If your family loves pizza and live music played outdoors on a warm summer evening, Akron Pizza Fest is worth the half-hour drive from North Royalton. The 7th annual festival runs Thursday, August 27 through Saturday, August 29 at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron, bringing together pizza vendors from across the region, live entertainment, a Kids Zone, and friendly competitions centered around everybody's favorite food.
Event Details
- Thursday, Aug 27 – Saturday, Aug 29, 2026
- Thu & Fri: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:00 – 9:00/10:00 PM · Sat: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Lock 3 Park, 200 S. Main St, Akron, OH 44308
- Free admission Thursday and Friday; paid admission Saturday ($5 adults, $3 students, $2 ages 13-17)
- ~30 minutes from 10621 Sherwood Trail via I-71 and I-77 south
What's on the Menu
Multiple pizza vendors set up shop along Lock 3 Park, selling individual slices and whole pies. You will find classic cheese and pepperoni alongside specialty pies from Akron-area pizzerias and food trucks. The selection rotates, so there is reason to visit on more than one day. Beyond pizza, expect a handful of non-pizza food options and dessert vendors to round out the meal.
Family Activities
The Kids Zone features giant inflatables, and the festival also hosts a cornhole tournament and a pizza-eating contest for those who want to test their appetite. Live music plays throughout the event, with local bands performing on the Lock 3 stage in the evenings. The park setting means plenty of open space for kids to move around while parents enjoy the food and atmosphere.
Planning Your Visit
- Thursday and Friday lunch sessions are the least crowded and offer free admission. Great for families with younger children.
- Evening sessions have the full festival energy with live music and the crowd at its peak. Saturday night is the main event.
- Parking is available in downtown Akron parking garages and lots near Lock 3. Street parking is also an option on quieter nights.
A Fun Family Excursion from North Royalton
It is about a 30-minute drive from 10621 Sherwood Trail to Lock 3 Park — an easy ride down I-71 and I-77. For families who want a low-stakes evening out that combines dinner and entertainment in one stop, the Pizza Fest delivers. And for those just getting to know the area, this is exactly the kind of community-focused event that makes Northeast Ohio feel like home.
