Events in Akron today

Brought back in response to strong community demand, Summit e-Waste Recycling Solutions offers weekly free paper shredding to help protect both physical and digital information. This no-cost service is open to the public, with a limit of one file box per person each week. If convenient, be prepared to leave a brief Google review using a smartphone to support ongoing community efforts.

Weekly Community Fitness classes at Grandview UMC create a welcoming space for every ability level. Led by Certified Personal Trainer Pastor David Hull-Frye, the sessions emphasize functional movement, long term health, and a strong foundation. They suit beginners, those returning to a routine, anyone aiming to maintain independence, and families who want to stay active together. The program is friendly to newcomers and active older adults, including SilverSneakers and Renew Active participants, and it accommodates adults with young children. Exercises are tailored so each person can move safely and confidently. SilverSneakers and Renew Active members participate for free, non-members pay $2 per session, and children 12 and under are free. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For easy access, use the 24th Street parking lot. Comfortable athletic shoes and a water bottle are recommended.

Improve flexibility during a free chair yoga class at the library.

The market sets up along the lake behind the Summit Lake Community Center, with vendors offering fresh produce, specialty goods, handmade crafts, art, and more. In case of bad weather, everything moves indoors at the community center. Extras include complimentary canoe rides on the lake from the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, cooking demonstrations, and relaxing lakeside views. Payments are easy, with cash, credit, debit, and EBT accepted, and Senior, TANF, and WIC coupons welcome.

An evening of Celtic music with Celtic Thunder, showcasing commanding vocals, high-energy performances, and vivid storytelling. The 2026 tour blends Irish roots with a contemporary edge, presenting traditional favorites and modern songs shaped by the group's distinctive arrangements. Highlights include Galway Girl and Danny Boy, delivered with the rich harmonies that have earned the ensemble a global following. The program celebrates Irish culture, heartfelt passion, and refined vocal craft.

An open mic night showcases a rotating mix of local and visiting comedians at The Daily Pressed in Akron, hosted by K.C. Curry of Canton Comedy Boom. The setting is relaxed and intimate, offering a welcoming space for fresh material and quick sets. The cafe serves a full menu along with specialty coffee drinks and cocktails, and admission is free.

Experience a free day of coworking in a collaborative setting. Arrive with your to-do list, set up any meetings you need, and stay for a portion of the day or settle in for the full stretch. It is a simple way to explore what the space offers and connect with the community at The Generator at Bounce.

Summit Recovery Hub teams up with Running2BWell for a weekly run that blends movement, mindfulness, and community. Each session begins with a brief stretch and a themed conversation that carries through the workout, followed by a 30 to 40 minute run and a short cool down with time to reflect on how the topic influenced the experience. Participants are encouraged to wear clothing appropriate for the weather. The group format supports physical, social, and mental wellbeing with added motivation, accountability, improved performance, enhanced safety, and a welcoming sense of community.

Josee McGee comes back to the Bacchus Bar Patio for the 2026 Wednesday Summer Music Series at Russo’s, bringing an intimate acoustic set shaped by warm vocals and sincere, story-driven songwriting. Settle into the covered outdoor patio and take in a relaxed summertime atmosphere with live music alongside dinner, cocktails, and cold drinks. Table reservations are available for the patio.

SMART Recovery at Summit Recovery Hub offers a science-based path for change grounded in cognitive behavioral techniques. Participants practice practical strategies to strengthen motivation, manage urges, navigate thoughts and emotions, and build a more balanced life. The program focuses on self-empowerment without labels or sponsors, creating a supportive peer setting. It welcomes individuals working through substance use, behavioral addictions, or mental health challenges, with evidence-based skills to help advance personal wellness goals.

Enjoy an evening of swing at The Rialto with an open dance priced at $5. Beginners can add a basic swing lesson beforehand for an additional $5, taught by Rachel Itsell and Mike Arteno. No partner is required. Expect a welcoming atmosphere where you can learn a few steps, get moving, meet new people, and have fun.

