City of Akron releases Lock 3 concerts and events for upcoming summer season

Anthony Thompson, Akron Beacon Journal

Springtime is in full swing, but it's not too early to start planning for some of the events headed to Lock 3 and other parks around Akron.

Akron announced the upcoming season of downtown concerts and events at Lock 3, starting Friday, May 24 for Memorial Day weekend. All events, concerts, movies and activities will be free admission.

“We’re excited to kick off another summer of fun at Lock 3 in the heart of downtown Akron,” Mayor Shammas Malik said in a release. “Making our programming and summertime activities as welcoming and accessible as possible is important for our residents to have fun, safe, options for their summer. I’m proud to offer a summer full of free programming to our residents. Make sure to mark your calendars and join us for a concert, movie, or festival this summer.”

Concerts will return to the Lock 3 Backyard (W. Bowery St next to the Civic Theatre) as construction progresses in Lock 3. The Backyard is located behind the original stage, next to the Akron Civic Theatre. Guests can enter from West Bowery Street and parking is located at the State Street parking deck and Cascade parking deck. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

In order to provide free programming, the city will offer a “round up for summer programming” option at the cash register. When guests purchase food or beverages, they will have the option to round up to donate toward the summer programming season.

Lock 3 2024 events, concerts and festivals:

Rock the Lockand Explore the Block with your favorite tribute bands featuring the best of local musicians. First Rock the Lock concert is Friday May 24th with WANTED: A Bon Jovi Tribute featuring VUDU CHILDE. Gates open at 6:00 p.m., and concerts begin at 7:00 p.m. To view the complete list of concerts, visit the Lock 3 website.

Gospel Sundays at Lock 3

Gospel Sundays will be held from 4-6 pm. The concerts on July 14th, July 21st and August 25th will take place at Cascade Plaza, while the concert on August 11th will be at Lock 3 Backyard Stage on West Bowery.

Lock 3 2024 movie series

The Nightlight Cinema is sponsoring Lock 3's Backyard Thursday Nights, where an outdoor movie will be held beginning at 8:45 p.m. The dates for these outdoors are June 13 & 27, July 11 and 25 and Aug. 8 and 22.

Lock 3 2024 festival schedule

The city will host a series of festivals in downtown this summer. Admission is free to all festivals with the exception of the last evening of the African American Cultural Festival on Sunday, July 28 after 4pm. The festivals include:

Summer on the Plaza - Sponsored By Downtown Akron Partnership and located at Cascade Plaza in downtown Akron. The events for Summer on the Plaza include:

  • Skate Nights on The Plaza: Various dates from May 25 through Aug. 31, each 5–8 p.m.

  • Wellness on The Plaza: Various dates from May 21 through Sept. 5.

  • Happy Hour on The Plaza: Wednesdays from June 12 through Aug. 28, 5–9 p.m.

  • Series of free classes and workshops to promote wellness.

  • A variety of local music from Northeast Ohio will be featured. Drink specials from The Shed, games on the lawn and corn hole league.

Concerts in the Park series

In addition to the Lock 3 programming, the Akron Parks and Recreation Department will host a Concerts in the Park series this summer beginning in June. Concerts are free and take place Monday through Friday from 7-9 p.m. See the list below for dates and locations:

  • Mondays: Hardesty Park (1615 W. Market St.) June 10-Aug. 5

  • Tuesdays: Firestone Park Community Center (1480 Girard St.) June 11- Aug. 6

  • Wednesdays: Shadyside Park (1240 Kenmore Blvd.) June 12-Aug. 7

  • Thursdays: Joy Park Community Center (825 James Ingram Way) June 13-June 27

  • Thursdays: Hon. James R. Williams Lawton Street Community Center (1225 Lawton St.) July 11-Aug. 8

  • Fridays: Public Square Triangle Park (1435 Goodyear Blvd.) June 14-July 5

  • Fridays: Ellet Community Center (2449 Wedgewood Dr.) July 12-Aug. 9

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Lock 3 concert and event dates for summer 2024

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