Akron's Lock 3 Park

Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron is the city's hub for entertainment. This outdoor amphitheater hosts live musical entertainment, festivals, and special events year-round.

Lock 3 Park was created in the early 21st century to provide green space within the city of Akron. The Ohio-Erie canal can still be seen on the north side of the amphitheater. A boat yard and dry dock once existed at Lock 3 Park.

Later, a pottery factory stood there until the O’Neil’s parking deck was built in the current location. The park has plenty of space to spread out a blanket to sit on or bring your lawn chairs. The paved walk ways make it wheelchair and stroller accessible. There park has an occupancy of 3,500 occupancy.

More than 65,000 guests enjoy the recreation at Lock 3 Park annually. Lock 3 Live! provides a wide array of musical entertainment. There are concerts for almost every musical taste, including alternative, R&B, reggae, gospel, country, pop, jazz, and classic rock. The audio system is top-notch; any spot that you choose will be a good one. Video, audio, and cameras are not permitted at the shows.

The park also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including barbeques, Soap Box Derby opening ceremonies, firefighter competitions, charity events, tournaments, animal events, and more.

From November through February, Lock 3 Park is transformed into an outdoor ice-skating rink. Admission is free with skate rental for $2. Lessons are available and the rink may be rented for special events.

Starting at the end of July and running for nine weeks is Homegrown Saturdays at Lock 3 Park. Homegrown Saturdays is an experience of food and entertainment for the whole family. The Beacon Farmer’s Market will be selling locally grown food, plants and flowers. Also planned are cooking demonstrations and a pancake breakfast.

Each week from 8am to 10am, WAKR will be broadcasting on location from the park. Children will enjoy the Sprouts program that features story time, crafts, and activities. Take a tour of Akron’s downtown historic sites, or ride the free trolley.

Each event has food vendors. For themed events there are coordinating foods available. Beverages, beer, and wine are also offered. You may pack your own picnics; however, alcoholic beverages and bottles are not permitted. Another great option is Serpico’s Italian Eatery, located directly across the street from Lock 3 Park. They have an excellent assortment of Italian food to carry out.

Located in the O’Neil Commons area at Lock 3 Park is the Akron History Exhibit. This exhibit showcases the history of Akron and its successes. The Ohio & Erie Canal Corridor Coalition exhibit focuses on Akron’s early canal boating industry. Also on display are Dr. Benjamin Franklin Goodrich’s stand-up desk and the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company’s non-skid tread design and tires.

Akron was home to the father of the American toy industry, Samuel C. Dyke. His goal was to get marbles into the hands of every child, and those marbles are on display at Lock 3 Park. Many other items, photos, and Akron memorabilia are also displayed. The Akron History Exhibit is open during Lock 3 events and on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. Admission is free.

Performances are FREE on Friday evenings. Most Saturday concerts are $5 per person, and children under 48” are free. Event ticket prices vary. Tickets may be bought at the gate with cash only and gates open one hour before show time.

The best parking is at O’Neils Deck, off of State Street for $5. Also available is Summit County Parking Deck off of High Street, Cascade Parking Deck off Quaker Street, and behind the AES Campus at 500 S. Main Street.

Contact Information
Lock 3 Park
200 South Main St.
Akron, OH
330 375-2877

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