Designed for caregivers, health professionals, and others in high-stress support roles, this trauma-informed gentle yoga session focuses on easing burnout, exhaustion, and emotional fatigue. Expect slow, supportive movement, restorative postures, and mindful breathing that strengthen mental, emotional, and physical resilience, encouraging a shift from survival toward stability and self-care. Wear comfortable clothing. If getting down to the floor is not accessible, the entire practice can be done in a chair. There are no intense inversions or pretzel-like shapes, and instructor assistance is available upon request. The practice aims to settle anxious or overwhelming feelings, restore body awareness, reset the nervous system, and support moving through daily life with greater balance and mindfulness.

This event features Premodern play at Full Grip Games, focusing on memorable cards from Magic’s history. Entry is $10, and 100 percent of entry fees are returned as store credit to form the prize pool.

Settle into a 30-minute guided sound bath designed to ease stress and support emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. This community-focused session blends mindfulness, meditation, and restorative sound to create a welcoming space for reflection and calm. Facilitated by John Nimmo of Ladybug Recovery Community, the experience features crystal singing bowls and additional therapeutic instruments that encourage deep relaxation and inner quiet. It is open to people in recovery, those supporting a loved one, and anyone seeking a peaceful pause with others. No prior experience is required. Yoga mats can be provided, and comfortable clothing is encouraged.

Dual Recovery Anonymous meets at Summit Recovery Hub, offering a weekly support group for people working on recovery from substance use alongside emotional or psychiatric conditions. The meetings use an adapted Twelve Step approach that addresses both areas together so participants can keep their recoveries in balance. Sessions are facilitated by Crystal J. For questions or more details, email abeacon.abeacon@gmail.com or call 330-849-4707. For information about Summit Recovery Hub, call 330-871-9702.

A local car show that welcomes anyone interested in displaying a cool car.

Wylie Green performs his songs live on the stage at The Rialto Living Room. Guests can arrive early to enjoy dinner and drinks available in The Rialto Living Room before the music begins.

At Akron Indoor Soccer, this one hour yoga session takes place on the soccer pitch. Participants move through poses that challenge strength and enhance flexibility while keeping attention on relaxation and mindfulness. It is designed with athletes on a rest day in mind, yet it welcomes everyone and offers benefits for all experience levels.

This Italian-themed evening in Northeast Ohio features music, vendors, food, art, and more, bringing Italian flair close to home.

Start the race weekend with a free 1-mile fun run for children 12 and under. Every participant receives a gift, a medal, and a healthy snack. Registration is required, and there is no fee to take part.

Explore creative recovery at Vision Board Night, a monthly gathering hosted by Velvet Rabbit at Summit Recovery Hub in Akron, Ohio. Held on the last Friday of each month, it welcomes people in recovery, those who are sober curious, and anyone interested in connection through creativity, reflection, and community. Create at a comfortable pace while building vision boards, trying journaling and junk journaling, and considering personal goals alongside others. The setting is supportive and substance free, no experience is required, and all materials are provided.

Explore your creativity and map out future goals with Velvet Rabbit at a monthly Vision Board Night. This supportive, substance-free gathering welcomes people in recovery, those who are sober curious, and anyone seeking meaningful social connection. Hosted at Summit Recovery Hub, it centers on imagining a life that excites you alongside others who believe in growth. Participants design personal boards that reflect aspirations for wellness, career, and personal development. All supplies are provided, including poster boards, magazines, scissors, glue, and markers, so you can focus on your vision. The atmosphere is inclusive, with nonalcoholic options and an emphasis on joy, purpose, and genuine conversation. No art background is required, just bring your story and the goals you want to nurture. Attendance is free, and optional donations to Velvet Rabbit help keep the gathering accessible.

Comedian Bill Squire brings a candid, joke-filled set shaped by a start as a young Mormon missionary in the Philippines and years spent crisscrossing the country to hone his craft. His specials and albums have reached millions, and his screen credits include Comedy Central along with Laughs on Fox and Hulu. He appeared in the YouTube series Man in the Box with Cleveland comic Mike Polk Jr. Since 2013 he has co-hosted The Alan Cox Show on 100.7 WMMS, building a wide audience on iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, Pandora, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher. He also co-hosts the podcast Cleveland America with Tommi LC and OkPants. Expect sharp observations, personal stories, and quick wit.

