EVENTS
Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival
Join in the Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival at Cascade Locks Park!
The RCJBF takes place September 10 - 12 at a variety of locations throughout Akron’s jazz corridor. CLPA is a proud supporter and serves as a venue for the following dynamic performances open to the public and free to attend on Saturday, September 12.
10:45 A.M.: Ellet High School Jazz Group
11:30 A.M.: OpenTone Youth Group
12:30 P.M.: Nate Yingling Trio featuring Steve Kortyka
1:45 P.M.: Esther Fitz
Limited seating is available. Please consider bringing a chair or blanket.
The performances will take place at Lock 14, by the Schumacher Mill site. Learn more about parking here.
Akron Marathon @The Mustill Store
Pop over to the Mustill Store Trailhead and help us cheer on the Akron marathoners!
The Mustill Store Museum sits at the halfway point of the Akron Marathon and we’re turning it into a high‑energy cheer zone to support every runner who comes through Cascade Valley. You’re invited to help us bring the energy.
We’ll have cowbells and refreshments on site and, complements of Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation, DJ Kenny Kidd will be joining us, too! Because of road closures, we’re encouraging folks to arrive around 7:30 AM. Runners will pass between 8:00–10:30 AM.
If you, your family, or your organization is looking for a fun, meaningful way to support movement, wellness, and community spirit, we’d love to have you with us.
RSVP isn’t necessary, but appreciated to info@cascadelocks.org.
Want to participate in the hottest race in town? Learn more here.
Fall Canal Clean-Up
Join us at the Mustill Store along with EnviroScience, River Guardians of Ohio, Summit Metro Parks, and Keep Akron Beautiful for our Fall Canal Clean-up from Lock 10 to 16 along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
Light refreshments and tools will be provided. Expect to get wet, so wear appropriate clothing. Waiters, water moccasins, or an old pair of shoes are advisable. Some areas are steep to enter.
This is a rain or shine opportunity - unless weather is severe; and a chance for scouts and students to earn service hours! Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Reservations not required, but appreciated. Email csullivan@cascadelockspark.org with your interest.
Thank you for your part in making our waterways clean for all to enjoy!
Akron Oatmeal Festival
The Akron Oatmeal Festival embraces everything that makes our city weird, wonderful, and uniquely Akron, and we welcome you to be part of this exciting day in Cascade Valley! Now entering its second year, the festival continues to grow in scale and imagination, featuring two stages of entertainment, a public food drive, and, of course, oatmeal!
ARTS & FOOD VENDORS | GOATS & OATS | PARADE OF SCHUMACHERS | THE ORIGINAL QUAKER OATMEAL COOKIE | LOCAL AUTHOR DISCUSSIONS | MAGICIAN | SCHUMACHER INTERVIEW | STILT WALKERS | QUAKER PHOTO BOOTH | SCHUMACHER LOOK-ALIKES | FOOD DRIVE | 1800’S OATS ARTIFACTS | PLAY AREAS | CRAFTS | KING OF QUAKER OATS T-SHIRTS & MORE!
All elements will wind through the beautiful wildlands of Cascade Locks Park at locks 14 and 15 of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
This impactful community event would not be possible without these supporters celebrating our city and doing their part to make Akron the best place to live!
Interested in being part of Akron’s cool? Email mmoreland@cascadelocks.org.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
These amazing organizations will be onsite to provide interactive offerings. Be sure to visit them!
SHUMACHER LOOK-ALIKE CONTEST
Think you have a beard to best Ferdinand Schumacher himself?! Join in for the first of what we hope will be many Schumacher look-alike contests! First through third place wins a prize!
All look-alikes are invited to be part of the “Parade of Schumachers” culminating in the contest portion of the day. The audience will decide the winner! Contestants must be available from 12:45 to 1:45P to participate. Email csullivan@cascadelocks.org to enter.
PARADE OF SCHUMACHERS
Be sure to arrive in time for the first-ever, arts-forward, 1800’s inspired parade featuring a brass band, Schumacher look-alikes, artistic elements, goats, and more with an assist from Curated Storefront and Conservancy for CVNP. The route starts at the Mustill Store, then heads south through the grasses, and ends at the Lock 14 Main Stage. Be sure to follow the fun as our festival audience will decide our best Schumacher!
Pro and amateur artists are invited to participate on a volunteer-basis. Concepts may be submitted to mmoreland@cascadelocks.org.
MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
FOODBANK FOOD DRIVE
Food scarcity is real, and we invite you to help those in need by brining non-perishable food donations in support of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank. Guests who bring at least three (3) of the below listed items will receive a free Akron Oatmeal Festival button!
The super-six most needed items are: boxed cereal, canned soup/stew, canned tuna, canned vegetables, macaroni & cheese, and peanut butter. Learn more about these and other staples to support our families in need.
Look for the Akron-Canton Foodbank truck. One button per donor while supplies last.
RUN OF SHOW
Stay tuned for more details on the day’s run of show at the Lock 14 and Mustill Store stages!
PARKING
The event takes place at the Schumacher mill site at lock 14 and the Mustill Store Museum at lock15. Learn more about parking here.
VOLUNTEERS
Interested in a behind-the-scenes look at Akron’s hottest new festival? Volunteers are needed to assist with set-up / tear-down, help with site cleanliness, work information tables, and staff the Mustill Store. Shifts are available between the hours of 8A and 6P. Please email csullivan@cascadelocks.org with your availability.
FOOD & ARTS VENDORS
Vendor slots are full. Already a vendor? Email oatmeal@cascadelocks.org with questions.
ABOUT THE AKRON OATMEAL FESTIVAL
Founded in 2025 through ArtsNow grant funding, the Akron Oatmeal Festival was created to celebrate the city’s distinctive culture through fun, arts‑forward programming that brings canal‑era history to life. The festival uplifts local artists, activates the historic Cascade Valley, and offers attendees a creative, family‑friendly way to experience the natural, artistic, and historic assets of the region. At its heart is the legacy of Ferdinand Schumacher, Akron’s famed Oatmeal King, whose pioneering 1850's oat mill helped spark oatmeal’s rise across the nation and now known internationally as Quaker Oats.
The inaugural festival welcomed more than 1,200 attendees to downtown Akron’s capstone neighborhood, transforming Cascade Valley into a lively hub of music, makers, and community connection. Guests enjoyed performances by local musicians and food and craft vendors.
Email info@cascadelocks.org with inquiries.
End of Season Celebration & Fundraiser
We are grateful for all of our volunteers, visitors, sponsors, and community supporters who help make Cascade Valley a wonderful place to live and play. All are welcome to join in the celebration of community and togetherness at this end of season celebration.
More details to follow.
Free Lunch Friday Feat. Elijah Blower of Hand + Noise
Join us for lunch! Bring friends, family, or work buddies. It’s free!
Live music - dogs - veg burgers - chips - water
For the last Friday of the Free Lunch Friday series, Elijah Blower of Hand + Noise will close us out with his undeniable talent.
Free Lunch Friday takes place every Friday in June, July, and August.
Jazz on the Trail Feat. Delta Hand & Complex Chords
Join us in the backyard this summer for Jazz on the Trail in partnership with Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival, Open Tone Music, and the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
This month, The Delta Hand Band brings their rockin’ blues to the Mustill Store and the Conservancy will present Complex Chords, a pop-up exhibit that tells the history of Black-owned country clubs, park spaces, and their connection to the jazz scene on Howard Street in the mid-20th century.
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and get ready for the sounds of a lifetime.
Jazz on the Trail takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month in June, July & August.
Wojno & Cheese Memorial Celebration
You’re invited to honor the legacy of Cascade Locks Park Association founder and enthusiast, Virginia “Ginny” Wojno-Forney at this year’s special Wojno & Cheese memorial celebration.
We will celebrate Ginny with fond memories and three of of her favorite things: wine, live music, and Cascade Locks Park.
Please join us for the memorial program and stay for live music as part of our Jazz on the Trail summer music series.
3 to 4 PM: Celebration
4 to 6 PM: The Delta Hand Band
All are welcome to attend for free. Donation’s may be made to the Virginia Wojno-Forney Legacy Fund.
Reservations are kindly requested by Sunday, August 16 and may be made to info@cascadelocks.org.
Free Lunch Friday Feat. Berhane Okantah
Join us for lunch! Bring friends, family, or work buddies. It’s free!
Live music - dogs - veg burgers - chips - water
This week Berhane Okantah will jam on his electric strings.
Free Lunch Friday takes place every Friday in June, July, and August.
Free Lunch Friday Feat. Josee McGee & OH Buckles Buckeyes
Join us for lunch! Bring friends, family, or work buddies. It’s free!
