Live concerts are back at downtown Akron’s Lock 3, along with movies, fitness classes, canine boot camps and more

By Laura Briedis

Are you ready to Rock the Lock, again?

An Akron tradition since 2003, the Lock 3 entertainment venue hosts family-friendly events in a picturesque outdoor setting next to the Akron Civic Theatre in the heart of downtown. And after hosting virtual events last year, a full slate of events returns to the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Stage this summer.

“Last year we all rocked from home virtually, but this year you can rock with us again,” says Chris Griffith, recreation coordinator for the City of Akron at Lock 3 Park. “Filled with evening concerts, movies, exercise classes, and more than 40 community events, Lock 3’s summer schedule was crafted to bring back safe community entertainment, following all directives currently in place to provide top-notch experiences for the entire family.”

Summertime Fun Is Back!
The concert series kicked off on a rainy Friday on Memorial Day weekend and still hundreds came out for the first concert of the year, and then the following weekend there were 4,200 concert-goers—all eager to get back to summertime fun. Lock 3 hosts different tribute bands every Friday through September 3, featuring music from classic rock bands such as the Rolling Stones, Journey and The Eagles.

Also on the calendar are a couple of Saturday night concerts. Old School Soul presents Midnight Star on June 26, and Naughty by Nature with Floco takes center stage on September 11. Tickets are required for these two special events, but on August 7 there is free admission to Akron’s Real Deal with Forecast.

Lock 3 also is hosting the Akron African American Cultural Association Festival on July 24-25 with live music, food and activities.

While the weekends are jam-packed with live music, there also is a Summer Concert Series on Wednesdays and Alternative Summer Nights with JENY 107.3 on Thursdays.

Music, Movies and More
A family-friendly entertainment venue, Lock 3 has free movies every Sunday night on its stage. “We partner with community members to have an educational component to each movie, whether the police talking about bike safety or hospital staff talking about water safety,” says Chris.

New this year, Lock 3 will be bringing movies to your neighborhood streets or parks. “We will be hosting movies around town to reach people who may not want to come downtown,” says Chris. “We are setting up our inflatable screens in library parking lots, golf course driving ranges and parks.”

As part of its happenings, Lock 3 also conducts free outdoor fitness programs, including Zumba on Mondays, yoga on Tuesdays and line dancing on Sundays. Plus, on Tuesdays there is a dog boot camp, incorporating exercise for you while working on obedience with your dog.

“We have designed our events to be inclusive and make everyone feel safe coming downtown,” says Chris.

Lock 3 is located at 200 S. Main Street in Akron. For more information, call 330-375-2877 or check outLock3Live.com for a complete event schedule.