AKRON, Ohio — Hundreds lined up to get a seat inside the glamourous and warm theater for the free event in downtown Akron.

What You Need To Know

  • Akron kicked off bicentennial celebrations with a night of free entertainment for residents

  • LeBron James' mom made a surprise appearance before the showing of a video of LeBron

  • Over 30 events will take place throughout 2025 in honor of the city's 200 years

Known as the "Rubber Capital of the World" because of Goodyear and Firestone tire companies starting there, the city will celebrate its 200 years in 2025.

Guests stopped at tables lined with bicentennial commemorative souvenirs before making their way to their seats, where they were treated to music and a bit of history.

“When you think of 200 years and how Akron has changed the things that put the city on the map, I think it’s really important that we, as Akronites, now understand what happened in the past, how things that happened in the past we can both learn from them and some that we can build upon,” said Mark Greene, executive director, Akron 200.

Over 30 events will be held in 2025 ranging from a kickball tournament to history talks and numerous concerts.

Gloria James, Akron native LeBron James’ mom, made a surprise appearance before the showing of a video featuring LeBron James, who famously calls himself "just a kid from Akron."

The celebration also announced the new Akron History Center set to open later this month.

Events will go through Dec. 6 of next year, the day of Akron’s official founding in 1825.