Jazz, Blues, and Celebration: Your Weekend in Akron Awaits!

Get ready, music lovers! This weekend, the heart of Akron is buzzing with excitement as the Rubber City Jazz and Blues Festival takes center stage. Kicking off today, this annual extravaganza brings together talented musicians, insightful panels, and a vibrant community atmosphere—all for free! With performances scattered across several iconic venues such as the Knight Stage, Jilly’s Music Room, and BLU Jazz+, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Celebrating a Decade of Rhythm and Blues

As we groove into 2025, the festival marks a decade of infusing Akron with the best of jazz and blues. Founder Theron Brown is gearing up for a milestone year that promises to be unforgettable. “Next year we’re doing it really big, and we’re gonna really need the city behind us,” Brown shared enthusiastically. “It’s not just an anniversary; it’s also Akron’s bicentennial. We have exciting year-round programming and collaborations planned with the Bicentennial Commission.”

Artistic Adventures Await

In addition to the musical festivities, don’t miss the final ArtWalk of the year at Summit Artspace this Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. Located at 140 E. Market St., visitors can explore:

• Summer exhibitions showcasing local talent
• Artists' studios, where creativity comes to life
• Unique wares from pop-up vendors

Be sure to check out the Summit Artspace website for details on other ArtWalk-related events happening throughout the area!

A 90-Year Celebration at Swensons

Saturday is a day for nostalgia as Swensons celebrates its 90th anniversary at its original location, 40 S. Hawkins Ave. Join former and current employees, along with community members, for a lively birthday bash filled with:

• Delicious food
• Uplifting music
• Fun giveaways and games

The festivities kick off at 10 a.m. and run until 1 p.m. Don’t miss out on this chance to celebrate a beloved local institution!

Reopening of Morgan Park: A Community Hub Revived

On Saturday, the City of Akron and the Akron Parks Collaborative invite residents to the grand reopening of Morgan Park from 1 to 4 p.m. Located at 430 Morgan Ave., this revitalized park features:

• A new playground for kids
• An asphalt trail for walkers and cyclists
• A pavilion for gatherings
• Resurfaced basketball courts for sports enthusiasts

The celebration will also unveil a stunning mural created by artist Dara Harper, along with music, food, and games for all to enjoy!

Before You Go...

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What do you think?

• Will the festival's expansion in 2025 attract more visitors to Akron?
• How do you feel about the city’s investment in community parks like Morgan Park?
• Is it important for local businesses, like Swensons, to celebrate their anniversaries publicly?
• What role do you believe music festivals play in community building?
• Should the city allocate more funds to support arts and culture initiatives? Why or why not?