Daily
Akron
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Akron. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The GAR Foundation approved nearly $2 million in grants on May 19 to 24 nonprofits supporting arts, education and community services in Akron, including the Akron Art Museum and Youth Success Summit (among others). Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Barberton Municipal Court Judge Todd McKenney received the Ohio Bar Medal on May 20 for his community work as a judge and civic leader. He is honored for his long legal career and service on boards like the YMCA and Akron Bar Association. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Hundreds attended a rigatoni dinner on May 20 at the Army Navy 250 Club — in Coventry Township — to support the Laudato family after a plane crash destroyed their home; community members also set up a Meal Train and Amazon wish list to help replace lost belongings. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ Heintz Hillcrest Park was chosen as this year’s sole Akron Parks Challenge winner during Mayor Shammas Malik’s State of the City address and will receive $150,000 for improvements in Firestone Park — where the Akron Parks Collaborative and local residents will later set project priorities. Signal Akron
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A Polymer Industry Cluster adviser highlighted regional successes that attracted new companies as UA prepares a polymer project and leaders at Akron City Hall consider a redevelopment plan. Akron Beacon Journal
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Akron Zoo will host its inaugural Grand Ren Faire May 23-25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the zoo; the event offers live entertainment, themed games, a costume contest and optional add-on adventures. Cleveland.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On May 20, a pair of coyotes set up a den outside Firestone Metro Park, so park officials advised residents to avoid the pedestrian entrance via Harrington Road to prevent disturbance (also urging removal of outdoor food sources if coyotes are seen). Akron Beacon Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Visitors to Blossom Music Center and Porthouse Theatre should check for delays as summer construction projects in Cuyahoga Falls may slow traffic. Projects include road improvements, a landslide closure on Akron-Peninsula Road, and work on a new fire station on Bath and Northampton roads. Akron Beacon Journal
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Green Dragon Inn (downtown Akron) offers modern medieval dining, board games and Dungeons and Dragons in a space that blends old-time charm with modern tastes. Akron Beacon Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Cavaliers suffered a 115+104 loss to the Knicks on May 20 at Madison Square Garden after blowing a 22-point lead, and they will regroup today to prepare for Game 2. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ OHSAA expanded Greater Akron high school track and field postseason to five divisions with upcoming district and regional meets that lead to a four-day state meet from June 4 to 7 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus — advancement rules differ by division. Akron Beacon Journal
- ➤ On May 15, the North American Tree Climbing Championship took place at Davey Tree Expert Company's SEED Campus in Kent, where 71 competitors tested their skills in belayed speed climbs, ascents, and rescue challenges (photos capture the action). Akron Beacon Journal
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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#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.
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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.
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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.
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Sow and Grow Festival
10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Hale Farm & Village — $15 adults, $8 children — Experience a 19th-century farm with historic crafts, plant sales, and local artisan goods.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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