Winter fun will soon return to Akron’s Lock 3 with a full slate of activities to keep people entertained through the cold months.
Lock 3 kicks off its 21st winter season Nov. 28 — the day after Thanksgiving — with festivities from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The ice skating rink will be open all day.
If you find yourself hungry or thirsty, Evelyn’s Coffee & Banh Mi Cafe inside Lock 3 will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For a blast of nostalgia, get a glimpse of the returning O’Neil’s holiday displays featuring classics like the Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan. Archie the Talking Snowman will be on hand, too.
From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., get a jump on your holiday shopping at the Artists Weekend Holiday Market, presented by Lock 3, Summit Artspace and Akron Bazaar. The free event continues Nov. 29 and Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring local arts and craft vendors.
At 6 p.m., head to the intersection of South Main Street and Cedar Street for the Welcome Santa Illuminated Parade —complete with floats, costumed characters and Santa himself. Immediately after the parade will be a fireworks show and the lighting of Lock 3.
Attendees can make a keepsake, hand-painted ceramic tree ornament in the Lock 3 Commons area between the concessions stand and the Akron Children’s Museum before the parade between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., or after the parade between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Learn more here.
Lock 3 will be filled with holiday music from 91.3 The Summit. For a complete list of attractions, calendar, and hours of operation, visit lock3live.com. For group sales and private rentals, call 330.375.2877 or e-mail inquiries to lock3@akronohio.gov.
“We’re so excited to welcome our community and guests alike to our Winterblast season in Lock 3,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik.
Here’s what we know about Lock 3’s winter season.
When is Lock 3 open this winter?
Winter seasonal activities in the park are closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays, activities are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays are college ID night and will feature DJs and a theme.
Activities are open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Sunday it’s open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
How much does it cost to go ice skating at Lock 3?
Ice skating, including skate rentals, cost $10. The rink fee is $5 if you bring your own skates. Skating with double-blade buckle skates is $8. Reservations aren’t required.
Every Thursday, ice skating is $5 with a college ID.
On Dec. 10, Jan. 14 and Feb. 11, skating will be $5 off for downtown residents.
Beginning Nov. 14, you can make reservations for ice bumper cars, available Wednesday through Sunday for $12 for 10 minutes. Reservations can be made at Lock3Live.com
Will Archie the Snowman be at Lock 3 this year?
Yes!
Come talk to Archie and stroll through Miller’s Party Holiday Lane to enjoy displays from the former O’Neils and Polsky’s Department Stores displayed in the former O’Neils basement located near the skate rental. Admission is free.
Hours will soon be posted at Lock3Live.com.
Dec. 20 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. is Archie the Snowman Fan Club Day.
Will Santa be at Lock 3 this year?
Families can visit with Santa at Lock 3 on the following days:
Registration is unnecessary and admission is free. Cameras/phones are welcome for photos.
Will Lock 3 host other holiday-specific events?
Hands-On Holidays & Hotcakes at the Akron Children’s Museum is on Dec, 7 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The event combines seasonal traditions — including Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas — with interactive activities and treats, including a hotcake bar, meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus and surprise visits from the Grinch and the Wicked Sisters.
“Tickets are on sale now and expected to sell out quickly,” the city said in a Nov. 13 press release. “Families are encouraged to reserve their preferred time slot early to ensure availability.”
For tickets and more information, visit, https://bit.ly/47BIXMw
That’s great and all, but what about sauerkraut balls?
On Dec. 13, Stray Dog cafe is presenting a celebration of the sauerkraut balls from various local restaurants.
More details are available at Lock3Live.com.
Are there any New Years activities planned at Lock 3?
Akron Children’s Museum is hosting its annual Make Believe Midnight on Dec. 30 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. giving families the opportunity to ring in 2026 during daytime hours.
The city said tickets are on sale now and expected to sell out quickly and encouraged families to reserve their preferred time slot early to ensure availability.
For tickets and more information, visit, visit https://bit.ly/3LpxnN4
Will there be events in Lock 3 in January?
On Jan. 10 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. presents the Snowball Crawl. Local breweries will be serving their beers from tables set up in Lock 3. Tickets can be bought at the entrance to Lock 3, $3 for samples, or $28 for 10 tickets.
On Jan. 24 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Downtown Akron Partnership is hosting the inaugural Frost Fest featuring ice sculptures, a hot cocoa crawl, music and more. Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/AkronFrostFest
Contact reporter Derek Kreider at Dkreider@Gannett.com or 330-541-9413.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron kicks off Lock 3’s WinterBlast programming on Nov. 28. What’s the city planning?
Reporting by Derek Kreider, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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