Head to Lock 3 for free concerts, events all summer

Celeste Houmard
·2 min read

AKRON, Ohio (WJW) – The City of Akron’s Lock 3 is once again holding some of the best concerts and events in Northeast Ohio all summer. Best of all, all events, concerts, movies and activities are free to attend!

Lock 3 released its summer events schedule on Wednesday, with events kicking off on Friday, May 24 for Memorial Day weekend.

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“We’re excited to kick off another summer of fun at Lock 3 in the heart of downtown Akron,” Mayor Malik said. “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.”

Concerts will return to the Lock 3 Backyard, behind the original stage, next to The Akron Civic Theatre.

Guests are asked to bring a chair or blanket. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, with the option to round up to donate towards the summer programming season, to keep programs free for everyone.

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Summer events and details:

  • The first Rock the Lock concert is on Friday, May 24 with WANTED: A Bon Jovi Tribute featuring VUDU CHILDE. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the concerts starting at 7 p.m. Click here for the full list of bands and dates.

  • Gospel Sundays are held on July 14, July 21, and August 25 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Cascade Plaza.

  • Enjoy Lock 3’s Movie Series on Thursday nights at 8:45 p.m. for a free outdoor movie sponsored by The NIGHTLIGHT Cinema on June 13 & 27, July 11 & 25 and August 8 & 22

  • The Rib White and Blue Festival: July 3 – 6

  • Neighborhood fireworks on July 4 beginning at 9:45 p.m. at the Patterson Park Sports Complex, Akron Fulton Airport and Lock 3

  • The Italian-American Festival: July 11 – 13

  • The African American Cultural Festival: July 26 – 28

  • We Are The Weirdos Ohio Punk Rock Flea Market: August 10

  • PickleFest: August 12

  • Akron Pride Festival: August 24

  • Akron City Festival: September 3

  • Skate Nights on The Plaza – Various dates from May 25 – Aug. 31 from 5 – 8 p.m.

  • Wellness on The Plaza – Various dates from May 21- Sept. 5

  • Happy Hour on The Plaza – Wednesdays from June 12 – Aug. 28 from 5 – 9 p.m.

Free concerts and events are made possible by Lock 3’s sponsors including the 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 and WQMX.

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For more details about Lock 3 concerts and events, click here.

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