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.

As a part of Akron’s Bicentennial Celebration, the June First Friday will be replaced by The BLVD Block Party, a celebration of Akron’s Bicentennial in Kenmore on Saturday, June 7, 2025.

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

THE EVENTS

BLVD BLOCK PARTY

Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 7 AM – 9 PM

A celebration of Akron’s Bicentennial! Kenmore BLVD will be blocked off on both sides from 13th to 16th Street with a day full of activities.

LEARN MORE >>

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:

5:45 – 6:45 PM: Brian Lisik Band
7:15 – 8:45 PM: Up ‘Till 4

Friday, August 1 // Music Lineup:

5:45 – 6:45 PM: Fancy Legs / Big Pop
7:15 – 8:45 PM: The Bizzaros

Friday, September 5 // Music Lineup:

5:45 – 6:45 pm: Run Thomas Run
7:15 – 8:45 pm: Benjamin Payne & Yankee Bravoils

GET INVOLVED

We have opportunities for you to become a part of First Friday and The BLVD Block Party in the following ways:

Food Truck & Food Vendor
For-Profit Craft & Business Vendor
Non-Profit Vendor
Kids Zone Vendor
Artist
Volunteer

We are accepting vendor applications until March 31, 2025 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

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