Good morning, Akron.

Portage County communities will celebrate America's 250th with parades, festivals, concerts and fireworks.

Aurora, Hiram, Kent, Ravenna and Streetsboro host family-friendly events between July 3 and July 11 (some activities start early on July 3).

During the May 27 meeting in Firestone Park, Judge Joy Malek Oldfield explained that free legal aid from Community Legal Aid and a Turning Point drug rehab program—with a 90% success rate and YMCA wellness passes—are available for low-income residents and nonviolent offenders.

Marcus King Band will perform at The Agora on Wednesday, Jun.

24 — the group reunites as King prepares to release his album Darling Blue on Sept. 26 and begins an international tour.

Local Beacon Journal readers share memories of defunct retailers like Radio Shack, Miracle Mart (and Click) that once served Akron.

They recall how these stores shaped community shopping experiences and contributed to a vibrant local past.

University of Akron alumna Chrissy Martin debuts her poetry collection 'Whole, Holy, Hot' on June 21, blending dark humor with themes of identity, disability, and pop culture (priced at $18), while Illinois author Marlene Targ Brill launches a biography of local astronaut Judith Resnik for young readers.

Highland Square’s Leonora Hall and Francesca Residence, owned by the Daughters of Divine Charity (Staten Island), will be auctioned July 13-15 online via Ten-X with an opening bid of $700k at the corner of North Portage Path and Edgerton Road.

Family Storytime at the Library

10:30 – 11:30 AM — Northwest Akron Branch Library — Free entry — Experience a delightful morning of storytelling and learning for families in the community.

Parade

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Weathervane Playhouse — Tickets starting at $95 — Experience the unforgettable live performance of Parade in Akron, OH.

Live Music with Teddy Rob

6-9 p.m. — The Piazza at Gervasi Vineyard — Cost info not provided — Experience the rising country star Teddy Robb as he performs in a beautiful vineyard setting.

Canton Comedy Boom Variety Show

8-9:30 p.m. — Canton Comedy Boom — $16.50 online / $20 at door — Experience a high-energy mix of stand-up, sketch, improv, and musical comedy featuring talented local performers.

Preschool Field Day

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Northwest Akron Branch Library — Free entry — Enjoy outdoor lawn games and water activities at this family-friendly event.

R&B Sing-Along Night at House Three Thirty

7:30-11 p.m. — House Three Thirty — General Admission — Enjoy a lively R&B sing-along led by DJ Mr. King with food and drink options available.

Star Spangled Bangerz 3

9 p.m.-3 a.m. — The Vortex — Refunds available up to 7 days before — Akron's annual 4th of July bash featuring M8TRX and more!

Parade The Musical

2:30-5:30 p.m. — Weathervane Playhouse — Tickets from $64 — Experience the unforgettable live musical Parade in Akron.

Space Exploration Camp

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Akron Fossils & Science Center — Fees apply — Discover the exciting history of the space race through interactive activities and learning.

The James Hunter Six Live in Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Kent Stage — Tickets available — Experience the soulful rhythms of James Hunter and his six-piece band as they perform songs from their new album.