Good morning, Akron.

The City of Akron will host its Blue Heron Homecoming festival tomorrow, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ohio Canal Interceptor Tunnel and Mustill Store (168 Otto St).

The free zero-waste event will feature runs, tours, a beer garden, live music, a raffle and free lunch.

Akron’s former Central-Hower High School will be transformed into H + ART, a workspace featuring 34 studios, 14 office suites, two gyms and an auditorium for entrepreneurs.

Developers Kyle Craven and Carmen Scaccio will buy the 250,000 sqft building at $2.25 million, with move-in expected by 2027.

Guido's Pizza and Catering in Ravenna is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a block party on July 19 from noon to 9 p.m. Several nearby streets will close for a car show, live music, games, and food specials that honor its secret family recipes (dating from 1966).

The City of Akron will host its 52nd Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival from July 24 through Aug.

8, offering free professional dance performances and community programs in public parks. Three Ohio dance companies will perform and lead workshops, including Saturday yoga sessions and masterclasses at UA.

The city closed its two outdoor pools at Perkins Woods and Reservoir Park around 2 p.m. Thursday due to very unhealthy air quality from Canadian wildfires and canceled the 7 p.m. concert at the Ed Davis Community Center.

Summit County Domestic Relations Court introduced a new program to help children cope with divorce — child life specialist Gracie Nielsen explained the initiative's support to guide kids through family change.

A group of Akron residents in Copley-Maple and East Akron is working on safer street solutions following Tuesday’s launch of the Akron Safe Streets 4 All Program; city officials now seek input via ward meetings & surveys to guide a plan that cuts traffic injuries.

Summit County Public Health reported cyclosporiasis cases jumped from 4 to 65 since early July plus Ohio now has 421 cases, with officials urging residents to wash produce and seek treatment if symptoms occur.

Spirit of Motherhood sister circles led by Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett help Black perinatal women reduce stress and anxiety through community-based sessions.

Funded by local grants and operating (9) sites including Akron, the program offers mental health support and strengthens community ties.

A Beacon Journal photographer joined veteran Soap Box Derby drivers on July 16 and called the 989.4-foot descent amazing — the derby began on July 12 and runs until July 18, with a Vintage Car Show in Akron on July 16 at St. Matthew Church’s recreation center at 2580 Berne St.

Akron's Dragon Dream Team, Ohio’s first all breast cancer survivor dragon boat team, will race tomorrow at Portage Lakes State Park in a festival featuring 20-person teams in Corporate, Community + Breast Cancer Survivor divisions before heading in August to represent Akron at the IBCPC Participatory Festival in France.

Several Greater Akron high school baseball players were named to the 2026 All-Ohio teams by the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association on Thursday, July 16 — featuring talents from Walsh Jesuit and Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy.

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.

Snapology Robotics Workshop

1:30-5:30 p.m. — Northwest Akron Branch Library — Free entry — Build, code, and create machines with robotics and Legos for ages 7-12.

East Nash Grass Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — G.A.R. Hall — Cost info not provided — Experience tight harmonies and stellar picking from the acclaimed East Nash Grass band.

Meadow Music Concert Series

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Crown Point Ecology Center — Free entry — Experience live music by Richfield Circus in a scenic outdoor setting.