3rd Annual Downtown Akron Fall Fest Brings 2,000 of All Ages for Spooky, Friendly Fun

The late afternoon and early evening of Saturday, October 19, 2024, were a sweet, sunny 70 degrees. Downtown Akron’s Main Street between Cascade Plaza and Cedar St. was decked with towering cornstalks, a quirky assortment of pumpkins and gourds, and fragrant bales of straw—an apropos backdrop for yet another successful Fall Fest.

Beginning at 4 pm, families and groups of friends streamed into the neighborhood, and the majority wore costumes that ran the gamut from creative and cartoonish to truly spooky. More than 20 indoor and outdoor trick-or-treat stations were supplied with bags of candy and small trinkets for trick-or-treaters to collect. To children with food allergies, non-edible Teal Pumpkin treats like pencils and temporary tattoos were given. We welcomed an estimated 2,000 visitors of all ages, from newborns to their elderly grandparents and everyone in between.

This was more than a simple trick-or-treat event, though. In addition to the regular trick-or-treat stations, comprised mainly of local nonprofits, businesses, and governmental organizations, a number of fictional characters made appearances. Captain America, Elsa, the Cleveland Ghostbusters, rangers from Jurassic Cleveland, and imperial costumers from the Ohio Garrison of the 501^st Legion interacted with passersby, as did The University of Akron’s beloved kangaroo mascot, Zippy, and local magician Bill Bishop. The Marche of Gwyntarian, Rubber City Cosplay, and stilt walkers dressed as fairies added an extra element of fantastical costumes to the event. Akron Soul Train and Clayton Bailey’s World of Wonders provided immersive indoor gallery experiences for families.

A major attraction was METRO RTA’s Boo Bus. During each iteration of Fall Fest, METRO has decorated an electric bus inside and out in the spirit of the season. In 2022, it was Frankenstein’s Lab. In 2023, it was Wizard of Oz themed. And this year, it was a tribute to Ghostbusters. The trick-or-treating kids—and their Gen X and elder millennial parents—all seemed to love it.

There was also a variety of free activities for event visitors to engage with, including a pumpkin decorating activity, a flying bat craft led by the Akron Children’s Museum, a photobooth complete with take-home photo strips for guests, and costume contests for both humans and their canine companions. More than 150 people entered the contest across four categories, where first-, second-, and third-place winners received Downtown Akron Dollars E-Gift Cards as congratulations.

Fall Fest is a beloved annual event in the neighborhood. Each year, it is heartwarming to see so many local kids and families rushing tables for candy, showing off the costumes they’re so proud of, and feeling at home in downtown Akron. Next year's celebration will take place October 18, 2025.

We are grateful to the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, and the City of Akron for supporting this event presented by Downtown Akron Partnership.