4 Ways to Spend a Saturday in Downtown Akron for $20 or Less

One of the most-read guides on our website is a list of free and low-cost things to do in downtown Akron. We’ve also heard requests from University of Akron students for additional curated guides for things to do on a budget. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to enjoy food, art, public space, and unique activities downtown that won’t break the bank. So, without further ado, read on for four ways to enjoy a full Saturday for $20 or less, plus tax and tips.

Option #1

Stop for Coffee at Muggswigz ($2.30)

Muggswigz is an earthy, calming shop that roasts, blends, and serves great coffee, as well as a line of high-quality direct-trade teas. A cup of their drip coffee comes to a modest $2.30 and is sure to give you the jolt of energy you need to start your day on a high note.

Explore the Towpath Trail (free)

The Towpath is a 101-mile walking and biking trail that runs straight through downtown Akron, along the historic Ohio & Erie Canal. Access the trail off Exchange Street, at the Richard Howe House. Walk or bike north or south as far as you’d like, and turn around when you’re ready. There are plenty of hidden gems along the trail you’ll be excited to discover, like murals, waterfalls, and depending on the time of year, maybe even cherry blossoms. See how you can borrow a bike for free with Summit Bike Share.

Eat Lunch: Personal Calzone from Twisted Tomato ($7.00)

At 325 South Main Street, Twisted Tomato Pizzeria & Beer Wall is serving up personal calzones for $7.00. Included in the price is your choice of two toppings, which run the gamut from pepperoni and Italian sausage to pickles and broccoli, and your choice of eight unique sauces.

Tour Summit Artspace's Galleries (free)

Summit Artspace is a nonprofit community arts center dedicated to showcasing local art. The galleries feature both traditional and contemporary works, as well as new exhibitions every season and studio spaces for local artists. They’re open 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, and admission is free.

Spend Time at the Library (free)

The main branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library is vast. In addition to a selection of books on every topic, for readers of all ages, they boast a Library of Things. Borrow seeds, art, cake pans, educational kits, kitchen tools, musical instruments, passes to nearby attractions, and more, with nothing but your library card. Or, attend a free library event. The first floor of the library is also home to the TechZone—the library’s help desk and makerspace. Spend some time exploring; there’s so much to discover!

Eat Dinner: Sushi from Boiling House ($10.00)

Enjoy a light dinner at Boiling House, where the menu includes a variety of fresh seafood dishes. Their regular sushi rolls start at $5.00, with specialty rolls coming in closer to $10.00. They’re sure to hit the spot after a full day of exploring the neighborhood.

Total: $19.30

Option #2

Tour the National Psychology Museum ($5.00)

Start your day downtown with a tour of the National Museum of Psychology, located on The University of Akron campus. Museum highlights include interactive exhibits on memory, intelligence, and personality; home movies of Sigmund Freud; the simulated shock generator from Stanley Milgram’s obedience studies; and artifacts from the Stanford Prison Experiment. They also feature rotating exhibits, so there’s always something new to experience. Admission costs $5.00.

Eat Lunch: Samosas from Heera Indian Cuisine ($6.00)

Fuel up with some hot, authentic Indian food at Heera Indian Cuisine. They boast an extensive menu and generous portions at a variety of price points, and for $6.00, you can fill up on two large, potato-stuffed samosas.

Stroll Through Akron Soul Train's Galleries (free)

Akron Soul Train is an artist residency program that grants fellowships and provides resources to artists in all creative disciplines. One or two artists exhibit at a time, and exhibits are constantly rotating. Admission to the art gallery is free from 11 am to 4 pm.

Enjoy a Scoop of Ice Cream from Chill ($4.00)

Down the sidewalk from Akron Soul Train, treat yourself to a scoop of one of Chill Ice Cream’s 30+ rotating flavors. The shop creates unique, delicious flavors in small batches, ensuring the highest quality product possible. A single scoop is $4.00, and with plenty of tables and chairs inside, you can indulge year-round.

Take in the Digital Art and Light Displays on Main St. (free)

Take a walk and explore Main Street! Contemporary art curators from Curated Storefront are minds behind several lighted art displays, like the works on the video board outside the Akron Civic Theatre, the PixElation installation in the Bowery District featuring works by Pittsburgh Artist Ian Brill, and Gustavo Prado’s installation in the windows of the Polsky Building. The City of Akron has even gotten in on the act with color-changing lights at Lock 4. Just start walking and see what you find.

Catch a Show at Jilly's Music Room ($5.00)

End your night with a show at Jilly’s. The venue has been hosting local, regional, and national bands from just about every genre since 2013, and the cover charge is $5.00 unless otherwise noted. If you’ve got the munchies and a few extra bucks to spare, you might even want to try something from their fully gluten-free evening tapas menu. Visit Jilly’s website to see their entertainment schedule.

