Greater Akron to celebrate July 4 with fireworks, ribs, rides and food trucks

Things are about to get pretty festive around Greater Akron.

With the Fourth of July falling on a Thursday this year that means there are plenty of special events and celebrations leading into the actual holiday.

It also means an odd midweek day off for most with banks and government offices closed on July 4 along with no regular U.S. mail delivery and in some instances a day delay on garbage pick ups.

And there will be a variety of chances to see fireworks in the region with some shooting off as early as the weekend and days before the official celebration of the nation's independence.

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Akron's neighborhood fireworks shows will be shot off at 9:45 p.m. July 4 from Patterson Park Sports Complex, Akron Fulton Airport and Downtown Lock 3.

The Fairlawn Independence Day Fireworks event be held on July 4.

The festivities start at 5 p.m. in Bicentennial Park with food trucks and music, and ends with a fireworks display.

Here are just a few special events across the region.

Rock the Docks

The North Shore of Springfield Lake will come alive this weekend with the annual Rock the Docks, although festival organizers say this may be the last year for the annual summer event.

The event opens Thursday and runs through Sunday with rides, music, food and games.

The fireworks will be shot off at 9:45 p.m. on Saturday.

Green FreedomFest

FreedomFest in Green will be Saturday in Boettler Park.

The free festival will include activities, games, food vendors, live music and even skydivers at 8:15 p.m.

The band E5C4P3 (Escape) will perform at 8:30 p.m. with fireworks at 10:15 p.m.

RubberDucks baseball

The Akron RubberDucks will be in town July 1 to 3 to face off against the Erie SeaWolves.

The minor league team will celebrate Independence Day Eve on July 3 with post game fireworks at Canal Park.

Rib White & Blue festival

Akron will once again play host to the Rib White & Blue festival July 3-6.

The free event will feature ribs, pulled pork and other festival food offerings along with nightly 7 p.m. concerts on The Backyard Stage on West Bowery next to the Akron Civic Theatre.

Parking is $2 in all city decks after 6 p.m. on Thursday and free after 6 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Kent Heritage Festival

The Kent Heritage Festival will be July 6 in downtown Kent.

The event will include live music on two stages, a children's play and activities area, food trucks and a car show.

There will be booths from local organizations along with area artists.

Fireworks will be shot off at night.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Greater Akron to celebrate July 4 with fireworks, ribs, rides and food trucks