Akron Pizza Fest Shifts to New August Dates

The annual event moves away from Labor Day weekend to avoid conflicts with other regional festivals.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 11:10am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a single, iconic pizza slice in neon shades of red, yellow, and blue, conceptually representing the energy and excitement of the Akron Pizza Fest.The vibrant Akron Pizza Fest celebrates the city's thriving pizza culture with a lively, community-driven festival.Akron Today

The Akron Pizza Fest, a popular annual celebration of the city's thriving pizza culture, has announced new dates for its 2026 edition. The festival will now take place on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, shifting away from its previous Labor Day weekend slot. Organizers say the new dates will help avoid conflicts with other high-profile fairs and festivals in the region that often occur on the same holiday weekend.

Why it matters

The Akron Pizza Fest is a major draw for the city, attracting thousands of attendees each year to sample the wares of local pizzerias and enjoy live music. By moving the dates, the organizers hope to boost attendance and ensure the event can shine without competing for visitors with other regional events.

The details

The 2026 Akron Pizza Fest will be held at the Lock 3 festival grounds on Main Street, next to the Akron Civic Theatre downtown. Admission will remain free to the public. As in previous years, restaurant pizzas will be judged in three categories - best overall, best specialty, and people's choice. The musical lineup will feature regional acts, including a Journey tribute band on Friday and a country-pop trio from Season 28 of 'The Voice' on Saturday.

  • The 2026 Akron Pizza Fest will take place on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29.
  • Previously, the festival was held over Labor Day weekend.

The players

Akron Pizza Fest

An annual festival celebrating Akron's thriving pizza culture, featuring pizza competitions, live music, and other food-focused activities.

Lock 3

The festival grounds located on Main Street in downtown Akron, where the Akron Pizza Fest is held.

Akron Civic Theatre

A historic theater located next to the Lock 3 festival grounds, which serves as a backdrop for the Akron Pizza Fest.

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The takeaway

By shifting the Akron Pizza Fest to late August, the organizers have found a way to ensure the event can shine without competing for visitors with other regional festivals and fairs that often occur on the same holiday weekend. This move should help boost attendance and solidify the festival's position as a must-attend event for pizza lovers in Akron and beyond.