Photos above by Alex Shannon; Flickr user Drew Imagery (golfer); Flickr user Jimmy Emerson (stone house). There is a world of fun awaiting interns in Akron this summer. Through my internship with Knight Foundation, my goal is to help them discover unique local restaurants, outdoor adventures and fun nightlife. Being a native of the area and student at The University of Akron, I have been lucky to get to know this city well and want to help interns connect to our city and each other.

I will be hosting meetups for interns ages 18-24 to help them discover cool things to do. The series, Akron: Outside the Box, consists of unique programs that highlight great venues in our city. Every program is free for all participants, but you must preregister. During each event, community leaders will offer their insights on the evening’s topic. Here are details on each:

Akron Eats 

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4 Location: Bricco Restaurant, 1 W. Exchange St., Akron akroneats.eventbrite.com

Bricco Restaurant provides a casual, fun dining experience. Panelists will highlight local coffee shops, iconic restaurants and new places to have excellent meals.

Tee to Green in Akron

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11 Location: Firestone Country Club, 440 E. Warner Road, Akron teetogreenakron.eventbrite.com

The landscape of golf courses in Northeast Ohio is abundant. There are numerous courses that are priced favorably and offer great playing conditions. Panelists will discuss some of their favorite courses.

Akron Historic Arts District

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25 Location: The Nightlight, 30 N. High St., Akron akronarts.eventbrite.com

The Akron Arts District consists of several unique art galleries, restaurants, bars and locally owned shops all in close proximity. A tour will start at The Nightlight and finish with a reception at Uncorked Wine Bar, with heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by Urban Eats.

Living Akron History

When: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2 Location: The Summit County Historical Society, 550 Copley Road, Akron akronhistory.eventbrite.com

The Summit County Historical Society and guests will share stories about Akron’s rise to be come the Rubber City, its reinvention and current comeback in a post-industrial era.

Akron Beats

When: 5:30 p.m., Thursday, July 16 Location: Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron akronbeats.eventbrite.com

Jilly’s Music Room is a vibrant music venue in Downtown Akron. Panelists will provide their insights on some of the other best locations to enjoy music.

Alex Shannon is a summer intern in Akron for Knight Foundation. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter @ashannon11.