Wed 6/18-Wed 8/20 @ 5:30-8:30PM

The beloved Wade Oval Wednesdays are back in University Circle providing two months of free, family-friendly outdoor evenings featuring music, wandering entertainers, food, community organizations, activities and more.

Running through August 20, they kick off this week with soul/funk/R&B ensemble the Stix Quartet with Akron hip-hop duo Free Black! and the Shaw High School Marching Band ­— alone worth the trip to Wade Oval — getting things started. “Roaming entertainment,” as they’ve dubbed it, includes Pickup Stix Stiltwalkers, Smurfs, and hula hoops available for kids (and grownups) to use.

The next two weeks will be big ones. On June 25, the headliner is the ubiquitous blue/soul/rock band Apostle Jones, one of the area’s (justifiably) fastest rising bands, a high-energy ensemble of red-hot talent with broad appeal. Since it’s also LGBTQ+ Pride Night, the openers/roamers will include an array of local drag performers. Bring the kids — they’ll love the colorful costumes and witty performances.

Then on July 2, as usual, Carlos Jones & the P.L.U.S. Band will be holding down the pre-July 4 slot, attempting to bring some soothing peace, love and unity to our hurting, anxious souls with their uplifting, inclusive rock ’n reggae.

For a full schedule of future evenings, each of which includes a headliner, opening act(s) and special activities, go here.