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🗞️ Taking the (Ice) Plunge

🗞️ Taking the (Ice) Plunge

February 21, 2025

Good Morning, Akron!

Did you know there are 15 cities named Akron in the U.S.? Glad you’re here in the only one that matters with us.

In this week’s issue:

St. Paddy’s comes early
Create your own Lock 3 Set List
Take a plunge in Portage Lakes for a good cause

…And much more.

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The Digest

Akron Announces St. Paddy’s Day Parade 🍀

Akron is kicking off St. Patrick’s Day a little ahead of schedule this year—its annual parade will roll through downtown on Saturday, March 8 (yep, a full nine days before the big day).

Expect floats, marching bands, local businesses, and non-profits to take over Main Street at 12 p.m., rain or shine.

Lock 3 Wants Your Setlist—Akron’s Calling the Shots 🎵

Akron just gave Lock 3 a $17 million makeover, and now the city wants your input on how to fill the stage.

A new 13-question survey (open through March 14) lets residents weigh in on music acts, festivals, and even ticket prices—including whether they'd shell out extra for bigger-name performers.

Mayor Shammas Malik says the goal is to make Lock 3’s programming a true reflection of Akron’s culture. With the new Maynard Performance Pavilion ready to host up to 3,500 people, the city is looking to pack the lineup with fan favorites.

Want a say in who takes the stage? Take the survey and make your requests loud and clear.

Trail Closed for Repairs: Time to Reroute Your Hike 🚧

If the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is part of your workout routine, heads up—a key section is shutting down for a culvert replacement.

From March 3 to May 2, the trail will be fully closed between Red Lock Trailhead and Brandywine Creek, impacting the Valley Trail as well.

The upgrade? A new culvert for Brandywine Creek, installed next to the original 1800s-era structure from the canal days.

What’s Happening

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

Vintage Finds & Throwback Vibes

Ohio Vintage Fest is making its third trip back to Cuyahoga Falls, bringing retro treasures and nostalgia to Emidio and Sons Banquet Center on Saturday from 12–5 PM. Expect over 50 vendors selling everything from vintage clothing and vinyl records to home goods and collectible gems.

Want first dibs? Early Bird tickets ($10) get you in at 11 AM before the crowds, while General Admission ($5) is available online or at the door. Kids under 12 get in free. If you’ve got a soft spot for the past, this is your chance to shop it. Info and Tickets Here.

Freezing for a Cause 🧊

If jumping into an ice-cold lake in February sounds like a questionable life choice, you're not alone—but hundreds of brave souls are doing it anyway. The 21st annual Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump is set for Saturday, raising funds for Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio.

With a fundraising goal of $140,000, participants have already pulled in $113,000 and counting. Registration opens at noon, and jumpers will take the plunge into frigid waters at Portage Lakes State Park. Costumes are encouraged, protective footwear is a must, and yes, there are heated changing tents for the post-jump thaw. Want to sign up or donate? You can do that here.

Paint, Pour, and Roar 🍷 🦁

Looking to upgrade your Friday night plans? Tonight, The Akron Zoo’s Wine & Paint Night is serving up the perfect blend of creativity, relaxation, and a little animal-inspired flair. Guests will be guided through a flower-themed painting session, all while sipping on wine and enjoying light refreshments.

But the real showstopper? One of the zoo’s animal ambassadors will get in on the fun, creating their own masterpiece—raffled off at the end of the night. Tickets start at $35 for members and $40 for non-members, covering your first drink, all painting materials, and an 11” x 14” canvas to take home. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., so grab a glass and get ready to unleash your inner artist! Info and Tickets Here.

Broadway in Akron: A Trip to Hadestown 🔥🎭

Step into the underworld—Akron-style. The Tony and Grammy-winning musical Hadestown is making its way to E.J. Thomas Hall on February 22, offering a spellbinding retelling of the ancient myths of Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone. With a folk-jazz score by Anaïs Mitchell and direction by Rachel Chavkin, this critically acclaimed production reimagines love, fate, and industry in a hauntingly poetic way. If you’ve ever wondered how the world could be—or just need a good dose of Broadway magic—this is the show to see. Info and Tickets Here.

KISS Fans, This One’s For You 🎸👅

Get ready to rock and roll all night—MR. SPEED, the world’s top KISS tribute band, is bringing their high-energy, face-painted spectacle to Akron on Saturday. With over 30 years of experience recreating the magic of KISS, this band has shared the stage with KISS legend Ace Frehley and even earned the title of “Best KISS Tribute Band in the World” (twice!). Expect pyrotechnic-level energy, larger-than-life stage presence, and a two-hour set packed with classic KISS anthems. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a night of epic rock nostalgia, this is one show you don’t want to miss. Info and Tickets Here.

Akron Bites 🥕 🍽️

Akron’s Soulful Vegan has relocated to 12 E. Exchange St., doubling its size and seating. Owner Frey Canty, a 15-year vegan, started out offering plant-based meals at her cycling studio—now, her restaurant is thriving.

Known for its jackfruit rib dinner, vegan filet mignon, and plant-based wings, Soulful Vegan isn’t just about food. The new space features karaoke Thursdays, live jazz, and a full bar.

The move was supported by Downtown Akron Partnership’s Start Downtown program, helping with rent and business services. Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–midnight, with weekend brunch (11 a.m.–2 p.m.). Check their website for menu and events.

Akron Weekend Movie Action 🎬️ 🎥

Nightlight Theatre

2025 Oscar Nominated Shorts
The Nightlight is serving up several different compilations of short films up for 2025 Oscar Nominations this weekend. Choose from animation, live-action, and documentary. See “showtimes” below for the list of films for each genre.
Rotten Tomatoes: n/a
Showtimes

Highland Theatre

Captain America: Brave New World
Anthony Mackie returns as the high-flying hero Sam Wilson, who's officially taken up the mantle of Captain America. After meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross, Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident. He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 52%
Showtimes

Live Music Breakdown

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

Weather

Today

25 🌡️ 13 | ⛅️ | 3% 🌨️

Saturday

34 🌡️ 20 | ⛅️ | 1% 🌧️

Sunday

40 🌡️ 30 | ⛅️ | 25% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!