Thu 7/2-Sat 7/4 @ 11AM-11PM
For many years, Akron’s downtown Lock 3 has been hosting a festival over July 4th weekend. For many years, it was called Rib, white and Blue; last year, it was the Soul of the City. This year, it’s the All American Burgers & BBQ Festival.
But no matter what the name, the deal is the same: loads of food, drink, family-friendly activities and music — mostly local. And of course, fireworks on the 4th! Burgers, hot dogs, ribs, cheesesteaks, and snack items will be available all day every day. Not only with beer and other alcoholic drinks be available at Lock 3, but visitors can also buy a drink at one of Akron’s downtown establishments and drinking it outside at the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area in and around Lock 3. The kids can’t drink but they can visit the Kids Zone to enjoy the Bouncy Slide, Caterpillar Maze, Little Roaming Railroad and more.
As far as entertainment, on Thursday, the 17-musician Dave’s Big Band will do a show called “America Remembers,” a USO-style variety show featuring 70 years of popular music, with a special tribute to veterans. On Friday, soulful NE Ohio rock quartet Easton Union, Cleveland’s jazzy rockers Post Saga, Cleveland soul singer Charity Evonna and Akron ensemble JT’s Elektrik Blackout will play during the day starting at noon. Pittsburgh’s Donnie Iris, who has developed quite a following in NE Ohio over decades plays at 8:30pm, and the Michael Weber Show, fronted by young hotshot guitarist Michael Weber, opens at 7pm.
On Saturday, kids’ entertainer Mr. Jeff performs, along with.Great Day for Ducks and Dirty Lookz, with DJ Jaz and DJ Xay spinning dance music between sets all day. DJs Jaz and Xay will also host a dance party at 8:30pm, followed by the fireworks at 9:45.
Admission is free. Bring a chair or rent one for $3: much cheaper than Blossom Music Center! Go here for more information.
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