Good morning, Akron.

Child Guidance & Family Solutions will host Growing Up Akron (6 to 9 p.m. Aug.

8 at Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. in Akron) featuring food, drinks, a silent auction and music by Roxxymoron to support community mental health. GAR Foundation is set to receive the Friend of Children Award (honoring Mary Briggs posthumously) at the event.

Downtown Akron will host the Heart of Akron Festival from July 3 to 5 at Lock 3, where food, music, and fireworks along with a July 5 parade will bring the city together.

City offices will close on July 4, and vendors including Pigfoot BBQ and Lady T’s Soul Food will support the 200th birthday celebrations—key events as Akron marks its Fourth of July and bicentennial festivities.

On June 25, a panel hosted by local groups met at the downtown Akron-Summit County Public Library to discuss what school board members do and the challenges they face.

Panelists (Reno Contipelli, Ana Chapman, and Malia Lewis) explained how state mandates and funding issues affected public schools (including budget and local tax concerns).

Lynne Tracy (a Barberton native) left her post as U.S. ambassador to Russia on June 27 after serving during a very hard time in U.S.-Russia relations during the Ukraine war.

She was appointed by President Biden and worked to free American citizens (including a journalist and a former Marine) through a prisoner swap.

Akron won its fifth National Civic League All-America City Award over the weekend in Denver; Mayor Shammas Malik said the honor is a special birthday gift as the city nears its 200th anniversary.

Akron native LeBron James exercised his $52.6 million option with the Los Angeles Lakers for his 23rd NBA season—adding to his record as the league's all-time leading scorer— and will work to bolster the team's championship hopes.

Whole Telly Takeover

12 PM — Radisson Hotel Akron/Fairlawn — Tickets available — Experience Ohio’s largest pool party and a pre-holiday extravaganza with DJ performances and luxurious amenities.

Akron RubberDucks vs. Erie Sea Wolves

6:35-10:35 p.m. — Canal Park — Tickets apply — Catch a thrilling matchup as the RubberDucks take on the Sea Wolves on this festive night.

Sample the City

2-6 p.m. — Lock 3 Park — $40 ticket includes food samples and a beverage — Experience a flavorful journey through the local culinary scene with live music following the event.

Chad Baker, Lea Marra & The River Boys, Lily Unless & The If Onlys Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — Musica — $12 — Enjoy lively swampy-tonk and country music from local and New Orleans-based artists.

One Full Day Monday

12:30-4 p.m. — Super Ninja World — Cost Info — Experience a fun-filled afternoon of ninja activities for ages 6-14.

Towpath Trail Tour #7

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Memorial Parkway Trailhead — Free entry — Explore the scenic Towpath Trail followed by food and drinks at Lock 15 Brewing Company.

John Brown & Carter Dockerty at Canton Comedy Boom

8-9:30 p.m. — Canton Comedy Boom — $15 presale / $20 at door — Enjoy a night of laughs with co-headliners John Brown and Carter Dockerty, hosted by the talented Jo Rou.

One Half Day Morning Event

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Super Ninja World — $35.00 — Enjoy a fun half-day event at a top-rated venue perfect for families and kids.

Larry Alltop Live Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Mercedes Neighborhood Tavern — No cover charge — Experience the musical talents of the amazing Larry Alltop in a cozy tavern setting.

Akron Trail Marathon

7 AM — Memorial Parkway Trailhead — Entry Fee $40-$90 — Experience a scenic trail marathon through downtown and the beautiful Metro Parks.