When the kids are out of school and summer has officially begun, festivals are in full swing in Akron, Ohio. Whether you’re interested in arts, wine, history, or music, the city’s festivals provide fun and
entertainment for the whole family.
Read below to learn about five summer festivals you don’t want to miss in Akron.
1. Sow and Grow Farm Festival
Each June, the Western Reserve Historical Society hosts the two-day Sow and Grow Farm Festival. Step back in time and explore buildings in a 19th-century village, and learn about past and present farming through demonstrations on wheel-plowing and beekeeping. Additionally, watch fiber-dying, sheep-shearing, and draft horse demonstrations. Artisans will be on-site showing off their skills in blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, and glass blowing. A marketplace is open where you can purchase handmade pottery and souvenirs.
2. Rock the Docks
Spend the weekend getting an adrenaline rush on carnival rides at Rock the Docks Festival. This family-friendly festival has been bringing family fun to Akron since 2007 and runs for three days every June. Not only can you enjoy rides, but you can also munch on carnival food such as cotton candy, hot dogs, and elephant ears. Watch the hydroplane and runabout boat races and listen to live music. The festivities culminate in a colorful fireworks display.
3. Music in the Valley Folk & Wine Festival
Sip on local wines while listening to musicians play banjos, fiddles, and guitars at Music in the Valley Folk & Wine Festival, which is held each July at Hale Farm & Village. Take a tour of the 90-acre farm to see animals and historic structures, and watch early American craft and trade demonstrations including blacksmithing, weaving, broom making, and glass-blowing. Cool off by stepping inside the large tented area and grab a bite from one of the food vendors. While musicians will be playing many casual performances around the grounds throughout the day, there are also jam sessions scheduled on the stage.
4. Marilyn Bianchi Kids’ Playwriting Festival
Bring the family to Dobama Theatre each June to celebrate the artistic talents of children at the Marilyn Bianchi Kids’ Playwriting Festival. The festival is the first of its kind in the country and presents plays written by kids. All works are submitted by children in grades 1 through 12 and are no more than 20 minutes long, which is perfect for little ones’ short attention spans.
5. Canal Days and Duck Derby
Head to Cascade Locks Park for the annual Canal Days and Duck Derby each June over the course of two days. Purchase a duck at Mustill Store to be entered in the Rubber Ducky race and see if your quacker has what it takes to bring home a win. After the big race, browse crafts, munch on some food, and kick back and listen to live music.
Grab the kids, slather on the sunscreen, and plan to spend the day enjoying one of the many festivals in Akron, Ohio, this summer.
