All events take place in Hardesty Park, 1615 W. Market St., Akron. Parking is free. For information about any of the events, visit www.akronartsexpo.org.
• Thursday: The eighth annual Taste of Akron, 6 to 10 p.m. More than 20 local restaurants and food purveyors will gather at Hardesty Park to cook up their favorite fare. Food items are sold with tickets for $2, $4, and $6. Admission is free.
• Friday: Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, 6 to 8:30 p.m. More than 150 wines and beers from around the world, and hors d’oeuvres by Catering by Mark DiFeo. Proceeds benefit the Akron Arts Expo artist awards, children’s area and performing arts. Tickets are $40, $75 for two; phone 330-375-2836 for tickets. Must be 21 or older to attend.
A free performance by Verb Ballets in the park follows at 8:45 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: The 34th Annual Akron Arts Expo, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. A juried fine arts and crafts show featuring more than 160 artists. Free shuttle service from Firestone High School. Free Verb Ballets performance at 8:45 p.m. Saturday, and free Akron Symphony performance at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
