Release Date: November 13,2025
City of Akron’s Lock 3 Kicks Off Winterblast on November 28
Akron, Ohio, Nov. 13, 2025 — The City of Akron’s Lock 3 is set to kick off the 21st season of winter fun on Friday, November 28th. Festivities run from 11am-11pm with a full day of ice skating. From 5-9pm, the Holiday Market opens up offering a great opportunity to support local artists while you get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Keep an eye out for Archie the Snowman, back from the North Pole and eager to reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Don't miss the return of the O’Neil’s holiday displays featuring classics like the Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan. Then head over to Main St. at 6pm for the Welcome Santa Illuminated Parade (starting at Cedar and S. Main and making its way north down S. Main to W. Bowery). The parade will showcase vibrant floats, costumed characters and of course Santa himself! Immediately following the parade, the evening culminates with fireworks, and the lighting up of Lock 3.
This Winterblast kickoff marks the 1-year anniversary of the reopening of the city’s redesigned Lock 3 park. The Lock 3 corridor saw incredible turnout this year — over 175,000 attendees in total, with more than 100,000 joining for Lock 3–hosted events! Lock 3 has generated a $10 million direct economic impact through ticket sales, concessions, and local business spending and up to $25 million total economic impact when accounting for indirect effects such as job creation, and tourism.
"We’re so excited to welcome our community and guests alike to our Winterblast season in Lock 3,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “Lock 3’s redesign has been truly transformational for our downtown corridor, and this is only the beginning. If you haven’t checked out the new Lock 3, it’s time to come down and see what thousands of others already know, Lock 3 is a state of the art, world class park with events and facilities to match.”
WINTER SEASON
Lock 3’s Winter season is back this year with exciting activities for everyone to enjoy! From ice skating to thrilling ice bumper cars and ice bikes, there's something for visitors of all ages. Lock 3 will be filled with holiday music from 91.3 The Summit. Be sure to visit lock3live.com for a complete list of activities, pricing details, and operating hours.
LOCK 3 WINTER HOURS
Mon/Tues - Closed
Wed/Thurs - 11am-9pm
Fri/Sat - 11 am-11pm
Sun - 11am-6pm
ICE SKATING
Ice Skating includes Skate Rental - $10
SKATE SIZES: Child 9 thru Adult 13
Skating with Own Skates - $5
Skating with double blade buckle skates. - $8 - No reservations
needed.
ICE BUMPER CARS: Wednesday –Sunday $12 for 10 minutes. Reservations online. To reserve, please visit Lock3Live.com. Reservations open Nov 14.
Evelyn's Coffee & Banh Mi Cafe: Hours Mon–Fri: 8 AM - 4 PM Sat: 9 AM - 4 PM Located inside Lock 3.
ARCHIE THE TALKING SNOWMAN!
Talk to Archie and take a walk through Miller’s Party Rental Holiday Lane to enjoy displays from the former O’Neils and Polsky’s Department Stores displayed in the former O’Neils Basement (enter near Skate Rental). Free admission.
Check Lock3Live.com for
hours (coming soon).
Archie The Snowman Fan Club Day - December 20th 12-9 pm
Visit with Santa
Sun., Dec. 14th - 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 20th - 11 am – 1 pm
Mon. Dec 22nd - 5 – 7 pm
Visit with Santa, bring your camera for photos. Free admission. Registration not required.
NEW this Season!
Artists Weekend Holiday Market
Lock 3, Summit Artspace, and Akron Bazaar have partnered to bring Artists Weekend to Downtown Akron the weekend after Thanksgiving! Join us at Lock 3 on Friday, November 28, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, November 29, and Sunday, November 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Champion local artists and promote the giving of the arts this holiday season. The free events will feature local arts and crafts vendors, encouraging people to purchase art as unique holiday gifts. Visit with Summit Artspace's participating resident artists and vendors from our fantastic event partner, Akron Bazaar!
Street Craftery- Make a keepsake tree ornament!
Join us in Lock 3 Commons before or after Downtown's annual Welcome Santa Parade for food, fun, and crafts! Pop into the Lock 3 Commons area between the concessions stand and the Akron Children's Museum before the parade between 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm or after the parade between 7:00 and 9:00 pm to get creative hand-painting your ceramic ornaments! Learn more here.
Hands-On Holidays & Hotcakes:
Hands-On Holidays & Hotcakes at the Akron Children's Museum is on Sunday, December 7 from 10am-3:30pm. This exciting event combines seasonal traditions—including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas—with interactive activities and delicious treats for an unforgettable day of family fun. From the mouthwatering Hotcake bar to meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus surprise visits from the Grinch and the Wicked Sisters, there's magic around every corner.
Tickets are on sale now and expected to sell out quickly. Families are encouraged to reserve their preferred time slot early to ensure availability.
For tickets and more information, visit, https://bit.ly/47BIXMw
Make Believe Midnight:
Who says you have to stay up until midnight to celebrate the New Year? Akron Children’s Museum is hosting its annual Make Believe Midnight on Tuesday, December 30th from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, giving families the perfect opportunity to ring in 2026 during daytime hours!
Tickets are on sale now and expected to sell out quickly. Families are encouraged to reserve their preferred time slot early to ensure availability.
For tickets and more information, visit, visit https://bit.ly/3LpxnN4
Akron’s Sauerkraut Ball presented By Stray Dog
Saturday, December 13th - A Holiday Celebration of a Local Delicacy
Get ready to raise a toast to one of Northeast Ohio’s most beloved holiday snacks! The Sauerkraut Ball is taking over Lock 3 — inviting food lovers, families, and holiday party planners to experience a festive night celebrating sauerkraut balls from a multitude of local restaurants. Lock3live.com
College ID Nites
Every Thursday - $5 off Skating, have fun with your friends, DJ and theme nights.
Downtown Residence Days
Dec 10th / Jan 14th / Feb 11th $5 off skating
Sponsored By Downtown Akron Partnership
Snowball Crawl presented by Thirsty Dog
Jan 10th 2-6 pm
Akron Breweries / Tickets at the door. $3 Samples or $28 for 10 tickets
Frost Fest, Saturday, January 24
12-5 pm. An afternoon of winter fun, including ice sculptures, hot cocoa crawl, music and more! Learn more at www.Downtownakron.com.
For a complete list of attractions, calendar, and hours of operation, visit lock3live.com. For group sales and private rentals, call 330.375.2877 or e-mail inquiries to lock3@akronohio.gov.