by Corey Jenkins, Better Kenmore CDC
Photo by Shane Wynn
The 2023 Kenmore First Friday season has drawn some of the largest crowds in the history of
the event and brought some of the region’s best musicians, makers, vendors, and creatives to Kenmore Boulevard. The schedule for the final Kenmore First Friday of 2023 on September 1st is packed with live music, food and fun, and will be a true celebration of creativity and community unlike any other event this summer.
For starters, Summit Artspace will bring a mini market featuring the works of area artists,
Kenmore Girl Scout Troop 90187 will sell sidewalk spaces for kids to decorate with chalk, Let’s Grow Akron will bring a sampling of what they offer at their Summit Lake farmer’s markets, and Trillium Schools of Music will host performances from the next generation of rock stars in the McCutchan Courtyard, while Glory in the Beat, Akron Dream Center, and First Glance continue to present hip hop and urban expression artists at the Kenmore Branch Library.
Akron-based retro-futuristic goth-classic rock quintet Church of Starry Wisdom headlines Kenmore First Friday at 8 p.m. on September 1. Photo by Jason Chamberlain/JVC Photography
Speaking of music, the 15th Street Main Stage will host Glenn Lazear and Church of Starry
Wisdom – two of Akron’s most unique and original bands. Additionally, singer/songwriter Rami Feinstein and Zach & The Bright Lights will play at The Rialto Theatre, while Buzzbin hosts live music throughout the event and into the night – including Kenmore First Friday alums The Tenants.
“Kenmore First Fridays are the perfect opportunity to experience The BLVD in all its glory,”
said Josh Gippin, Better Kenmore CDC executive director. “My vision for the future is for every day on Kenmore Blvd. to feel as fun and lively as it does on Kenmore First Friday.”
The September 1st Kenmore First Friday will feature food from Ogarth’s Kitchen, Dee’s Dogs, House of Tacos, Kitchen 212º and Kona Ice, as well as beer from Magic City Brewing Company in the Kenmore Beer Garden located on 15th Street in front of the main stage.
Kenmore First Fridays are FREE and presented by Better Kenmore CDC, Kenmore Chamber ofCommerce and County of Summit ADM Board, with additional support from Akron Civic Commons,Peg’s Foundation, Apollo Supply Co., City of Akron, Kenmore Komics & Games, United Way, The Summit FM, Akron Dream Center, Akron Promise, Akron RubberDucks, Bi-02-Tek Services, Big Love Network, Fastenal, First Glance, Glory in the Beat, Innes CLC, Pierre’s Brooklyn Pizza & Deli, Primo’s Deli, Portage Path Behavioral Health,Regina’s Pizza, Rocco’s Pizza, Showcase Meats, Thomas C. Loepp Law Offices, and Trillium Schools of Music.
Visit betterkenmore.org/first-friday for the full lineup, event map, and more information.