Release Date: September 21,2023
Downtown Akron Partnership Announces Second Annual Fall Fest
September 21, 2023, Akron, Ohio — Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) will host Fall Fest on Saturday, October 21 from 5 – 9 pm at Cascade Plaza. The Halloween-themed family event will feature trick-or-treat stations nearby on Main St., a spooky market, music by local band Wishgarden, food, a fire pit lounge, and a free showing of the popular 1993 movie, Hocus Pocus.
Fall Fest’s trick-or-treat stations will be presented by various downtown businesses and organizations, some of whom include Akron METRO RTA, which has plans to bring a family friendly haunted bus to the event; the Humane Society of Summit County, which will have their adoption vehicle; and the Akron RubberDucks, which will have a mascot present.
The inaugural Fall Fest took place in 2022 and saw roughly 2,000 visitors enjoy trick or treating, craft activities, a wandering magician, photo booth, and outdoor movie. The success of last year’s event has DAP excited to welcome even more people and more trick-or-treat stations this year.
DAP Communications Director Dominic Caruso says, “Last year’s Fall Fest brought such a diverse crowd to Main St. It was heartwarming to see kids and families from every neighborhood enjoying the fun downtown. This year we hope to expand Fall Fest with more trick-or-treat stations—about 20—on Main St., along with family-friendly activities on Cascade Plaza, which has come into its own as a vibrant, welcoming public space.”
Fall Fest on Cascade Plaza is free and open to all. Free activities from 5 to 7 pm include trick-or-treat stations, a photobooth, pumpkin decorating, face painting, music from Wishgarden, a fire pit lounge, and the screening of Hocus Pocus, which begins at 7 pm. There will also be a special visit from the Ohio Garrison of the 501st Legion, an international STAR WARS costuming club.
Plans for food vendors include Bereka Coffee, Essential Dipped Delights, and Cookies BBQ. DAP will have local craft brews and specialty drinks available for purchase in the Shed on the plaza.
More information will be available on DAP's website as the event date draws nearer.
Fall Fest is presented by Downtown Akron Partnership with support from the City of Akron, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and Ohio Arts Council.