Best events in
Downtown

Looking for events or things to do in Downtown, Akron, OH? The area's character shifts from a professional hub during the week to a lively destination for entertainment and festivals. A typical outing often involves catching a show at a historic theater before walking to a nearby jazz club or restaurant on Main Street.

Explore the Historic Arts District, where the quarterly Downtown Akron Artwalk animates a neighborhood already home to venues like the Akron Civic Theatre and BLU Jazz+.
Catch a variety of performances, from musicals at the E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall to live bands at Musica.
Enjoy outdoor community gatherings at Lock 3, which hosts free concerts, festivals, and seasonal markets.

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After 8pm

Dark Dance - VICTORY PARTY

Saturday • 9:00 PM

Backdoor

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Speedbump Fest XI

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Musica

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TYNAN TIME TOUR

Fri, Oct 23 • 8:00 PM

Musica

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COLLEGE THURSDAY HALLOWEEN PARTY

Thu, Oct 29 • 8:00 PM

374 Paul Williams St

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Dark Dance - VICTORY PARTY

Saturday • 9:00 PM

Backdoor

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Speedbump Fest XI

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Musica

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TYNAN TIME TOUR

Fri, Oct 23 • 8:00 PM

Musica

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COLLEGE THURSDAY HALLOWEEN PARTY

Thu, Oct 29 • 8:00 PM

374 Paul Williams St

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Popular in Downtown

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Mug & Mat : Design Your Doorstep

Saturday • 10:00 AM

647 Coffee

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Mr. Franklin Goes to Paris! - Akron Children's Museum

Sunday • 3:00 PM

Akron Children's Museum

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Coffee & Career Development

Thu, Oct 15 • 10:00 AM

The Meeting Hall

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Bourbon & Brushstrokes: A Toast for Local Artists

Thu, Oct 29 • 5:30 PM

Summit Artspace

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Chakaia Booker at Lock 3: Sculpture Naming and Dedication

Thu, Oct 29 • 1:00 PM

Lock 3 Park

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Summit Fresh Mobile Market's 2nd Birthday Party

Wed, Nov 4 • 5:00 PM

222 S Main St

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Free Creative Aging Summit

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM

Akron Art Museum

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FH VOLUNTEER - Zach Williams Tour / Akron, OH

Thu, Nov 19 • 5:30 PM

Akron Civic Theatre

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Mug & Mat : Design Your Doorstep

Saturday • 10:00 AM

647 Coffee

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Mr. Franklin Goes to Paris! - Akron Children's Museum

Sunday • 3:00 PM

Akron Children's Museum

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Coffee & Career Development

Thu, Oct 15 • 10:00 AM

The Meeting Hall

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Bourbon & Brushstrokes: A Toast for Local Artists

Thu, Oct 29 • 5:30 PM

Summit Artspace

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Chakaia Booker at Lock 3: Sculpture Naming and Dedication

Thu, Oct 29 • 1:00 PM

Lock 3 Park

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Summit Fresh Mobile Market's 2nd Birthday Party

Wed, Nov 4 • 5:00 PM

222 S Main St

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Free Creative Aging Summit

Fri, Nov 13 • 9:00 AM

Akron Art Museum

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FH VOLUNTEER - Zach Williams Tour / Akron, OH

Thu, Nov 19 • 5:30 PM

Akron Civic Theatre

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Online Events

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wednesday • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg

Tue, Oct 27 • 6:30 PM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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How To Be Kind To Yourself - Shahroo Izadi

Wednesday • 7:00 PM GMT+1

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HBR Press Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 8:00 AM EDT

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HBR Book Webinar: Resilient Optimism

Thu, Oct 15 • 1:00 PM GMT+1

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Coming Together for Multilingual Children with DLD

Thu, Oct 22 • 6:00 PM GMT+2

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(WATCH ONLINE) Dr. Jonathan Sarna with Joseph Weisberg

Tue, Oct 27 • 6:30 PM EDT

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Witch hunts and real lives

Fri, Oct 30 • 2:00 PM GMT

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No Title, No Permission, No Problem: Harnessing the Power of Influence

