AKRON, Ohio — Akron has announced the return of its annual Rib, white and Blue Festival at Lock 3 with July 4 fireworks happening simultaneously in locations throughout the city.
The 2023 fireworks will be launched from the following locations in Akron at 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4:
- Downtown Akron following the conclusion of the RubberDucks game
- Patterson Park Sports Complex at 800 Patterson Avenue
- Akron Executive Airport near the former Rubber Bowl along Triplett Boulevard
97.5 WONE will broadcast patriotic music as the fireworks take place.
Although Ohio passed legislation allowing residents to set off fireworks on certain holidays, Akron is among multiple locations that maintained their ban on launching commercial or consumer-grade fireworks without a permit. That means it’s technically not legal for you to shoot fireworks within Akron city limits even on the 4th of July.
RIB, WHITE AND BLUE FESTIVAL
This event runs Friday, June 30 through Tuesday, July 4 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day at Lock 3 in downtown Akron.
Admission is free, but no outside food or drinks are permitted.
“The festival includes national rib vendors competing for bragging rights for Best Ribs, Best Sauce and People’s Choice Awards,” according to a press release from the city. “Visitors can enjoy ribs, pulled pork, chicken and corn, as well as a variety of fair food.”
Here are a few of the local vendors participating in this year’s event:
- After Hours BBQ
- PigFoot BBQ
- Grill Masters
- Stray Dog Trucks
- Homemade Delites
Parking is also free in city decks from 6 p.m. Friday, June 30 until 12 a.m. Monday, July 3. Regular parking rates will apply July 3, but will be free again on July 4. Motorcycle parking is available on Quaker Street (enter from Ash Street).
Want more? The Rib, White and Blue Festival also features nightly concerts on the Lock 3 stage at 7 p.m. Here’s the lineup:
- Friday, June 30: Draw The Line– The Endorsed Aerosmith Tribute with Lady Lyre
- Saturday, July 1: Straight On-Heart Tribute with Angie Haze Project
- Sunday, July 2: EU (Experience Unlimited) with Akron’s Real Deal. Presented by The City of Akron and 3R1 Entertainment.
- Monday, July 3: Hotel California – The Original Eagles Tribute Band with The TwistOffs
- Tuesday, July 4: Wanted–Bon Jovi Tribute with Wishgarden
Akron canceled last year’s July 4 celebrations in light of the deadly police shooting of Jayland Walker.
