3 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 three 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 Library & Make a Button or Magnet at the TechZone ($0.45)

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. For no more than $0.45, you can create your very own button or magnet there.

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.

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.

Go Ice Skating at the Newly Revamped Lock 3 Park ($10.00)

Ice skating at Lock 3 in the winter is absolutely classic. The park recently went through some serious upgrades, including the installation of two permanent rinks, a breathtaking performance pavilion, more than 100 new trees, renovated bathrooms, and meandering paths. Rent skates for $10, and experience the beauty for yourself. Don’t forget to visit Archie the Talking Snowman and take a peek at the historic holiday window displays in the basement of the O’Neil’s building.

Total: $19.75

Option #2

Tour the National Museum of Psychology ($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 ($5.00)

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 $5.00, you can fill up on two large, potato-stuffed samosas.

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 from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, and admission is free.

Enjoy Snacks & Board Games at The Green Dragon Inn ($10.00)

The Green Dragon Inn is a medieval castle-themed board game bar located on the second floor of its building on East Market Street. They’ve got more than 750 board games available to borrow, as well as a robust menu of cocktails, mocktails, coffee and espresso beverages, snacks, flatbreads, and sandwiches. Get a shareable snack like buffalo chicken dip, loaded kettle chips, or pretzel sticks for $10.

Take In the Beauty of Winter Lighting & Digital Art on Main Street (Free)

Have a walk and take in the beauty of Main Street in the winter! 100+ trees are decked in twinkly lights for the holiday season, and just as many illuminated snowflakes are hanging from light poles. Additionally, 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, Ian Brill’s Band installation at the top of the former City Center Hotel, 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.

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 crullers, cinnamon rolls, scones, coffeecake, buttermilk biscuits, focaccia, big chewy cookies, and French macarons. They have plenty of gluten-free choices to boot.

Visit the Akron History Center (Free, Opening Soon)

The Akron History Center, opening soon, is a welcome addition to Main Street for museum lovers and those interested in local history. The museum’s three levels will feature interactive exhibits and artifacts relating to the city’s founding, industry, culture, and progress. Admission is free.

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.

Go Window Shopping in the Northside District (Free)

The Northside District is home to a number of shops: Zeber-Martell Clay Studio & Gallery, Northside Cellar, Trust Books, Dirty River Bicycle Works, and Northside Marketplace—an urban market featuring more than 140 local shops and restaurants. Spend some time exploring this cozy nook of the downtown neighborhood, and if you'd like, you can even settle into the marketplace’s common area to hang out and borrow from their selection of board games.

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

There you have it, folks: Three 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, 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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