Live music - dogs - veg burgers - chips - water
This Friday, Josee McGee is bringing her sweet sound to the Mustill Store and you won’t want to miss it!
Plus, Akron Children’s Hospital will present Ohio Buckles Buckeyes program. More details coming soon!
Free Lunch Friday takes place every Friday in June, July, and August.
Twilight Yoga on the Canal
Join us at the Mustill Store Museum for a free moment of zen at our pop-up Twilight Yoga on the Canal!
Deneen Wittlinger, yoga expert of Akron General Lifestyles, will guide us through our movements. Families welcome. BYO mat or towel. Event will take place rain or shine. We look forward to relaxing with you.
Follow Deneen on Instagram @dwittyyoga. Questions may be directed to info@cascadelocks.org.
Free Lunch Friday Feat. Jim Ballard + Summit Fresh
Join us for lunch! Bring friends, family, or work buddies. It’s free!
Live music - dogs - veg burgers - chips - water
This Friday, Jim Ballard of the Strangs will join on on the front port showcasing his rockin’ skills and soulful sound.
Plus, the Summit Fresh Mobile Market will join us. Swing by for a free meal, and purchase affordable and fresh groceries in your local park!
Free Lunch Friday takes place every Friday in June, July, and August.
Jazz on the Trail Feat. SmokeFace & Complex Chords
Join us in the backyard this summer for Jazz on the Trail in partnership with Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival, Open Tone Music, and the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
This month, SmokeFace, blends instrumental hip-hop, jazz, soul, funk, and gospel to create an experience you won’t want to miss and the Conservancy will present Complex Chords, a pop-up exhibit that tells the history of Black-owned country clubs, park spaces, and their connection to the jazz scene on Howard Street in the mid-20th century.
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and get ready for the sounds of a lifetime.
Jazz on the Trail takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month in June, July & August.
Free Lunch Friday Feat. Ben Gage
Join us for lunch! Bring friends, family, or work buddies. It’s free!
Live music - dogs - veg burgers - chips - water
This Friday, Ben Gage is heading to Cascade Locks with his profound sound and we welcome you to enjoy this time among friends.
Free Lunch Friday takes place every Friday in June, July, and August.
Blue Heron Homecoming & Race - The Ripple Effect
The Mustill Store Museum joins Akron Waterways Renewed! as Akron celebrates the Blue Heron Homecoming - The Ripple Effect & Flight of the Heron 5K, 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run.
Races. Activities. Entertainment. Vendors. Giveaways. Food. Fun.
The Flight of the Heron run celebrates the continuing renewal of the Little Cuyahoga and Cuyahoga Rivers in Akron and kicks off the festival. This Akron Promise City Series race awards male and female age group winners and the top three male and female runners overall. Pre-register here.
The Ripple Effect Blue Heron Homecoming is an environmental festival that provides family-friendly tours, educational opportunities, giveaways, demonstrations, activities, waterway safety, recreation, and community around the city’s largest capital investment in public infrastructure and waterway renewal.
There’s entertainment for the whole family! Grab a free lunch and purchase a sweet treat. Laugh and dance with Mr. Jeff and DJ Vince Giles. Collect trading cards from the amazing Tails of Togetherness therapy and service dogs. Visit with mascots and vendors, make art, play games, pop into the beer garden, take a walk or run & more!
@The Ohio Canal Interceptor Tunnel | 168 Otto Street
Complementary lunch
Cold treats from The Ice Bucket
Missing Falls Brewery beer garden
Hands-on exhibits for kids & adults
Fun giveaways & entertainment
Educational & environmental tours
Live music by The Wallhavens
@TheMustill Store Museum | 57 West North Street
Fun activities with the Akron Children’s Museum
Free rain barrel giveaway (while supplies last)
Yard games & crafts with Cascade Locks Park Association
Pop-up shop with Bite Me Bakery
Scavenger hunt with Tails of Togetherness
9 - 9:45 AM: Race day-of registration
10 AM: Flight of the Heron 10K, 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run
10:30 - 11:30 AM: Mr. Jeff
11:30 AM - 12 PM: Dulcimer Circle with Mary G
12 - 2 PM: DJ Vince Giles
1 PM: Canal & Waterways History Tour
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers help make the world go round and events like these successful! Sign up to volunteer for this year’s Blue Heron Festival & Flight of the Heron Run.
