Annual Events & Festivals in Akron & Summit County
Some events are worth putting on the calendar year after year. From longtime traditions and major festivals to seasonal celebrations and community favorites, Akron and Summit County offer annual events to look forward to in every season.
Planning a future visit? Explore some of the events and festivals that return each year, then check our Events Calendar for current dates, times and details.
Spring Events & Festivals
Back to Top of ListSpring brings festivals, outdoor celebrations and the return of favorite seasonal traditions throughout the region.
Hale Farm & Village Maple Sugar Festival | March
Welcome spring at Hale Farm & Village with a celebration of maple sugaring. See how maple syrup is made, explore historic traditions and enjoy a seasonal visit to the living history museum.
Downtown Akron Sakura Festival | April
Celebrate the arrival of spring along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in downtown Akron, where blooming cherry blossom trees set the scene for Japanese-inspired activities, food, music and entertainment.
Summer Events & Festivals
Back to Top of ListSummer is packed with some of the county’s biggest annual traditions, from major sporting events and cultural festivals to fairs, live music and celebrations you won’t find anywhere else.
Summit County Italian-American Festival | July
Celebrate Italian-American culture in downtown Akron with a weekend of food, live music, entertainment and family activities at this longtime summer tradition.
All-American Soap Box Derby World Championships | July
Young racers from around the world head to Akron’s Derby Downs each summer to compete in the All-American Soap Box Derby World Championships, continuing a tradition that has been part of Akron’s story for generations.
Summit County Fair | July/August
Head to Tallmadge for a classic county fair experience with agricultural exhibits, competitions, rides, entertainment, fair food and activities for the whole family.
Twins Days Festival | August
Seeing double is part of the fun in Twinsburg. One of the world’s largest annual gatherings of twins and multiples brings participants and visitors together for a parade, contests, entertainment and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
Highland Square PorchROKR Festival | August
Porches become stages during this neighborhood-wide music festival in Akron’s Highland Square. Spend the day discovering live music, local artists, food and the personality of one of Akron’s best-known neighborhoods.
Fall Events & Festivals
Back to Top of ListCooler temperatures bring races, harvest celebrations, Ohio-made finds and Halloween traditions to the calendar.
Akron Marathon, Half Marathon & Team Relay | September
Runners take over the streets of Akron during this signature race weekend, with the marathon, half marathon and team relay bringing athletes and spectators to neighborhoods and landmarks throughout the city.
Made in Ohio Art & Craft Festival | September
Shop work from Ohio artists and makers during this annual festival at Hale Farm & Village. Browse handcrafted goods, artwork, specialty foods and more while exploring the historic grounds.
Hale Farm & Village Harvest Festival | October
Experience the sights and traditions of the harvest season at Hale Farm & Village with historic demonstrations, hands-on activities and fall fun throughout the living history museum.
Akron Zoo Boo at the Zoo | October
Costumes, trick-or-treating and zoo animals come together for one of Akron’s favorite family Halloween traditions. Kids can collect treats while exploring the Akron Zoo during this annual October event.
Winter & Holiday Events
Back to Top of ListThe holiday season brings some of the region’s most anticipated annual traditions, with decorated historic estates, train rides, twinkling lights and celebrations for the whole family.
Akron Children’s Holiday Tree Festival | November
The John S. Knight Center fills with decorated trees, wreaths and holiday displays during this longtime Akron tradition benefiting Akron Children’s.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad North Pole Adventure | November/December
Climb aboard for a holiday train ride through Cuyahoga Valley National Park as the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad brings the magic of the season to the rails with its annual North Pole Adventure.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Deck the Hall | November/December
See Stan Hywet dressed for the holidays during Deck the Hall, when the historic estate is transformed with festive decorations, illuminated gardens and seasonal displays.
Akron Zoo Wild Lights | November/December
Explore the Akron Zoo after dark as colorful lights and holiday displays brighten the grounds during this annual family holiday experience.
Hale Farm & Village Holiday Lantern Tours | December
Step into Christmases past during an evening tour of Hale Farm & Village. Lantern-lit historic buildings, costumed interpreters and stories of holiday traditions bring the season to life.
Find More Annual Events
There are even more traditions to discover throughout the year. Browse upcoming annual events across Akron and Summit County, from community festivals and seasonal celebrations to arts, cultural, family and sporting events.
Check back throughout the year as more annual events are added to the calendar.