Plan Your Visit
Learn more about places to stay, attractions around Akron, and find directions to Derby Downs!
Book Your
2026 PARTNER HOTELS
AKRON/FAIRLAWN
SPARK BY HILTON AKRON FAIRLAWN
4073 Medina Rd.
Fairlawn, OH 44333
130.00 USD per night
FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT INN & SUITES AKRON FAIRLAWN
208 Springside Drive
Akron, OH 44333
154.00 USD per night
Last day to book: Monday, June 29, 2026
AKRON SOUTH/GREEN
Residence Inn by marriott akron south/green
897 Arlington Ridge E
Akron, OH 44312
139.00 USD per night
Last day to book: Friday, June 19, 2026
HILTON GARDEN INN
1307 East Market Street
Akron, OH 44305
159.00 USD per night
Last day to book: Thursday, June 25, 2026
Call the hotel directly at 330-733-2900 & ask for the “All-American Soap Box Derby“ Block Rate or Click the Link Below:
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Akron Regional Airport Area
898 Arlington Ridge East
Akron, OH 44312
169.00 USD per night
AKRON/CANTON
Yogi Bear’s JELLYSTONE PARK Camp-resort
12712 Hoover Ave NW
Uniontown, Oh 44685
Use Promo Code DERBY26 for Discount
***PLEASE NOTE: Rates are averages and may not include taxes and fees***
EXPLORE ALL THAT THE AKRON AREA HAS TO OFFER
RACE WEEK AROUND THE AREA
Saturday, July 11
- 9:00 AM – LeBron James’ Home Court at House Three Thirty (Akron)
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM – Italian American Festival at Lock 3 (Akron)
- 12:00 PM – Ohio Vintage Festival at John S. Knight Center (Akron)
- 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Hower House Museum Tours at the University of Akron
- Canton Farmers Market
- