What better excuse to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday weekend than America’s 250th birthday?
Akron’s fireworks display downtown on Saturday will coincide with the three-day All-American Burger & BBQ Fest, which starts on Thursday, July 2.
Putting on your own celebrations? We have a list of fireworks safety tips to keep you safe and prevent unwanted explosions.
And if your pets are not fireworks fans, this holiday may be hard for them. Here are nine tips from the American Kennel Club to reduce anxiety and calm your pets.
Here’s to a celebratory week in the skies above Akron.
Thursday, July 2 thru Saturday, July 4
All-American Burger & BBQ Festival (with fireworks Saturday)
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Lock 3 downtown
This free festival will include ribs, burgers, hot dogs, chicken, sweet treats and more. Vendors will include: After Hours BBQ, PigFoot BBQ, Stray Dog, Big Blue BBQ, Da Dawg House, Metro 45, Come Get Fried, Lady T’s, The Press Room, The Ice Bucket, Eddie’s Famous Cheesesteaks, Buzzy Bee and Homemade Delites. Beer and other drinks will be available for purchase — the city’s designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) will be in place.
Fireworks will be July 4 at 9:45 p.m. at Lock 3.
Friday, July 3
2026 Blossom Music Festival: America at 250
8 p.m.
Blossom Music Center
1145 W. Steels Corners Road
The Cleveland Orchestra will perform American orchestral works as it celebrates America’s 250th birthday with fireworks immediately following the performance. View concert and ticket sales information at www.clevelandorchestra.com/events/america-at-250.
Akron RubberDucks vs. the Erie SeaWolves
7:17 p.m.
Canal Park, 300 S. Main St. downtown
Game with post-game fireworks concluding the special Military Appreciation Night.
Kent Heritage Festival
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the downtown Kent area.
The free festival will feature live music, vendors and fireworks at dark.
Lighting Our Legacy Festival and Fireworks
6 to 10:30 p.m.
Barlow Farm Park, 1965 Barlow Road, Hudson
The park opens to the public at 6 p.m. with E5C4P3, a Journey tribute band, taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
Wadsworth Independence Day Fireworks
6 to 10:30 p.m.
Downtown Wadsworth, various locations
Celebrations will feature food trucks and vendors, with a fireworks display taking place at approximately 10 p.m. The event is free to the public.
Saturday, July 4
2026 Blossom Music Festival: Salute to America
8 p.m.
1145 W. Steels Corners Road
The Blossom Festival Band will host its annual Independence Day celebration featuring patriotic tunes, with fireworks at the end. View concert information and ticket sales at www.clevelandorchestra.com/events/salute-to-america.
Akron RubberDucks vs. the Erie SeaWolves
7:05 p.m.
Canal Park, 300 S. Main St.
Baseball game with post-game fireworks, RubberDucks LED Rally Towel giveaway.
Sunday, July 5
Akron RubberDucks vs. the Erie SeaWolves
6:35 p.m.
Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., with Kids Run the Bases for kids under 12, post-game fireworks.
July 11
Annual Portage Lakes Boat Parade
1 p.m.
To sign up or get more information, call Andy Shriner at 330-400-4470.
Portage Lakes Sandcastle Building Contest
1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Portage Lakes State Park
Annual Portage Lakes fireworks
The largest privately funded show in Ohio, the fireworks will be shot from Portage Lakes State Park at 10 p.m. (rain date is July 12). More information and donations can be made by visiting www.PLFA.net