AKRON, Ohio - If you're looking for fun (and free) ways to spend the summer in Akron, the Downtown Akron Partnership offers a whole range of free programs.
The Summer on the Plaza program, held at Cascade Plaza, will begin on May 21 and will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, as well as on weekends until September 5. According to the press release, main events include Wellness on the Plaza programs, live music, city tours, and roller skating.
Wellness on the Plaza
The this year's Wellness on the Plaza program, designed for people of all fitness levels, includes yoga, kickboxing, hip-hop step, Zumba, line dancing, bootcamp, Pilates, and weekly express classes. Pop-up activities include self-defense, tai chi, and beginner dances. Participants can view the full schedule and register on the Eventbrite website.
Skate Nights
Participants can rent skates for free and skate or rent them for $2 per pair. Skate nights feature different themes, music, active games, and cool drinks available for purchase, including alcoholic beverages. Skate nights are held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on May 25, June 8, June 29, July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24, and August 31.
Happy Hour on the Plaza
Every Wednesday from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, adults aged 21 and over can enjoy Happy Hour on the Plaza. Events include lively dancing, cornhole competitions, and live music from local bands.
"We are excited to expand the popular Wellness on the Plaza programs by adding a cornhole league from Summit Sports and Social, as well as our first skateboard evening, scheduled with the participation of the Downtown Akron Youth Council, composed of high school students from Akron. Working with Caleb Thurman, a DAP operations and business specialist, students devised the theme for Skate Night on June 8 (2000s Night, featuring R&B from the 2000s), and they are helping promote this event among other youth across the city," said Communications Director Dominique Caruso in a press release.
The Summer on the Plaza program is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Additional support for art and culture initiatives is provided by the Ohio Arts Council.