Visitors Brave Cold Temps to Attend the Inaugural Downtown Akron Frost Fest

On Saturday, January 24, 2026, people braved single-digit temperatures to explore the neighborhood during the inaugural Downtown Akron Frost Fest. From 12 to 5 pm, businesses in the district offered a hot cocoa and cookie crawl and free activities and engagements, fun for all ages.

These engagements included meet and greets with Olaf, Elsa, and Anna (from Disney’s Frozen), a meet and greet with Spiderman, free face painting, an instrument petting zoo sponsored by Akron Symphony Orchestra, a magician, a balloon artist, giveaways, and free crafts.

Many businesses on Main, Exchange, Mill, and Furnace Streets—where the fun was concentrated—also hosted local musicians who performed live throughout the afternoon. These talented performers included Matt Zukes, Shelby Olive, Jeri Lee Sapronetti, Victor Samalot, and Rachel Roberts.

At Lock 3, people got to watch live ice-carving demonstrations every hour, created by Erik Freay of Ice Artistry. Local businesses and organizations also had the opportunity to sponsor additional ice sculptures, which were placed in other locations throughout the neighborhood.

We’re grateful to our downtown businesses for braving the chilly temps along with us and hosting musicians, activities, cookies, and cocoa—Evelyn’s Coffee & Bánh Mì, Chill Ice Cream, The Lockview, Ilić Café, Muggswigz Coffee & Tea, Akron Children’s Museum, Barley House, Clayton Bailey’s World of Wonders, Missing Falls Brewery, Boiling House, El Patrón Tequilería & Cuisine, Rubber City Comics, Northside Marketplace, NOMZ, Zeber-Martell Clay Studio & Callery, and Jilly’s Music Room.

The 2026 Downtown Akron Frost Fest was presented by Downtown Akron Partnership. Additional support was provided by El Patrón Tequilería & Cuisine, the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, Edison Lighting, Patriot Project, the City of Akron, Lock 3, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, GAR Foundation and Akron Community Foundation.

Photos: David Gottas