Akron Digest
February 6, 2026
Good Morning, Akron!
If you're still reeling from this exceptionally cold and snowy winter, the Farmers’ Almanac has some good news: This spring in Summit County is expected to be warmer than usual. Above-average temps and below-average precipitation are in the forecast.
But if we're being intellectually honest, a 2010 University of Illinois study found that the almanac was only right 52% of the time. That's worse than a Magic 8-Ball and only slightly better than your aunt who "feels it in her knees."
I personally have 100% conviction in forecasts that say it will be sunny and warm.
Let's dive into this week's issue.
🗞 The Digest
What's the Future of Firestone's Iconic Clock Tower? ⏰
The clock's ticking on a major decision about Akron's skyline. The city is asking residents to weigh in on what to do with the deteriorating Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. Plant 1 building at 1200 Firestone Parkway—specifically, that iconic clock tower that's been watching over the city since 1910.
With full preservation financially unfeasible, five options are on the table ranging from keeping the entire eastern structure and tower to just salvaging the clock elements for a future development. Community feedback meetings are happening at Firestone Park Community Center on Feb. 5, 10, and 12.
🏢 Local Business
Cheers and Tears in the Brewery Scene 🍺
It's bittersweet news for Akron's craft beer community. Magic City Brewing Company on Manchester Road will pour its last pints on Valentine's Day (February 14), while The Rabbit Hole on Merriman Road has already closed its doors as of February 3 after six months in business. If you've been meaning to swing by Magic City, now's the time to raise a glass and send them off right.
Montrose Gets a Retail Makeover 🛍️
Big changes are brewing in the Montrose area! Nordstrom Rack is moving into the former Joann space at Montrose Plaza this fall, bringing 29,000 square feet of discounted designer goods. Meanwhile, that vacant Regal Cinema in Copley Township (RIP to the "Trainwreck" premiere spot) is getting a $5 million transformation into two retail spaces—Burlington is confirmed for one, with the other tenant still under wraps.
🔥 Top 5 Events This Week
Here is our list of hand-picked events around the area:
House and Sushi 🍣
Friday, February 6 | 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM | Jilly's Music Room
Get ready to groove and munch at this one-of-a-kind mashup that may be exactly the combo you needed—house music meets fresh sushi rolls. A live DJ brings the beats while local sushi chefs craft delicious bites to fuel your dance moves. Whether you're a house music devotee or just here for the California rolls, this Friday night fusion promises a good time.
Tickets are limited, so snag yours early and prepare for a night that'll have you questioning why this combo hasn't been a thing all along. Come hungry, leave happy, and maybe discover that wasabi and bass drops are a match made in heaven.
Midwinter 2026 🎨
Saturday, February 7 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Akron Art Museum
Beat the February blues with this totally free evening of creative happenings at the Akron Art Museum! CUSP (Cleveland Uncommon Sound Project) curates music performances throughout the galleries while Akron Soul Train showcases emerging artist Maddie McSweeney. Catch three performances of dancer Teagan Reed's "Somewhere Between," grab snacks from Good Company Akron, and let Nightlight Cinema's screen takeovers blow your mind.
This isn't just an art museum after-hours—it's a full-on celebration of Northeast Ohio's creative energy. Beer, wine, and cocktails available for purchase at the bar, because nothing says "February in Akron" quite like sipping a drink while surrounded by world-class art and live performances.
Main Street Kent Chocolate Walk 2026 🍫
Saturday, February 7 | 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Downtown Kent
Love chocolate? Love exploring local shops? Then grab your sweetie (or your galentine) and hit downtown Kent for this deliciously decadent self-guided tour. Stop by participating businesses to collect specialty chocolates at each location—think everything from artisan truffles to chocolate-dipped pretzels and creative confections you didn't even know existed.
Check-in happens at the Kent State Hotel and Conference Center between noon and 2 PM, where you'll get your map, pass, and collection bag. Plus, every ticket holder is entered to win a sparkly grand prize courtesy of Squirrel City Jewelers. It's the perfect excuse to window shop, support local businesses, and eat way too much chocolate—no judgment here.
Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Tribute Show 🎸
Saturday, February 7 | 7:30 PM | Goodyear Theater
Can't get no satisfaction from regular tribute bands? This internationally acclaimed Rolling Stones experience brings Mick, Keith, and the boys' legendary catalog to Akron with spot-on musicianship and authentic swagger. From "Paint It Black" to "Sympathy for the Devil," expect all the classics delivered with the energy and attitude that made the Stones, well, the Stones.
