Release Date: May 17,2024
Downtown Akron Partnership Announces 2024 Summer on the Plaza
May 16, 2024, Akron, Ohio — Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) announces its 2024 Summer on the Plaza schedule, which includes Wellness on the Plaza programs, live music, downtown tours, roller skating and more. Summer on the Plaza programs will be offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, select Saturdays and Sundays, May 21 – September 5. All events take place at Cascade Plaza and are free for all people to attend.
This year’s Wellness on the Plaza lineup includes yoga, kickboxing, hip-hop step, Zumba, line dancing, bootcamp, Pilates and a weekly pop-up class. Pop-up classes will include self-defense, tai chi, beginner dance classes and more. DAP recommends that participants register in advance for wellness programs on Eventbrite.
In addition to these wellness classes, DAP is bringing back the popular Skate Nights on Cascade Plaza. Roller skates are available to rent for $2 per pair, or patrons can bring their own and skate for free. The skating is done on the concrete surrounding the grass on Cascade Plaza. The skating experience will be augmented with theme nights, DJs, yard games and refreshments including DORA beverages available for purchase from The Shed.
DAP is also bringing back Happy Hour on the Plaza every Wednesday from 5:30 to 9 pm. These full evenings of mid-week programming will feature line dancing, cornhole leagues in partnership with Summit Sports and Social and Live & Local concerts in partnership with the City of Akron.
DAP Communications Director Dominic Caruso says, “we’re excited to enhance the popular Wellness on the Plaza programs with the addition of Summit Sports and Social’s cornhole league, along with our first Skate Night planned with input from the Downtown Akron Youth Council, which is made up of high school students in the Akron Public School system. Working with Caleb Thurman, DAP’s operations and business specialist, the students developed the theme of the June 8 Skate Night (2000s Night, featuring 2000s R&B), and they’re helping to market the event to other young people all over the city.”
The full Summer on the Plaza schedule, as well as links to register for wellness classes, can be found at downtownakron.com/summer. A general overview is below.
Summer on the Plaza Programs
Tuesdays, May 21 – July 9
All-Levels Vinyasa Yoga on the Plaza, featuring Yoga Squared • 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Kickboxing on the Plaza, featuring Black2Life Fitness Ministry • 6:40 – 7:20 p.m.
Tuesdays, July 16 – September 3
All-Levels Vinyasa Yoga on the Plaza, featuring Yoga Squared • 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Zumba on the Plaza • 6:40 – 7:20 p.m.
Wednesdays, June 5 – August 28
Line Dancing on the Plaza, featuring JustUs Line Dance Crew • 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Cornhole League, featuring Summit Sports and Social • 6 – 8 p.m.
Live & Local Concert • 7 – 9 p.m.
Thursdays, May 23 – July 11
Hip-Hop Step on the Plaza, featuring Summer Ready Fitness • 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Pilates on the Plaza, featuring Pilates by Murphys • 6:40 – 7:20 p.m.
Tuesdays, July 18 – September 5
Hip-Hop Step on the Plaza, featuring Summer Ready Fitness • 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Bootcamp on the Plaza, featuring Mary Anderson • 6:40 – 7:20 p.m.
Sundays, May 26 – September 1
Pop-Up Wellness on the Plaza • 2 – 3 p.m.
Line Dancing on the Plaza, featuring JustUs Line Dance Crew • 3 – 4 pm
May 25 • June 8* • June 29 • July 13 • July 27 • August 10 • August 24 • August 31
*The June 8 Skate Night on the Plaza was planned by the Downtown Akron Youth Council, a group of students representing several high schools in the Akron Public Schools district.
Support for summer programming is provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and additional support for arts and culture performers is provided by Ohio Arts Council.