Total: $20.00

Option #3

Have a Treat from Sweet Mary's Bakery ($4.00)

A pastry from Sweet Mary’s Bakery is a decadent way to start your Saturday. Their cases are full of both sweet and savory goodies that will melt in your mouth and fill you up. Prices vary, but for $4.00 or less, you can generally find flaky croissants, cinnamon rolls, scones, coffeecake, carrot cake, bagels, focaccia, biscuits, and French macarons.

Take a Self-Guided Public Art Tour of Downtown (free)

Downtown is full of public art. If you take a walk, you’ll come across tons of beautiful, interesting murals and sculptures. Plus, you’ll discover some of the neighborhood’s nooks and crannies that aren’t normally visible from your car. A few highlights you won’t want to miss: The NIHF STEM Plaza, the Northside Green, the Iris, Aster, Lotus, and Ragwort and Axis Mundi murals on either side of the Akron Civic Theatre, and Jessica Lofthus’s Quaker Street mural.

Go Window Shopping & Play Board Games at Northside Marketplace (free)

Northside Marketplace is an urban market featuring more than 140 local shops and restaurants. Spend some time exploring the booths and alcoves where local makers sell their wares and treats, and then settle into the marketplace’s common area to hang out and borrow from their selection of board games.

Eat a Late Lunch: Small Cheese Pizza from Luigi's ($6.00)

Luigi’s is an Akron institution. The family-owned restaurant has been operating since 1949 and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. On Saturdays, they open at 3 pm. Pop in for a small tomato and cheese pizza, priced at an affordable $6.00 and filling enough to share, and enjoy your late lunch.

Catch a Movie at The Nightlight ($10.00)

Cap your day downtown with a movie at The Nightlight. The Nightlight is an independent, nonprofit movie theater dedicated to connecting community through a shared cinema experience. They show all sorts of films from all around the world, and tickets cost $10.

Total: $20.00

Option #4

Try a Smoothie from Evelyn's Coffee & Banh Mi ($4.00)

Evelyn’s Coffee & Banh Mi is a quaint Vietnamese coffee shop on Exchange Street. In addition to their signature Vietnamese iced coffee and affordable menu of offerings inspired by Southeast Asian street food, you can find fresh, creamy, satiating smoothies for just $4.00.

Explore Public Space Downtown (free)

Downtown is full of engaging and exciting public spaces, many of which are full of impressive art, native plants, interesting furniture, and lovely water features. Locks 2, 3, and 4, as well as Cascade Plaza, the Bud & Susie Rogers Garden adjacent to the Akron Art Museum, the NIHF STEM Plaza, and the Northside Green should all be on your list for exploring. Bring a book, art supplies, or snacks to extend a relaxing afternoon and take it all in.

Eat an Early Dinner: Missing Falls Brewery ($11.00)

Missing Falls Brewery, located on the south side of downtown, has mouthwatering burgers, salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, calzones, and appetizers. A large swathe of these fine offerings costs $11 or less, and the portions are generous.

Roller Skate on Cascade Plaza (free - $2.00)

Each summer, DAP holds free and very low-cost programming on Cascade Plaza. On select Saturdays, join us for Skate Night on the Plaza, where skates are available to rent for just $2 per pair (if you bring your own skates, you can do it for free). Skating is augmented with DJs, unique themes, yard games, and other fun activities. This summer’s Skate Nights are happening May 25, June 8, June 29, July 13, July 27, August 10, August 24, and August 31.

Indulge in a Warm Cookie from Insomnia Cookies ($2.95)

The ooey-gooey, chewy cookies at Insomnia—open uber late on Saturday nights—are to die for. There are 13 different types of cookies to choose from, including those that are vegan and gluten free. They cost $2.95 apiece and make for a scrumptious late-night treat.

Total: $19.95

There you have it, folks: Four options for a full Saturday in downtown Akron, plus tax and tips.

Looking for Free Things to Do on Weeknights?

Allow us to recommend Free Thursdays at the Akron Art Museum (which is free every day to students, staff, and faculty of The University of Akron, as well as anyone ages 17 and under), Thursday Movies@Main at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, community craft nights at Summit Artspace, free wellness and happy hour programming on Cascade Plaza, and trivia games and open mic nights throughout the week, at several different venues. Visit our events calendar to see what’s coming up, and check out our more general guide to free and low-cost things to do in downtown Akron for additional ideas.

See our updated traffic advisories and parking information to navigate and park downtown with ease.

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