Best of Arts & Culture in Akron, Ohio

Akron is home to a thriving art scene thanks to the efforts of local foundations, government, and nearby Kent State University. You’ll find everything from live theater and music to local artists and exhibitions in galleries and museums. There are annual events, open houses, performances, live music, and more held almost every day of the year in Akron. Take the time to enjoy and experience the local art scene by visiting downtown Akron to experience the best of arts & culture in Central and Northeastern Ohio.

BLU Jazz+ Music Venue & Gallery

Image via Tim Fitzwater via Flickr

BLU Jazz+ is a live music venue and photography gallery located in downtown Akron. The club combines visual and audio arts into an upscale destination that’s intended to be accessible to all. It provides a relaxing atmosphere that encourages quiet socialization while enjoying live jazz performed by veterans of the art form. The sound for live musicians is designed to fill the room and deliver every last note to the audience in high quality. BLU Jazz+ features an interior that’s designed to invoke the feeling of stepping into a midcentury New York City nightclub with modern touches. The photography gallery features images of jazz musicians and jazz-related themes along with memorabilia from the jazz scene.

Akron Glass Works

Akron Glass Works is a glassblowing studio located at 421 Spicer St. The glass studio features a working hot glass furnace with accommodation for artists and students alike. A retail store stocks items made on-site at the gallery and also showcases work made by local artists. Visitors can find everything from candlesticks to ornaments and decorative items for the home. Akron Glass Works offers glass blowing classes to students who have no prior experience working with hot glass and teaches them how to make an item that they can take home.

The Sanctuary at Akron Glass Works is a fully restored stone church and features original stained glass as well as hand-blown glass chandeliers made by the artists at the glassblowing studio. Tours are currently on hold due to COVID-19, but keep an eye out for when they resume. The experience of glassblowing and the interior visuals of the fully restored church are a must-see.

Summit Artspace

Summit Artspace, located at 140 E. Market St. in the old Akron Public Library Building, is a nonprofit community arts center and art galleries for artists residing in Summit County. Local artists work out of studio spaces located in the building to exhibit their work and offer their work for sale. While the artists are curated in order to maintain a balance of the type of art on offer, a visitor will find art in almost any media including furniture, sculpture, jewelry, and photography.

Summit Artspace in Akron works with artists and community organizations to bring everyone together in one space. The foundation takes the view that art helps build a community, and the community will support the arts in return. There are regular exhibitions that showcase the work of resident artists in group and solo arrangements. Park at the lot just south of the building or at the meters on Summit Street in order to visit the arts center and view the art that’s on display.

Akron Soul Train

The Akron Soul Train is an artist-in-residence program that grants fellowships to community artists and enables them to engage in their art form of choice for an eventual exhibition in the gallery. The foundation seeks to bring artists and the community together by giving the artists a place to exhibit, talk about their work, and engage their neighbors in the local art scene. Artists from all walks of life are welcome at Akron Soul Train in order to make it a vibrant and ever-changing destination as well as help bring visual interest to downtown Akron.

Kent State University Museum

The Kent State University Museum primarily features exhibitions that focus on fashion throughout the centuries along with fashion designers. It also focuses on decorative arts made by ceramists, glassmakers, and more. Most exhibitions run for a few months to a year, but don’t wait to check out the Forever Chanel/Coco + Karl for an introspective look at the House of Chanel. The design house has been around for over 100 years, but this exhibition is only around through February 27, 2022.

If couture garments aren’t your thing, you’ll enjoy the handbag collection of Audrey M. Kail, which is on display through March 20, 2022. Mrs. Kail collected handbags from Judith Leiber and Kathrine Baumann and bequeathed her collection to the museum. Another interesting collection is Stitched: Regional Dress Across Europe. On display are costumes worn by villagers across Europe and show how clothing and embroidery styles were used as language to identify where the wearer came from.

Rediscover Downtown Akron Walking Tour

The Downtown Akron Partnership is holding a walking tour of Main Street on September 8, 2021. The purpose of the tour is to showcase the renovations, public spaces, businesses, and public art. Attendees will also get to learn about the plans for the future of downtown and upcoming development projects. You can park at the State Street Deck at 55 W. State St. or the surface lot on Bowery Street. Meet up for the tour at Lock 3 at 200 S. Main St. Downtown Akron Partnership is following all CDC, state, and local health orders regarding COVID-19, but does not require the wearing of masks by attendees.

Experience The Best of Akron And Northeast Ohio Have To Offer

Akron has a rich and vibrant art scene but is often overlooked. At our dealership, our staff is proud to represent the best that Northeastern Ohio has to offer. We’re happy to share our recommendations for the best activities, events, and restaurants in Akron and beyond. If we’ve missed your favorite gallery, museum, or venue in our coverage of Akron’s art scene, let us know by contacting our staff online or by phone. We’ll be happy to add to our list and amplify the rich cultural history that Akron cultivates.