Good morning, Akron.

Kavé Coffee Bar in Barberton is partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Summit County to support affordable housing throughout July when 15%+ of sales from its S'more Than A Home beverage will be donated to the nonprofit; the drink blends vanilla+toasted marshmallow with chocolate mocha for a campfire-inspired taste.

Kyle Craven, Carmen Scaccio and partners plan to convert the former Central-Hower high school into H+art, a creative space for local arts in Akron.

Applications for ArtsNow’s 2026 Placemaking Project Grants open Aug.

1 to support community arts projects across Summit County, offering up to $10,000 in funding. Akron has committed $25,000 to local projects as applications close Aug. 16 at 11:59 p.m. with notifications coming in early October.

Justin Bell opened Bell's Barber College at 3333 Manchester Road on May 1 to train new barbers and licensed cosmetologists (nine students are enrolled now).

The program prepares students for state board exams while offering flexible, open enrollment for those seeking self-employment in the trade.

Akron Children’s Hospital is partnering with Sonar Mental Health to give teens 24/7 text-based coaching for emotional support (free after a provider referral) at five pediatric practices, and will expand the tool to all 47 practices within the next year.

Nirali Schrader of Akron Henna Art created free henna crowns for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to honor her parents; Strongsville patient Joanne Messeri said the art restored her confidence on Thursday, June 25.

Health officials report that a cyclospora outbreak affecting more than 500 Ohio residents (306 cases in Lucas County so far) calls for careful washing of produce to prevent infection, as over 3,000 cases have been identified in Michigan and Ohio since late June.

The Giant Eagle site at 290 E.

Aurora Road in Northfield Center Township sold for over $10.7 million on July 6 to FVR Ohio LLC (owned by FrontView REIT), following Kroger's $1.65 billion deal for Giant Eagle. No plans for the site have been announced.

The 88th Soap Box Derby is underway in Akron, with preliminary races starting today and championship heats set for Saturday, July 18.

About 300 young racers and their families will gather at Derby Downs for a week featuring a welcome party and open house.

Derek Hough Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Akron Civic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of dancing and entertainment with Derek Hough.

Richie Furay Concert

7:30 – 10:30 PM — The Kent Stage — $36.17 to $55.52 — Celebrate a music legend with Richie Furay's latest country album showcase after 60 years in the industry.

Thunderchief at The Matinee

7-11:30 p.m. — The Matinee — Ticket info pending — Thunderchief returns to Akron for an electrifying live performance with Radian.

Flight of the Heron 5K & Fun Run

Flight of the Heron 5K & Fun Run — Saturday — Akron, Ohio — Registration fee applies — A fun community run with options for kids and adults alike in a scenic road course.

BIG VINYL SALE! Cleveland South Record Riot

10 AM-4 PM — Woodside Event Center at St Michael's — Free entry — Dive into a vibrant vinyl digging party featuring LPs, CDs, and family fun.

Dance Intensive Program

All day — Weathervane Playhouse — Prices vary — Enhance your dance skills with personalized instruction from professional choreographers.

Santino Sings Live

7-11 p.m. — Firestone Country Club — Tickets available — Experience powerhouse vocals and soulful songwriting from international artist Santino Tomasetti.

Casey James Live in Akron

Evening — The Vortex — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night with Casey James, a standout from American Idol Season 9.

Perfectly Polite Dining Etiquette Class

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — M Italian — Cost information not provided — Enhance your dining skills with an etiquette class covering table settings and various cuisines.

Free Water Family Day

12-3 p.m. — Akron Art Museum — Free entry — Enjoy a splash-filled creative day with art activities and fun water play.