April 2019

Clean Up Akron Month

Hosted by Keep Akron Beautiful // Clean Up Akron Month is a time for the Akron community to get involved with Keep Akron Beautiful. Choose a public space to clean up and a day and time that works for you and your group, and register at keepakronbeautiful.org. Supplies for trash pickup provided if necessary. The first 1,000 people to register will receive an Akron Zoo wristband for the Keep Akron Beautiful Volunteer Appreciation Picnic on April 27. Participating is free.



April 5

Poetry Reading with Mary Biddinger & Noor Hindi

The University of Akron Student Union, room 316 // 12 pm // Join Mary Biddinger and The Devil Strip’s own Noor Hindi for a poetry reading in collaboration with the University of Akron’s Women Studies Program. This event is free and open to the public.



April 11

Untold Stories

The Emily Davis Gallery at the UA Myers School of Art // 6 pm // In her new exhibit, Untold Stories, Jennifer Vanderpool uses art to create a haunting narrative of deindustrialization, labor and unemployment, segregation and the economy in the Rust Belt. The exhibition includes archival pieces and voices from Akron’s past and present that will create a backdrop for the issues plaguing the area today. A panel discussion will take place on April 11. The exhibit is on view until April 19.



April 12

TDS Social: Bowling Night at Eastgate Lanes

Eastgate Lanes // 7 pm – 9 pm // Join us for a playful night of bowling, laughs and drinks! Bring a team of friends or join one of ours. Prizes will be given to the bowlers with the highest and lowest scores. More details here.



April 15

Dinner in the Dark

BLU Plate // 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm // Dinner in the Dark is a six-course dinner, each course complemented by a featured wine or artisan cocktail, curated by six different local chefs. Participating chefs and their menus aren’t revealed until guests have arrived, keeping them “in the dark!” All ticket proceeds benefit local charities chosen by the participating chefs. Tickets on sale now. $81.90.

April 18

Be the Change Social Pitch

Compass Coffee // 7 pm – 10 pm // Be the Change Social Pitch is a competition for University of Akron students who have worked to “be the change” they want to see in the world through the development of an idea for a social enterprise. Join Compass Coffee as they welcome these driven students and help select the top prize winner by voting for your favorite pitch! This event is free, and hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.



April 20

Biannual Little Cuyahoga River Spring Cleanup

Mustill Store Trailhead // 9 am – 12 pm // Keep our springs clean! Roll up your sleeves and help Cascade Locks Park dig trash out of the Cuyahoga River. Give back to your community, help improve the river’s water quality and restore part of the scenic Towpath. Bring waterproof boots or waders if possible — you will get wet! Bags and gloves provided. This event is free.



April 20

LIFT Akron April Public Art Walk

Zeber-Martell Studio and Gallery // 11 am – 1 pm // Join The Devil Strip for two-mile walk to view some of the breathtaking public art pieces downtown Akron has to offer! This event is free. More details here.



April 21

HSQ Community Yoga + Neighborhood Clean-Up

Highland Triangle Park // 2 pm – 4 pm // Join Yoga Squared and Mustard Seed Market & Cafe for a free one-hour all-levels community class and community clean-up in honor of Earth Day! Please bring closed-toe shoes and a water bottle. Yoga mats will be available for free rental if needed. Yoga Squared requests that you meet at the triangle of green space between Edgerton Road and North Highland Ave, but will have someone at Yoga Squared to guide you if you are unsure about where to go. This event is free but registration is required.



April 26

Walk of Heroes

University of Akron Field House // 6 pm – 8 pm // Join the Rape Crisis Center of Media and Summit Counties to support survivors of sexual assault and those who intervene. Dress as your favorite superhero for a night of music, giveaways, and prizes, but most importantly, healing, hope and empowerment. If you want to help raise money, you can join The Devil Strip’s team at https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/the-devil-strip or start a team of your own. This event is free, though donations are encouraged.



April 27

A Taste of Urban Vision

Urban Vision // 3 pm – 7 pm // Celebrate the diverse culture of North Hill by sampling dishes from all over the world. Admission includes a tasting ticket, beverage, popcorn and raffle ticket. Admission is $5 in advance or $10 at the door. Additional tasting tickets are $2 each or six for $10. All proceeds support Urban Vision’s dedication to the children and families of North Hill.



Second and Fourth Mondays

Moms Group: Tots & Up The Nest // 6 pm – 8 pm // The Nest hosts two monthly meetings to support moms suffering with anxiety disorders, especially postpartum anxiety, as well as guidance for those who want to help their loved ones who are struggling. Free. For more information, email info.thenestakron@gmail.com.

Photo at top: Allyson Smith