Everyday Akron Stories

Top 35 Iconic Things Every Akronite Should Do

Rachel Whinnery, creator of Everyday Akron

Everyday Akron is encouraging everyone to Explore More in 2024. First up, we’re sharing a list of 35 iconic things every Akronite should do. 

We’ve included a mix of experiences that are free or paid that you can partake on your own or with others. As always, this list is not exhaustive, but it’s a pretty great start. 

These iconic things will help you explore more of Akron. When you check one off the list, be sure to explore the rest of the area you’re in while you’re there. You never know what else you’ll find or which new friends you’ll meet. 

(Be sure to check related websites for up-to-date info.)

Download the checklist to track your Akron explorations in 2024.

Get the checklist

35 Iconic Things Every Akronite Should Do

Key of Symbols

💵 = cost associated // 🆓 = free to do 
😀 = great to do on your own // 👫 = great to do with others

  1. Spot the Goodyear Blimp in flight and yell “BLIMP!” – 🆓, 😀
  2. Enjoy breakfast at Fred’s Diner, Valley Cafe or Michael’s AM – 💵, 😀/👫
  3. Get lunch at Nepali Kitchen, Diamond Deli, Nomz or La Loma – 💵, 😀/👫
  4. Relax with dinner at The Lockview, Square Scullery or Seoul Garden – 💵, 😀/👫
  5. Drive down Derby Downs track in a Soap Box Derby car – 💵, 😀
  6. See a movie at The Nightlight, Highland Square Theatre or Linda Theatre – 💵, 😀/👫
  7. Take in a show at Goodyear Theater or Akron Civic Theatre – 💵, 😀/👫
  8. Complete the Spree for All and Fall Hiking Spree by Summit Metro Parks – 🆓, 😀
  9. Take a walk around Glendale Cemetery to look for their notable residents – 🆓, 😀
  10. Say hello to the sheep at The Summit County Historical Society (assuming they return this summer) – 🆓, 😀/👫 
  11. Attend a show by the Ohio Shakespeare Festival – 💵, 👫
  12. Grab an ear of corn and a fresh fruit sundae at Szalay’s Farm & Market – 💵, 😀 
  13. Go kayaking with Cuyahoga Valley Adventures or tubing with Float the River – 💵, 👫
  14. Pair Lawson’s Chip Dip with your favorite potato chips – 💵, 😀 
  15. Take advantage of everything Akron Summit County Public Library has to offer beyond books – 🆓, 😀
  16. Tap your toes to live music at Jilly’s Music Room or Musica – 💵, 👫
  17. See various shows during the Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival – 🆓/💵, 😀/👫
  18. Grab some treats at The Peanut Shoppe and explore public art around downtown – 🆓/💵, 😀
  19. Volunteer at the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank or other local nonprofit – 🆓, 😀/👫
  20. Walk down the Towpath Trail and learn about Portage Trail history – 🆓, 😀 
  21. See live music at Akron Recreation and Parks’ Summer Concert Series – 🆓, 👫
  22. Cheer on Akron RubberDucks at Canal Park – 💵, 👫
  23. Welcome spring with Keep Akron Beautiful’s Daffodil Trail or the Daffodil Trail at Furnace Run Metro Park – 🆓, 😀
  24. Take advantage of Akron Art Museum’s free admission on Thursdays – 🆓, 😀
  25. Spot baby great blue herons through binoculars at Bath Road Heronry in May – 🆓, 😀
  26. Nosh on some jojos from Fiesta Pizza and Chicken – 💵, 😀
  27. Take a selfie with the Chihuly Rock Candy Sculpture outside UA’s College of Engineering – 🆓, 😀
  28. Enjoy the holiday decor during Stan Hywet’s Deck the Hall (and be sure to eat a warm gingerbread cookie) – 💵, 👫
  29. Do a drive-in double header of Swensons and Skyway – 💵, 😀
  30. Get close to a variety of animals (river otters! red pandas! komodo dragons!) at Akron Zoo – 💵, 👫
  31. Take a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad – 💵, 👫 
  32. Discover local bands at the annual PorchROKR – 🆓, 😀/👫
  33. Attend one or more Akron Pride Festival events – 🆓/💵, 😀/👫
  34. Experience Lebron James’ Home Court, an immersive museum in House Three Thirty – 💵, 😀/👫
  35. Tell your friends across the country that they should visit (or move to) Akron, Ohio – 🆓, 😀/👫

Which One are You Doing First? 

How many of these have you done? Which one are you the most excited to cross off the list in 2024? … Is there something we really should have included and [accidentally] didn’t?

Let us know when you download the checklist and share your adventures on social media. Include #ExploreMore2024AK (and see what’s being shared on Instagram) in your captions and tag @everydayakron in your posts! We’re excited to see the fun you have! 

Looking for more ways to explore Akron in 2024? We’ll be posting more ideas throughout January and February. In the meantime, take a look at our current Akron-area guides.