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WinterBlast is Back at the City of Akron's Lock 3: Ohio's Most Popular Family-friendly Destination for Winter Fun

Akron, Ohio, Nov. 1, 2023 — For the 19th consecutive winter, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Lock 3, the City of Akron's downtown beacon of fun and entertainment, are thrilled to share details of the WinterBlast season!

On Fri., Nov. 24, 2023, Northeast Ohio’s most popular spot to ice skate and celebrate the holiday season will open featuring family-friendly events and attractions all winter. The ice rink and activities have been temporarily moved between the State St. bridge and Canal Park Stadium. Returning are the Ice Skating Rink (Ohio’s largest outdoor seasonal ice skating rink!), ice bumper cars, ice bikes, Santa Parade, outdoor Polar Putt-Putt, Archie the 22 ft. talking Snowman, Outdoor Igloos, Dinner with the Grinch and Breakfast with Santa.

Lock 3 hours will be Wed/Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri/Sat 11 am-11pm and Sun. 11am-6pm. Ice skating is $5 and includes skates or $3 for bring-your-own skates. Concessions, including beer and wine are available all day. Rentals for the six heated igloos and fire pits are available on Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays through the winter season. Igloos are $50 for 2 hours and firepits are $15 per hour and include your own designated area with tables and chairs. Guests can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages or purchase a pre-determined package from Lock 3. Each igloo must be rented as a whole and can hold a maximum of 8 people.

To reserve your spot on any outdoor attraction, please visit www.Lock3Live.com.

Additional events are also available on Lock 3’s website:

  • OPENING CELEBRATION: Fri., Nov. 24th | Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. Back this year–The Welcome Santa Parade will start the festivities off with lighted floats, marching bands and of course SANTA! At the conclusion of the parade Santa will light the City of Akron’s official tree and finish with fireworks. (Ice skating opens at 11am on Friday, Nov. 24th)
  • ARCHIE THE TALKING SNOWMAN!  Talk to Archie and visit the animated window displays in Lock 3, next to the ice rink, as well as the displays from the former O’Neils Department Store displayed in the former O’Neils Basement (enter near Archie the Snowman).
  • BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: Sat., Dec. 9th and 16th | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. AND Sun., Dec. 10th and 17th | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. The event includes breakfast from the BREAKFAST BOX, entry to the Akron Children's Museum, ice skating, skate rental, Polar Putt-Putt, and photo opportunities with Santa. Presale tickets are available for $15 and day-of tickets will be $18 (children two and under are free).
  • DINNER WITH THE GRINCH: Sat., Dec. 16th | 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Enjoy the night with the Grinch and a catered dinner by a local restaurant, putt-putt, dessert, and ice skating. Photo opportunities will be available. Presale tickets are available for $15 and day-of tickets will be $18 (children two and under are free).
  • Indoor Shuffleboard Courts
    Enjoy our new indoor regulation courts.  Court area includes table and chairs, large screen TV, pool table and foosball table. Beer, sodas and food available for purchase.
    $20 for one court for an hour, $30 for 2 courts for an hour, or $50 for whole room- both courts for two hours. Contact Lock 3 for rental. Phone: 330-375-2877 or email at Lock3@akronohio.gov
  • Party Rentals BOOK A PARTY WITH US!
    Does your child (or you!) have a winter birthday and want a fun outdoor party? Not a birthday but want a fun night out with a group of friends? Have your party at Lock 3 Park in Akron. We are located right off Main Street in the Heart of Downtown Akron. Your group/party will enjoy two hours complete with skate rental and putt-putt, (shuffleboard included with Private Room party). Please reserve your time slots for bumper cars on the web site at Lock3live.com. Please review the guidelines on the form and reach out with any questions. We hope that you will choose to celebrate with us.

    Reservations are first come, first serve ---so don’t wait!

    Please contact Kim at 330-212-8699 to book your party or for questions on renting the whole rink out for a private party.

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 to lock3@akronohio.gov.