The band's look-alike frontmen and killer horn section create a show that's as close as you'll get to the real deal without a time machine or a private jet to London. Whether you're a lifelong Stones devotee or just want to rock out to some of the greatest hits in rock history, this Friday night promises to be a stone cold blast.
Akronomicon 2026 👻
Saturday, February 7 | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Emidio's Expo Center, Cuyahoga Falls
Calling all horror hounds, scream queens, and creatures of the night—Akronomicon is back to celebrate everything from classic Universal monsters to contemporary nightmares! This full-day horror convention brings celebrity guests, indie horror authors, killer collectibles, and enough spooky vendors to make any fright fan's heart race. Whether you're hunting for rare horror memorabilia, getting books signed by your favorite dark fiction writers, or just want to geek out with fellow horror enthusiasts, this is your people.
Think of it as a love letter to the genre, where slasher fans and gothic literature nerds can share the same space without judgment. Panels, photo ops, and enough horror swag to decorate your entire lair await. It's one of those rare events where showing up in a Freddy Krueger sweater or full Victorian vampire regalia is not only acceptable—it's encouraged.
📌 Everything Else Worth Knowing
Some bonus picks from us:
🎶 Music & Live Performances
Winter Beach Bash
Friday, February 6 | 7:00 PM | Jilly's Music Room
Surf rock meets winter blues as the Kahuna Kings bring beach party vibes to a snowy Akron night.
More info →
Gospel Meets Symphony
Saturday, February 7 | 7:30 PM | E.J. Thomas Hall
The Akron Symphony Orchestra joins the powerhouse GMS Choir for 30+ years of tradition blending gospel soul with orchestral grandeur.
More info →
Jeffrey Cruz Quartet
Saturday, February 7 | 8:00 PM | BLU Jazz+
Cleveland singer-songwriter Jeffrey Cruz brings soulful grooves inspired by Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder with storytelling lyrics that resonate.
More info →
🎶 Family & Other
Mr. Jeff
Saturday, February 7 | 2:30 PM | The Knight Stage
Award-winning children's musician brings high-energy songs, puppetry, interactive storytelling, and bubbles for an unforgettable family show.
More info →
19th Annual Family Reading Festival
Saturday, February 7 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Akron Library - Main Branch
Sing, dance, and play with Jim Gill. Play games. Each kid leaves with a free book.
More info →
Sappho & Her Beans: Valentine's Coffee Tasting
Saturday, February 7 | 12:00 PM | Northside Marketplace
Celebrate Valentine's Day with a guided coffee tasting experience exploring different roasts and flavor profiles.
More info →
📸 #SeenInAkron
🎬🎥 Akron Weekend Movie Action
Nightlight Theatre
Note: For a full list of showings, follow one of the links below.
Hamnet
“The untold love story that inspired Shakespeare's greatest masterpiece. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal star in HAMNET, directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao. Only in theaters this Thanksgiving.”Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Natchez
“Filmmaker Suzannah Herbert takes a sharp look at the American South’s unreconciled history through a Mississippi town that mixes antebellum tourism with a community deeply divided over its past. With an unflinching lens, the film captures the debates, memories, and tensions that are building toward a reckoning.”Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
The Testament of Ann Lee
“From award-winning writer-director Mona Fastvold (The World to Come, The Brutalist) comes the extraordinary true legend of Ann Lee, founder of the devotional sect known as the Shakers. Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried stars as the Shakers’ irrepressible leader, who preached gender and social equality and was revered by her followers. The Testament of Ann Lee captures the ecstasy and agony of her quest to build a utopia, featuring more than a dozen traditional Shaker hymns reimagined as rapturous movements with choreography by Celia Rowlson-Hall (Vox Lux) and original songs & score by Academy Award winner Daniel Blumberg (The Brutalist).”
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Highland Theatre
Song Sung Blue
“Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, experience soaring success and devastating heartbreak in their musical journey together.” (IMDb)Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Weather
Today
31 🌡️ 4 | 🌨 | 89% 🌧️
Saturday
12 🌡️ 0 | ☁ | 0% 🌧️
Sunday
12 🌡️ 0 | 🌨 | 1% 🌧️
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Talk to you next Friday!