Good morning, Akron.

Blessings in a Backpack, a food program in Green Local Schools for 13 years that has delivered over 200,000 bags of food, will relocate to a space provided by Goodwill Industries of Akron after Green Intermediate School is demolished in May to build a new middle school.

Volunteers who pack 6,000 to 10,000 items every few weeks will continue the service until the program later moves to a new bus garage in the 2026-2027 school year.

Akron will celebrate its bicentennial with the Heart of Akron Festival on July 3 and 4 downtown — the free event will feature local art, music, food and fireworks along with the Goodyear Bicentennial Downtown Parade.

The celebration continues on July 5 with a homecoming event at Lock 3 as part of the full Bicentennial Signature Celebration Week.

Portage Lakes patrons will have the opportunity to join the Paddle the Lakes challenge this summer by visiting at least five water bodies to engage in activities such as swimming, boating, paddling, or fishing—participants then submit a form at the Portage Lakes Branch Library for an exclusive sticker. The challenge, organized by Summit Soil and Water in collaboration with local agencies, will help encourage residents to discover and protect the lakes.

Local officials from ODOT, the Summit County Engineer’s Office and Summit County Council visited the state Route 8 bridge project on April 3 and saw the new bridge next to the old one built in 1953 that serves over 114,000 vehicles daily.

The tour helped them discuss the project’s scope and share ideas for the planned High-Level Bridge replacement in Akron—aiming to boost safety and traffic flow.

The Ohio Department of Health confirmed 20 measles cases in the state—11 in Ashtabula, seven in Knox, and one each in Allen and Holmes counties—as of Thursday.

Health experts say measles is extremely contagious and warn that low vaccination rates could extend the outbreak for up to a year.

Live Music with Aaron Stanley

6:30-9 p.m. — Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery — Reasonably priced — Enjoy an evening of live music featuring local talents in a cozy, heated pavilion.

Brit Floyd Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying tribute to Pink Floyd with a spectacular light and laser show.

U.S. Army Field Band Concert

7-9 p.m. — Goodyear Theater — Free entry — Experience a video-integrated concert journeying to the edge of the known universe with music and visuals from the U.S. Army Field Band.

Dancing Conversation: Generational Exchange

5:30-7 p.m. — Cummings Center for the History of Psychology — Free entry — Engage in dynamic dialogues between seasoned and emerging artists in the dance community.

Blue Hour Concert featuring The Buffalo Ryders and Adam J. Snyder

7-10:30 p.m. — The Rialto Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy an exciting night of live music with three talented acts at Akron's premier venue.

Egg-stra Wild Egg Hunt

8:30-10:00 a.m. — Akron Zoo — Family-friendly event — Kids will enjoy a fun-filled egg hunt at the zoo!

PBA Tournament of Champions

12:30-5:30 p.m. — AMF Riviera Lanes — Ticket info available — Experience thrilling competition with the world's top bowlers.

Race Judicata 5K Run

5-7 p.m. — University of Akron School of Law — Proceeds benefit the Akron Bar Foundation — Participate in a charity 5K and support local scholarships.

The Gray Beard Band with The Skoolies

7-10:30 p.m. — The Rialto Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy a lively mix of classic hits and original alternative rock tunes.

Ohio Contemporary Ballet Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — EJ Thomas Hall — Ticket required — Experience an enchanting evening honoring the legacy of choreographer Heinz Poll with celebrated pieces including the iconic Bolero.