Better Kenmore CDC

09/02/2026

JUST 3 DAYS AWAY! Kenmore's September First Friday.

Whether you're coming for the music, food, family fun, or to support local businesses, there's something for everyone!

09/01/2026

10 YEARS DOWN. THE NEXT CHAPTER BEGINS.

For 10 years, we've been working to build a better Kenmore.

We've supported businesses.
We've activated The BLVD.
We've celebrated music and creativity.
We've brought people together.
We've invested in our community.
And we've helped Kenmore Boulevard become known as Akron's Music Row.

But the work isn't finished.

As we celebrate the past decade, we're also looking ahead—to new businesses, new ideas, new investments, new partnerships, and new possibilities.

Join us right before September First Friday to celebrate 10 years of Better Kenmore CDC.

10 years of building.
10 years of believing.
10 years of Better Kenmore.

Here's to the next 10.



📷Cliff Franks

08/29/2026

THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS

No organization revitalizes a community alone.

Over the past 10 years, Better Kenmore CDC has worked alongside residents, volunteers, businesses, artists, musicians, nonprofits, funders, schools, libraries, government partners, and countless others.

Our work is possible because people believe in the potential of this community and are willing to invest their time, energy, creativity, and resources.

To everyone who has been part of the past 10 years: thank you.



📷Akron Public Schools

08/28/2026

VENDOR SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR SELLING YOUR CREATIONS!

Looking for local makers, artists or cottage food vendors for Kenmore's last First Friday of the season on Friday, September 4 from 6pm-9pm to sell your creations.

Apply at betterkenmore.org/events.

08/27/2026

CONNECTING PEOPLE TO KENMORE

One of our biggest goals has been to change the way people see Kenmore.

Through events, marketing, storytelling, partnerships, and new experiences, we've worked to share the story of a neighborhood that is creative, entrepreneurial, welcoming, and full of potential.

Every new visitor who discovers Kenmore Boulevard—and every resident who sees their neighborhood in a new light—is part of that progress.

We're proud to help tell Kenmore's story.

08/24/2026

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

A strong community invests in its future.

Over the past 10 years, Better Kenmore CDC has helped create opportunities for young people to participate in community events, experience the arts and music, and see themselves as part of the future of Kenmore.

From youth performances to family activities and creative programming, we're working to make sure the next generation has a place in the story we're building.

Because the Kenmore we're creating today belongs to tomorrow's leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and neighbors.



📷Shane Wynn

08/24/2026

Signal Akron recently took a look at the new skate park taking shape at Prentiss Park—and the people working to build not just a place to skate, but a stronger skateboarding community. The project is a great example of what can happen when community ideas ranging from middle school students to adults, public and private investment, and a DIY spirit come together.

And while we wait for the permanent park to take its next steps, you can get a taste of what’s coming at our next First Friday on September 4 from 6pm-9pm, where First Glance Skatepark First Glance will have a pop-up skate park right here on The BLVD!

We love seeing more ways for people to gather, participate and make Kenmore their own—and this is just one more piece of that bigger picture.

Weeks before skateboarders could ride down the new DIY quarterpipe at Prentiss Park, volunteers were raking wet concrete into its forms.

08/23/2026

INVESTING IN THE LOOK & FEEL OF THE BOULEVARD

Revitalization isn't just about what's happening inside a building. It's also about creating a physical environment that makes people want to stop, stay, and come back.

Over the past decade, Better Kenmore CDC has supported efforts to improve storefronts, enhance the appearance of the corridor, celebrate public art, and create a more welcoming environment along Kenmore Boulevard.

Every improvement adds to the bigger picture—and helps us build a BLVD that reflects the creativity and pride of the people who call this community home.

08/22/2026

The next Kenmore First Friday is coming up Friday, September 4, and we’ve got an evening full of live music, food, family fun, and more on Kenmore Boulevard!

After a weekend of over a hundred bands playing on porches, we’re feeling pretty good about the fact that we already had these bands lined up for Kenmore. Sometimes the timing just works out. 😉

Join us for this month’s lineup:

6:00 PM — The Buffalo Ryders
7:30 PM — Massive Hotdog Recall

Come spend the evening on The BLVD with live music, good food, and plenty of reasons to stick around. No porch required.

08/20/2026

School’s Starting. Summer’s Not Over Yet! 🎤

The backpacks are coming out, but there’s still time for one more summer spotlight!

We’re looking for youth performers of all experience levels to take the stage on Friday, September 4. Sing, rap, dance, DJ, play an instrument, perform spoken word—or bring a talent all your own!

18 or younger? Come share what you can do and help us send off the summer in style.

Email [email protected] to claim your spot!