Susan Zake

1 week ago | signalakron.org | Susan Zake |Kristine Gill

Broad stripes and bright stars may be on the minds of many as the Fourth of July holiday week kicks off. Akron will put on one big fireworks display downtown this year, with lots of spots to view it from, rather than having several shows sprinkled among city neighborhoods as it did last year. We have a list of fireworks safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones out of the emergency room. And if your pets are not fireworks fans, this holiday may be hard for them.

1 week ago | signalakron.org | Susan Zake

Connect at the Rec, a new program sponsored by the City of Akron for teenagers in grades 6-12, will provide recreational opportunities on five Friday nights beginning June 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Ed Davis Community Center (730 Perkins Park Dr. in Sherbondy Hill) or the Joy Park Community Center (825 Fuller St. in East Akron). Teens can plan in an open gym, work on arts and crafts, enjoy a live DJ, food, giveaways, hair care services, a mobile gaming truck, community speakers and more.

1 week ago | signalakron.org | Susan Zake

Waters Park in North Hill and Karona Park in the Merriman Valley are the winners of the 2025 Akron Parks Challenge — each will each receive $150,000 from the City of Akron to fund capital improvements, along with community engagement and design support from the Akron Parks Collaborative. Both parks are the first chosen in their respective wards, Ward 2 and Ward 8, and have applied multiple times in the past, according to a press release from the City of Akron.

2 weeks ago | signalakron.org | Melanie Mohler |Susan Zake

The 100th anniversary of the dedication of Firestone Stadium will be celebrated by the City of Akron on Saturday, June 14, with a parade, food trucks, live entertainment and featured softball games from noon to 9 p.m. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. from Firestone Park Community Center (1480 Girard St.) and will travel along Firestone Boulevard, ending at the stadium. Admission is free.

2 weeks ago | signalakron.org | Susan Zake

Akron’s Summer Concerts in the Parks series kicks off this week and runs through Aug. 14. The first week and the last week will feature a “Bicentennial festival” before the music starts, with yard games, face painting and food. The festivals begin at 6 p.m., followed by the free concert from 7 to 9 p.m. In the event of bad weather, Akron Recreation and Parks will post cancellations on its Facebook page. You can also call 311 for cancellation information.