Release Date: June 9,2022
City of Akron Announces Plans for Fourth of July Weekend
City of Akron Announces Plans for Fourth of July Weekend
Rib, White, and Blue Festival returning to downtown Akron with fireworks displays throughout the City
Akron, Ohio, June 8, 2022 — Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Lock 3 are thrilled to announce the City’s Fourth of July plans, including the return of the Rib, White, and Blue Festival and fireworks in several locations.
“I know the Akron community is just as excited as I am to see the Rib, White, and Blue fest back in downtown Akron this year,” said Mayor Horrigan. “The festival gives visitors a chance to snag some amazing food, listen to great bands, and have a memorable time with family and friends as they celebrate the Fourth of July weekend. And bringing fireworks back downtown this year in addition to offering displays in several neighborhood locations gives everyone a chance to enjoy the show whether they want to come out for the festival or enjoy close to home.”
The Rib, White, and Blue Festival runs Friday, July 1 – Monday, July 4 from 11am-11pm each day in Lock 3. The festival includes national rib vendors competing for bragging rights for Best Ribs, Best Sauce and People’s Choice Awards. Visitors can enjoy ribs, pulled pork, chicken and corn, as well as a variety of fair food. Local vendors include Homemade Delites and Stray Dog. Admission is free. No outside food or drinks permitted, with exception of the DORA.
The festival features free concerts each day beginning at 7:00 pm. Bring your own chair, grab some food and drinks at Lock 3, and enjoy the show!
Music Line-Up:
- Friday, July 1: E5C4P3 –The Journey Tribute with Monica Robins & The Whiskey Kings
- Saturday, July 2: Bruce in the USA, World’s #1 Tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band with Sinners and Saints
- Sunday, July 3: The Best of Queen, presented by Break Free! GEORGIA PLAYERS GUILD with XCESS featuring ANDREA
- Monday, July 4: Creedence Relived, A Tribute to CCR with Brave and Crazy
The festival culminates on Monday, July 4 with a downtown fireworks display set to launch after the conclusion of the Akron RubberDucks game. Other neighborhood fireworks displays will be launched from Patterson Park Sports Complex and the Akron Executive Airport. The neighborhood fireworks are set to launch at 9:45pm. Tune into 97.5 FM WONE that evening to get live updates on the launches and share in a patriotic soundtrack for the program.
While the state of Ohio passed legislation last year to allow residents to set off fireworks on particular holidays, including the Fourth of July, Akron is poised to take similar action as many other Ohio cities in maintaining the city’s ban on setting off commercial or consumer grade fireworks without a permit. Akron City Council is currently considering legislation which reaffirms that ban.
"In the US, on average, fireworks are responsible for starting about 19,000 fires each year and cause over 9,000 injuries," said Akron Fire Chief Clarence Tucker. "Over a third of fireworks injuries occur to children under the age of 15. Please enjoy your 4th of July celebrations safely and leave the fireworks to the professionals.
For those visiting downtown for the festival or the fireworks, parking is free beginning Friday at 6 pm. See parking info for downtown here. Additionally, METRO RTA is celebrating summer with fare-free weekends every Saturday and Sunday in June, July, and August. Free rides apply on all METRO fixed-routes and ADA services. Visit akronmetro.org for details.
Lock 3 would like to thank all the sponsors that continue to keep events like Rib, White and Blue Fest free to enjoy including: Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Downtown Akron Partnership, Rubber City Radio Group, Akron RubberDucks, Miller Lite, Coca Cola, Thirsty Dog Brewery, Akron Civic Theatre and Pritt Entertainment Group (PEG).
Visit Lock3Live.com for the full summer schedule and FAQ.