Release Date: October 15,2024
Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival Returns to Downtown Akron November 2 With Special Guest Appearances
October 15, 2024, Akron, Ohio — On Saturday, November 2, from noon to 6 pm, Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) will once again transform Cascade Plaza into an approximation of the fictional town of Stars Hollow for the Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival, a beloved annual event showcasing Akron-area coffee vendors, boutique shopping and art experiences, themed photo opportunities, live music, Gilmore Girls-inspired activities and meets and greets with two special guests from the show.
DAP Communications Director Dominic Caruso says, “Downtown Akron thrives during festivals all year round, but it’s especially fun to host the autumn Smells Like Snow festival because it comes with all of the classic fall elements: brisk weather, warm beverages, great comfort food from local food trucks, fall crafts and activities, and of course this year, we’re welcoming two special guests. The downtown businesses and organizations really turn out to participate in the festivities with special menu items, activities, shop items and more, so it enhances the entire experience.”
Some of this year’s local coffee vendors are Sappho and Her Beans, MoMi Coffee Roasters, Hometown Beverages, Moonstone Coffee Works, Café Arnone and Global Teas. Retail vendors will include the Salty Hive Candle Co., Shellz Soaps, Innerpeaceself, Angel’s Cupcakes, Julia Belle’s Seasonings, Arts by Malorie and Elizabeth’s Bookshop & Writing Centre. More are expected to join. Those interested in applying to be a coffee, food or retail vendor at this year’s festival can apply here.
Musical performances will include Run Katie Run from 3 to 5 pm and multiple “town” troubadours performing throughout the afternoon. DAP will also bring back a craft session with Street Craftery, rounds of Gilmore Girls trivia at 3 and 4:30 pm and a “Luke-Alike” contest.
DAP is especially excited to announce that Todd Lowe and John Cabrera, two special guests from Gilmore Girls, who played Zach Van Gerbig and Brian Fuller, respectively, will meet and greet fans and engage in Q&A. Lowe will even perform a few songs with Run Katie Run.
Kitty corner to Cascade Plaza, Akron Bazaar will present their Coffee in an IV market at 159 Events on Main, where dozens of local makers will have handmade goods available for purchase, in tandem with the festival. Akron Bazaar’s market will run from 10 am to 4 pm.
More information about the Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival will be available on the DAP website.
This all-ages event is free to attend.
Note on the Show
Gilmore Girls debuted in 2000, so there are aspects of the show that have aged less gracefully than others—for example, the lack of diverse representation among cast members and certain “bits” that rely on stereotyping and/or cultural appropriation for a laugh. We recognize the problematic nature of these portrayals.
We also acknowledge admirable facets of Gilmore Girls that have inspired the Smells Like Snow Coffee festival. The show’s nuanced stories of mother-daughter relationships will always resonate with audiences. And who, upon visiting their hometown, large or small, is not met with a peculiar quirkiness or comforting nostalgia?
The Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival 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.