AKRON, OH This month, the 5K on August 22 and the Equity March and Pride Festival on August 23 will mark the return of the Akron Pride Festival at Lock 3 in downtown Akron.
Akron Pride Festival 5K
On Friday, Aug. 22, the Akron Pride Festival 5K will begin the 2025 celebration. At 6:30 p.m., the race starts at Canal Place and then travels through downtown Akron and the famed Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail. The event website states that Canal Place is also the location of the finish line. The Akron Pride website is where runners can register to run the race. Each person must pay $45 to enter the event; there is also a virtual race alternative.
Akron Pride Festival and Equity March
The ninth annual Equity March kicks off the 2025 Akron Pride Festival, which offers free admission, on Saturday, August 23 at 10 a.m. Both individuals and organizations are welcome to participate in the march, which honors equity and equality for all. On the event website, interested parties must register.
Following the march, Lock 3 continues to celebrate with performances by:
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David Archuleta, a 2008 American Idol contestant
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Onya Nurve, theseason 17 winner
of RuPaul s Drag Race
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Suzie Toot, aseason 17
RuPaul s Drag Race contestant
Throughout the day, there will be entertainment, including a full roster of local musicians and drag performers. Other highlights of the festival include an interactive children’s area, food trucks, and exhibitors.
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