Akron Bicentennial

03/03/2026

Join us Tuesday, March 3rd, 6:30-8:00 pm in the Grand Lobby of the Akron Civic Theatre for a special free event celebrating the history of Jazz in Akron! Presented by the Akron History Center and America 250-Ohio, the program features amazing jazz artists Theron Brown and Chris Coles, Akron Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor, Maestro Christopher Wilkins, and our former Historic Research & Program Coordinator, Rose Vance-Grom. Our former Executive Director, Mark Greer, will moderate the program. The event will also be filmed by our friends at PBS Western Reserve.

Join us and learn more about Akron’s incredibly rich Jazz legacy, along with profiles on notable Akron musicians. And don’t miss the phenomenal talents of Theron Brown and Chris Coles, whose performances will open and close the program!

Before the event, you can explore the Rhythms of the Rubber City exhibit at the Akron History Center (FREE admission from 4:30–6:00PM).

Akron-Summit County Public Library Summit County Historical Society

https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/entertainment/arts/2026/03/02/learn-about-akron-jazz-history-civic-theatre-march-3/88883259007/ed

Local musicians and historian to dig into jazz in Akron from 1920 to the present during free program.

01/28/2026

Did you miss “A Concert For Akron, By Akron: The Akron Bicentennial Concert,” with the Akron Symphony Orchestra? Well tune in tonight at 8 pm ET on WCLV for a special encore performance, featuring all Akron musicians and composers, led by Maestro Chris Wilkins! Click the link below to hear the Bicentennial Concert tonight:

https://www.ideastream.org/show/ovations
Photos 📸 courtesy of The Green Photograph

12/06/2025

Check out these highlights from our Bicentennial Closing Ceremony this afternoon at historic Perkins Square! Many thanks to everyone who attended to help us celebrate Akron’s official 200th Anniversary date! The ceremony was a commemorative celebration of our entire bicentennial year, including the unveiling of the new City of Akron logo by Mayor Shammas Malik, a special proclamation by Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, and historical remarks by Akron History Center President, Dave Lieberth, and Summit County Historical Society President & CEO, Leianne Neff Heppner. Akron Marathon CEO, Anne Bitong presented the commemorative pins to those who completed our yearlong Bicentennial Wellness Challenge, and Akron Children's Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. Tarun Bhalla, graciously welcomed us to the Hospital campus.

Many thanks to all our amazing sponsors, partners, and volunteers, the Bicentennial Commission, City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office, Akron City Council, Akron 200 staff, Jasina Chapman and Rose Vance-Grom, and everyone who has attended one or more of the 253 events on our calendar this year! We truly cannot thank you enough for your support of the Akron Bicentennial, and for making our 200th Anniversary a year like none other! We still have one more signature event on our calendar, so be sure to join us Tuesday, December 9th, 6 pm at historic Wesley Temple for our final Forgotten History Forum on the history of the African American Church in Akron! Photos courtesy of Anthony Boarman.

12/04/2025

What an amazing Concert For Akron, By Akron: The Akron Bicentennial Concert last night with our friends from the Akron Symphony Orchestra, under the stellar direction of Maestro Christopher Wilkins! A wonderful evening of all Akron composers and/or performers, the Bicentennial Concert was a celebration of Akron’s musical talent and legacy. From Ruby and the Romantics, Julia Perry, and Rodgers & Hart, to living Akronite composers, Margi Griebling-Haigh, Jamie Wilding, Eric Benjamin, and Roger Zahab, to the amazing soprano, Jocelyn Grant, the phenomenal pianist, Theron Brown, and our very own Executive Director, pianist Mark Greer. Many thanks to all our sponsors and partners, the Akron Bicentennial Commission, the City of Akron, Ohio - Mayor's Office, Akron City Council, Akron 200 staff, our amazing volunteers, and everyone who has attended and supported the Bicentennial throughout the year! We truly cannot thank you all enough! Be sure to join us this Saturday, December 6th at 1 pm for our Closing Ceremony at One Perkins Square at the outdoor amphitheater at Akron Children's Hospital! Photos courtesy of The Green Photograph.

11/26/2025

We’re one week away from our Akron Bicentennial Concert: “A Concert for Akron, by Akron!” Join us December 3rd, 7 pm for this FREE CONCERT at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall for the Bicentennial Musical Event of the year, featuring the Akron Symphony Orchestra! And don’t miss our community expo in the lobby at 6 pm. Reserve your free tickets HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-concert-for-akron-by-akron-the-akron-bicentennial-concert-tickets-1852910458059

A Concert for Akron, by Akron: The Akron Bicentennial Concert featuring the Akron Symphony Orchestra.