Good morning, Akron.

Akron Zoo will open its renovated Primate Passage exhibit on Saturday, May 16, showcasing playful monkeys and axolotls in a South American-themed habitat; visitors will also enjoy DinoTrek featuring 30 life-size animatronic dinosaurs outdoors (this family event offers crafts and scavenger hunts).

Rep. Emilia Sykes hosted an art show at Summit Artspace in Akron honoring 39 high school artists from Ohio’s 13th Congressional District and naming Mayya Sharma as overall winner whose work will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol, with second and third placements exhibited in district offices.

Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau held the 23rd Annual Zenith Awards Luncheon on May 6 at the John S.

Knight Center, where 300 tourism and hospitality professionals honored local businesses and individuals for boosting Summit County’s visitor economy. Main Street Barberton received the Arts and Culture Impact Award (celebrating downtown revitalization).

The Akron Zoo (on May 16) will introduce new species at its Legends of the Wild area, including white-faced saki monkeys, sun conures and returning axolotls, cotton-top tamarins and golden lion tamarins.

Barberton Community Foundation launches a new Leadership Development Scholarship designed to strengthen experienced professionals through its Heart to Heart Purposeful Leadership Program in Akron.

Announced May 12, the scholarship offers matching funds (up to $2,500 per recipient) and eligible professionals can apply starting June 1 for the fall program.

Teacher Shannon Turick of Buchtel CLC runs a Love for Literacy program that pairs reading with painting and writing to spark student interest; the initiative, which has engaged over 300 students, will host a public art show + writing display on May 21 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The APS Board approved cuts to save 11 million dollars at a May 11 meeting — eliminating 17 positions while board members voiced concerns over potential impacts on students and voted against hiring a construction manager for North High School.

Council District 4 Representative Jeffrey Wilhite urged the city and State Historical Preservation Organization to include language in the MOU (memorandum of understanding) to preserve the clock at the Firestone Plant site on South Main Street, saying it honors over 100 years of community legacy after Akron’s 200th birthday celebrations.

At a Bath Township meeting on May 4, trustees honored former Fire Chief Larry Hershey (Bath’s longest-serving chief) on International Firefighters Day while approving promotions and planning projects.

The board also announced events, including Spring Into Nature With STEM on May 17 and park board meeting on May 21.

The Cavaliers won Game 5 in Detroit on May 13 with key contributions from Max Strus + James Harden, taking a 3-2 series lead and setting up Game 6 on May 16 at Rocket Arena.

Red Tie Affair

6 p.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Akron Fairlawn — Sponsorships starting at $500 — An engaging gala with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and memorable auctions.

Michael Martin Murphey Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Kent Stage — Ticket prices vary — Experience the musical journey of Michael Martin Murphey as he blends Pop, Country, Western, and Bluegrass.

Susie Everiss Live at Picklebacks

7-11 p.m. — Pickleback's Medina — Cost info unavailable — Experience an amazing night of music with Susie Everiss and sound engineer Nigel Pinnell.

Memorial Day Celebration

7 a.m.-3 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Park — Free entry — Enjoy a pancake breakfast, a parade, a ceremony, and a car show while honoring Memorial Day.

DJ Dracula Returns

7-11 p.m. — Musica — Free entry — Enjoy classic alternative, new wave, and punk vinyl spun by DJ Dracula for a fun night out.

Graveridden with Wasted Society and Dead Beat Horse

8-11 p.m. — Musica — $10 online / $12 at the door — Experience a night of live music with local rock bands.

Mosaic Lamp Workshop in Akron

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Cambria Hotel Akron - Canton Airport — All materials included — Create a stunning Turkish mosaic lamp while enjoying traditional tea and treats.

#inviteHER Golf Celebration at Firestone Country Club

2:30-8 p.m. — Firestone Country Club — Ticket includes golf or clinics and dinner — Celebrate women's golf with a fun afternoon of games and camaraderie.

R&B Sing-Along at House Three Thirty

7:30-11 p.m. — House Three Thirty — General admission with VIP upgrades available — Enjoy a lively R&B sing-along with DJ Mr. King and exclusive seating options.

Kids’ Pokémon Club

6-7 p.m. — Canal Fulton Public Library — Free registration required — Calling all Pokémon Trainers for a fun meet-up bringing cards and camaraderie.