Akron Digest
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🗞️ Whiskey Toast

🗞️ Whiskey Toast

May 30, 2025

Good Morning, Akron!

I’d like to introduce you to my best friend… Friday.

We also have a correction to make. We mixed up our movie plots last week like a smoothie gone wrong. For the record, Ben Affleck does not, in fact, star in 'Lilo & Stitch' as a numbers-crunching vigilante. However, given how stale Hollywood has gotten lately, maybe we're onto something with these creative crossover ideas?

Let’s dive into this week’s newsletter.

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The Digest

Cuyahoga Falls Summer Lineup Gets the Green Light 🎵

The City of Cuyahoga Falls just dropped its summer event calendar, and your weekends are about to get a whole lot busier.

The highlights include three heritage festivals packed with authentic eats and cultural vibes: the Irish Festival (June 13-15), Festa Italiana (July 18-20), and Oktoberfest (September 19-21).

Flix on the Falls brings family movie nights downtown with Moana 2, Wicked, and The Grinch, complete with food trucks and live entertainment.

Plus, car enthusiasts can cruise into Monday night car shows running June 2 through August 25 from 4-8 PM.

Whether you're craving Celtic music, Italian gelato, or vintage chrome bumpers, downtown Cuyahoga Falls has you covered all summer long. Check out the full schedule on the city’s website.

Akron-Canton Airport Charts Its Flight Plan for the Future ✈️

Akron-Canton Airport just released its strategic plan aimed at boosting growth, service, and community impact over the next three years, and they're not just talking about adding more overpriced airport food. The plan includes six strategic goals focused on retaining air service, strengthening finances, and—here's the big ticket item—replacing the airport's air traffic control tower from 1962, which could cost around $55 million.

With nearly 800,000 passengers annually and service to 24 destinations, CAK is positioning itself as the region's "better way to go" alternative to Cleveland Hopkins. As we’ve covered in recent issues, the airport is also welcoming a new Breeze Airways crew base this summer, creating 61 jobs and adding $11 million in annual payroll—proving that sometimes taking off really does mean economic liftoff.

What’s Happening

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

Liquid Sunshine and Good Vibes 🥃

Discover your inner whiskey connoisseur at the Akron Civic Theatre's 'A Whiskey Deemed Worthy' event on Saturday at 7:30 PM. Whiskey lovers and the whiskey curious are invited to walk into the world of "liquid sunshine" with their choice of four standard-serving-size pours from among 15 American whiskeys, including the award-winning local Cleveland Black Reserve Bourbon. The $60 ticket includes tastings and food from area restaurants, because nothing pairs with fine spirits like actual spirits and good eats. Just remember: you must be 21 or older, and designated drivers are highly encouraged. Info Here

Canal Walking and Flavor Talking 🚶‍♀️

Take your taste buds on a historic journey with the Akron Canalway Food Tour, where you'll zig zag between the Canalway and Main Street, learn some great history, and see how Lock 3 is coming along. This walking adventure combines Akron's canal heritage with culinary discoveries, offering small plates from local restaurants while sharing stories about everything from rubber history to LeBron James (because what's an Akron tour without mentioning the King?). You might even catch a glimpse of the Rubber Ducks warming up at the stadium. The tour covers general Akron history, public art, and architecture, making it perfect for both newcomers and longtime residents who want to see their city through fresh eyes. Note: availability is limited for this weekend, so you might have to book this one in advance! Info and tickets here

Art Meets Movement in Picasso-Inspired Performance 🎭

Dance and art collide Saturday at Cleveland Ballet's Impressions of Picasso at the Akron Art Museum. Starting at Saturday at 6:00 PM, this unique performance features two ballets inspired by Picasso's Guernica and Harlequin works, embodying the spirits of their original paintings and reflecting their angles, colors, and passions through every movement. Picasso had a deep connection to dance—apparently the master artist was involved in 10 ballet productions throughout his life. Tickets are $50 for patio seating and $30 for lawn seating, making it an affordable way to experience high art under the stars. Plus, you get to say you watched ballet inspired by one of history's most famous artists. Info and Tickets Here

Sunday Afternoon Jazz Done Right 🎹

Get ready for some serious musical sophistication at the Main Library's auditorium on Sunday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM when the Joe Augustine Trio takes the stage. This isn't your typical library programming—Augustine is one of only 1,600 Steinway Artists worldwide, which basically means he's piano royalty. Along with fellow musicians Jim Rupp and Tim Powell, they'll deliver classics from the Great American Songbook, original pieces, and crowd-pleasing arrangements that have wowed audiences everywhere from symphony halls to intimate jazz clubs. The trio draws inspiration from decades of American music, creating a captivating experience that consistently leaves audiences wanting an encore. Best part? It's completely free with first-come, first-served seating, and weekend parking is free in the Market/High St. deck. Who knew the library could be this cool? Info Here

Juneteenth Celebration Returns Downtown 🎉

Save the date for Sunday from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM as the 2025 Downtown Akron Juneteenth Celebration returns to the newly renovated Lock 3 with the theme "Revisiting Our History: Reclaiming Our Community". This isn't just another festival—it's a powerful remembrance and call to action that honors the struggles of the past while actively shaping a future rooted in unity and Black excellence. The celebration will feature small-group workshops and demonstrations on preserving African American culture, financial empowerment, traditional health practices, and more. With live music, crafts, and community vendors, it's a chance to learn, celebrate, and connect with Akron's rich cultural heritage while enjoying the beautiful downtown setting. The event is free and promises to be both educational and deeply meaningful. Info Here

Akron Weekend Movie Action 🎬️ 🎥

Nightlight Theatre

Friendship
“Suburban dad Craig falls hard for his charismatic new neighbor, as Craig’s attempts to make an adult male friend threaten to ruin both of their lives.”
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
Showtimes

Highland Theatre

Lilo & Stitch
“A fugitive alien helps a lonely Hawaiian girl mend her broken family.” (Rotten Tomatoes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 69%
Showtimes

Live Music Breakdown

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

Friday

Saturday

Weather

Today

67 🌡️ 52 | ⛅️ | 25% 🌧️

Saturday

58 🌡️ 43 | 🌦️ | 40% 🌧️

Sunday

65 🌡️ 45 | ⛅️ | 1% 🌧️

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Talk to you next Friday!