PARKING
Click here to learn more about parking at Cascade Locks Park & Mustill Store Museum. Free transportation to and from the CVSR parking lot will be provided to both the Mustill Store Museum and Ohio Canal Interceptor event locations.
Cancelled: Free Lunch Friday Feat. Wendy Darling
CANCELLED FOR JULY 17
Unfortunately, this event is cancelled do to the hazardous air conditions caused by wild fires. Stay indoors as much as you can until the advisory is lifted. Thank you for supporting CLPA and be sure to check out Wendy Darling at another one of her events.
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Join us for lunch! Bring friends, family, or work buddies. It’s free!
Live music - dogs - veg burgers - chips - water
This Friday, Wendy Darling of Midnight Phoenix brins Akron’s next generation of talent to Cascade Locks.
Free Lunch Friday takes place every Friday in June, July, and August.
Free Lunch Friday Feat. Bethany Joy
Join us for lunch! Bring friends, family, or work buddies. It’s free!
Live music - dogs - veg burgers - chips - water
This Friday, Bethany Joy travels to Akron to share her vocal talents.
Free Lunch Friday takes place every Friday in June, July, and August.
Free Lunch Friday Independence Day Special Feat. Patrick Munford Project
Join us for a Star-Spangled, pre-4th Free Lunch Friday!
Something extra special will be served to celebrate the nation’s independence while The Patrick Munford Project fills the air with joyful sound you won’t want to miss!
Join us for lunch! Bring friends, family, or work buddies. It’s free!
Live music - dogs - veg burgers - chips - water
Free Lunch Friday takes place every Friday in June, July, and August.
Jazz on the Trail Feat. Dillon Shidemantle & Complex Chords
Join us in the backyard this summer for Jazz on the Trail in partnership with Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival, Open Tone Music, and the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park!
This month, you will not want to miss Dillon Shidemantle’s elegant musical artistry and the Conservancy presentation of Complex Chords, a pop-up exhibit that tells the history of Black-owned country clubs, park spaces, and their connection to the jazz scene on Howard Street in the mid-20th century.
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and get ready for the sounds of a lifetime.
Jazz on the Trail takes place on the fourth Sunday of the month in June, July & August.
Free Lunch Friday Feat. Jen Maurer
Join us for lunch! Bring friends, family, or work buddies. It’s free!
Live music - dogs - veg burgers - chips - water
This Friday, Jen Maurer will spark joy as we head into the weekend.
Free Lunch Friday takes place every Friday in June, July, and August.
Free Lunch Friday Juneteenth Special Feat. Jennifer James
Join us for our Juneteenth Free Lunch Friday!
Something extra special will be served in honor of this day of freedom.
Join us for lunch! Bring friends, family, or work buddies. It’s free!
Live music - dogs - veg burgers - chips - water
This Friday, Jennifer James will tickle the keys and our hearts.
Free Lunch Friday takes place every Friday in June, July, and August.
Free Lunch Friday Feat. Ray Flanagan
Join us for lunch! Bring friends, family, or work buddies. It’s free!
Live music - dogs - veg burgers - chips - water
This Friday, Ray Flanagan joins us from Cleveland along with volunteers from the Akron Garden Club and Koroseal in support of the United Way of Summit & Medina’s Day of Action.
Free Lunch Friday takes place every Friday in June, July, and August.
United Way Day of Action @Cascade Locks Park
Join us for a day of action with the United Way of Summit & Medina County.
Gardening will be our area of focus at Cascade Locks Park. From 9 - 11:30A, we will work on the gardens around the Mustill Store Museum with the Akron Garden Club. From 11:30A - 1P, enjoy our summer program, Free Lunch Friday, with acoustic live music and a complementary lunch among friends. From 1 - 3P, we will head over to the pollinator gardens at the Schumacher Mill site, to ensure we are doing our part to conserve our urban environment.
Thank you so much for supporting this public space in Cascade Valley. The Day of Action is free to participate. Questions may be directed to engagement@uwsummitmedina.org.
Learn more here.
Cascade Locks Duck Derby Community Day
Join us for free family fun on the Ohio & Erie Canal at the Cascade Locks Duck Derby Community Day!
games • crafts • music • food • prizes •inflatable •duck races
Eats by Cheezylicious & AC Ice Cream
Music by DJ Kenny Kidd
Featuring Special Guests
"Ducky" the dog from Greenleaf Family Center
Family attendance is free | Self-pay food & beverage | Duck entries optional
DUCK RACES
Sponsor a rubber duck and cheer it on down the canal!
