Have you visited Downtown Akron recently? Whether you haven’t been Downtown in years, or you’re here often and are just looking for a good deal, make sure you get your Downtown Akron Passports.

Explore 16 Downtown Akron events in 2013 starting with First Night Akron on December 31, 2012.

Events include exclusive tours, free admission to popular venues and events, music and more!

Downtown Akron Passport Events for 2013:

First Night Akron 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012 - 6 p.m.-midnight
Downtown Akron
Celebrate the new year and the arts at this family-friendly, alcohol-free festival throughout Downtown Akron! Enjoy fireworks at 9 p.m. and midnight!

Free Admission to the Akron Zoo
Saturday/Sunday, January 12, 13, 19 or 20, 2013 - 11 a.m.-4 p.m.   
500 Edgewood Ave., Akron 44307
Come visit during the snow leopard’s favorite time of year. Warm up in the new indoor Journey to the Reef or feed the penguins. Over 700 animals to enjoy. (Children under 2 are free)

Ice Skating at Lock 3
Thursday- Sunday, January 3-31, 2013 (See website for hours)
200 S. Main St., Akron
Receive one free skate rental and refuel with a hot dog and drink!

Actors’ Summit
Sunday, February 10, 2013 - 2-5 p.m.
Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., 6^th floor
Located inside the former Masonic Temple in Downtown Akron, enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour and rehearsal of “Freud’s Last Session.” See short scenes from this regional premiere play and get a glimpse of how they put it all together. Reservations are suggested.

Swing Into the Spring Season with Opening Day at Canal Park
Thursday, April 4, 2013 – 6:05 p.m.
300 S. Main St.
Receive two reserved seats for opening day at Aeros Stadium and stay for the post-game fireworks. Children under 2 free if seated on an adult’s lap.

Akron Civic Theatre: The Cinderella Files
Sunday, April 7, 2013 – 2:30 p.m.
182 S. Main St.
Ever wonder what would happen if Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother went on vacation? In MadCap Puppet’s twisted take on the classic fairy tale, it’s up to her husband Ralph, the Fairy Godfather, to get Cinderella to the ball.

Tuesday Musical Presents Canadian Brass Band
Tuesday, April 16, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.
E.J. Thomas Hall at The University of Akron, 198 Hill St., Akron, 44304
Five tremendous brass musicians – each a virtuoso in his own right – form the legendary Canadian Brass. With an international reputation as one of the finest brass ensembles today, Canadian Brass has truly earned the distinction of “the world’s most famous brass group.”

Akron Symphony Orchestra Concerts for Kids: Mother Goose (Choose one:)
    -Tuesday, April 30, 2013 – 10:45 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Family Center, Akron
    -Thursday, May 2, 2013 – 10:45 a.m. at Lake Anna YMCA, Barberton
    -Friday, May 3, 2013 – 10:45 a.m. at Green YMCA, Green
Geared toward children 2-6, these 45-minute concerts entertain and educate through interactive storytelling and engaging musical performance led by Assistant Conductor, Levi Hammer.

Rubber City Rollergirls
Saturday, May 11, 2013 – 5 p.m. (bout starts at 6 p.m.)
John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St.
The Rubber City Rollergirls offer an action-packed, unique sporting experience. The team represents the sport of roller derby in Akron and surrounding areas, offering fun times and excitement everyone can enjoy!

The Illusion Factory

Saturday, June 8, 2013 – 1 p.m.
140 E. Market St.
Learn the skills comedians at Second City in Chicago and Saturday Night Live performers have perfected! Kids attend a one-hour seminar with participation to build comedy skills with IMPROV. Pre-registration required.

Akron Art Museum
Wednesday, July 3-Saturday, July 20, 2013 (See website for hours)
One South High St.
Described by critics as a work-of-art itself, the renowned Akron Art Museum showcases regional, national and international art created since 1850. In addition to its collection and special exhibitions, the museum offers many opportunities to discover new perspectives through dynamic programs that include films, lectures, family workshops and concerts.

Neos Dance Workshop
Saturday, September 7, 2013 – 11 a.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 S. High St.
A one-hour interactive dance exploration for kids of all ages! This family friendly adventure will introduce multiple styles of dance through performances and brief discussions. Come ready to join in the dance as dancers lead the kids (and adults!) through movement exploration exercises!

Summit Artspace
Sunday, September 15, 2013 – 2 and 4 p.m.
140 E. Market St.
Young Farkle McBride is a musical genius: He plays the violin, the flute, the trombone, and the drums with incredible skill. But he's never satisfied: Something is missing. The Illusion Factory children’s theatre company and The Ohio Conservatory collaborate to bring this children’s book, authored by John Lithgow, to life.

Summit County Historical Society Paranormal Tour
Saturday, October 26, 2013 – 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Perkins Stone Mansion, 550 Copley Rd., Akron 44320
Join The Summit County Historical Society for a lights out tour and hear about paranormal activity in the home of Akron’s founding family.  Adults (16+) may join us after 6:30. Reservations required.

Holidays at Hower House
Saturday, November 9, 16, 23 or 30, 2013 – Noon-3:30 p.m.
The University of Akron, 60 Fir Hill, Akron, 44325
Akron's 1871 Victorian Masterpiece will be decked out from top to bottom in holiday finery. Enjoy wassail and cookies in the Cellar Door Store. (Children 12 and under free with passport carrying adult).

Jingle Jazz at E.J. Thomas  Hall
Monday, December 9, 2013 - 3 p.m.
The University of Akron, 198 Hill St., Akron, 44304
Santa only has elves. You've got Jack Frost Schantz, Jingle Joe Augustine, Peppermint Patty LaNasa, and more music merry-makers in a jazzy start to the holidays.