January 12
LIFT Akron: Get Outside
Horseshoe Pond, Cuyahoga Valley National Park // 10 am // January’s task for LIFT Akron is “get outside.” Yes, we know it’s January! Fight the post-holiday blues by joining us for a hike on the Tree Farm Trail, which begins at the Horseshoe Pond trailhead. The hike should take about 90 minutes. RSVP here.
If you can’t join us on Jan. 12, get outside on another day in January and document your activity using #LIFTAkron2019. For more information, visit thedevilstrip.com/LIFT.
January 12
Coffee Cupping
Akron Coffee Roasters // 2 pm // In this class, you will learn about the official standard process for tasting coffees in the coffee industry. Cupping is a way to assess the smells and tastes of coffees during the roasting process. The class will begin with an exercise to get in touch with your sense of smell, and then you’ll go step-by-step through the cupping process. When the class is through, you’ll be prepared to pick out the subtle notes in flavors found in your favorite cup of coffee. Tickets should be purchased ahead of time. $14.36, or $12 without Eventbrite fees.
January 13
Today’s Bride Wedding Show
John S. Knight Center // 10 am – 4 pm // More than 100 of Northeast Ohio’s best wedding vendors will be gathered at the Knight Center. Find inspiration for your own wedding in the cake gallery, reception table gallery and at the bridal fashion shows. There will also be a pop-up bridal boutique where you can try on dresses and sample food from local bakeries and caterers, as well as free giveaways and prizes. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time for $12 or at the door for $15. Children ages 6 and under get in for free.
January 14
A Different Kind of Book Club
Portage Lakes Branch Library // 1:30 pm // If you’ve recently read a great book and want to tell others about it, this is the event for you. Bring your latest book recommendation, and be prepared to hear recommendations for others. In this book club, nobody reads the same book. Rather, everybody reads on their own and then comes together to talk about what they’ve read. All genres are welcome to be discussed. This event is free and open to the public.
January 16
Painting Class: Poppies
Rm. 727 Gastropub // 7 – 9 pm // Enjoy a night of painting and beer with local artist Rae Faba, who will walk you step-by-step through the creation of your own masterpiece. Supplies are included in the price of registration, but you will have to pay for your own food and drinks separately. $30.
January 17
Look Beyond: An Art Show for All Abilities
Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center // 4 – 6 pm // This event, put on by METRO RTA and the Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities, highlights the work of local artists who have developmental disabilities. A variety of art pieces will be on display through Tuesday, January 29, some of which will be for sale. This event is free and open to the public.
January 20
View the Blood Moon: Lunar Eclipse
Firestone Metro Park / Coventry Oaks Area // 10:30 – 11:30 pm // First, there will be an indoor discussion about the moon, the eclipse, and the reason for it being called a “blood moon” on this day. Then, the group will go outside to look at the eclipsing full moon if conditions are right. Afterwards, there will be hot cocoa. This event is free and open to the public, but it will only be held if conditions are right. Call 330-865-8060 after 4 pm on the day of the program to confirm it is still happening.
January 24
Red & White on Thursday Night
Quaker Station at The Quaker Square Inn // 5:30 – 9 pm // Join the Arthritis Foundation for the 22nd anniversary of this food and wine event. There will be wines from around the globe, local beers, and food from some of the best chefs in Akron. There will also be live and silent auctions, raffles, and a VIP lounge. Proceeds from this event will benefit arthritis research and provide support to locals afflicted with arthritis and related diseases. Donations requested.
January 26
Beautiful Risks: Teach and Learn with Creativity
Akron Art Museum // 10 am // Attention, teachers! Join the University of Connecticut’s Dr. Ron Beghetto as he leads an interactive presentation and workshop on how to incorporate more creativity into education. He will discuss the ways in which making small changes can make big differences in learning and leadership practices in order to impact students and teachers alike. This event is free, although registration is required.
January 28
Maker Mondays: Media Transfer Station
Akron-Summit County Public Library // 6 pm // On select Mondays, the main library offers demonstrations of some of their equipment to those striving to be artists and entrepreneurs. On this day, learn all about how to digitize VHS, Super 8, 8 mm, negatives, vinyl LPs and cassettes for free at their Media Transfer Station. This event is free and open to the public.
January 29
Dancing with the Stars: Live!
Akron Civic Theatre // 7:30 pm // On this Tuesday night, some of your favorite stars from your favorite dance-filled TV show will be performing right here in Akron. Celebrities making an appearance will be Bobby Jones, Joe Amabile, John Schneider, Juan Pablo Di Pace and others. The show will feature a showcase of professional and troupe dancers of a variety of genres, as seen on ABC’s hit show. Tickets should be purchased ahead of time. $96 and up.
January 31
Kofi: Made in Akron Film Premiere Fundraiser
Tangier Event & Entertainment Center // 5 pm // Kofi R. Boakye, a musical prodigy who grew up in inner-city Akron, has been accepted to his dream school of Berklee College of Music. He plans to attend in the fall of 2019. This event is a fundraiser hosted by Getta Kutuchief and Nicole Mullet and will feature a documentary film that takes a look at Kofi’s triumphant story, aiming to help him raise the money he needs to fulfill his dreams. $50 and up. (Learn more about Kofi here.)