First, second & third place prizes | Values up to $500!
4 FIRST BASE LOWER LEVEL GUARDIANS TICKETS•4 RUBBER DUCKS TICKETS•BREAK or PAINT ROOM FOR 6•BOWLING FOR 8•KIDS BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR 12•GIFT CARDS•STEM ITEMS & MORE!
Lil’ Quackers Cup | $5 per duck
Community Quack Classic Cup | $20 per duck • $75 for five
Click on the links to get your ducks today! Online duck entries are available for sale until 11:59P of June 5. Day of duck entries may be purchased via cash or card during the event.
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!
GOLDEN DUCK
LUCKY DUCK
FLYING DUCK
Ernest & Laura Preston
Douglas Krapf
EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Become an honored duck launcher and support Cascade Locks Park Association’s work in recreation, education, and the arts.
Golden Duck – $500
• 25 duck entries• Grand Duck Launcher (Classic Cup)•Mustill Store swag •Event & digital recognition
Lucky Duck - $250
• 10 duck entries• Grand Duck Launcher (Lil’ Quackers Cup)•Mustill Store swag •Event & digital recognition
Flying Duck – $100
• 5 duck entries• Mustill Store swag •Event & digital recognition
Contact Megan at mmoreland@cascadelocks.org to become a sponsor.
VOLUNTEERS
Interested in volunteering to make this event full of fun? Volunteer you time and receive one free entry in the Classic Cup and a $5 coupon to the food truck of your choice. Email Cathy at csullivan@cascadelocks.org for more information.
Proceeds support the Cascade Locks Park Association, serving greater Akron by connecting people through recreation, education, and the arts in Cascade Locks Park and at the Mustill Store Museum. Thank you!
More information at cascadelocks.org.
Questions: info@cascadelocks.org•(330) 374‑5625
Free Lunch Friday Feat. Elijah of Hand + Noise
Join us for lunch! Bring friends, family, or work buddies. It’s free!
Live music - dogs - veg burgers - chips - water
This Friday, Elijah Blower of Hand + Noise will lead us into our celebration of summer.
Free Lunch Friday takes place every Friday in June, July, and August.
Yoga on the Canal
Join us at the Mustill Store Museum for a free opportunity to find a moment of zen mid-week. Deneen Wittlinger, yoga expert of Akron General Lifestyles, will guide us through our movements. Families welcome. BYO mat or towel. Event will take place rain or shine. We look forward to relaxing with you.
Follow Deneen on Instagram @dwittyyoga. Questions may be directed to info@cascadelocks.org.
Spring Gardening at Mustill
Join the Akron Garden Club for Cascade Locks Park Spring Gardening at the Mustill Store Museum. Help maintain the Frietag & memorial Gardens, learn from master gardeners, build friendships, and beautify community.
Rain Date: May 8 | 9 AM
Email info@cascadelocks.org with questions.
Season Opening Celebration
Join us as we celebrate The Mustill Store Museum season opening! It will be a party to kick off the 2026 season.
Backyard Party: 11:30A - 2:30P
Kids Craft - Yard Games - Music - Giveaways - Free Raffle Prize Basket
First-come, first-serve while supplies last.
Spring Canal Clean-Up
Join us at the Mustill Store along with EnviroScience for our Spring Canal Cleanup. Great event for Scouts and Students to earn service hours!
This is a rain or shine opportunity - unless weather is severe.
Akron Sakura Festival
Join us at the Mustill Store for Sakura inspired fun!
Join one of our ‘History Hikes’ and learn about Akron’s Industrial Valley!
2026 Volunteer Kick Off and Training
PRIVATE EVENT FOR VOLUNTEERS ONLY. If you would like to become a volunteer visit https://www.cascadelocks.org/volunteer and complete the application before March 1st
There will be 2 sessions - morning 10:00 - 11:30 and afternoon 12:30 - 2:00 Watch for the invite!
Closed for the Season
The Mustill Store Museum is open seasonally May thru October + special events. Cascade Locks Park is open and free group tours are available year-round. Remote staff is available to assist any off season needs. Contact us any time!
Oatmeal Festival
Join us at the Schumacher site (Water Wheel) 57 W. North St. Akron, OH. 44308
Canal Clean Up with Enviroscience
Join us October 4th for the Fall Canal Clean Up!
Bags, Gloves, Snacks and Drinks provided.