City of Akron's Lock 3 Releases 2024 Summer Concert and Event Schedule

City is providing an ALL FREE Programming Season

Akron, Ohio, May 9, 2024 - Summer is just around the corner and the City of Akron is looking forward to kicking off a season of downtown summer music and memories starting Friday, May 24 for Memorial Day weekend. This year, the city is providing all free programming meaning all events, concerts, movies, and activities will be free admission. Additionally, the city is diversifying the popular Rock the Lock concert series by pairing residents' favorite tribute bands with local bands as the opener for each concert and rebranding as Rock the Lock and Explore the Block. For all the details, visit Lock3live.com.

Concerts will return to the Lock 3 Backyard (W. Bowery St next to The Civic Theatre) as construction progresses in Lock 3 on time and on budget. The Backyard is located behind the original stage, next to The Akron Civic Theatre. Guests can enter from W. Bowery St. and parking is located at the State Street parking deck and Cascade parking deck. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Please bring a chair or blanket.

"We're excited to kick off another summer of fun at Lock 3 in the heart of downtown Akron," said Mayor Malik. "Making our programming and summertime activities as welcoming and accessible as possible is important for our residents to have fun, safe, options for their summer. I'm proud to offer a summer full of free programming to our residents. Make sure to mark your calendars and join us for a concert, movie, or festival this summer."

In order to provide free programming, the city will offer a "round up for summer programming" option at the cash register. When guests purchase food or beverages, they will have the option to round up to donate towards the summer programming season.

See Upcoming Events:

Rock the Lockand Explore the Block with your favorite tribute bands featuring the best of local musicians. First Rock the Lock concert is Fri. May 24th with WANTED: A Bon Jovi Tribute featuring VUDU CHILDE. Gates open at 6:00 PM, and concerts begin at 7:00 PM. Free Admission. Open seating. Click here for the full list of bands and dates.

Old School Soul presents Al Hudson & One Way featuring Jul Big Green. Saturday, June 29th. Free Admission. Gates open at 6 pm, concert at 7 pm. Open seating.

Gospel Sundays

Join us for evenings of uplifting, joyful music. Sundays from 4-6 pm. July 14th, July 21st and August 25th will take place at Cascade Plaza. August 11th will be at Lock 3 Backyard Stage on W. Bowery. Free admission, please bring a chair.

Movie Series

Grab a blanket and a friend and join us in Lock 3's Backyard Thursday Nights at 8:45 pm for a FREE outdoor movie sponsored by The NIGHTLIGHT Cinema. Dates: June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25 and August 8 & 22

Festivals

The City is excited to once again host a series of festivals in downtown this summer. Admission is free to all festivals with the exception of the last evening of the African American Cultural Festival on Sunday, July 28 after 4pm.

• The Rib White and Blue Festival: July 3 - 6th.
• • The city will once again host neighborhood fireworks to celebrate Independence Day on July 4^th.
  • Neighborhood fireworks shows will be shot off from Patterson Park Sports Complex, Akron Fulton Airport and Downtown Lock 3 Area beginning at 9:45 PM.
• The Italian-American Festival: July 11th-13th it-am.org
• The African American Cultural Festival: July 26th-28^thAkronAfricanCulture.com
• We Are The Weirdos Ohio Punk Rock Flea Market: August 10th AkronPRFM.com
• PickleFest: August 12th oddmall.info/akron-pickle-fest
• Akron Pride Festival: August 24th AkronPrideFestival.org
• Akron City Festival: September 3rd

Summer on the Plaza - Sponsored By Downtown Akron Partnership and located at Cascade Plaza in downtown Akron

• Skate Nights on The Plaza
• • Various dates from May 25 - August 31 5-8 PM
• Wellness on The Plaza
• • Various dates from May 21 - September 5
  • Series of FREE Classes and workshops to promote wellness.
• Happy Hour on The Plaza
• • Wednesdays from June 12 - August 28 5-9 PM
  • Enjoy a variety of the best local music in N.E. Ohio. Drink specials from The Shed, games on the lawn and corn hole league. Free Admission.

Sponsors and foundation underwriting keep all concerts free:

Lock 3 thanks our sponsors Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Pritt Entertainment Group, Tramonte Distributing, Miller Light, Coca-Cola, Downtown Akron Partnership, Akron Civic Theatre, Thirsty Dog Brewery, Knight Foundation, WAKR, WONE, WQMX.

In addition to the Lock 3 Programming, the City of Akron's Recreation and Parks Bureau will once again host their Concerts in the Park series for Summer.

Concerts in The Park

Concerts are free and take place Monday -Friday from 7-9pm. See the list below for locations. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair. Check the Recreation and Parks social media pages for cancellations due to weather.

• Mondays: Hardesty Park (1615 W. Market St.) June 10-Aug. 5
• Tuesdays: Firestone Park Community Center (1480 Girard St.) June 11-Aug. 6
• Wednesdays: Shadyside Park (1240 Kenmore Blvd.) June 12- Aug. 7
• Thursdays: Joy Park Community Center (825 James Ingram Way) June 13-June 27
• Thursdays: Hon. James R. Williams Lawton Street Community Center (1225 Lawton St.) July 11-Aug. 8
• Fridays: Public Square Triangle Park (1435 Goodyear Blvd.) June 14-July 5
• Fridays: Ellet Community Center (2449 Wedgewood Dr.) July 12-Aug. 9

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