The renovated Lock 3 is all set for a packed summer of concerts, festivals and movie nights. On Friday, the City of Akron released the summer schedule for the downtown park. It promised “additional headlining national shows” to be added in the coming weeks.

The season will feature performances from 60 bands. They represent a mix of national and local acts, from classic rock and alternative to jazz and reggae. Chris Janson, The Legendary Wailers and Priscilla Block are a few of the national acts that will perform. On the local front, Benny Lava & The Guavas, The Vindys, Off Leash and others will play Lock 3.

Ticketing information for individual concerts is not yet available. A press release from the City of Akron said the concert schedule includes free shows and ticketed events with free lawn seating for national acts.

Eleven festivals will take place at the park as well, including the African American Cultural Festival, the Italian American Festival, Akron Pride Festival and Rubber City Jazz Festival. 

Families will enjoy the six free movie nights scheduled at Lock 3 throughout the summer months. Bring chairs or blankets and enjoy “The Emperor’s New Groove,” “The Land Before Time,” “Ghostbusters” and more. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Downtown Akron Partnership will use Lock 3 for some of its events, including the Downtown Akron Juneteenth Celebration and the Akron Latin Festival. The downtown organization will also host lunchtime programming at Lock 3 on Wednesdays beginning May 28 and continuing through Sept. 10.

Two other downtown spots will also be activated this summer. Cascade Plaza will serve as the site of Downtown Akron Partnership’s skate nights, cornhole league and free exercise classes.

The PNC Plaza beside the Akron Civic Theatre will feature free performances from local acts every Friday night from May 30 to Aug. 29.

Lock 3 will kick off its summer season Saturday, May 24, with its free Live @ The Lock Music Showcase. Local and regional acts will perform on Lock 3’s Maynard Performance Pavilion and the Lock 4 stage from 3 to 10 p.m.

To view a schedule of outdoor events at Lock 3, Cascade Plaza and the PNC Plaza, click here.

Culture & Arts Reporter (she/her)
Brittany is an accomplished journalist who’s passionate about the arts, civic engagement and great storytelling. She has more than a decade of experience covering culture and arts, both in Ohio and nationally. She previously served as the associate editor of Columbus Monthly, where she wrote community-focused stories about Central Ohio’s movers and shakers. A lifelong Ohioan, she grew up in Springfield and graduated from Kent State University.