This discussion-based workshop at Summit Recovery Hub focuses on the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. Newcomers are warmly welcomed, and participants read together, reflect on the text, and share personal stories and encouragement in a supportive setting. All are welcome.

Bryson Tiller performs live in concert at Blossom Music Center. This event offers an opportunity to hear his music in a dedicated performance.

Spectators can cheer on marathon runners at the Mustill Store Trailhead, a spot for support as athletes make their way along the course. More details will be announced.

Howe Meadow in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park becomes a lively open-air farmers market where neighbors, growers, producers, artisans, and food lovers connect. More than 70 local vendors take part throughout the season, offering a welcoming place to shop for fresh food or enjoy an unhurried stroll. The market runs rain or shine and prioritizes access for all by accepting SNAP and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, helping keep local, sustainable food within reach across Northeast Ohio. For a smooth visit, wear comfortable shoes for the grassy grounds and bring reusable bags. Many vendors accept credit cards, and having some cash can help keep lines moving. To support an inclusive atmosphere for seniors and families, there is a designated dog-free hour, followed by a period when well-socialized dogs on a solid lead may attend.

Trimble Fire and Rescue presents its inaugural car and bike show. Attendees can see cars and bikes on display and enjoy available food.

The 36th Annual Barberton Mum Festival fills the area around Lake Anna with thousands of colorful chrysanthemums and a patriotic red, white and blue theme. Explore a variety of food vendors, browse handmade creations from craft artisans, take part in family-friendly activities, and enjoy live entertainment throughout the weekend. Admission is free.

The Norton Farmers Market brings together local farmers, makers, and bakers in a welcoming community setting. Explore the stalls, chat with the vendors, and discover what they have on offer as you browse a variety of locally made and grown goods.

A free, inclusive art gathering welcomes individuals with disabilities to create in a warm, supportive setting at a pace that feels comfortable. The event takes place at Summit Lake Community Center. For more information or to register, email AkronArtWithoutLimits@gmail.com.

This LifeRing Secular Recovery meeting offers a welcoming, low-key and private setting for mutual support and practical sobriety strategies. Participants share lived experience and encouragement, recognizing that there are many paths to living free of alcohol and drugs that are illicit or not medically indicated. Many members also attend other meetings or recovery programs, and those decisions are honored. With attention on the positive and on immediate, workable steps, the LifeRing approach helps shift anger and despair toward hope and determination. Respect for individual choice is central, and the conversation focuses on strengthening each person's sober self.

Teens in grades 6 through 12 are invited to gather at Barberton Public Library for a Dungeons and Dragons adventure. Participants can bring a level 1 character or choose a pre-generated one, and all necessary materials will be available. New and experienced players are both welcome. Registration is required for each session.

Black by Nature explores healing and belonging in the outdoors through Moore-Dunson’s lens, reshaping the conversation between identity and the natural world. Staged along the trails of Summit County Metro Parks, the experience offers space for reflection, freedom, and connection as the landscape itself becomes part of the performance. An original, jazz-inspired score is played live by an acoustic group of guitar, saxophone, trumpet, upright bass, and hand percussion, creating a dynamic soundscape where history, improvisation, modern dance, and place meet. Commissioned as a world premiere by DANCECleveland, the event features two trail options, one designed for advanced hikers and another for beginners, allowing a range of hiking abilities to engage with the work. Admission follows a pay-what-you-can model with general admission, and reserving tickets in advance is encouraged.

A Recovery Dharma meeting offers mindfulness-centered support grounded in Buddhist principles. It welcomes anyone seeking recovery from any addiction. Participation is available in person at Summit Recovery Hub or virtually from home. The gathering blends Buddhist wisdom with modern recovery practices and is open to newcomers and those exploring additional pathways. No prior knowledge of Buddhism is required, and an open mind and heart are encouraged.

