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Free, outdoor activities for all this summer in downtown Akron.

From Kickboxing to Zumba, roller skating and more, Summer Downtown features free events and activities for all ages and abilities. 

Download the Summer on the Plaza Schedule.

Get a free ride
Akron METRO RTA is celebrating again this summer with fare-free weekends every Saturday and Sunday in June, July, and August on METRO Direct. Free rides apply on all METRO fixed-routes and ADA services.

Workout on the Plaza

All downtown fitness classes are free to attend and pre-registration is encouraged. All classes take place on Cascade Plaza in downtown Akron. Click on the titles for more information and to register.

Yoga on the Plaza: Vinyasa Yoga with Yoga Squared. Every Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (May 23 - September 19)

Kickboxing on the Plaza: Led by Black2Life Fitness Ministry. Every Tuesday evening from 6:40 to 7:30 p.m. (May 23 - July 18)

Line Dancing on the Plaza: Led by JustUs Line Dance Crew. Every Wednesday evening from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. (May 24 - September 20), and every Sunday afternoon from 3 - 4 p.m. (May 28 - September 17)

Zumba on the Plaza: Led by Deidrinelle Moton. Every Thursday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (May 25 - September 21)

Pilates on the Plaza: Led by Pilates by Murphys. Every Thursday evening from 6:40 to 7:30 p.m. (May 25 - July 20)

Summer Ready Fitness on the Plaza: Led by Summer and her team of instructors at Summer Ready Fitness. Every Tuesday evening from 6:40 to 7:30 p.m. (July 25 - September 19)

Bootcamp on the Plaza: Led by Mary Anderson. Every Thursday evening from 6:40 to 7:30 p.m. (July 27 - September 21)

Pop-Up Workout on the Plaza: Sundays from 2 - 3 pm, featuring Zumba on select dates led by Christy Leenheer of Empower Movement Studio. Pop-up Workout Zumba: June 25, July 9, August 13, September 10 (additional Pop-Up Workout classes are coming soon).

Roller Skating on the Plaza

All downtown roller skating events are free to attend. See each event below for more information.

Skate Nights: Lace up your skates for some old-school roller-skating action. Each skate night features a DJ with skates available to rent for $2/pair, or you can bring your own. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. If skating isn't your thing, join the dance party on the inside of the "rink." Skating is on the concrete of Cascade Plaza.

2023 Skate Night dates are June 24, July 8 & 22, August 5 & 26, September 9 & 23, and October 7. All are scheduled to take place 5 - 8 p.m.

2023 Skate Night Themes:

  • June 24 • Roller Disco (70s Night)
  • July 8 • 90's Night
  • July 22 • Skating Through the Decades (50s to Present)
  • August 5 • Italian-esque
  • August 26 • 80s Night
  • September 9 • Phuture Boogie Night: Roller Disco 70s
  • September 23 • Phuture Boogie: House Music Through the Decades
  • September 30 • K-Pop Night with Mic Drop Entertainment
  • October 6 • New Roo Skate Night
  • October 7 • Bollywood Night

TOURS

Discover Downtown Akron Lunchtime Walking Tours: Join Downtown Akron Partnership for a guided walking tour of downtown Akron on the third Wednesday of the month, from June - October. Learn about public art projects, small businesses and downtown developments.

Tours will begin and end at Cascade Plaza (on Main St. between Huntington Tower and PNC Tower). Tours start at 12:00 pm. Upcoming tours: July 19, 12:00 pm, August 16, 12:00 pm, September 20, 12:00 pm, October 18, 12:00 pm.

Discover Downtown Akron Biking Tour: Join Downtown Akron Partnership for a guided biking tour of downtown Akron on the second Wednesday of every month, from June - October. Learn about public art projects, small businesses and downtown developments.

Please bring your own bike. 

Tours will begin and end at Cascade Plaza (on Main St. between Huntington Tower and PNC Tower). Tours start at 4:30 pm. Upcoming tours: July 12, 4:30 pm, August 9, 4:30 pm, September 13, 4:30 pm, October 11, 4:30 pm.

Stay after the tour for Happy Hour on the Plaza with music, games, food, drinks and more. Enjoy $2 off drinks 5 - 6 p.m. on the Plaza.

Discover Downtown Akron Walking Tour: Join Downtown Akron Partnership for a guided walking tour of downtown Akron the first Wednesday of every month, from June - October. Learn about public art projects, small businesses and downtown developments.

Tours will begin and end at Cascade Plaza (on Main St. between Huntington Tower and PNC Tower). Tours start at 4:30 pm. Upcoming tours: July 5, 4:30 pm, August 2, 4:30 pm, September 6, 4:30 pm, October 4, 4:30 pm.

Stay after the tour for Happy Hour on the Plaza with music, games, food, drinks and more. Enjoy $2 off drinks 5 - 6 p.m. on the Plaza.

Live Music, Art and More

Happy Hour on the Plaza: Every Wednesday from 5 - 7 p.m. featuring $2 off drinks from The Shed from 5 - 6 p.m. and live music at 6:15 p.m. (June 7 - August 30)

Live and Local: Enjoy live music from great local acts every Wednesday at 7 p.m. (June 7 - August 30).

  • June 7 Umojah Nation*
  • June 14 Charita Franks & WTF Band*
  • June 21 Hubb's Groove*
  • June 28 Deep South Akron All-Stars (rescheduled for Sept. 6)*
  • July 5 The After Party
  • July 12 Latin Jazz Players
  • July 19 Madison Cummins
  • July 26 Theron Brown
  • August 2 Jim Ballard and the Strangs
  • August 9 Jeff Klemm and the Letters
  • August 16 The Wallace Coleman Band
  • August 23 Tommy Lehman
  • August 30 Wishgarden
  • September 6 Deep South Akron All-Stars*

*Live & Local June concerts made possible by Downtown Akron Partnership, Knight Foundation & Ohio Arts Council.

Free Wi-Fi is available on Cascade Plaza powered by DSI.

 

Support for summer programming is provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Musicians, performances and cultural events are made possible with support from Ohio Arts Council.