AKRON, Ohio — Looking for a day filled with holiday fun for the whole family? Akron's WinterBlast returns for its 19th consecutive winter later this month!
On Friday, November 24, WinterBlast will kick off its slate of events and activities with the opening of the ice skating rink between the State Street Bridge and Canal Park Stadium. The rink will open at 11 a.m.
Along with ice skating, returning activities include ice bumper cars, ice bikes, the Santa Parade, outdoor polar putt-putt, Archie the 22 ft. talking snowman, outdoor igloos, dinner with the Grinch and Breakfast with Santa.
Lock 3 lists their open hours as Wednesday/Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday/Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Prices for events are as follows:
- Ice skating:
- Skating on the rink - $5
- Ice skate rental - $3
- Igloo rental:
- $50 for two hours
- Firepit rental:
- $15 per hour
Concessions, beer and wine will be available all day during the event. Guests are allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Pre-determined food and drink packages are also available for purchase from Lock 3.
Additional information on the WinterBlast holiday events listed below was provided by Lock 3:
- OPENING CELEBRATION: Fri., Nov. 24th | Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. Back this year–The Welcome Santa Parade will start the festivities off with 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. (Ice skating opens at 11am on Friday, Nov. 24th)
- ARCHIE THE TALKING SNOWMAN! Talk to Archie and visit the animated window displays in Lock 3, next to the ice rink, as well as the displays from the former O’Neils Department Store displayed in the former O’Neils Basement (enter near Archie the Snowman).
- BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Sat., Dec. 9th and 16th | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. AND Sun., Dec. 10th and 17th | 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 $15 and day-of tickets will be $18 (children two and under are free).
- DINNER WITH THE GRINCH: Sat., Dec. 16th | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Enjoy the night with the Grinch and a catered dinner by a local restaurant, putt-putt, dessert, and ice skating. Photo opportunities will be available. Presale tickets are available for $15 and day-of tickets will be $18 (children two and under are free).
- Indoor Shuffleboard Courts: Enjoy our new indoor regulation courts. Court area includes table and chairs, large screen TV, pool table and foosball table. Beer, sodas and food available for purchase.
$20 for one court for an hour, $30 for 2 courts for an hour, or $50 for whole room- both courts for two hours. Contact Lock 3 for rental. Phone: 330-375-2877 or email at Lock3@akronohio.gov - Party Rentals: BOOK A PARTY WITH US! Does your child (or you!) have a winter birthday and want a fun outdoor party? Not a birthday but want a fun night out with a group of friends? Have your party at Lock 3 Park in Akron. We are located right off Main Street in the Heart of Downtown Akron. Your group/party will enjoy two hours complete with skate rental and putt-putt, (shuffleboard included with Private Room party). Please reserve your time slots for bumper cars on the web site at Lock3live.com. Please review the guidelines on the form and reach out with any questions. We hope that you will choose to celebrate with us.
According to Lock 3, all reservations are first come, first serve.
For more information on the event, visit lock3live.com.
Editor's Note: The video above is from last year's coverage of WinterBlast