A weekly workshop series offers a guided journey through the 12 Steps in a welcoming, recovery-focused setting. Designed for people addressing any addiction, including substances, gambling, food, relationships, and other addictions, it explores universal principles that support change. Each session focuses on one step with practical guidance, interactive worksheets, and journaling that encourage deep self-reflection. Participants can expect supportive group discussion and opportunities to connect with others in recovery while exploring spiritual growth and how the steps apply across different addictions. It is suitable for newcomers and those with long-term recovery experience alike. Hosted at Summit Recovery Hub, this workshop is free to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring a notebook, approach the work with an open mind, and come ready to grow.

Afterlife Nightclub sets the stage for a heavy-hitting tribute night featuring two acts that honor metal icons. Bled For Days channels the industrial power of Static-X with charged performances and the signature sound that put the band on the map. Sharing the bill, Blood Rooted salutes Sepultura with groove and thrash classics that helped define heavy music. Expect surging riffs, thundering drums, and plenty of headbanging energy from start to finish. This event is for ages 18 and older. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the show.

Renowned criminologist and serial killer expert Dr. Scott Bonn leads a gripping 90-minute presentation that probes the inner worlds of some of the most notorious murderers. He explores the powerful psychological drives behind figures such as Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer, clarifies the differences between psychopathy and sociopathy, and explains how each offender is compelled by a distinct fantasy. He also discusses how serial killers blend into everyday life to avoid detection. A best-selling author, professor and public speaker, Dr. Bonn shares first-hand accounts from interactions with Dennis Rader, known as BTK, and David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam. He details the profile he created in 2011 for the then-unknown Long Island Serial Killer and how it aligns with the alleged perpetrator, Rex Heuermann, explaining the approach he used to forecast psychological and behavioral traits years before an arrest. Drawing on correspondence, interviews and extensive study rather than pop checklists, he shows that serial killers are complex, varied and shaped by both biology and environment. He has also communicated with mass murderer Colin Ferguson and notable one-time killers Jodi Arias and Pamela Smart. The program looks at why true crime fascinates so many people and concludes with a live Q&A where attendees can ask Dr. Bonn their toughest questions. Please note that the material can be intense and may be disturbing.

Presented by Summit Wellness, Marc Lee Shannon: The Sound of Recovery offers an intimate evening of original songs paired with candid storytelling. The singer-songwriter, author, and speaker reflects on a decade in recovery and experiences with mental health to inspire hope and help reduce stigma. All seating is reserved. Tickets are $25, with $5 from each ticket supporting MADD. Alongside his artistry, Shannon is a State-Certified Peer Recovery Supporter in Ohio and serves on the Summit County ADM Board, where he champions specialized recovery dockets and stronger systems of support.

Celebrate the sounds of the 2000s at The Workz with a playlist of hits spanning alternative hard rock, nu metal, and pop punk. The venue features a bar and grill, arcade and other games, duckpin bowling, and more, creating a lively setting for live music.

Bill Squire brings comedy shaped by an uncommon path. After two years as a Mormon missionary in the Philippines, he returned home, was excommunicated, and hit the road to pursue every bit of stage time he could find across the country. His work now spans multiple specials and albums with millions of views and listens, appearances on Comedy Central, and television credits on Laughs on Fox and Hulu. He was a regular on the cult YouTube series Man in the Box alongside Cleveland comedian Mike Polk Jr. Since 2013 he has co-hosted The Alan Cox Show on 100.7 WMMS, reaching a large audience through iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, Pandora, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher. He also co-hosts the podcast Cleveland America with Tommi LC and OkPants. He continues to balance a strong commitment to family with life on the road.

Spend some creative time painting a fall-themed ceramic piece. The cost is $65 per person, and all supplies are provided, so just bring your imagination. Seating is limited and reservations are made through a form. After reserving, an invoice will be sent by email for payment. Please purchase tickets in advance to allow time for needed materials to be ordered.

A bazaar-style market brings together local vendors in the space between Ray's and Zub's front patio, and when the marketplace winds down, live music takes over.

SMART Recovery at Summit Recovery Hub provides a science based approach for people working through substance use, behavioral addictions, or mental health concerns. Grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy, it helps participants build and sustain motivation, handle cravings, manage thoughts and emotions more effectively, and cultivate a balanced life. The meetings emphasize practical strategies and peer support, without labels or sponsorships.