Release Date: October 15,2026
Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival Returns to Downtown Akron with Live Music, Lots of Local Coffee, Celebrity Interactions, and More
October 15, 2026, Akron, Ohio — Downtown Akron Partnership is pleased to announce the return of the Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival to the neighborhood on Saturday, November 7, from noon to 6:00 pm, at Lock 3, on Main St. and in several additional locations around downtown.
DAP Communications Director Dominic Caruso says, “The Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival in downtown Akron has really become a can't-miss annual event. We're thankful to be able to celebrate people's fandom in a way that also highlights local businesses, artists and public spaces, while also offering new activities and facets that will surprise and delight—like the special guests we are able to bring to Akron for the celebration.”
The Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival is a beloved event loosely based on Amy Sherman-Palladino’s popular television show, Gilmore Girls. It showcases Akron-area coffee vendors, boutique shopping and art experiences with local makers, themed photo opportunities, live music and plenty of Stars Hollow–inspired activities.
Close to a dozen coffee vendors are expected to participate this year, along with numerous food vendors offering everything from baked goods to BBQ, and cheesesteaks to Nigerian food. More than 20 local vendors and artisans will be selling goods ranging from jewelry and art to ceramics, apparel and books.
A trio of local acts are scheduled to provide live music at the festival. Performers include Samjhana Reminiscence, a Nepali rock fusion band based in North Hill; Esther Fitz, an eclectic singer/songwriter with a powerful voice; and Benny Lava and the Guavas, whose music blends soul, rock, jazz and world music into an irrepressibly buoyant mix. Rachel Roberts and Jeri Lee Sapronetti will be adding their unique music to the day as wandering festival troubadours.
Additional activities will include ornament painting, a Luke-Alike contest, button-making, photo opportunities, a Bop-It™ contest, and much more.
Special Guests & Six Satellite Events This Year to Satisfy All Stars Hollow Fans
This year’s guest lineup includes Emily Kuroda, famously known for her portrayal of the fabulously feisty Mrs. Kim, along with the return of John Cabrera, who played Brian Fuller—a member of the show’s fictional band, Hep Alien. Author and content creator Valerie Campbell, who was the show’s costumer, will also be featuring her new book, “The Story & Recipes of Valerie's Cat Eye sCream!,” a hand-illustrated art, ice cream recipe and story book.
Kicking off the celebrity festivities will be an art reception hosted by Art x Love with original artworks by John Cabrera, Keiko Agena (who played Lane Kim), and Valerie Campbell. The exhibition, Other Fictions: the Art of Gilmore Girls creatives Valerie Campbell, John Cabrera, and Keiko Agena, will be on view at Art x Love’s Forever Changes Gallery November 6 – November 14. Artworks are available for purchase. The public is invited to an opening reception with Cabrera and Campbell on November 6, from 4 to 8 pm. The event is free, but registration is required as space is limited: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/other-fictions-tickets-2003214741216
This year’s celebration will also feature a special brunch at Jilly's Music Room with all three guests. Tickets are required and include Jilly's famous brunch buffet, face time with each celebrity as they move from table to table, one table-wide photo on your phone with each celebrity (three photos total) and one autographed photo from each celebrity (three photos total). Brunch takes place 10:30 am – 12:15 pm and 12:45 – 2:30 pm. For ticket information, visit https://bit.ly/SmellsLikeSnow-Brunch.
From 3 to 4 pm, The Nightlight Cinema will host "Ask Mrs. Kim" with Emily Kuroda—a playful mock advice session in which audience members can ask for advice and Kuroda will answer in character, as Mrs. Kim. The event is from 3 to 4 pm, with a 30-minute autograph session beginning at 4 pm. More information and tickets are available: https://nightlightcinema.com/movie/ask-mrs-kim-at-the-nightlight
John Cabrera is bringing back a fan-favorite Gilmore-themed trivia event for the aficionados who are ready to show what they know about the show. Two sessions of trivia will take place at Barley House from 3 to 4 pm (with an optional meet and greet from 4 to 4:45 pm), and from 5 to 6 pm (with optional meet and greet from 6 to 6:45 pm). Tickets for the trivia sessions are available: https://remarkist.com/events/akron2026
Valerie Campbell will be holding a book signing at Ilić Café from 3 to 5:30 pm. Copies of her book will be available for purchase. The book is part ice cream recipe book, part illustrated storytelling, and contains 100 delightful recipes, along with stories of the friends she has shared them with.
Additionally, from 5 to 6 pm, Emily Kuroda will join 15 fans at Street Craftery for candle making and conversation. Guests will join Kuroda in making their own scented candles that they can take home and enjoy. Tickets will be announced soon.
Find more details about the Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival as the date draws nearer: https://www.downtownakron.com/event/2026-smells-like-snow-coffee-festival
The Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival is presented by Downtown Akron Partnership with support from the City of Akron, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and Ohio Arts Council.