Good morning, Akron.

The former Stow-Glen site on Kent Road will host Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, and a Sheetz gas station by year-end, with the gas station building measuring 6,200 sqft (with six pumps) and two retail buildings also planned but not yet confirmed.

Northside Marketplace will close permanently on July 31 due to unsustainable finances, leaving vendors with pending debts.

Vendors can apply for spaces at The Mercantile Akron, which will open in September — offering a fresh opportunity for local makers and artisans.

Akron Zoo was evacuated Saturday after a bomb threat was reported just after 3 p.m., and Akron Police and Fire are assessing the situation while the zoo remains closed.

Air quality has improved across Ohio after Friday’s record smog, but Akron’s levels remain unhealthy for sensitive groups.

A thin plume of smoke will hit central Ohio later today & forecasts predict moderate conditions returning early next week.

The 88th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby took place Saturday, July 18 at Derby Downs, where young racers and families gathered to enjoy the competition—photos capture spirited moments and classic memorabilia from the event.

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.

Cleveland Orchestra - Schumann's Second Symphony

7-10 p.m. — Blossom Music Center — Tickets required — Experience the emotional depth of Schumann’s Second Symphony performed by the renowned Cleveland Orchestra.

Summer Parks 2026—Goodyear Metro

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Sledding Hill at Goodyear Heights Metro Park — Free entry — Experience the Akron Symphony Orchestra performing classic masterpieces under the stars.