The Metro Parks Ensemble, the park district’s all-volunteer band, will celebrate 25 years of music with its 2026 concert season.
The Ensemble has 41 members who play numerous outdoor concerts throughout the Metro Parks. They play a wide variety of music, from traditional marches and big band standards to classic Broadway musicals and television theme songs. The musicians are volunteers of all ages; some have been part of the Ensemble for 25 years while others have joined as recently as this year.
The Ensemble will begin the season with a Music in the Park performance on Tuesday, May 26, 7 – 8 p.m. at Goodyear Heights Lodge (2077 Newton St., Akron). Light refreshments will be provided. Visitors can bring their own chairs and blankets, and a picnic if you prefer. In the event of inclement weather, the performance will be held indoors.
Beginning in June, visitors can enjoy the Ensemble’s Music by the Lake concert series, presented by Wayside Furniture. Performances are on Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets, and a picnic if preferred. Music by the Lake concerts will be canceled if it rains. Please call 330-865-8060 for updates if wet weather is in the forecast.
Munroe Falls Metro Park concerts will be held at the Lake Area (521 S. River Rd., Munroe Falls) on June 2, July 7 and August 4. Cycling without Age trishaw bikes will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m. to carry riders with limited mobility on a bench seat for an unobstructed view of nature and the feeling of riding a bike in the outdoors.
Silver Creek Metro Park concerts will be held at the Sherman Shelter area (5000 Hametown Rd., Norton) on June 9, July 14 and August 11.
Music by the Lake is supported by Acme Fresh Market.
Additional Music in the Park performances will take place throughout the season in various Metro Parks. View the full Ensemble performance schedule at bit.ly/smp-ensemble26.