Good morning, Akron.

OPEN M, a nonprofit in South Akron serving over 76,000 people a year since 1968, offers free groceries, health clinics, and employment support and provided one million pounds of food last year—it will host events this month with Mountain of Food today from 9 to 11 a.m., Grab and Go Lunches on July 21-25 and 28-31, a community cookout on July 24, and its annual OPEN Your Heart Breakfast on Sept. 10.

Residents in Akron and Cuyahoga Falls reported plant thefts from porches and a church when a suspect took potted flowers early in the morning, and police have not made any arrests yet—residents remain upset over the repeated crimes.

Three-year-old Elijah Friszman of Richfield published his book 'Cuyahoga Choo-Choo' inspired by his love for the scenic railroad through Cuyahoga Valley and illustrated by his mother Ashley, with proceeds going toward his future education.

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is helping with sales at Peninsula Depot + the family visits the park often to see his yellow train.

The Vintage Soap Box Derby Car Show will take place today at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Akron from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event nearly lost its lineup when severe floods in Texas threatened Ken Cline’s plans—his hilltop home kept his collection safe—and he drove at 9 p.m. to bring the vintage cars to Akron.

The Akron African American Cultural Festival — celebrating its 45th year at Lock 3 — will feature live performances, vendors, free haircuts and health screenings on a three-day schedule with concerts starting today from 5 to 9 and continuing Saturday and Sunday from noon to 9.

In addition, the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition will lead a two-hour guided canoe ride on Summit Lake with groups departing at 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. (registration is $15 for youth and $35 for adults) while the Akron Art Museum hosts Family Day: Water on Sunday at 11 a.m. with water activities for families.

Akron Public Schools will soon begin construction at the Buchtel Community Learning Center stadium to upgrade the press box—adding a new concession stand, restrooms, and improved game-day operations for teams and fans.

Phase one is expected to finish by the first home game this fall, and phase two will be completed by the first home game in 2026.

At the July 14 meeting, Fairlawn City Council reappointed Tonja Caldwell—valued for her long service—so she can continue working with unchanged duties and pay starting Aug.

1. The council also approved a resolution to obtain bids for the North South Trail Project and postponed Ridgewood Road rezoning hearings until Aug. 18.

Four Summit County beaches are under a high E. coli advisory after public health tests showed bacteria levels above safe limits—Silver Lake Estates has been listed since July 10.

Rex Lake, Wyoga Lake, and Crystal Lake were added to the advisory list on July 17 to help keep swimmers safe.

Halfway to Christmas Expo

10 AM – 4 PM — John S. Knight Center — $1 donation at the door — Celebrate Christmas halfway with festive vendors, food, and fun activities.

Uncle Tito's Mexican Grill 10th Anniversary Celebration

2-5 p.m. — Uncle Tito's Mexican Grill — Free registration — Celebrate with cars, music, food, and fun for the whole family.

Stretch Social with Flo

10:00 – 11:30 PM — Outdoor Space — Free entry — A gentle stretch session for relaxation and community connection.

Idolos, Orion's Sword, Wendy's Ash Concert

7-11 p.m. — Musica — $10 — Experience local rock talent with Idolos and Orion's Sword alongside Wendy's Ash.

Parcours Hike and Picnic

10 a.m. — Sand Run Metroparks — Free registration required — Enjoy a refreshing hike followed by a relaxing picnic with your packed lunch.

Club Car / Pepsi SP #6 Golf Tournament

Event Time — Portage Country Club — Cost Info — Participate in an exciting golf tournament at a scenic venue.

Euchre Game Night

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Kenmore Community Center — Free entry — A friendly afternoon of card-playing excitement awaits enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Twins Days Festival

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Glenn Chamberlin Park — Check official website for entry fees — Celebrate the joy of twins with a fun-filled festival featuring highlights from past events.

Summit County Amateur Championship

Aug 2-3 — J. E Good Park Golf Course — Entry via registration — Compete in a prestigious amateur golf championship held annually since 1974.

Summer Parks Concert by the Akron Symphony Orchestra

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Firestone Park Community Center — Free entry — Experience beautiful music in the great outdoors of Akron at this beloved community event.