Greater Akron Concerts and Summit County’s Live Music Scene
Welcome to Summit County and Greater Akron, Ohio, an area with a thriving and diverse live music scene that caters to every musical taste. From intimate venues and cozy bars to grand stages and amphitheaters, you’ll enjoy plenty of concerts and entertainment throughout the year.
Greater Akron Live Music Hotspots
Blossom Music Center is where it’s at for stellar music in Summit County! This outdoor amphitheater hosts some of the biggest names in music. With a capacity of approximately 23,000, it offers a unique concert experience and incredible acoustics! During the summer, Blossom becomes a hub for major tours and festivals, making it a must-visit for any music lover. The summer lineup includes a mix of country stars, orchestras, rock, and more!
For a more intimate setting, head to Jilly’s Music Room. This cozy venue hosts live music four nights a week, featuring original bands, local, regional, and national acts. Jilly’s provides a platform for emerging artists and a relaxed atmosphere for music fans, showcasing a variety of genres, including blues, rock, R&B, indie, and more.
Be sure to check out Musica’s lineup too! Located in Downtown Akron’s Historic Arts District, Musica is known for its eclectic mix of genres, from indie rock to electronic music. This independent venue provides a great place to enjoy local and touring artists, DJs, comedians, and more.
Steeped in local history, the Rialto Theatre hosts a variety of shows, including rock and country as well as performance theater. It also features a smaller, more intimate stage in “The Rialto Living Room” for solo performers. And their new restaurant, Paninoteca, serves up delicious bites like flatbreads, street tacos, and paninis.
If you love stand-up comedy and Broadway shows or are nostalgic for the stars of yesteryear, you can find all of that at E.J. Thomas Hall. Or get your groove on at Blue Jazz+. Specializing in jazz, blues, and soul, you’ll enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere with live performances from both emerging and established artists. And bless your ears with sounds from local and regional artists one Sunday evening a month throughout Fall and Winter, hosted by Music from The Western Reserve.
Greater Akron Summer Shows
The Akron Summer Concert Series is an annual tradition offering free concerts throughout the summer. Held at various parks and outdoor spaces, this series features a diverse lineup of genres, including rock, jazz, blues, and classical. It's a perfect way to enjoy warm evenings with family and friends while listening to live music.
Construction may be underway this year on Lock 3 — a staple of Akron’s summer entertainment — but Rock the Lock will still go on in Lock 3’s Backyard! Each weekend you can hear a mix of national touring acts, tribute bands, and local performers right behind the original stage next to the Akron Civic Theatre.
Greater Akron’s concert and live music scene is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. So, grab your friends and get ready to experience the best live music in Akron and the entire Summit County area!