Better Kenmore CDC

06/01/2026

Look up during the parade at Saturday's BLVD Block Party!

Drumroll, please… 🥁 The Blimp Day map is officially HERE! This Saturday, June 6, both Goodyear Blimps will be cruising over all 24 of our neighborhoods. They’ll loop around in a big spiral through each section, so no matter where you are, you’ll have a great chance to spot them. Keep your eyes on the sky—it’s going to be a blast!

➡️ 9:30-10am: Ellet, East Akron, Middlebury, & Goodyear Heights
➡️ 10-10:30am: Chapel Hill, Cascade Valley, & North Hill
➡️ 10:30-11am: Merriman Valley, Merriman Hills, Wallhaven, Fairlawn Heights, Northwest Akron, & High Hampton
➡️ 11-11:30am: Highland Square, West Akron, Sherbondy Hill, Summit Lake, & Kenmore
➡️ 11:30am-12pm: West Hill, Downtown, University Park, South Akron, Firestone Park, & Coventry Crossing

05/29/2026

It's a wonderful thing to see businesses find ways to work together!

05/27/2026

After The BLVD Block Party wraps up at 5PM, keep the fun going right here in Kenmore! 👇

🎸 Catch more free live music with Battle of the Bands Contestant Velocity Stax & The Drecking Crew at Chestnut Ridge Park from 5–7PM thanks to Akron Parks Collaborative and Artists Making Progress.
🎤 Then head to The Rialto Theatre for Voices in the 330 later that night hosted by 330ToGO - if you can snag tickets before selling out like in years past!
🎓 Reconnect at Old 97 Cafe for a Kenmore All Class Reunion - $20 registration required.

Make it a full day of supporting local music, local businesses, and the Kenmore community on Saturday, June 6! ❤️🖤

05/24/2026

🎺 The Kenmore Parade is almost here!

Start making plans now for Saturday, June 6th as Kenmore Boulevard fills with music, community spirit, local organizations, creative entries, and summertime energy during The BLVD BLOCK PARTY. Come watch and cheer for the parade and join in celebrating the momentum building along The BLVD's future Music Row.

A special thank you to Kenmore Historical Society for sponsoring the parade! Make sure to check out their sports-themed exhibit inside the Better Kenmore CDC building at 1028 Kenmore Boulevard.

Parade starts at 11 AM along Kenmore Boulevard between 13th & 18th Streets.

Free parking available in public parking lots and side streets.

05/18/2026

Live music, local talent, and a whole lot of community energy! 🎶 Don’t miss Battle of the Bands as part of The BLVD BLOCK PARTY in Kenmore! Huge thanks to 330ToGO for organizing this showcase and to everyone helping bring more activity, creativity, and momentum to The BLVD.

***2026 BATTLE OF THE BANDS***

Stage Presented by Mid-Ohio Forklifts, Inc.

June 6th, 2026. Show begins around Noon after the Kenmore Neighborhood Parade. Also presented by Better Kenmore CDC. The stage will be in the vicinity of The Rialto Theatre.

The Performing Bands:
1052theband
Hybrid Nation
Velocity Stax

We will also be recording their sets. We will then package them into a performance and will broadcast that on YouTube and Facebook American Idol style and allow folks to vote on their favorite. Winning band wins a cash prize.

In addition, all bands will also have the option to perform later that evening at Buzzbin.

This event is free to attend at The Kenmore Block Party on June 6th.

05/16/2026

🚨 We still need a few good humans for The BLVD Block Party on Saturday June 6th 🚨

We’re looking for volunteers to help with:

🎈 Inflatables at the Kids Zone – helping keep the line moving and making sure kids take turns without turning bounce time into total chaos.
📚 Quiet Zone @ the Library – supervising a calm activity space for families who need a little break from the excitement.

Volunteer perks include:
🍔 Free food
👕 Free event t-shirt
🏷️ Free stickers (arguably the most important perk!)

Help us keep the fun fun, the lines orderly-ish, and the quiet zone actually quiet(ish).

Sign up today at betterkenmore.org/events.

05/15/2026

Don’t miss the opening set from Back 2 Eden!

Blending rock and Americana folk influences, this band brings heartfelt storytelling, tight harmonies, and rich musicianship to every performance. Their live show mixes classic rock favorites with original music for a sound that feels both familiar and fresh.

Be sure to catch them before the main show at 3:45pm by Gray Beard Band Akron!

05/15/2026

Not every performer is headed to a stadium tour—and that’s completely fine! Whether you’re already polishing your setlist or just want a way to test your future Grammy acceptance speech on, The BLVD BLOCK PARTY is looking for youth performers of all experience levels.

Sing, rap, dance, DJ, play an instrument, do spoken word, or bring your hidden talent to the stage on Saturday, June 6. Email [email protected] to claim your spot!

Must be 18 or younger.

05/14/2026

VENDOR SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE!

Looking for local makers, artists or cottage food vendors for The BLVD Block Party and Kenmore First Fridays.

Event Dates:
-The BLVD Block Party, Saturday, June 6; 10am-5pm
-July First Friday, July 3; 6-9pm
-August First Friday, August 7; 6-9pm
-September First Friday, September 4; 6-9pm

Apply at betterkenmore.org/events.

05/14/2026

Yes, this band plays covers. It’s one day—everyone stay calm. For one Saturday only, we’re kicking off summer with an all-day event for the whole community instead of our usual Friday night format.

Formed in 2021, Gray Beard Band Akron is a 6-member group covering hits spanning six decades from the 2000s' back through the 50s. The band has performed in nearly 20 different outdoor and indoor northeast Ohio venues.