Akron Pride Festival and Equity March returns

AKRON, Ohio — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Aug. 28, 2021.

Thousands of individuals gathered in Akron Saturday for the sixth annual Akron Pride Festival and Equity March. 

The festival returns to Summit County after drawing over 25,000 attendees in 2021. All of Saturday's events were free and open to the public.

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Many national and local entertainers were on hand for the day's celebrations, with performances happening all day at the Lock 3 Stage, Equity Stage, and in the Smuckers Cascade Plaza. 

The event was family friendly, with an interactive Pride Heroes Kid's Zone from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids enjoyed free activities, including rock climbing, trampoline bungee jumping, inflatables and games. A fireworks show highlighted the end of the festival.

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Recently, Akron expanded the area for its Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). Attendees will be able to purchase alcoholic beverages from permitted establishments and consume them at the festival. 

"Having the larger DORA in place for the Akron Pride Festival this weekend will allow festival goers to purchase alcoholic beverages in the expanded footprint and enjoy anywhere they go within the festival grounds in downtown Akron," said Mayor Dan Horrigan in a statement earlier this week.  

RELATED: Akron officially expands designated outdoor drinking area

EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on June 4, 2022. 

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