Downtown Akron 2022

AKRON DOWNTOWN PLACES | EVENTS | ADVENTURES

photo: Joe Levack

WELCOME TO DOWNTOWN AKRON. We are committed to building a vibrant and valuable downtown that is open and welcoming to all people. This guide is an invitation for you to enjoy everything downtown Akron has to offer. From 101 retail establishments and counting—including 34 Black-owned businesses and 37 women-owned businesses—to vibrant cultural festivals, art celebrations, sporting events, concerts of all shapes and sizes, and food from around the globe, there are opportunities year-round to see yourself reflected downtown. Stroll along the Towpath with us in the spring, reveling in the blooms of 472 sakura trees that line the trail. Join us for free fitness classes and roller skating on Cascade Plaza all summer, and celebrate our LGBTQ+ community at Akron Pride Festival. Cheer along the sidelines of the Akron Marathon in early fall. Take to the ice in the winter. Celebrate the warmth and promise of Lunar NewYear. Watch as we continue to grow and dream of what’s possible.

photo: Josh Land / L Squared Photos

There is so much to love about downtown Akron. We hope you will visit often, and we look forward to continuing to build a stronger, more equitable, and welcoming community for all.

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photo: Akron RubberDucks

Downtown Akron offers so many experiences to share, including affordable family fun, street festivals, public spaces to relax, thrilling escape room scenarios, live music and theater, art exhibitions, and even DIY and crafting programs to name just a few.

Photographed by Talia

photo: University of Akron

photo: Cory Kistow

photo: The Great Escape Room

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DOWN TOWN A K R ON PA R T N E R S H I P | d ow n t ow n a k r o n . c o m

photo: Robert Petricini

Live, work and play in downtown. Akron’s urban spaces are linked by the unique green space of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Enjoy the extraordinary backdrop to downtown businesses, public spaces and organizations, such as Akron Children’s Museum, the new Knight Stage at the Akron Civic Theatre, OH SNAP Photo Lab and event space, and even pop-up live music on Main St.

photo: LoveWhatIDo Photography

photo: DAP Staff

photo: Akron Civic Theatre

photo: Denzel D. Washington

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photo: Scott Horstman

photo: DAP staff

Fireworks abound in downtown Akron, whether they are literal, lighting up the sky above Lock 3, or figurative, lighting up the downtown streets with Akron Marathon runners, bursting in flavorful dishes at downtown eateries, or blossoming in a moment of kindness with a downtown ambassador.

photo: Jenn Kidd Creative

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photo: Bob Forbes

photo: Blaak Media / Ashton Blake

photo: DAP staff

Downtown continues to grow as a place for all people, with festivals, concerts, performances and more 365 days a year.

photo: Jenn Kidd Creative

photo: DAP staff

photo: Josh Land / L Squared Photos

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Photographed by Talia

photo: Da’Shika Street

Make room for mindfulness with yoga on the plaza, elegance with high tea in one of the Tea Lady’s tea rooms or creative fun with Da’Shika Street at Street Craftery. It’s all on the menu in downtown Akron.

photo: Lonnie Griffin Photography

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DOWN TOWN A K R ON PA R T N E R S H I P | d ow n t ow n a k r o n . c o m

THE 9 BEST THINGS ABOUT LIVING IN DOWNTOWN AKRON

The music. Whether you like underground local music, classical orchestral music or the familiar classics you’ve been hearing for years, Akron’s music scene is for you.

Photographed by Talia

The digs. Downtown Akron is full of luxury apartments in renovated historic buildings. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s sure to be something to suit your taste.

The parks. You’re never far from the natural world when you live in downtown Akron. Between Summit Metro Parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, there are options for enjoying nature at every skill and fitness level.

The culture. When you live in downtown Akron, you’re in the heart of many cultural celebrations that take place throughout the year.

The public transit. Hop on one of METRO RTA’s buses, scoot around on an electric scooter, or take advantage of our protected bike lanes. In downtown Akron, there are so many options for getting around.

The knowledge. The University of

Akron was recently ranked the number one polymer science university in the world. Downtown Akron is also home to a state-of-the-art library that features a catalog of 2.4 million items and other resources.

Photo: Chris Rutan Photography

The food. Downtown Akron is home to roughly 50 restaurants and counting, with cuisine that spans the globe.

The champions. Between two playoff-worthy college basketball teams, one of the best college soccer teams in the country, a Division I football team, a minor league baseball team and a well-known marathon, Akron is teeming with opportunities to enjoy sports.

Free things to do all year long. There are so many free things to do in downtown Akron, year-round. Visit downtownakron.com for a comprehensive list of events.

photo: Blaak Media

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IT’S ALL HAPPENING Here at furnace and main st. downtown akron

with over 70 shops, restaurants and bars

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Photographed by Talia

Photographed by Talia

JOIN US DOWNTOWN

photo: Ryan Grzybowski

photo: Akron Art Museum

photo: Fitzwater Photography

About Downtown Akron Partnership DAP’s mission is to build and promote a vibrant and valuable downtown Akron that is welcoming to all. Follow DAP for information about all things downtown Akron, from programs and events to business development and ambassador services. downtownakron.com