Good morning, Youngstown.

Penguin City Brewing Company is hosting a two-day Halfway to Halloween event that began Friday and continues today with over 50 vendors offering spooky merchandise, food trucks, a costume contest + live performances, including Saturday vendor hours from noon to 7 p.m. Admission is $5 and children under 12 enter free.

After the Thursday home explosion in Girard, fire officials urged residents to hire professionals for installing and inspecting natural gas appliances and to test UL-listed gas detectors (which may not detect leaks along gas lines) regularly to spot hazards and call 911 if a leak is detected.

Sweet Melissa's, a popular local salad eatery originally from Boardman, is using pesticide-free aquaponic lettuce grown indoors by WestWinn Urban Ag near Clark Street in Sharon, with 200 pounds delivered every morning at 8:00 a.m. to meet rising demand.

The junk removal and demolition company JUNKCO+ opened its first Ohio location following a grand opening in Vienna.

Owner Ian Paddock said the branch will provide essential junk removal and eco-friendly demolition services for residential and commercial needs.

The Youngstown Soul Jam will host R&B legends including Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, The Manhattans, Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics, and Mr R&B Mark Williams at Powers Auditorium on Sunday, June 14 (doors open at 5 p.m.).

Tickets are available at the DeYor Box Office and online.

The Sixth Annual Youngstown May Day Festival started Friday and continues through the weekend at the Calvin Center of the Arts in Youngstown.

Free events include maypole dancing, workshops, food trucks, music and crafts, with an after-party at the Wickyards (711 Wick Ave) on Saturday.

Friday saw downtown turn festive when the city launched a weeklong Cinco de Mayo celebration during the monthly First Friday event.

North Phelps and West Commerce streets hosted live music from Romero Norteño and others while community mural activities, a children’s fun zone, and food trucks added to the scene.

Sharon Historical Society will host guided tours of Buhl Mansion Guesthouse and Spa throughout May.

Sunday tours on May 3 and 17 at noon and 2 p.m. and Thursday tours on May 7, 14, and 21 at 4 and 6 p.m. at 422 East State Street require reservations.

Two Youngstown State University students will begin their naval officer journey after graduation today as they join the competitive NUPOC program, which trains STEM leaders for the Navy + supports technical training and leadership development.

Hundreds of Youngstown State University health students celebrated their commencement Friday evening and committed to self care as they learned to care for patients and themselves.

Graduates stressed the importance of mental health as they prepare to serve the community.

A Youngstown high school guidance counselor resigned from her position at Cardinal Mooney amid an ongoing investigation that did not involve minors or current students, according to the school and the Diocese of Youngstown.

A proposal to replace Stambaugh Auditorium’s copper roof with a steel finish is set for review on May 5 by the Department of Community Planning and Economic Development.

The building (located at 1000 5th Avenue) will have its full roof removed and replaced to better match its historic look.

Local realtors and developers met Friday at an event hosted by the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber and the Youngstown Columbiana Association to discuss high construction costs and strict zoning that limit affordable housing—experts stressed that stronger public-private cooperation is needed to build sustainable communities.

Donnie Iris & The Cruisers Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — Robins Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of classic rock with Donnie Iris and special guest drummers Joe Vitale and Joe Vitale Jr.

Free Concert with Michael W. Smith

1 PM — Newport Glen Apartments — Free entry — Enjoy an afternoon of uplifting music in a friendly community setting.

Midday Cabaret Featuring Stan Miller

1-11:59 p.m. — Columbiana Arts Theater — $18 — Enjoy a soulful afternoon of smooth jazz and timeless classics with Stan Miller's enchanting performance.

Scrapper Fest 2026

6-8 p.m. — Eastwood Mall Complex Center Court — Free RSVP — Celebrate the start of the season with player meet-and-greets, family fun, and a chance to win great prizes.