Akron proudly celebrates 200 years of industry, culture, and innovation with bicentennial celebrations you won’t want to miss. This once-in-a-lifetime celebration captures the history of Akron from a small canal town founded in 1825 to a thriving manufacturing hub now known as the “Rubber Capital of the World.” Join the 2025 Akron bicentennial celebration to reminisce about the city’s vibrant past and explore Akron’s future with these forward-thinking initiatives.

A Look Back at the History of Akron

Akron, which means “high” in Greek, earned its name as the highest point in Summit County. As the car craze swept America in the early 20th century, Akron quickly grew into the country’s leading rubber manufacturer, housing names like B.F. Goodrich Tire, Firestone Tire, General Tire, and Goodyear Tire. By 1910, Akron was the fastest-growing city in America.

Today, that rich history comes to life at historical landmarks like Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, the former estate of Goodyear Tire & Rubber cofounder, F.A. Seiberling. This 65-room Tudor Revival manor house offers seasonal tours of its historic 70-acre grounds. 

At Hale Farm & Village, a 19th-century-inspired living history village, visitors can enjoy the bygone era of blacksmiths, candlestick makers, and cooks at work in their respective dwellings.

Introducing the Akron History Center

The Akron History Center, opening on April 5, will preserve the 200-year history of Akron through exhibitions, activities, and events. Its 3,000 square feet of exhibits span three floors and include a hand-drawn 1899 map of downtown Akron, a “Boomtown” level recreating the B.F. Goodrich complex in 1950, and a street-level floor with the building’s original 1909 terrazzo floor.

Stay tuned for hours of operation, ticket pricing, and more as the museum gears up for its debut.

Bicentennial Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Akron will celebrate all things bicentennial throughout 2025. Visitors and locals alike can take part in this historic celebration through a variety of bicentennial events and parades, including Akron Bicentennial Signature Week in downtown Akron from July 1-6. Later, close out the year-long celebration at the Akron Bicentennial Closing Ceremony at Lock 3 Park on December 6. Details will be announced soon, but in the meantime, check out places to stay as you start to plan your visit.

Of course, Akron’s famous rubber industry will also pay homage to the city’s 200th birthday. Bridgestone’s bicentennial homecoming “Feature the Future” event will take place July 5 at Lock 3 Park with a variety of booths, entertainment, and a showcase of Akron’s history. Meanwhile, the Goodyear Bicentennial Downtown Parade will march through Akron on July 5.

Don’t forget to cheer on the Akron RubberDucks as they take on the Erie SeaWolves at Bicentennial Bobblehead Night on July 5 at Canal Park Stadium. And be sure to check out the many neighborhood bicentennial events for family-friendly fun, tournaments, and festivals. 

Be Part of Akron’s Future

As it celebrates its past, Akron also looks ahead with a number of revitalization projects and forward-thinking initiatives that aim to shape its future. Energy and infrastructure are a top priority, including downtown housing developments, along with workforce solutions, environmental impact and community growth.  

The Akron Cultural Plan is also a living document that promises to strengthen Akron’s culture for many generations to come. Akron Artwalk (which celebrates developmental disabilities), SEEN: Advancing Equity in Summit County (a program that establishes diverse marketing images to accurately represent the region), and new community gathering spaces, such as in the City of Stow, all work hand-in-hand to help build a vibrant future as Akron looks to the next 200 years.