Hope everyone is looking forward to this New Year! This year flew by, definitely crazy how fast we are now about to be in 2026. This new year should be amazing and filled with growth for all of us as we continue to grow and build a community together.
- Akron’s newest Mural!
- Local Record store closes up shop
-Top Authors in Akron!
-New Year Events
Quick New Year Survey! Would appreciate all responses!
-JJ
Newest Akron Mural
During COVID, Steele took an ice cream truck driving job because she needed work. She ended up loving it (“most positive, happy job”), and over time built it into a business, she now owns five ice cream trucks.
With the bills covered, she’s been able to lean back into what she calls the thing that “saves her soul”: painting murals around Akron.
Her first big pop-art-style mural in this series is on the exterior of Leaf Home and Blooms (449 W. Market St.), a wall filled with bright, graphic-outlined flowers and plants.
The mural took 84 hours, about one month, and 15+ gallons of paint (plus 5 gallons of primer).
What’s next
She’s already planning another bold mural at a new Leaf Home and Blooms location on Main Street in downtown Kent, working higher up (second story) and figuring out the logistics (scaffolding/roof access).
Steele moved from Twinsburg to Akron in 2022 and describes Akron as a place where she feels most like herself- living, creating, and belonging.
Square Records, the longtime vinyl shop in Akron’s Highland Square, has officially closed after nearly 25 years in business.
Opened in 2003, it built a reputation as a community staple with a curated selection especially strong in post-punk, new wave, independent, hip-hop, and jazz- and a shop vibe where regulars felt like the owners could always help you find something you’d actually love.
The store sold its last record on Saturday, Dec. 28, and the owners said the closure is due to a medical issue. Once word spread that the final day was here, customers came through to clear the shelves, with some describing the store as part of what gave Highland Square its “character” and cultural identity. The one hopeful note: the owners said Square Records could come back in some form, but not for a while.
Here is a local Akron Signal list on some local authors you should look out for!
The 8 authors (and why they’re on the list)
Rita Dove (poetry) - Akron-born and wildly decorated (including serving as U.S. Poet Laureate). The article highlights her recent work as politically engaged and historically wide-ranging.
Mary Biddinger (poetry + flash fiction)- Known for finding the “extraordinary in the ordinary,” with work that feels familiar and sharp. She’s also tied to the University of Akron (department leadership + MFA program).
Jess Everlee (romance + historical fiction) - Akron-based author writing queer Victorian London romances (“Lucky Lovers of London” series) that also work as standalones and lean into historical detail.
David Giffels (creative nonfiction) A Rust Belt storyteller (former Akron Beacon Journal columnist; UA professor) whose books read like Midwest love letters covering everything from Ohio road-trips to Devo’s origins and even a deeply personal father/son project.
Michael Buckley (middle grade/YA fantasy) Akron-born and best known for “The Sisters Grimm,” a kids’ fantasy series where fairytales are real and the sisters solve mysteries; he’s also worked in TV/animation.
Philip Metres (poetry) A poet focused on identity, lineage, place, and war/peace themes, drawing on Arab-American experience; noted for award-winning work and broader publication recognition.
Thrity Umrigar (fiction + creative nonfiction) A Case Western professor and former Akron Beacon Journal reporter; the article spotlights her novel “Honor,” centered on an Indian-American journalist returning to India to report on a brutal case shaped by family “honor.”
Lindsay Bonilla (picture books) A North Canton children’s author whose books tackle bigger themes (grief, inclusivity, storytelling) in kid-friendly ways; “Polar Bear Island” is one example mentioned.
New Year’s big events
Family-friendly
Akron Children’s Museum – “Make Believe Midnight 2025”
Tue, Dec 30 (10:00am–3:30pm). Ticketed special event.Akron Zoo – “Zoo Year’s Eve”
Listed on Downtown Akron’s calendar for Wed, Dec 31 (10am–2pm).Lock 3 (Downtown Akron)
Ice skating / ice bikes / bumper cars running on New Year’s Eve (11am–6pm) per Lock 3 hours + Downtown Akron calendar listings.
Stark County (Canton + nearby)
Countdown at the Tower (Canton Marketplace, Downtown Canton) – listed for Dec 31
Visit Canton: New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Stark County (a handy roundup you can link)
Krackpots Comedy Club – NYE Party (Dec 31, 7pm–12am)
Merry Lights Holiday Experience (Cutty’s) -Dec 27
Winter Break Open Skate (Center Ice, North Canton) -Dec 27
NYE Cocktail Class (Lost Trail Winery) -Dec 31
NYE “Countdown at the Tower” (Canton Marketplace) -Dec 31
Rohr’ing 20s New Year’s Party (Rohr’s Wine Room, Massillon) - Dec 31
New Year’s at Second April Studios (Downtown Canton) - Dec 31
Hit the Slopes!
Boston Mills is Officially Open! Day Pass tickets are $85 so keep that in mind if you are thinking of heading out there!
First Day Hikes – Ohio State Parks
January 1
Various locations across Northeast Ohio
Kick off the new year with guided hikes at nearby state parks- a low-key, outdoorsy way to reset after the holidays.
Hope everyone has an amazing holiday! As always, let us know any of your favorite places as we build out local guides!