Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival

08/13/2026

We are deeply appreciative of our wonderful community partners and supporters who make it possible to bring free, professional dance performances into our neighborhoods. The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival expresses its gratitude to our presenter, the City of Akron, as well as our generous sponsors the Akron Community Foundation, Peg's Foundation, the Ohio Arts Council, the Musson Foundation, The University of Akron and our fiscal sponsor Akron Civic Theatre. Our heartfelt thanks for the dedicated community members whose personal contributions support our vision. Your generosity brings this festival to life. 💛

08/08/2026

The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival closes with Inlet Dance Theatre at Firestone Park tonight with a free outdoor performance.

For 25 years, Inlet has inspired audiences through bold movement, powerful storytelling, and deeply human connection. Tonight’s performance celebrates the legacy and marks a special moment in Inlet’s milestone 25th anniversary season.

Bring a chair, bring a friend, and help honor this special 25th season finale as Inlet looks ahead to its next exciting chapter.

Inlet Dance Theatre

08/07/2026

💫Inlet Dance Theatre opens Tonight 💫

The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival proudly welcomes back Inlet Dance Theatre! Join us at Firestone Park at 8:45pm for an expressive and theatrical performance. Children's interactive program led by Dance Institute at 7:45pm before the show.

Bring a blanket and join us as the show goes on. See you there!

Inlet Dance Theatre

08/07/2026

"Inlet's aesthetic has been described as 'narrative-driven choreography…filled with striking and compassionate imagery" - BroadwayWorld

Inlet moves people. See for yourself. Inlet Dance Theatre performs at Firestone Park (near the intersection of N. Firestone and S. Firestone Blvd.) on August 7 & 8 at 8:45pm — free and open to the community.

Inlet Dance Theatre

08/06/2026

Athletic. Expressive. Unforgettable.

Inlet Dance Theatre is rooted in American Modern Dance and built on a foundation of Erick Hawkins-based release technique and non-traditional partnering — the only professional dance company in the region to specialize in both.

From playful works to visually stunning storytelling, Inlet's eclectic repertoire speaks to the full range of human experience. Don't miss them at Firestone Park, Akron, August 7 & 8 at 8:45pm. Free and open to the public.

Inlet Dance Theatre

08/06/2026

Last chance to flow with us on stage this Saturday!

This Saturday marks the final free yoga class of the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival season. Join instructor Jen Garlando for an all-levels class on the festival stage at Firestone Park. No experience needed. Roll out a mat or spread a blanket, breathe deep, and come outdoors with your community.

📍 Firestone Park
🗓️ Saturday, August 8, 2026
⏰ 10–11am
🎟️ Free RSVP http://akrondancefestival.org/

08/05/2026

Twenty-five years of innovative, athletic, and visually stunning contemporary dance. Founded in 2001 by Executive/Artistic Director Bill Wade, has grown from a small local company into a celebrated organization with international impact.

This season, they bring that legacy to the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival — performing at Firestone Park on August 7 & 8 at 8:45pm. The performance is free and open to the public. Bill Wade will also be teaching a masterclass on Saturday at 11am at the University of Akron's Guzzetta Hall.

Visit http://akrondancefestival.org to learn more.

08/04/2026

It’s a “transformer”!!!

Here’s the first lift of the dance festival stage going up!
(Second lift is in comments!)

08/01/2026

From The Kennedy Center to Jacob's Pillow, Lincoln Center to the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, DCDC has performed for packed houses across 10+ countries. DCDC is the oldest modern dance company in Ohio and ranked in the top 10 nationally.

Don’t miss the last night of their performance at Goodyear Heights Metro Park. Enjoy an evening of amazing dance live under the summer sky. ✨

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

Photo courtesy DCDC

08/01/2026

And THE SHOW IS HAPPENING TONIGHT!

One of Akron's longest-running summer traditions is back for its 52nd season, bringing free professional dance performances to neighborhood parks across the city.