Good morning, Akron.

Two Akron residents, Andrew Novak and Dominique Waters, were chosen as Knight Emerging City Champions for 2025-26 and will join a three-day workshop in Toronto this August to plan creative projects that serve Akron’s needs.

Novak’s project, AK Run-Around, is a downtown scavenger hunt that connects residents—while Waters will launch SOLE Box—a sneaker culture pop-up offering youth learning opportunities.

Justin Guyton turned his life around after 14 years in prison by opening Rubber City Bargains at 550 Canton Road in Akron’s Ellet neighborhood to offer discounted essentials with dignity.

He will host a back-to-school drive where kids shop using Bargain Bucks — donations are accepted through Aug. 17 with supplies distributed on Aug. 18.

A surge in whooping cough cases is putting children at risk as vaccination rates fall, with the CDC predicting nearly 70,000 cases in 2025.

Dr. Mark Evans at Akron Children's urges parents to stick to the vaccination schedule to help prevent severe illness and hospital stays (including ICU admissions).

Health officials reported West Nile Virus was found at a cemetery in Portage County—other nearby sites in Kent were also affected, and they advise residents to take precautions against mosquitoes.

Nelly, Ja Rule & Eve Concert

12:00 PM - 7:59 PM — Blossom Music Center — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 25 years of hip-hop with Nelly, Ja Rule, and Eve at an unforgettable concert experience.

Cuyahoga County Fair

12-11 PM — Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds RV Park — Admission fees may apply — Celebrate agriculture, livestock, music, and food while enjoying family and community activities.

All the Many

7-9 p.m. — Mercedes Neighborhood Tavern — Free entry — Discover a new band performing a diverse arrangement of music.

Live Music with Ben Clark

6:30-9:00 p.m. — Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery — Wine and beer available — Enjoy live music outdoors while sipping on refreshing drinks.

FREE Summer Parks Concert at Lock 3

7:30-9 p.m. — Lock 3 Park — Free entry — Enjoy a night of beautiful music performed by the Akron Symphony Orchestra in the heart of Akron's great outdoors.

Afternoon Ninja Activity

12:30-4 p.m. — Super Ninja World — Pricing info not specified — Engage in super fun ninja activities designed for ages 6-14.

Forgotten History Forum Series

6-8 p.m. — Akron-Summit County Public Library — Free admission — Discover the gripping history of the Mercury spacesuit crafted in Akron and its impact on space exploration.

Stretch Social with Flo

6-7:30 p.m. — Lone Spruce Area for Sand Run Metro Park — Free entry — Unwind and reconnect with a gentle outdoor stretch session for all bodies.

City of Invention Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — The Rialto Theatre — Tickets available — Experience heartfelt lyrics and soulful harmonies from local indie bands.

LITFRANK Live in Akron, OH

7 PM – 12 AM — The Vortex — Meet & greets available — Experience an unforgettable night with LITFRANK and a lineup of rising stars in alt-rap and hip-hop.