Good morning, Akron.

Heinen's announced it will close its iconic downtown location soon + the longtime store has served local shoppers and its closure will pave the way for redevelopment plans.

Retailers in Akron are restocking hemp-based THC drinks after a court order allowed sales outside dispensaries, with Buckeye Smoke Shop and Mustard Seed Market & Cafe among those adding the items.

The drinks will be available until a temporary order expires on June 29 (with federal changes coming in November).

Green Family Funzone, a family entertainment center that closed in May due to financial problems, is now set for private sale after Huntington National Bank canceled its sheriff's sale, with a new sale timeline pending.

The property at 4800 Massillon Road covers 3.26 acres and includes a 2400 sqft restaurant.

The All-American Burger & BBQ Festival will take place at Lock 3 downtown Akron from July 2 to 4, running from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.

The event offers various food vendors, live music & a free kids zone with activities and fireworks on Saturday.

Former Akron Public Schools supervisor Darian Johnson filed an appeal in Summit County Common Pleas Court on June 26 to seek reinstatement and back pay after his termination, with his attorney arguing that the district’s process was biased — raising concerns about fairness in handling employee disputes.

I-77 in Akron and Coventry Township is closed nightly between 10 p.m. and 5 p.m. until July 3 for removal of the US 224 bridge deck (detours are provided for both directions).

The Ohio Department of Transportation says repairs are expected to last until June 2028.

Akron's Summit Lake Community Center (380 W.

Crosier Street) will extend its hours from Tuesday, June 30 to Thursday, July 2 to serve as a cooling center for residents from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

On June 26, 2026, the Walsh Jesuit softball team was named Akron Area Girls Team of the Year for 2025-26 after receiving 1,373 votes (54.62% of total).

The Cosmic Takeover Tour returns to downtown Akron today at 7 17 Credit Union Park with a glow-in-the-dark baseball game that features UV lighting, neon equipment, fan-voted challenges, and a mini home-run derby after every inning.

The unique event is part of a three-game stint by the Tri-City Chili Peppers.

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.

Derek Hough Performance

8 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Ticket options available — Enjoy an evening with acclaimed performer Derek Hough.