Living in a big-small town (small-big town?) we often feel quite plugged in to what’s happening. And yet… we’ve all been there… You’re sitting on the couch scrolling Instagram and see a friend is at a fun event… an event that you had zero idea was happening. Somehow, it didn’t hit your radar, even though it’s an event you would’ve purchased tickets for on day one.
The FOMO is real.
So we wondered where people are finding updates on news, events, happenings and more in the Greater Akron area. We’ve compiled a list of news organizations, bloggers, websites, entertainment venues and more to help you stay up to date on what’s happening in and around Akron all year long. (As always, the list isn’t conclusive, but it will get you off to a great start.)
Check them all out, bookmark your favorites, and have fun as you Explore More in 2024!
Jump to: News | Blogs & Influencers | Event Calendars | Arts & Culture | Local Businesses | Other Ideas
News
Akron Documenters
An offshoot of Signal Akron, Akron Documenters trains and pays residents to attend local government and community meetings and take notes. The notes are then uploaded online.
City of Akron
Government | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Check in with our local government for the latest news and information on community events. And be sure to sign up for their weekly newsletter on the homepage or in the website footer.
Signal Akron
News | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Newsletter
Nonprofit newsroom covering Akron news. You can sign up for newsletters from them on their website.
Blogs & Influencers
Everyday Akron
Blog | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube
Follow @everydayakron on Instagram to hear from a new Akronite each week; hosts often share local events and happenings. And, be sure to check out our blog for stories, videos, guides and more.
A Zips Guide
Blog | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Variety of local shopping guides created by students in The School of Communication at The University of Akron.
Akron Bucket List
Influencer | Instagram | Website
Frequent social media posts that highlight Akron-area restaurants, events, and more, with a variety of guides on the website.
Akron Mom & Kids
Real-life experience of living in Akron, enjoying kid-friendly places, dining out, supporting local businesses and attending local events.
Dannie Moore & Co.
Influencer | Website | Instagram | Facebook
This local realtor features local businesses, interesting folks and fabulous events on their Instagram page and Our Backyard blog.
Downtown Akron Partnership
Blog | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Downtown Akron Partnership frequently highlights news, events, local businesses and more on their blog and news pages, along with their Downtown Akron events calendar. And be sure to sign up for their newsletter!
Mary Jo Kormushoff
Influencer | Instagram
This local realtor often highlights local businesses and weekend events via “Three Hometown Happenings” Reels.
Where to Go Ohio
Influencer | Instagram
Danielle features businesses and events happening in Akron, Northeast Ohio and even Columbus on her Instagram page.
330ToGO
Blog | Facebook
Daily Facebook posts and conversations highlighting events and news from those who live in and around Akron.
More Instagram Accounts to Follow
Check out these additional Instagram accounts that feature various events hosted by the related organization or other community entities. And thanks to the almighty algorithm, Instagram will suggest similar accounts to follow, helping you cast a wider net.
- Akron DSA
- The Freedom BLOC
- HARVEST yoga & wellness studio
- KenMore Kreative
- PSL Akron
- Progress Through Preservation
- Serve The People Akron
- Trans Joy Akron
- UA Students for Justice in Palestine
- Yoga Squared
Event Calendars
Akron Beacon Journal
News | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Akron Beacon Journal has a frequently updated events calendar and curates a weekly “Things to Do” list.
Akron Life Magazine
Lifestyle | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Akron Life’s website features information on businesses and restaurants, local profiles, lifestyle articles and a full events calendar.
Akron.com
News | Website
Akron.com features a frequently updated events calendar, along with local news and articles on happenings in the city.
Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau
Tourism | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
ASCVB has a robust events calendar in an effort to promote our local economy and the benefits of living here.
Eventbrite
Events | Website
Search for a wide variety of free and paid events in Akron.
Meetup
Events & Groups | Website
Search for a wide variety of in person and virtual events in Akron, and discover unique groups of people with similar interests.
Arts & Culture
Akron Art Museum
Arts & Culture | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok
Beyond an art gallery, the museum has a variety of events, featuring art demos, music, yoga and more.
Akron Soul Train
Arts & Culture | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
This artist residency program connects the community and artists through workshops, programs and other events.