Thu, Nov 5 • 1:00 PM GMT

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Lean Global Connection 2026

Thu, Nov 12 • 2:00 PM UTC

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This Weekend

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Mug & Mat : Design Your Doorstep

Saturday • 10:00 AM

647 Coffee

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Dark Dance - VICTORY PARTY

Saturday • 9:00 PM

Backdoor

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Speedbump Fest XI

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Musica

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The Original Akron Ghost Tour by Black Cat Tales & Tours

Saturday • 7:00 PM

Lock 3 Park

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Akron, OH - Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad | Smart-guided Bike-Aboard Tour

Saturday • 10:00 AM

CycleNuts Selfie Cycling Tours - Akron BAT (Bike Aboard Tour) on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

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Mindful Art: Yoga in the Galleries

Sunday • 11:00 AM

Akron Art Museum

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The Pope vs Bloody Mary vs Dracula

Sunday • 7:30 PM

Musica

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RnB & Beyonce

Sunday • 11:00 AM

Status 8

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Mug & Mat : Design Your Doorstep

Saturday • 10:00 AM

647 Coffee

Check ticket price on event

Dark Dance - VICTORY PARTY

Saturday • 9:00 PM

Backdoor

Check ticket price on event

Speedbump Fest XI

Saturday • 8:00 PM

Musica

Check ticket price on event

The Original Akron Ghost Tour by Black Cat Tales & Tours

Saturday • 7:00 PM

Lock 3 Park

Check ticket price on event

Akron, OH - Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad | Smart-guided Bike-Aboard Tour

Saturday • 10:00 AM

CycleNuts Selfie Cycling Tours - Akron BAT (Bike Aboard Tour) on Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

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Mindful Art: Yoga in the Galleries

Sunday • 11:00 AM

Akron Art Museum

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The Pope vs Bloody Mary vs Dracula

Sunday • 7:30 PM

Musica

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RnB & Beyonce

Sunday • 11:00 AM

Status 8

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Frequently asked questions about Downtown

Where are the best spots for live music events in Downtown Akron?

The area offers several intimate venues for live music. BLU Jazz+ in the Historic Arts District presents nightly jazz performances, while Musica hosts a variety of bands. Larger touring acts often play at the Akron Civic Theatre.

What kind of art events happen in the Historic Arts District?

The Historic Arts District is a center for visual and performing arts. Summit Artspace features gallery spaces and artist studios, and the entire district celebrates with the quarterly Downtown Akron Artwalk, which includes art, food, and music.

Are there free events to attend in Downtown Akron?

Yes, several free community events take place downtown. Lock 3 hosts a nine-week Summer Concert Series and other festivals. The annual Akron Pride Festival and the Downtown Akron Sakura Festival are also free to attend.

What's a good plan for a date night in Downtown Akron?

A great date night can combine dinner with a show or film. Consider seeing a performance at the Akron Civic Theatre or a movie at The Nightlight cinema, followed by drinks or a meal along Main Street's restaurant row.

What are some family-friendly things to do downtown?

Downtown offers fun outings suitable for families. Attending an Akron RubberDucks baseball game at Canal Park is a popular choice. Lock 3 also hosts seasonal community events, including an outdoor skating rink.

How is the nightlife scene in Downtown Akron's neighborhoods?

The nightlife is diverse across different downtown districts. The Historic Arts District has upscale spots like BLU Jazz+, while the Northside District offers its own unique scene. Many popular bars and restaurants are clustered around Main Street.

Where can I find outdoor events or local markets?

Lock 3 is the main hub for outdoor community events and festivals. For local goods, check out the weekly Akron Farmers Market or the Market at Lock 3 during their seasons, as well as Northside's weekly Artisan Alley.

Which venues in Downtown Akron host comedy shows?

The historic Akron Civic Theatre is a primary venue for touring comedy acts and stand-up performances. Some multi-purpose venues and bars may also schedule occasional comedy nights or related events.