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🗞️Free Blimp Rides

Good Morning, Akron!
This is Akron Digest. We’re always looking on the bright side ☀️ No matter how cold and snowy it is.
In today’s edition:
Free Blimp Rides
Beer Passport for Summit County
Disco Fever in Cuyahoga Falls
Let’s get to it.
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The Digest
$10M Boost for Akron’s Innerbelt Revamp 🚧
Akron is set to transform a one-mile stretch of the decommissioned Innerbelt highway, thanks to a $10 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The funding, announced by U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, will help reconnect communities divided by the 1970s highway project that displaced many families and businesses, particularly in communities of color.
“This isn’t just about a road—it’s about creating opportunities,” said Mayor Shammas Malik, promising visible progress soon. With only 11 of the 40 acres in use, the grant will kick-start plans to turn the space into a community hub.
Goodyear Parts with Dunlop Brand for $701M 💰
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is selling its Dunlop brand and trademarks in Europe, North America, and Oceania to Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries for $701 million. The deal allows Goodyear to sell Dunlop-branded car tires in Europe through 2025 and license back trademarks for truck tires with long-term royalties.
The sale is part of Goodyear’s strategy to streamline operations and raise $2 billion in proceeds, following last year’s $905 million sale of its Off-the-Road tire business to Yokohama Rubber. With increased competition from cheaper rivals and regulatory pressures, Goodyear is focusing on a leaner, more profitable portfolio.
Goodyear Blimp Celebrates 100 Years with Ride Giveaway
Marking a century since the first Goodyear-branded blimp took flight, the tire company is offering fans a rare opportunity: a chance to ride on the iconic airship. As part of its anniversary, Goodyear will award three winners (and their guests) a flight from one of its U.S. airship bases—Akron, Pompano Beach, or Carson—along with $3,000 for travel expenses. You can enter the sweepstakes on their website.
The company is also launching a 100-city tour, with the blimp making appearances at major events across North America and Europe. Fans can enter the sweepstakes online or by purchasing tires through Goodyear. The entry deadline is April 10.
What’s Happening?
Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:
A Fresh Take: Summit Artspace Kicks Off Winter Exhibitions
Summit Artspace opens its winter exhibition series today, from 5 to 8 p.m., featuring five unique shows across three floors of its historic Akron venue. Visitors can meet the artists, explore diverse themes, and catch the announcement of the FRESH exhibition awards at 6 p.m.
The exhibitions run through March 14, with public hours on Fridays and Saturdays. With ceramics, abstract art, and social justice themes, there’s something for everyone. Info Here
Boogie Wonderland Alert: Disco Night at The Workz 🕺✨
Break out the bell bottoms and platform shoes—The Workz is bringing the funk tonight, with Disco Inferno! Get ready to relive the glory days of the '70s as the iconic disco band lights up the dance floor starting at 8 PM.
The best part? This nostalgic groove-fest is totally free! Whether you're perfecting your hustle or just vibing to the classics, come dressed to impress and make it a night to remember. Don’t miss your chance to boogie down! 🎶🌟 Info Here
Charlie Berens Brings Midwest Laughs to Goodyear Theatre Tonight 🎤
Get ready, Akron—Charlie Berens is bringing his Good Old Fashioned Tour to the Goodyear Theatre tonight at 7:00 PM! Known for his laugh-out-loud Midwest humor, viral sketch videos, and New York Times best seller The Midwest Survival Guide, Charlie’s back on the road with all-new material.
An Emmy-winning journalist and comedian, Charlie has sold out venues nationwide with his signature blend of relatable comedy and clever storytelling. Don’t miss your chance to catch him live—grab your tickets while you can! 🎟️✨ Tickets Here
Hairspray Hits The Knight Stage This Weekend 💃🌟
Travel back to 1962 Baltimore as Hairspray bursts onto The Knight Stage starting this weekend! Follow Tracy Turnblad, the big-hearted teen with even bigger hair, as she dances her way from outsider to star on the "Corny Collins Show."
But it’s not just about the moves—Tracy’s on a mission to take down the Teen Queen, win Link Larkin’s heart, and break barriers by integrating a TV network. It’s a high-energy, feel-good musical packed with unforgettable songs and retro charm. Don’t miss the fun—grab your tickets now! 🎟️✨Tickets Here
HiHO Brewing Turns 8, and You’re Invited! 🎉🍻
Raise a glass to HiHO Brewing’s 8th anniversary with a weeklong celebration packed with beer, food, merch, and raffle prizes! Through Sunday, enjoy daily events featuring exclusive small-batch beer releases, live music, and interactive fun. Plus, for every $25 you spend in the taproom, you’ll snag a raffle ticket for daily prizes—and a shot at Sunday’s $100 grand prize gift card!
Here’s what’s brewing:
Friday: Dry-Hopped Sour Ale + live music from the Conway Brothers
Saturday: Imperial Pastry Stout + Hazy IPA + celebratory cake
Sunday: Yoga, firkins, and fires on the patio
Don’t miss this chance to sip, savor, and celebrate with the HiHO crew. Cheers to eight years! 🍺✨ Info Here
Hills and Hops: Your Winter Adventure Guide
Looking for an unforgettable winter adventure around Akron? Whether you're into racing down snowy hills or savoring local brews, we've got you covered with two must-try activities that celebrate the best of Summit County.
Slide into Fun:
Dig out the sleds from the garage - Signal Akron just released its list of the 10 Favorite Sledding Spots in Summit County.
Sip & Stamp Your Way Through Summit County:
Beer lovers, rejoice! The Summit Brew Path has officially launched for the year. This "passport" adventure is your ticket to exploring 17 incredible local breweries in Summit County. Make a purchase at each participating brewery to earn a stamp in your brew passport. Once you've collected them all, you’ll unlock exclusive prizes and access to special events. It's the perfect excuse to explore the area’s thriving craft beer scene—and a great way to warm up after a chilly day of sledding. Info Here
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Live Music Breakdown
Here is a summary of live music happening all around Akron this weekend:
Friday
Jilly’s Music Room | Bufflehead | 8:00
BLU Jazz+ | Jonah Ferguson Quartet | 8:00
Mustard Seed Highland Square | DJ Vinnie G | 8:30
Rialto Theatre | Thunderhertz | 5:00
Rialto Theatre | Jones’n & Talk Less | 7:00
Saturday
The 1 Food & Spirits | Mario Frisone | 6:00
Jilly’s Music Room | Vanity Crash: David Bowie in Cleveland | 8:00
BLU Jazz+ | Tim Mirth’s Guitar Band | 8:00
Mustard Seed Highland Square | Timi Funk | 8:30
Rialto Theatre | Wreck Like Me | 5:00
Rialto Theatre | Bryson I Gentry Album Release Show | 7:00
Weather
Today
25 🌡️ 21 | 🌨️ | 65% 🌨️
Saturday
30 🌡️ 16 | 🌨️ | 70% 🌧️
Sunday
29 🌡️ 24 | 🌨️ | % 🌧️
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Talk to you next Friday!