Release Date: April 4,2025
City of Akron’s Lock 3 and Akron Bicentennial Commission Announce the Heart of Akron Festival for July 4th Weekend
Akron, Ohio, April 4, 2025 — This year, as Akron celebrates its 200th birthday, the City of Akron and the Akron Bicentennial Commission have joined together to host the Heart of Akron Festival over Fourth of July weekend to celebrate the best of Akron’s local art, music, and food into one dynamic event. The Heart of Akron Festival will take place from July 3-5, 11am-11pm in Locks 3 and 4 along Main Street in downtown Akron.
The festival invites residents and visitors alike to savor a diverse range of culinary delights from local vendors while enjoying the musical stylings of a wide array of local bands. The event will also feature vibrant art installations that showcase the creative spirit of Akron’s community. There will be a grand fireworks display on July 4 in downtown Akron, bringing the community together to celebrate Independence Day and the Goodyear Bicentennial Downtown Parade on July 5 at 10am featuring the largest parade in the City of Akron in over 50 years.
“The Heart of Akron Festival serves as a unifying celebration that encapsulates Akron’s talents, creativity, heritage, and unique offerings,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “We’re excited to team up with the Akron Bicentennial Committee to host this special weekend for our residents and guests alike as we celebrate everything Akron has to offer.”
"The Bicentennial Signature Celebration Week seeks to bring all of Akron together, not only as we commemorate our city's 200-year history, but in looking ahead to a vibrant future as we continue to chart our path forward,” said Mark Greer, Executive Director Akron 200. “We're proud to partner with the City in the Heart of Akron Festival for what will be a dynamic weekend of events and celebrations that will long be remembered."
Akron Bicentennial Signature Celebration Week
The Akron Bicentennial Signature Celebration Week will take place July 1-5, 2025, highlighted by the Heart of Akron Festival, and culminating with the Goodyear Bicentennial Downtown Parade and the Bridgestone Homecoming Event on July 5.
Immediately following the Bicentennial Parade, attention will shift to Lock 3, where the Bicentennial Homecoming event will be held, presented by Bridgestone. Themed "Feature the Future," this exhibition will be a live Akron lookbook highlighting the industries, innovations, technology, advancements, and opportunities for investment that are currently at the forefront, and those on the horizon throughout the region. Exhibitors from a wide variety of sectors will participate in the exhibition and showcase their latest developments. The current time capsule will be opened at this event.
Later that evening on July 5, the Bicentennial will partner with the Akron RubberDucks for the Bicentennial Bobblehead Night at their home game, which will honor legendary NASA astronaut and engineer, Judy Resnik. This night is part of the Bicentennial Bobblehead Series with the RubberDucks, which will also honor Akron's founder, General Simon Perkins, on Saturday, May 24, and the first African-American Poet Laureate, Rita Dove, on Saturday, August 23.
Music
Admission to Lock 3 is free each day of the festival. See below for the full line-up of musical acts set to take the stage at the Maynard Performance Pavilion:
Thursday, July 3
12-2 pm JT's Electrik Blackout
3-5 pm Apostle Jones
6-8 pm Shane Vain & The Village Vandals
9-11pm The Shootouts
Friday, July 4
12-2 pm Umojah Nation
3-5 pm The Akronauts
6-8 pm Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder
9-11 pm OFF LEASH
Saturday, July 5
7-8:30pm Floco Torres
8:30 -10p The Vindys
Food
The festival has confirmed a diverse lineup of food vendors that showcase Akron’s rich culinary scene. Local favorites—from gourmet food trucks to artisanal eateries—will serve a range of innovative dishes, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Several vendors are set to feature regional specialties that highlight the city’s unique food heritage alongside contemporary flavors. Don’t worry, there will be several local rib vendors as well for anyone looking for that traditional taste of BBQ! Confirmed vendors so far include: Nicki Hill: The Smoothie Stand, Stray Dog, Grill Masters, Southern Comfort Kitchen, Eddie’s Famous Cheesesteaks and Grille, Homemade Delites, Lady T’s Soulfood and Southern Cuisine, Sundae Skoolbus, Smash Time Food Truck, Cookie’s BBQ, Food Depot Food Truck, and Swenson’s. For the most up-to-date list of confirmed food vendors, keep an eye on Lock 3’s website at www.Lock3Live.com as we get closer to the event.
Parade
The Goodyear Bicentennial Downtown Parade is set to be the largest parade in the City of Akron in over 50 years. Neighborhood groups, civic groups, marching bands, schools, car clubs, athletic teams, choirs, businesses, and more are welcome to participate. If you’re interested in joining the parade, fill out an application on the Akron Bicentennial site here.
The parade will begin on July 5th at 10am starting at N. Main and W. Market. They will turn left, heading east on W. Market, take a right on S. High St., right on Buchtel Ave., right on S. Main St. and end at the roundabout at Mill Street.
Information on parade sponsorship and float rental is forthcoming. Volunteer opportunities are available. Click here to sign up.
Fireworks
For the Heart of Akron Festival, the city is bringing the full fireworks display back to downtown Akron on the Fourth of July! There will be several viewing locations including Lock 3, Main Street, Lock 3’s Backyard on Bowery, Canal Park stadium (with purchase of Akron RubberDucks’ tickets for that evening), as well as several spots in nearby neighborhoods including Waters Park (140 Olive St.) and others to be announced. Rain or shine, the fireworks will light up the sky at 9:45pm (or at the conclusion of the RubberDucks game if it goes beyond 9:45pm). There will be a coordinated listening experience on The Summit FM 91.3.
For more information about all of the Akron Bicentennial events please visit www.akron200.org. For downtown parking options, check out www.downtownakron.com.