Release Date: May 19,2022
Downtown Akron Partnership Announces Summer on the Plaza
Downtown Akron Partnership Announces Summer on the Plaza: Fitness Programs, Tours, Roller Skating, and Live Music at Lunch and Happy Hour
May 19, 2022, Akron, Ohio — Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) announces its schedule for Summer on the Plaza, which includes summer fitness programs, downtown tours, and roller skating. The offerings are free and open to all; DAP recommends that participants register in advance for fitness programs, which include yoga, kickboxing, line dancing, Zumba, Pilates, and Playdates on the Plaza.
In addition to Summer on the Plaza, DAP is adding new Lunch on Main and Happy Hour on Main events. Both programs will feature live music from local acts, food and DORA drinks. DAP’s summer programs will be offered Tuesdays through Thursdays, and Saturdays and Sundays. Details and registration are available at downtownakron.com/summer, and the daily schedule is listed below. A schedule of Lunch on Main and Happy Hour on Main performers will be released soon.
DAP Communications Director, Dominic Caruso says, “This year we’re featuring Summer on the Plaza, which will bring activity and a new atmosphere to Cascade Plaza. Instead of a space we use only occasionally, we’re looking at the Plaza as a unique spot in downtown where everyone and anyone can relax, grab a drink or snack, and enjoy the summer, regardless of whether or not there’s a fitness program or event going on.”
In addition to programming the plaza, DAP plans to prototype new furniture designed by Groundswell Design Group, a landscape design and architecture firm whose award-winning work has transformed public spaces in New York, Tampa, Memphis, and Philadelphia, among other cities. Look for patio swings, chess tables, and more in June. DAP plans aesthetic upgrades to the Shed on Cascade Plaza as well.
Programming for all people
DAP is pleased to bring fun and accessible programming to downtown for all to enjoy. Popular classes, such as yoga, kickboxing, and line dancing are returning, with new additions like Pilates, and family-friendly Playdates on the Plaza, featuring ArtSparks.
Roller skating returns
For five weekends in June, July and August, DAP will host roller skating on Cascade Plaza, with Phuture Boogie Roller Skating, featuring professional DJs Forrest “Gettemgump” Webb and Darrell Stout, scheduled for Saturdays from 6 – 9 p.m., and Family Skate Nights on Sundays from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Phuture Boogie Skate events were created by Webb, Stout, and Andre Leone to capture the feeling of popular Soul Skate events in other communities. DAP has added a twist to the Phuture Boogie Skate parties with decade-related theme nights, in which visitors are encouraged to dress in their flashiest in 70s, 80s, 90s, or 2000s gear.
DAP is working with Lock 3 to offer Family Skate Nights on Sundays before five of the eleven outdoor Family Movies in Lock 3, which begin at 8:45 p.m. Family Skate nights will be themed to the movie of the week, which include “Encanto,” “Lilo and Stitch” and others.
Tours
In addition to fitness and roller skating, DAP is continuing to show off new aspects of Main St. this summer with hour-long walking, biking and scooter tours. Scooter and biking tours introduce participants to the downtown Cycle Track, along with public art, development projects and downtown businesses. Walking tours go a bit more in depth, with details about downtown development and public space.
Lunch, Happy Hour on Main
Lunch on Main begins on Wednesday, May 25 and runs through September 7. Every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., DAP will present an hour of live music from a local artist each week, along with opportunities to enjoy your lunch on Main St. in front of Lock 3. Pick up some food from your favorite downtown restaurant, and enjoy the summer sounds. Happy Hours are the last Thursday of the month, from June through September, from 4 – 6 p.m. DORA beverages will be available, along with food from Lock 3 and live music.
Lunch on Main and Happy Hour on Main will feature an eclectic array of music, including R & B, traditional Japanese music, Latin Jazz guitar, singer-songwriters, jazz and more. A full list of performers is forthcoming. Live music at Lunch on Main and Happy Hour on Main is made possible with support from Ohio Arts Council.
Summer Downtown Programs
Sundays, June 5 – Sept. 25, 4 – 5 p.m.
Thursdays, June 2 – Sept. 29, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Line Dancing with JustUs Line Dance Crew • Cascade Plaza
Tuesdays, May 31 – July 26
Bootcamp on the Plaza with licensed instructor Mary Anderson
5:15 – 6:15 p.m. • Cascade Plaza
Yoga on the Plaza, featuring Yoga Squared • 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. • Cascade Plaza
Thursdays, June 2 – July 28, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
Pilates on the Plaza, featuring Pilates by Murphy’s • Cascade Plaza
Thursdays, August 4 – Sept. 29, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
Kickboxing on the Plaza, featuring Black2Life Fitness Ministry • Cascade Plaza
Saturdays
Zumba, ft. Empower Movement Fitness • June 11, 25; July 30; Aug. 13, 27
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Playdate on the Plaza, featuring ArtSparks • June 25; July 30; August 13; Sept. 24 • 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Phuture Boogie Roller Skate • June 11, 25; July 16, 30; August 30 • 6 – 9 p.m.
Sundays
Family Roller Skating on the Plaza • June 12, 26; July 17, 31; Aug. 14 • 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Cascade Plaza, followed by Family Movie Night in Lock 3.
- June 12 • Family Skate theme and outdoor movie: Encanto
- June 26 • Family Skate theme and outdoor movie: Incredibles 2
- July 17 • Family Skate theme and outdoor movie: Zootopia
- July 31 • Family Skate theme and outdoor movie: Luca
- August 14 | Family Skate theme and outdoor movie: Lilo and Stitch
Tours
Wednesdays
Discover Downtown Walking Tours • June 1; July 6; Aug. 3; Sept. 7; Oct. 5 • 12 – 1 p.m.
Discover Downtown Biking Tours • June 8; July 13; Aug. 10; Sept. 14; Oct. 12 • 12 – 1 p.m.
Thursdays
Discover Downtown Scooter Tours • May 19; June 16; July 21; Aug. 18; Sept. 15 • 6 p.m.
Lunch on Main
Wednesdays • May 25 – Sept. 7 • 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Happy Hour on Main
Thursdays • June 30; July 28; August 25; Sept. 29 • 4 – 6 p.m.
Support for summer programming is provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, with additional support for arts and culture performers provided by Ohio Arts Council.
Find out more about Downtown Akron Partnership. Follow us at www.downtownakron.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn