Better Kenmore Events

First Fridays are back for 2025!

We look forward to welcoming our neighbors from Kenmore and all over Greater Akron to The BLVD in June through September.

These events take place rain or shine and are family-friendly.

First Friday provides a chance to explore Akron’s Music Row while enjoying food, kids activities, vendors, and more.

Scroll down for ways that you can get involved – and check back for more details!

Map of The BLVD

THE EVENTS

FIRST FRIDAYS

Shop at BLVD businesses and vendors from around Northeast Ohio, grab dinner or a sweet treat at a food truck, listen to local music, explore activities for youth in the Kid’s Zone, and get to know your Kenmore neighbors.

Friday, July 11 // Music Lineup:

6:00 – 6:45 PM: Brian Lisik Band
7:15 – 8:45 PM: Up ‘Till 4

Friday, August 1 // Music Lineup:

6:00 – 6:45 PM: Fancy Legs / Big Pop
7:15 – 8:45 PM: The Bizzaros

Friday, September 5 // Music Lineup:

6:00– 6:45 pm: Run Thomas Run
7:15 – 8:45 pm: Benjamin Payne & Yankee Bravo

*Paint and Sip at 6:30 pm*Join artist Althea Jones as she guides neighbors and friends on how to paint a fun music-inspired piece of art in a FREE “Paint & Sip” event. Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks will be available. First come, first to create as this has a capacity of 25 people. Located at 988 Kenmore Blvd.

*MBuzek Art Live Painting* Matt Buzek will be providing live painting all evening! You’ll be able to find him right outside of 988 Kenmore Blvd.

A special thanks to ArtsNow and Summit County Land Bank for supporting activation of underutilized and vacant public spaces!

*SCF Studios Open Mic Jam* Join Super Critical Flow (SCF) Studios for a pressure-free open jam in the Buzzbin Courtyard (952 Kenmore Blvd)! Bring your guitar, your music, and your voice—we’ll provide the rest. Sign up for a 15 minute slot and share your old, new, or favorite songs with the crowd. 6 – 7:30 pm and 8 – 9 pm. Sign-up here.

*Beer Garden + Cocktails* Come visit the 15th Street Stage and grab a cold beer or non-alcoholic beverage. As an added bonus, Happy Camper Lemonade will be there with cocktails!

*Food Vendors* Stray Dog, Thai it Up, Sandy Bottom Bowls

GET INVOLVED

We have opportunities for you to become a part of First Friday in the following ways:

Busker – *NEW* Busk on the BLVD for an hour during First Fridays
Food Truck & Food Vendor
For-Profit Craft & Business Vendor
Non-Profit Vendor
Kids Zone Vendor
Artist
Volunteer

We are accepting vendor and volunteer applications on an ongoing basis.

We are no longer accepting applications for musicians for the 2025 season– please check back in the fall to apply to be a part of the 2026 events.

Vendor Application Form

Volunteer Application Form

Busker Sign-Up Form

BECOME A SPONSOR

Learn more about sponsorship opportunities for our season of family-friendly events in Kenmore. Please reach out to Eleni Manousogiannakis at eleni@betterkenmore.org with any questions on sponsorship.

Sponsor an Event