Good morning, Akron.

Upcoming *community events* bring a busy summer and fall, with a women’s luncheon on July 22 in Chagrin Falls, a Bingo fundraiser on July 25 in Cuyahoga Falls, and National Night Out on Aug.

4, plus additional picnics, walks and raffles through October.

Akron's Northside Marketplace will close on Thursday, July 31, leaving 140 vendors scrambling due to unsustainable finances.

Leaders urge community support and note that many vendors (including artisans) are expected to move to the new Mercantile (at Cascade Plaza) in September.

Local readers shared nostalgic memories of long-gone retailers — from Thom McAn to Zayre — in a Beacon Journal article published July 19 that examines Akron’s vibrant commercial past.

Retired Akron pediatrician Carrie Rubin released her mystery novel 'The Missing Au Pair' (a dark Paris tale drawn from her au pair experiences in the 1980s) yesterday and it is available for $14.99 from Indigo Dot Press.

Akron Public Schools Superintendent Mary Outley earned an exemplary evaluation from the board after her first full year — she met targets on budget cuts and construction oversight while boosting third-grade literacy — and the board will discuss future goals at its July 25 retreat.

Akron City Council put on hold Klutch Cannabis’s request to add a pole sign at West Market Street and Frank Boulevard after planning staff raised concerns about visual clutter (the change would promote its flagship store slated to open in August at the former Pink Petals Florist).

Guardians rookie Travis Bazzana hit his first walk-off home run during the second game of the July 18 doubleheader against the Pirates after debuting at the All-Star Game.

His two-run shot lifted the team to a 5-3 win, thrilling local fans.

Nearly 300 racers aged 7 to 20 competed on Saturday at Derby Downs during the 88th FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby; Akron’s Dawson Crum won the Masters division and Theodore McFall captured the Stock final (families traveled from near and far for the event).

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.

Nike Basketball Camp at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — St. Vincent-St. Mary High School — $320 — Improve your basketball skills at this comprehensive skills camp led by experienced coaches.