The Downtown Venue Is Northeast Ohio’s Most Popular Family-Friendly Destination For Winter Fun

Akron, Ohio, November 20, 2018 – For the 15th consecutive winter, the City of Akron will provide residents and visitors with a season of outdoor fun and activities for adults and children starting Friday, November 23rd. Northeast Ohio’s most popular spot to ice skate and celebrate the holiday season will feature family-friendly events and attractions all winter. A special new surprise event will be announced opening night and you won’t want to miss! This year’s new addition will offer even more fun this season.

Returning is the Huntington Ice Rink, Ohio’s largest outdoor seasonal Ice Skating Rink, the Downtown Akron Partnership Tree Lighting Celebration, the Bridgestone Welcome Santa Parade, Polar Putt-Putt (Indoors), the Polar Cub Rink (inside this year), and Breakfast with Santa. New this year is the Cardinal Group Cube Maze, Arcade Games, and Special Weekend Events. For a complete list of attractions, calendar and hours of operation, visit lock3live.com.

For group sales, party packages, private rentals and fundraising opportunities at Lock 3, call 330.375.2877 or e-mail inquiries tolock3@akronohio.gov.

Featured Events:

OPENING CELEBRATION Nov. 23rd | Festivities begin at 6:30 pm. Join us for free hot chocolate and cookie decorating, carol singers, lighting of the City of Akron’s official tree, fireworks, make-n-take ornaments, COSI – Center of Science and Industry with cool science demos, write a letter to Santa, visit with Rudolph and friends, and more! Opening day hours 11am-11pm. HOLIDAY WINDOW DISPLAYS Nov. 23rd – Jan. 1st | Main St.

WELCOME SANTA PARADE (NEW ROUTE THIS YEAR): Nov. 24th | 10 am. On Bowery from Exchange to Main St. Welcome Santa to Town! (Visit lock3live.com for route)

LUNCH WITH SANTA Nov. 25th | 1 pm – 4 pm. Event includes lunch, entrance to the Akron Children's Museum, ice skating, skate rental, Polar Putt-Putt, and photo opportunities with Santa and costumed characters. $15 CHILDREN | $10 ADULT - Visiteventbrite.com for tickets.

DISCO DOWN Dec. 1st | Can you dig it? A whole day of disco tunes. DJ starts spinning at 6pm!

BLUES, BREWS AND BAD SWEATERS Dec. 8th | 4 pm – 8 pm. Put on your ugliest holiday sweater and enjoy a variety of craft brew samples, music, food and silent auction. Tickets are $20. Visit EVENTBRITE.com for tickets. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Sat. Dec. 15th and 22nd | 9:30 am –11:30 am. AND Sun. Dec. 9th, 16th, 23rd | 9:30 am –11:30 am.

Event includes breakfast, entrance to the Akron Children's Museum, ice skating, skate rental, Polar Putt-Putt and photo opportunities with Santa and costumed characters. $15 CHILDREN | $10 ADULT - Visiteventbrite.com for tickets. 3RD ANNUAL ELFCON Dec. 15th | 5–9 pm. Son of A Nutcracker-it’s time for our favorite oversized elf! Join us for ELF The Movie, drinks, candy, candy corn, candy canes and maple syrup. We will also give away prizes for best costume, have a spaghetti eating contest and more! Free Admission. All lovers of Elf are welcome! Visiteventbrite.com to register.

NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS Dec. 21st | 6 pm – 10pm. Movie, drink specials, pumpkins and Christmas lights! Admission is free!

SKATING TO THE 80’s Jan. 5th | Rock the rink with big hair bands and new wave jams. DJ gets the party started 6 pm!

4th ANNUAL COTTAGE CRAWL Jan. 12th | 1 pm–6 pm. Fire Pits, Food and All Akron Beer.

SUPERHERO & PRINCESS WEEKEND Sat. Jan. 26th AND Sun. Jan. 27th | 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. Event includes breakfast or lunch, entrance to the Akron Children's Museum, ice skating, skate rental, Polar Putt-Putt and photo opportunities with costumed characters. $15 CHILDREN | $10 ADULT. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets.

TOTALLY 90’s Feb. 2nd | Skate to the 90’s with some “kewl” music. DJ at 6 pm.

GONE TO THE DOGS WEEKEND Sat. Feb. 9th AND Sun. Feb. 10th | 9:30 am – 1:30 pm. Event includes breakfast or lunch, entrance to the Akron Children's Museum, ice skating, skate rental, Polar Putt-Putt, and photo opportunities with costumed characters. $15 CHILDREN | $10 ADULT. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets.

For further information, contact: Annie McFadden Deputy Chief of Staff Phone: 330/375-2754 E-mail: amcfadden@akronohio.gov