Staff Pick's: Akron, OH
Music Roadtrip
Certified: 🌟 Certified
Description: In the heart of Summit County, Akron mixes rustbelt grit with a creative pulse that’s impossible to ignore. From indie shops to underground labels, the city has a long history of producing boundary-pushing music—punk icons, experimental artists, and a whole wave of Ohio sound that still echoes through its neighborhoods. This route follows Akron’s crate-digging, small-venue, DIY spirit. Start at the Akron / Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, the best place to get your bearings. The team here can guide you toward local venues, downtown art walks, historic districts, and the pockets of the city where Akron’s music legacy still thrives. Once you’re centered, it’s time to go hunting. Head to Square Records, a Highland Square favorite and a cornerstone of Akron’s indie identity. Its shelves are packed with new releases, local artists, hard-to-find genres, and the kind of staff picks that reveal the city’s soundtrack. Continue your exploration at 2 Live Music, a shop known for its wide-ranging selection—vinyl, CDs, collectibles, and unexpected finds that make every visit feel like a dig with purpose. Round out your journey at Take Off Music Group, a local hub that champions Akron’s rising talent through production, studio work, and artist development. It’s a window into the next generation of the city’s sound—proof that Akron’s music story is still being written, one track at a time.