ArtsNow
Arts & Culture | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
This organization connects arts, culture and community in Summit County. Check out their list of events for professional development sessions, educational programs, and more.
Musica
Music Venue | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Independent music venue and bar with live bands, dance parties and more.
The Rialto Theatre
Music Venue | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Features an expansive events calendar of live music, swing dancing, lip sync battles, poetry, fundraisers and more. And be sure to sign up for their newsletter in the website footer.
StarFall Creative Collective
Arts & Culture | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Helps people explore their creativity through events and connection to community. See their events calendar for community craft circles, community craft nights and more.
Summit Artspace
Arts & Culture | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Discover events from local artists and artist-serving organizations. Check out the pages listed under “Public Programs” in the main navigation and be sure to sign up for their newsletter on the homepage.
SummitLive365
Arts & Culture | Website
In addition to being a portal for artists, performers, makers, venues, and organizations to highlight their talents, SummitLive365 provides a robust event calendar full of submissions from local arts and culture organizations.
Local Businesses
Baxter’s Speakeasy
Features live music and DJs, themed parties, comedy shows, Latin dance nights, and more.
Jenks Building
Retail | Website | Instagram | Facebook
Featuring a variety of small businesses and a calendar of events with live music, food trucks, art openings and more.
The Matinee
Featuring live music, karaoke, open mics, and other special events.
Mr. Zub’s Deli & Bar
Restaurant & Bar | Website | Instagram | Facebook
This local eatery features karaoke, dance parties, workshops, live music and more on their Facebook page.
Northside Marketplace
Market | Website | Instagram | Facebook
This small business incubator hosts a range of events, including “paint-n-sips”, trivia nights, open mics and special markets.
Other
Akron Summit County Public Library
Resources & Events | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
With 18 branches throughout Summit County, there’s always something going on. Enjoy free events, book discussions, movies, resources and more.
Summit Metro Parks
Outdoor recreation | Website | Instagram | Facebook
With 15,000 acres of parks, 3 nature centers and 150+ miles of trails, our parks system is always hosting unique programs, educational events, outdoor adventures and more for all ages.
Summit Sport & Social
Outdoor recreation | Website
This adult recreation sports league has a variety of sports to choose from. Gather some friends and compete in indoor and outdoor co-ed sports.
The University of Akron
Education, arts, culture | Website
UA has a wide variety of events open to the public, including theatrical production, art galleries, live music and lectures.
Community Development Centers (CDC)
Local CDCs, such as Better Kenmore CDC, frequently host events that are free to the community, bringing together neighbors, arts, culture, music, small businesses, recreation and more.
Facebook Groups
Find a few Facebook Groups to join so you can stay up to date on what’s happening in the Rubber City and the Greater Akron Area. Check out some of the ones listed below, and then search for Groups related to your neighborhood, interests, hobbies and more. (As always, be wary of spam links and suspicious direct messages.)
- Akron/Barberton/Norton/Wadsworth Chat
- Akron DIY Shows
- Akron LGBT Nightlife and Events
- Akron Ohio Black Owned Businesses
- AKRON OHIO-CHIT CHAT
- Akron Ohio News-The Group
- Akron Restaurants
- Akron Talk Of The Town
- What’s going on in and around Akron, Ohio
Coffee Shops, Gyms, Grocery Stores & More
Whenever you’re out and about and spot a public bulletin board, take a peek! You never know what you’ll find–a unique event, a new small business, special offers, etc.
Here are some to get you thinking…
- Bubbles and Puffles
- Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre
- Mustard Seed Market & Cafe
- Street Craftery
- Evelyn’s Coffee & Banh Mi
- Rock Mill Climbing
- Nervous Dog Coffee Bar
How Will You Explore More in 2024?
There’s always something happening in Akron to battle your boredom, invigorate your adventurous spirit, or help you learn something new. Every day is a new day to explore more of the city we live, work and play in.
As you explore and have fun this year, share with the Everyday Akron community by using #ExploreMore2024AK in your captions across platforms and tag @everydayakron in your posts.
Looking for more ways to explore Akron in 2024? Check out the Explore More in 2024 page for more blog posts, guides and ideas.
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