AKRON, Ohio — The Rib, White and Blue Festival returns to Akron this year from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 3 through 6 with free admission.

What You Need To Know

  • Rib, White and Blue Festival is back this year

  • It goes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 3 through 6, with free admission

  • Fireworks will be launched from the Patterson Park Sports Complex, Akron Fulton Airport and the Lock 3 area downtown at 9:45 p.m. on July 4

Fireworks will be launched from the Patterson Park Sports Complex, Akron Fulton Airport and the Lock 3 area downtown at 9:45 p.m. on July 4, according to a press release from the city.

“The festival includes national and local rib vendors competing for bragging rights for Best Ribs, Best Sauce and People’s Choice Awards,” the release reads. “Visitors can enjoy ribs, pulled pork, chicken and corn, as well as a variety of fair food. Vendors include: After Hours BBQ, PigFoot BBQ, Porky Chicks BBQ, Grill Masters BBQ, Stray Dog, Homemade Delites, Swine BBQ and more.”

The Rib, White and Blue Festival will also have concerts at 7 p.m. each night at the Lock 3 Cleveland Clinic Stage, featuring performances by:

  • Sammy Deleon featuring The Michael Austin Project (July 3)
  • Best of Times Styx Tribute featuring Right Now Van Halen Tribute (July 4)
  • China Grove Doobie Brothers Tribute featuring Monica Robins and The Whiskey Kings (July 5)
  • Larry McCray featuring Willie B (July 6)

In recent weeks, the city had cancelled some weekend events amid high tension after a June 2 shooting that injured dozens and killed one, rattling the community. A letter from eight council members to the mayor had requested the cancellation of events scheduled for the Juneteenth holiday weekend.

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