Release Date: November 7,2022

WinterBlast Returns To Akron For 19th Year Of Family Fun

Akron, Ohio, Nov. 1, 2022 — Today, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Lock 3, the City of Akron's downtown beacon of fun and entertainment, are thrilled to share details of this year’s WinterBlast season.

On Friday, Nov. 25, 2022, Northeast Ohio’s most popular spot to ice skate and celebrate the holiday season will open featuring family-friendly events and attractions all winter. This year, the ice rink and activities have been temporarily moved between the State Street bridge and Canal Park Stadium to accommodate the upcoming construction in Lock 3. Returning are the Huntington Ice Skating Rink (Ohio’s largest outdoor seasonal ice-skating rink!), ice bumper cars, ice bikes, Welcome Santa Holiday Parade, Indoor Polar Putt-Putt, Archie the 22 ft. talking Snowman, Outdoor Igloos, and Breakfast with Santa.

Lock 3 hours will be Wed./Thurs. 11am-9pm, Fri./Sat. 11 am-11pm and Sun. 11am-6pm. Ice skating is $5 and includes skates or $3 for bring-your-own skates. Concessions, including beer and wine are available all day. Rentals for the six heated igloos and fire pits are available on Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays through the winter season. Igloos are $50 for 2 hours and firepits are $15 per hour and include your own designated area with tables and chairs. Guests can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages or purchase a pre-determined package from Lock 3. Each igloo must be rented as a whole and can hold a maximum of 8 people. Reservations for bumper cars, igloos, and fire-pits will open Nov.14^th.

To reserve your spot on any outdoor attraction, please visit Lock3Live.com.

Additional events are also available on Lock 3’s website:

OPENING CELEBRATION: Fri., Nov. 25th | Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. New this year–The Welcome Santa Parade will be an evening parade and feature lighted floats, marching bands and of course SANTA! At the conclusion of the parade, Santa will light the City of Akron’s official tree and finish with fireworks thanks to Downtown Akron Partnership. (Ice skating opens at 11am on Friday, Nov. 25th)
ARCHIE THE TALKING SNOWMAN! Talk to Archie and visit the animated window displays in Lock 3, as well as the displays from the former O’Neils Department Store displayed this year on Main St. and Exchange St. (in the Bricco building). Also new this year-stroll the Towpath lit up for the holiday season.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Sat., Dec. 10th and 17th | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. AND Sun., Dec. 11th and 18th | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The event includes breakfast from the BREAKFAST BOX, entry to the Akron Children's Museum, ice skating, skate rental, Polar Putt-Putt, and photo opportunities with Santa. Presale tickets are available for $12 and day-of tickets will be $15 (children two and under are free).
DINNER WITH THE GRINCH: Sat., Dec. 17th | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Enjoy the night with the Grinch and have catered dinner by a local restaurant, putt-putt, dessert, and ice skating. Photo opportunities will be available. Presale tickets are available for $12 and day-of tickets will be $15 (children two and under are free).

For a complete list of attractions, calendar, and hours of operation, visit lock3live.com. For group sales, party packages, private rentals, and fundraising opportunities at Lock 3 call 330.375.2877 or e-mail inquiries to lock3@akronohio.gov.

Thanks to the Lock 3 sponsors: Huntington, Bridgestone Americas, Roetzel, Knight Foundation, LeBron James Family Foundation, Downtown Akron Partnership, Summit DD, and Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau.