by Eleni Manousogiannakis, Better Kenmore Executive Director
Better Kenmore Community Development Corporation is excited to announce The BLVD Block Party, a vibrant celebration honoring Akron’s Bicentennial. This free, family-friendly event will take place all day on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 8 AM to 9 PM along both sides of Kenmore Boulevard.
The day will be packed with fun, entertainment, and community activities for all ages. The festivities will kick off with the Kenmore Cowbell 7K Walk/Run at 8 AM, followed by a parade at 10 AM. There will be something for everyone, including a petting zoo and a TikTok dance contest for youth. Visitors can also enjoy canoe rides at Summit Lake, and listen to the Many Voices, One Kenmore storytelling experience at The Rialto Theatre.
The BLVD Block Party will feature food trucks and a variety of vendors selected for the first time by our own staff and a pop-up art gallery showcasing talent of Kenmore residents. For the younger crowd, there will be a designated Kids Zone with inflatables, games and crafts while adults can unwind in the Beer Garden. Live music will fill the air throughout the day, with student performances from Open Tone Music from noon to 2 PM. Enjoy the sounds of Mr. Jeff’s kid-friendly tunes, followed by Talk Less, The DollyHoppers and Rubber City Yukes. Close out the evening with Rachel Brown and The Beatnik Playboys opening for Umojah Nation.
The 2025 BLVD Block Party is a rain-or-shine event, and admission is free.
The remaining summer events will be from 6pm-9pm on the Fridays listed below.
July 11: Brian Lisik Band and Up ‘Till 4
August 1: Fancy Legs/Big Pop and The Bizzaros
September 5: Run Thomas Run and Benjamin Payne & Yankee Bravos
Volunteers, vendors, parade participants and race runners/walkers are still welcome.
For more information, visit www.betterkenmore.org/events.