Heart of Akron Festival 2025: City marks bicentennial with July 4th events
The Heart of Akron Festival began its three-day celebration at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron as the city commemorates its bicentennial. Live music and food trucks entertained and quenched the appetite for patrons in attendance.
AKRON, Ohio — The smooth jaaz sound of JT’s Electrik Blackout band and the aroma from vending trucks, filled the air at Lock 3 Park in Akron Thursday during the Heart of Akron Festival’s three-day Fourth of July celebration."
Akron celebrates more than just America’s birthday— it’s marking a major milestone of its own as the city turns 200 with music, food, a parade and fireworks.
Taking place July 3-5 at Lock 3 Park, the free festival will run daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., transforming downtown into a hub of entertainment and local flavor.
The Heart of Akron Festival began its three-day celebration at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron as the city commemorates its bicentennial. Live music and food trucks entertained and quenched the appetite for patrons in attendance.
Friday, July 4: Music, Food & Fireworks
- 11 a.m.-11p.m. Lock 3 open with a wide variety of festival food vendors and live music.
- 12 - 2 p.m.: Umojah Nation
- 3 - 5 p.m.: The Akronauts
- 6 - 8 p.m.: Nikki D & The Sisters of Thunder
- 9 - 11 p.m.: OFF LEASH
- 9:45 p.m.: Fireworks Spectacular, a dazzling display visible from Main Street, Lock 3, and Canal Park during the Akron RubberDucks game.
The Heart of Akron Festival began its three-day celebration at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron as the city commemorates its bicentennial. Live music and food trucks entertained and quenched the appetite for patrons in attendance.
Saturday, July 5: Parade, Innovation & Local Flavor
10 am: Akron Bicentennial Downtown Parade with a brand-new route to honor the city’s 200th anniversary.
11 a.m.-11p.m.: Lock 3 open with food vendors.
- 11 a.m.- 7p.m.: Feature the Future Exhibition—a showcase of cutting-edge technologies, job opportunities, and regional innovation, located between The Maynard Performance Pavilion and Akron Children’s Museum.
- 11 a.m.- 7p.m.: The Summit 91.3 live stream with Chad Miller
- 2-6 p.m.: Sample the City—a foodie tasting event spotlighting Akron’s culinary scene.
- 3p.m.: Bicentennial Time Capsule Opening—a look back at Akron’s legacy
- 7-8 p.m.: Flocco Torres
- 8:30-10:30 p.m.: The Vindys close out the festival with their signature blend of rock, soul, and pop.
The Heart of Akron Festival began its three-day celebration at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron as the city commemorates its bicentennial. Live music and food trucks entertained and quenched the appetite for patrons in attendance.
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The Heart of Akron Festival began its three-day celebration at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron as the city commemorates its bicentennial.
The Heart of Akron Festival began its three-day celebration at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron as the city commemorates its bicentennial. Live music and food trucks entertained and quenched the appetite for patrons in attendance.
The Heart of Akron Festival began its three-day celebration at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron as the city commemorates its bicentennial. Live music and food trucks entertained and quenched the appetite for patrons in attendance.
The Heart of Akron Festival began its three-day celebration at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron as the city commemorates its bicentennial. Live music and food trucks entertained and quenched the appetite for patrons in attendance.
The Heart of Akron Festival began its three-day celebration at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron as the city commemorates its bicentennial. Live music and food trucks entertained and quenched the appetite for patrons in attendance.
The Heart of Akron Festival began its three-day celebration at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron as the city commemorates its bicentennial. Live music and food trucks entertained and quenched the appetite for patrons in attendance.
