Release Date: March 17,2026
Lock 3 Shares First Wave of Summer Programming with National Touring Artists
Tickets go on sale this week
Akron, Ohio, March 16, 2026 — The City of Akron’s Lock 3 in partnership with the Akron Civic Theatre is sharing the first wave of summer programming with national touring artists! Tickets for these acts go on sale this week at the dates and times listed below. Tickets will be available at LiveAkron.com, AkronCivic.com or any LiveAkron venue box office including the Akron Civic Theatre, Goodyear Theatre, and EJ Thomas Hall.
- June 26 – The Gin Blossoms – Tickets go on sale March 18 at 10am
- June 27 – Carl Thomas – Tickets go on sale March 18 at 10am
- July 23 – Cinderella’s Tom Keifer – Tickets go on sale March 19 at 10am
- Aug. 1 – 70’s Soul Jam featuring; The Stylistics, The Manhattans, and Enchantment with JJ Jimmie Walker – Tickets go on sale March 19 at 10am
- Aug. 2 – Pure Prairie League with Orleans, Atlanta Rhythm Section and Fire Fall – Tickets go on sale March 20 at 10am
- Sept. 12 – Gerald Albright - Headlining Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival – Tickets go on sale March 20 at 10am
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the City of Akron,” said Howard Parr, Executive Director of Akron Civic Theatre. “Developing this lineup of national talent has been nearly two years in the making.” Parr built the 2026 national line up both from 2025 survey feedback and through developing new talent relationships during the past year.
The full lineup for Summer 2026 Lock 3 Programming is still being crafted using input from the recently closed community survey, input from the 2025 survey, and input from community event partners. The lineup will include local acts, community festivals, outdoor movies, more national and regional concerts, and more. Mark your calendars for the full reveal on April 15 at Lock3Live.com!
“This is just a taste of what’s coming,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “We’re building a summer lineup that brings national energy to Akron while keeping the community traditions people love.”
Downtown Operations Manager Chris Griffith stated the early release of the national shows has a twofold impact – kick start ticket sales and lift spirits. “Our goal is to bring 250,000 people to Lock 3 in 2026. Live music at Lock 3 uplifts our community and is a big part of the heartbeat of downtown Akron. We hope this line up brings a little excitement and anticipation of the full release in April.”
With its newly renovated space and growing reputation as Northeast Ohio’s go-to outdoor venue, Lock 3 is set to deliver a season packed with unforgettable nights in the heart of Downtown Akron. Follow Lock 3 on Facebook.