Good morning, Akron.

After facing personal struggles, Candace Tell built Empowering Queens to help women and parents in Akron.

The nonprofit holds events like Queens Night Out and plans to add a mentorship academy and healing retreat—steps that will further support local residents.

Starting Wednesday, local groups in Akron will offer free Thanksgiving meals—including giveaways of turkeys, take-home baskets and sit-down dinners at various sites—and Metro RTA will provide free rides for those showing the flyer; attendees must bring valid ID or a proxy letter when needed. Additional events on Thanksgiving Day and the following days expand these offerings to more locations across the city.

Shoppers in Akron can enjoy Kohl's early Black Friday deals now—with discounts up to 70% on bedding, cookware, and coats.

The official sale will start online on November 23 at 1:01 a.m. ET — while in-store pickup and Doorbusters resume later in November.

Maroon 5 will perform their US Fall Tour at Rocket Arena on November 24 at 8:00 p.m.—special guest Claire Rosinkranz will join them as fans cheer hits like Payphone, Moves Like Jagger, and Maps.

After a $30,000 renovation this past spring (funded by grants and local donations), the 100-plus-year-old coach house at Akron Woman’s City Club now hosts community theater group Makeshift Theater, which signed a five-year lease and held a staged reading last month.

The venue features upgraded seating donated by Akron Public Schools and improved lighting, and further enhancements are planned.

GasBuddy data early Monday showed that gas prices in Akron rose to $3.19 per gallon—a 15.5 cent increase—and those in Cleveland increased to $3.16 with a 9.4 cent jump.

Akron City Council approved a conditional-use permit that lets Akron Public Schools begin submitting design and pricing documents for a combined Pfeiffer Elementary and Miller South Schools campus in Kenmore—this $76 million project will replace old buildings.

A community meeting is set for Jan 14 and groundbreaking will occur by the second week of March so that the new school can open for students in August.

Student chefs at Garfield CLC crafted apple nachos during a career showcase on Oct 23 by using caramelized apples and cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips—demonstrating their culinary skills under teacher Jen Morales' guidance.

The dish was offered free to visitors as part of the culinary arts pathway event.

A float crafted from discarded plastic, nicknamed Bessie, drifted down the Cuyahoga River to spotlight plastic pollution in Lake Erie—drawing a small crowd.

Eddie Olschanski, founder of Trash Fish, said he will continue cleaning the river and provide free kayak rentals so everyone can help improve its health.

Akron officials decided Amerimar’s proposal was not feasible, so demolition of the historic Firestone Plant 1 Building will begin on Dec.

8 and continue bay by bay into January, February and March until it wraps up in April—while a local preservation group meets Wednesday to gather support to save one clock face that holds the city’s legacy.

Mike Reyes Live Music

6-9 p.m. — Old 97 — Good food and drinks — Mike Reyes brings the tunes for a night of great vibes.

56th Annual Red Wagon Luncheon and Boutique

9 AM – 3 PM — DoubleTree by Hilton Akron Fairlawn — Free admission — Experience a day of unique handcrafted items and a fashion show while supporting local children in need.

Local Artists Showcase

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Musica — $10 online / $12 at the door — Experience a vibrant mixed-genre showcase featuring some of NE Ohio's best local artists.

Gennesaret’s 34th Annual Home Run for the Homeless

Event Time TBA — 419 W Exchange St, Akron, OH — Registration fees apply — Participate in a meaningful race supporting families seeking to improve their lives.

Artists Sunday Weekend Shopping Event

5-9 p.m. — Lock 3 Park — Free entry — Celebrate local artists and find unique holiday gifts at this vibrant holiday market.

Akron Realtist Association Holiday Gala

5-9 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Akron — Cash bar available — Enjoy a night of music, dancing, and holiday cheer at the gala supporting first-time homebuyers.

Deck the Hall

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Free parking — Celebrate the season with holiday decorations and festive ambiance in a stunning venue.

Deck the Hall Celebration

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Free parking — Experience a festive walking tour at one of Akron's most beautiful locations.

Deck the Hall

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Free parking — Experience the festive spirit of the holiday season in a beautiful historic setting.

Deck the Hall

3-8 p.m. — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — Free parking — Immerse yourself in a festive holiday atmosphere at this enchanting event.