Good morning, Akron.

Greater Akron is preparing for Independence Day celebrations with events planned at local venues.

Highlights include the Akron RubberDucks Military Appreciation Night on July 3 at 7 17 Credit Union Park and a fireworks show on July 4 at Lock 3 (additional festivities are planned in nearby communities).

Akron announced the free All-American Burger and BBQ Festival from July 2 at 11 a.m. to July 4 at 11 p.m. at Lock 3.

The event will feature live concerts, a kids zone, and fireworks on July 5 at 9:45 p.m. + local food vendors.

The Akron Area Interfaith Council presented a ceremonial check to Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank on June 15 using $35,926 raised during Hunger Walks on May 3.

Next year’s event is scheduled for May 2, 2027.

Akron Public Schools reinstated 15 of 17 employees set for layoff and reassigned several principals as part of a budget adjustment.

LaCresia Denson will remain at Buchtel after community members urged keeping her in the role.

At the June 22 meeting, Summit County Council honored Habitat for Humanity of Summit County for its 40th anniversary and its work in affordable housing while considering a $250,000 grant for downtown South Main Street reconstruction to support job retention and economic growth.

Akron City Council approved a $465,000 contract with Keep Akron Beautiful — the nonprofit that picked up 30 tons of litter — for litter control and recycling activities during a June 22 meeting.

The group launched its Recycle Right campaign to boost curbside recycling and used 840 volunteers this year.

Fairlawn Police launched a Bike Patrol Unit this summer with two Trek e-bikes as officers Justin Herstich and Brandon Rotili patrol neighborhoods and parks (including Fairlawn Fest on July 11) while offering free ice cream coupons to children showing bike safety and funding came from capital improvement allocations.

A Kent State grad shared that switching to a flip phone cut her screen time from nine hours to 20 minutes, reporting a clearer mind and more genuine connections.

A U of Akron student has also adjusted daily habits for improved productivity (per local expert Eric Sotnak).

The Cavaliers drafted Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas at No. 34 in the 2026 NBA Draft and set their roster for free agency starting June 30 (players can sign contracts at 12:01 p.m. July 6).

The team will make further decisions on pending free agents soon.

John Orenchuk, a 38-year-old Special Olympics athlete, will run a one-mile race tomorrow as part of the Akron Marathon Race Series (presented by Summa Health) that includes a family start and wheelchair division.

His training with coach Chad Palmer has helped him break personal records.

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.

Dave Banks Big Band Performs Bond Themes

8-11 p.m. — BLU Jazz+ — $— Experience the exciting music of '007' with the 17-piece Dave Banks Big Band at BluJazz.

The Desert Song

3:00 – 5:30 PM — Firestone Theatre — Check event page for ticket prices — Experience a musical masterpiece for the first time in Akron in 75 years.

Art in Motion

2-3 p.m. — Northwest Akron Branch Library — Registration required — Enjoy a creative afternoon of exploration through various art techniques for children.