Good morning, Akron.

METRO is partnering with the Akron Zoo to offer free rides when riders show their admission ticket, aiming to reduce transportation barriers to the zoo.

The free ride option will be available during Community Days in September and at Boo at the Zoo: Ultimate Fall Fest on Oct. 19 — officials say the move builds on previous partnerships.

The Lighter-Than-Air Society will hold its 71st annual banquet and silent auction on Sept.

27 at Goodyear's Wingfoot Lake hangar in Suffield Township+doors open at 5 p.m. with a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. at 841 Wingfoot Lake Road to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Goodyear blimps+tickets cost $65 and only the first 100 reservations will be accepted.

Alfred McMoore: All This Luck in My Head will open at the Akron Art Museum on September 20 to show rarely seen outsider art by the late artist who lived in Akron and was diagnosed with schizophrenia—an exhibit that connects his troubled past with local pride—and filmmaker Todd V will screen his documentary Outside In: The Life and Art of Alfred McMoore on the eve of the opening with free admission for members and $20 for non-members.

Akron launched phase one of a 12-month Unified Early Learning System on Sept.

4 to help child care providers in Akron and Barberton improve enrollment, reduce staff turnover, and expand access to quality programs—partners include the City, GAR Foundation and Akron Community Foundation.

The City of Akron proposed raising sewer rates for the first time in over a decade starting next year.

The plan features a 5.3% annual increase from 2026 to 2029 and fixed monthly fees based on meter size — changes meant to meet EPA standards and extend sewer discounts to low-income customers.

NASA Glenn in Northeast Ohio was chosen to lead a space project that will bring nuclear power to the moon by 2030 — the project will work with private companies to build a system that produces 100 kilowatts of power and may bring billions in funding and new business to our region.

More details will be shared as the plan develops.

At a public hearing, residents and some council members argued that saving the 115-year-old Firestone plant and its iconic clock tower would honor Akron’s rubber legacy, while city officials claimed that preserving the structure would be too costly.

The Akron City Council must decide by Sept. 26 whether to spend an extra $5 million from next year’s budget to save part of the 230,400 square-foot building—an option seen as a necessary sacrifice for preserving history.

New Franklin City Council approved buying four portable restroom units for Sisler Park to be installed permanently on a concrete pad with running water and electricity in 2026—costing $25,738 for the units and a total project expense of $92,000.

The council chose this cost-effective option after comparing several restroom designs.

Akron Children’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit moved on Sept.

3 from the fourth floor to a new building at the Kay Jewelers Pavilion—this upgrade increased beds from 23 to 45 and added a dedicated Heart Unit to improve care for children and their families.

Akron native Butch Reynolds, an Olympic medalist, will appear at the 23rd FirstEnergy Akron Marathon on Sept.

26 and 27 downtown as the race introduces a new course with a finish line on South Main Street. The event includes a kids fun run, a health and fitness expo at the John S. Knight Center, and a finisher festival at Lock 3 — planned to feature live music and food trucks — that will engage local participants.

The Akron RubberDucks will change their ballpark name from Canal Park to 7 17 Credit Union Park pending approval from Akron City Council and Major League Baseball.

The naming rights deal lasts through the 2031 season—7 17 Credit Union plans to grow its local presence.

Retirement Planning Dinner Workshop

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Bricco West — Free entry — Gain essential retirement planning insights while enjoying a complimentary dinner.

Retro Rewind with The Unit Band

8:30-11 p.m. — House Three Thirty — Specialty food and drinks available — Experience live nostalgic hits in an intimate Cabaret setting.

Dave Banks Big Band Latin Jazz Night

8-11 p.m. — BLU Jazz+ — $10 cover — Experience the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Latin jazz performed by an exceptional big band.

Lunar Moth Concert

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Musica — $10 — Experience the grunge-infused sounds of Lunar Moth on their 'Even Stranger Tour' with local support acts.

Rookie to Rockstar Real Estate Event

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Shady Hollow Lodge - Sand Run Metro Park — Light bites and refreshments served — Gain insights from top agents and elevate your real estate career.

Poetry Night at House Three Thirty

7:30-10 p.m. — House Three Thirty — Specialty food and beverages available — Immerse yourself in a night of poetic expression and community creativity at this open mic event.

Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay

7 a.m. — Akron Art Museum — Registration fees apply — Experience a scenic run through Akron's historic landmarks and stunning parks.

Mentallo & The Fixer Resurrection Tour 2025

7-10 p.m. — Musica — $15 online / $20 at the door — Experience an electrifying night with Mentallo & The Fixer alongside special guests Access to Concrete and HAREN & THORLA.

Mr. Pink – Free Live Music Band

7-10 p.m. — Old 97 — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant night of live music with tunes from Mr. Pink while hanging out with friends.

Ohio Plant Show

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — John S. Knight Center — Admission details not provided — Explore a diverse collection of carnivorous plants and orchids at this exciting two-day event.