Located in Summit County of Ohio, Akron is known as a home to Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, a national historical landmark, and a Tudor Revival mansion. Residents of Akron love bright lights and loud celebrations. They welcome everyone to join them at their annual Independence Day festivities, which include the Rib, White & Blue festival, the RubberDucks game, and a concert in Cuyahoga Falls.
Rib, White & Blue Festival (June 30-July 4, 2024)
Rib, White & Blue Festival, or, as the locals call it, Rib Fest, is an annual 4th of July celebration held by Lock 3, the downtown beacon of fun and entertainment. This outdoor bash gives you a chance to celebrate Independence at a huge BBQ party while indulging in ribs, pulled pork, grilled corn, and chicken. The highlight of the feast is the heated competition between local and national food vendors for the titles of best sauce, best ribs, and people's choice.
The festival takes place at Lock 3 Park from 11 am to 11 pm. Entry is completely free of charge, however, some activities and foods may be subject to a fee. If you're on a vehicle, some options for parking include State St Parking Deck and Cascade Parking Deck.
Music
Each night of the festival, starting at 7 pm, you'll have an opportunity to witness the performances of local talent at the Cleveland Clinic Stage. Many acts are tributes to famous rock bands, so if you'd like to hear your favorite song with an Ohioan flair, stop by the stage later on in the evening.
Fireworks Display
The festival's final day is known for its magnificent fireworks display, which you can watch right from Lock 3 Park. The show typically starts at 9:45 pm. The city doesn't stop there with the fireworks: several pyrotechnic spectacles usually take place in different areas of the city, for example, from Akron Executive Airport and Patterson Park Sports Complex. You can tune to 97.5 FM WONE to listen to a synchronized soundtrack.
RubberDucks Independence Day Game (July 3, 2024)
If you're a baseball fan and find yourself in the Akron area, consider stopping by Canal Park stadium to watch the thrilling game between RubberDucks and SeaWolves. RubberDucks is Akron's home team, and each 4th of July, their games gather hundreds of supporters to both celebrate Independence and cheer for them. The game begins at 7:05 pm, but the gates open an hour and a half earlier.
This year, you'll be able to enjoy special discounts for White Claw, served around the field. The key feature of the game is, of course, the fireworks display, which will begin right after the match. Even if you're not a fan of baseball, the bedazzling pyrotechnic show is worth attending the stadium for. Tickets cost from $5 to $28.
Salute to America in Cuyahoga Falls (July 3, 2024)
If your preferred pastime is listening to classical music, then the Salute to America concert might be the right choice for you! Held in Cuyahoga Falls, 5 miles (8 km) north of Akron, the performance features a curated selection of music by the Blossom Festival Band. Loras John Schissel, who has been the band's conductor since 1998, will be leading the orchestra in its whirlwind of patriotic compositions.
You'll have an opportunity to hear an Armed Forces Salute and some of Broadway's iconic tracks. Another highlight of the event is the fireworks display, taking place right after the concert. The event will be held at the Blossom Musical Center at 8 pm. Tickets range from $25 to $105.
