Akron to hold summer concerts, festivals and more at Lock 3

AKRON, Ohio — The City of Akron is kicking off its Rock the Lock summer concert series this weekend in the city’s Lock 3 park. 

All events in Lock 3 this summer will have free admission, including all concerts, movies and activities. This year the city said it’s diversifying the Rock the Lock concert series by pairing residents’ favorite tribute bands with local bands. 

Concerts will be in the Lock 3 Backyard due to the construction in the main part of the park. The Backyard is behind the original stage near the Akron Civic Theatre.

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

Upcoming events

Rock the Lock and Explore the Block

• First Rock the Lock concert is Friday with WANTED: A Bon Jovi Tribute featuring VUDU CHILDE
• Gates open at 6 p.m. and the concerts start at 7 p.m.
• For a full list of bands and dates, click here

Old School Soul presents Al Hudson & One Way featuring Jul Big Green

• Saturday, June 29
• Gates open at 6 p.m. and concert starts at 7 p.m.

Gospel Sundays

• Sundays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• July 14, July 21 and Aug. 25 will take place at Cascade Plaza
• Aug. 11 with be at the Lock 3 Backyard State on W. Bowery

Movies series

• Thursday nights in Lock 3’s Backyard
• Starts at 8:45 p.m. 

Festivals

The Rib, White and Blue Festival

• July 3-6
• Neighborhood firework shows will be shot off from Patterson Park Sports Complex, Akron Fulton Airport and Downtown Lock 3 Area beginning at 9:45  p.m.

The Italian-American Festival

The African American Cultural Festival

• July 26-28
• Last evening of the African American Cultural Festival on Sunday, July 28 won’t have free admission

We Are The Weirdos Ohio Punk Rock Flea Market

PickleFest

Akron Pride Festival

Akron City Festival

Summer on the Plaza

Skate Nights on The Plaza

• Various dates from May 25 to Aug. 31 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Wellness on The Plaza

• Various dates from May 21 to Sept. 5  

Happy Hour on The Plaza

• Wednesdays from June 12 to Aug. 28 from 5 to 9 p.m.
• Enjoy a variety of the best local music in NE Ohio

Concerts in the Park

Concerts are free and take place Monday through Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

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