Daily
Akron
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
Good morning, Akron. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 28th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Akron Zoo announced plans for a $21 million, 16-acre expansion next to its Pride of Africa area that will add giraffe, wildebeest + ostrich habitats, an event space, a family ride and retail areas. Groundbreaking is set for this summer with two years expected for construction. Cleveland.com
- ➤ The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank kicked off its 35th annual Harvest for Hunger campaign on Feb. 27 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. Campaign co-chairs (Abbey Linville, Ron Paydo and Colleen Benson) led keynote addresses to boost community support. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ The Akron Zoo is planning a major expansion of its Pride of Africa exhibit by adding giraffe and ostrich habitats and a new 30 ft ADA tower ride. A public hearing for the permit is scheduled on March 9th and, if approved, work will begin this summer. WKYC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Western Reserve Academy will expand its makerspace with a 16,000 sqft addition to boost food innovation and interdisciplinary learning, thanks to a $5M gift from the CJ Wang Foundation. Groundbreaking is scheduled for June 5 as part of the school’s Bicentennial Celebration. Cleveland.com
- ➤ Dominique Waters of Akron Sneaker Academy discussed the organization’s goals and announced its upcoming program Saving Soles — a new initiative designed to offer training and support for local youth. Akron Beacon Journal
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Ohio residents have seen their average natural gas bills double since 2020, with rates rising by 84% for CenterPoint, Columbia Gas, and Enbridge customers since May 2024. Regulators cite cold weather and market demands (NYMEX data) as key factors behind the surge. Signal Akron
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said city demolition plans for the historic Firestone plant don't put state grant funds in jeopardy as revisions are due by June 30. The city will rework options discussed in recent meetings to meet grant conditions (including preserving key landmarks). Akron Beacon Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ned Randall (former Akron North High basketball star who played for the Generals) died on Feb. 23 at age 91; a memorial service is planned for March 7 at Hennessy-Bagnoli-Moore Funeral Home in Akron. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Akron and Kent State men’s basketball teams faced off Friday, Feb. 27 at the M.A.C. Center in a heated rivalry game; Akron led with a 23-5 conference record while Kent State sought to break their six-game series loss. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ After adjusting his swing with a toe tap in September, Bo Naylor helped the Guardians secure a division crown and boost production. This winter he refined his technique further and is expected to drive more runs on Opening Day. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ High school wrestling sectionals kick off today in the Greater Akron area with 18 tournaments in Divisions I, II and III. Local schools will host teams and returning champions as athletes vie in qualifiers for five district tournaments. Akron Beacon Journal
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Meet The Maker Mixer
5-7 p.m. — The Well CDC — Free entry — Experience local culinary delights while supporting community food entrepreneurs and enjoying live music.
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Shrek The Musical
7:30 p.m. — Weathervane Playhouse — Check venue for pricing — Enjoy a delightful family tale of an ogre's journey and fairy tale misfits.
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Man of La Mancha
3-4 p.m. — Ohio Shakespeare Festival — Ticket prices vary — Immerse yourself in the classic tale of hope and imagination through the vibrant performance of Man of La Mancha.
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Canstruction Awards Reception
4-7:30 p.m. — Circle of 5ths — RSVP required — Celebrate creativity in canned food art and enjoy a lively networking happy hour.
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Sip & Stitch Craft Night
6:30-8 p.m. — HiHO Brewing Co. — Cost varies — Enjoy a cozy evening of knitting, crocheting, and sewing while sipping craft beers.
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Iris Blue Live
8-11 p.m. — Musica — $12 online / $15 at the door — Enjoy an evening of indie rock with Chicago’s Iris Blue and support from local favorites.
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Akron Mini Renaissance Festival
5 PM - 1 AM — The Green Dragon Inn — $15 per day — Celebrate with costumes, vendors, and live entertainment at Akron’s vibrant Renaissance Festival.
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Ballet Excel Ohio Presents: Aladdin
2-5 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Family-friendly event — Experience the enchanting ballet adaptation of Aladdin with stunning performances and a journey of love and adventure.
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An Evening with Terry Virts
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Canton Palace Theatre — $0.00 - $75.00 — Hear astronaut Terry Virts share insights from his space missions and photography adventures.
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I’D LIKE TO GO HOME NOW Album Release
7-8 p.m. — The Rialto Theatre — $5 surcharge for under 21 — Experience the unique blend of folk and rock as I’d Like to Go Home Now celebrates their debut album with local acts.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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