready to drift into summer with the ultimate river floating experience that's calling adventurers to leave their worries on the shore. This weekend is opening weekend for Float The River - bringing the perfect opportunity to trade concrete for currents as you navigate the Cuyahoga River surrounded by Ohio's natural beauty. Taking off from downtown Cuyahoga Falls, Float The River offers innertube, kayak, and raft rentals. Whether you're planning a fun group outing or a peaceful solo journey, floating the river delivers that perfect blend of relaxation and easy adventure that makes summer fun. Info Here

Highland Square Food Truck Fiesta 🌮

Highland Square is rolling out the red carpet for food lovers with a spectacular food truck festival that promises to turn the neighborhood into a delicious outdoor dining destination. On Saturday from 12:00 - 8:00 PM, the area will transform into a culinary playground where gourmet trucks serve everything from loaded tacos to artisanal ice cream, creating an irresistible feast for all the senses. Beyond the incredible eats, the event captures Highland Square's vibrant community spirit, where neighbors become friends over shared plates and new flavor discoveries. This isn't just about grabbing a quick bite – it's about experiencing the neighborhood's unique culture while supporting local culinary entrepreneurs who are redefining street food. Info Here

Country Star Takes Blossom Stage 🤠

Jason Aldean brings his Full Throttle Tour 2025 to Blossom Music Center today, delivering the high-energy country show that has made him one of the genre's biggest stars. Tonight at 7:30 PM, the amphitheater will come alive with Aldean's signature blend of traditional country storytelling and rock-influenced energy that gets crowds singing along to every word. Known for hits that have dominated country radio for over a decade, Aldean's live performances are legendary for their powerful vocals, impressive production, and the kind of stage presence that makes even the lawn seats feel intimate. The show promises to be a perfect kickoff to Memorial Day weekend, combining Blossom's beautiful outdoor setting with the excitement of seeing a true country superstar in action. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his music, Aldean's concerts deliver an authentic country experience that captures the spirit of summer nights and good times. Tickets available here.

Ribs, Music, and Football Legends 🏈

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Ribs Burnoff returns for its second year as the unofficial kickoff to summer, featuring award-winning ribbers, live music, and appearances by the newly inducted Class of 2025. Running Today through Sunday, this free admission event transforms the Hall of Fame campus into a barbecue paradise where eight competitive ribbers battle for cash prizes while visitors enjoy three days of live entertainment. Beyond the incredible food and music, this Memorial Day weekend celebration honors our military with $1 from each alcoholic beverage sold going to Wreaths Across America. The event captures the perfect combination of America's favorite pastime, delicious food, and patriotic spirit that makes for an unforgettable weekend experience. Info Here

Lock 3 Kicks Off Summer Season 🎪

Lock 3 officially opens its summer season with the LIVE @ THE LOCKS Music Showcase, transforming downtown Akron into an outdoor entertainment destination that celebrates the return of warm weather and community gathering. Saturday brings free admission to an event featuring multiple stages, delicious food trucks , plus a diverse lineup of local musical talent. This opening weekend celebration embodies everything that makes Lock 3 special – accessible entertainment, local talent, and the kind of community atmosphere that turns strangers into friends. The event promises to set the tone for what's sure to be an incredible summer season of outdoor fun in downtown Akron. You can check out Lock 3’s summer schedule here.

Akron Weekend Movie Action 🎬️ 🎥

Nightlight Theatre

The Shrouds
“Inconsolable since the death of his wife, Karsh, a prominent businessman, invents a revolutionary and controversial technology that enables the living to monitor their dear departed in their shrouds. One night, multiple graves, including that of Karsh’s wife, are desecrated, and he sets out to track down the perpetrators.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
Showtimes
Sinners
“Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back..”
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Showtimes
Caught By The Tides
“Years after her boyfriend left her for the big city and promised to bring her there after he’s settled down, a Chinese woman sets out on a journey to be reunited with him.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%
Showtimes

Highland Theatre

Lilo & Stitch
“Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) has a talent for solving complex problems. When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to "find the accountant," Wolff is compelled to solve the case. Realizing more extreme measures are necessary, Wolff recruits his estranged and highly lethal brother, Brax (Jon Bernthal), to help. In partnership with U.S. Treasury Deputy Director Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), they uncover a deadly conspiracy, becoming targets of a ruthless network of killers who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried.” (Rotten Tomatoes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
Showtimes

Live Music Breakdown

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

Friday

Saturday

Weather

Today

55 🌡️ 43 | 🌦️ | 43% 🌧️

Saturday

58 🌡️ 44 | ⛅️ | 46% 🌧️

Sunday

62 🌡️ 43 | ⛅️ | 25% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!