By Melanie Mohler, Everyday Akron team member
By now, you’ve likely heard that Akron is celebrating its 200th birthday in 2025! Akron’s birthday technically isn’t until December 6, but various bicentennial events, projects and initiatives are happening throughout the year.
With so much going on for the bicentennial, you may be wondering how to get involved. Here are four ways you can get involved in Akron’s bicentennial celebration.
1. Attend an event
There are a number of events being organized by the city, Bicentennial Commission, and Akron 200, Inc. (the not-for-profit created to plan and execute the year-long celebration).
But you’ll also find events hosted by other groups and organizations. Here are just a few:
Forgotten History Forum Series (every month)
Explores topics of Akron’s history that have been vital to the city’s development, but often not discussed. Each forum is free to attend and is being recorded and broadcast by media partner PBS Western Reserve. You can watch past forums here.
Neighborhood events (every month)
Akron 200’s website has events organized by the neighborhood they’re taking place in. Events are regularly added, and you can submit a neighborhood event to be included.
Akron History Center grand opening (April 5)
The new Akron History Center at 172 S. Main St. will celebrate its grand opening from 1pm to 5pm on April 5. Regular hours will then be Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 2pm, and admission is free.
Signature Celebration Week (July 1 – 6)
Despite the city’s birthday being in December, the formal bicentennial celebration will take place July 1-6 (the city has historically celebrated during the warmer months). There will be a parade on July 5, which you can apply to participate in.
Outdoor historical drama (July 31 – August 3)
An outdoor historical drama will take place at Waters Park for four days. More information is forthcoming.
Closing ceremony (December 6)
A closing ceremony will take place at Lock 3 on December 6, 2025, the 200th birthday of Akron’s founding.
More details for many of these events and others will be added to Akron 200’s website throughout the year.
2. Volunteer
With all of the different activities and events, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Akron 200 has a volunteer form where you can let them know you’re interested in volunteering for one (or more) of the bicentennial’s initiatives.
Volunteer activities include helping with certain events (such as the parade or Forgotten History Forum Series), beautification initiatives (such as neighborhood cleanups), photography, administrative help and more listed on the form.
3. Join the Akron Marathon Wellness Challenge
The Akron Marathon is hosting a wellness challenge that is open to all and free to join by registering online. Participants who log at least 200 wellness activities (walking, biking, swimming, etc.) of 15 minutes or more through December 6 will earn a commemorative pin!
4. Propose a historic marker
One of the more unique ways to get involved is to propose a historic marker. Anyone can propose a historic marker to commemorate a person, place or event of historical significance in Akron.
Be sure to follow Akron 200 on Facebook or Instagram and check out their website to learn more about upcoming events and programs to celebrate our city’s 200th birthday.
Cover image by Shane Wynn, courtesy of AkronStock
You must be logged in to post a comment.