
Major Events & Festivals in Akron, Ohio, United States
1. Akron Marathon Race
Annual road race with options for full marathon, half-marathon, and relay. Attracts thousands of runners from around the world.
- Diverse Distances: Offers a variety of distances to cater to different levels of athleticism.
- Community Involvement: Brings together the Akron community in support of runners and promotes health and wellness.
- Scenic Course: Runs through beautiful parks and neighborhoods, showcasing Akron's natural beauty.
2. First Night Akron
Annual New Year's Eve celebration featuring family-friendly activities, music, food, and a spectacular fireworks display.
- Entertainment for All Ages: Offers diverse entertainment options appealing to both children and adults.
- Safe Environment: Provides a safe, supervised environment for families to ring in the New Year together.
- Community Unity: Brings together the Akron community to celebrate the beginning of a new year.
3. Akron RubberDucks Balloon Glow
An annual event where giant hot air balloons light up simultaneously creating a mesmerizing sight.
- Unique Experience: Offers a rare and captivating experience for spectators.
- Family-Friendly Event: Provides a fun, safe environment for families to enjoy together.
- Community Gathering: Brings the Akron community together to celebrate and create memories.
4. Akron Folk Festival
Annual event featuring live music, crafts, food vendors, and workshops showcasing folk culture.
- Cultural Education: Provides opportunities to learn about various folk cultures.
- Live Performances: Showcases live music performances from a variety of folk artists.
- Artisan Marketplace: Features a marketplace where attendees can purchase handmade crafts and artwork.
5. Lock 3 Live Music Series
Summer concert series featuring popular local and national musical acts.
- Diverse Lineup: Offers a mix of genres to appeal to a wide range of music fans.
- Outdoor Venue: Takes place at Lock 3 Park, offering beautiful views and a lively atmosphere.
- Community Engagement: Brings the Akron community together for nights of great music and camaraderie.
6. Akron Film Festival
Annual film festival showcasing short films from local, national, and international filmmakers.
- Film Variety: Offers a wide variety of genres, styles, and themes in the film selection.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities for filmmakers to network with industry professionals.
- Cultural Exchange: Allows for the cultural exchange of ideas and perspectives through film.
7. Akron Artwalk
Monthly event showcasing local artists, live music, and food trucks.
- Artistic Showcase: Provides a platform for local artists to display and sell their work.
- Community Involvement: Engages the Akron community in support of local art and culture.
- Diverse Art Forms: Features a variety of artistic mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, and more.
8. Akron Food Truck Fridays
Weekly event featuring a rotating selection of food trucks offering a variety of cuisines.
- Culinary Diversity: Offers a wide range of culinary options from various cultures and cuisines.
- Community Gathering: Brings the Akron community together for a fun, food-filled evening.
- Support Local Businesses: Supports local food trucks and small businesses.
9. Akron Greek Festival
Annual festival celebrating Greek culture with food, music, dance, and educational workshops.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a deep dive into Greek culture through traditional activities and experiences.
- Delicious Food: Features authentic Greek cuisine, including gyros, moussaka, and baklava.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational workshops on Greek history, language, and traditions.
10. Akron Zoo's Wild Winter Weekends
Winter event featuring animal encounters, interactive activities, and holiday-themed entertainment.
- Animal Interaction: Allows for close encounters with various animals, including zookeeper talks and feedings.
- Holiday Spirit: Celebrates the holiday season with festive decorations, music, and activities.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Provides a fun, educational experience for families during the winter months.
11. Akron Indian Summer Festival
Annual festival celebrating Indian culture with food, music, dance, and educational workshops.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a deep dive into Indian culture through traditional activities and experiences.
- Delicious Food: Features authentic Indian cuisine, including samosas, biryani, and naan bread.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational workshops on Indian history, language, and traditions.
12. Akron Irish Festival
Annual festival celebrating Irish culture with food, music, dance, and educational workshops.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a deep dive into Irish culture through traditional activities and experiences.
- Delicious Food: Features authentic Irish cuisine, including corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, and soda bread.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational workshops on Irish history, language, and traditions.
13. Akron Pride Parade & Festival
Annual event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, festival, and family-friendly activities.
- Community Support: Showcases the strength and unity of the Akron LGBTQ+ community.
- Inclusive Environment: Provides a safe, welcoming environment for all members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
- Cultural Exchange: Allows for the cultural exchange of ideas and perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community.
14. Akron Holiday Lights at LanternLand
Holiday event featuring a drive-through display of over 200 illuminated lanterns.
- Unique Experience: Offers a unique and enchanting holiday experience.
- Family-Friendly Event: Provides a fun, festive event for families to enjoy together during the holiday season.
- Support Local Businesses: Supports local businesses by offering an additional holiday attraction in Akron.
15. Akron Celtic Festival
Annual festival celebrating Celtic culture with food, music, dance, and educational workshops.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a deep dive into Celtic culture through traditional activities and experiences.
- Delicious Food: Features authentic Celtic cuisine, including fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and scones.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational workshops on Celtic history, language, and traditions.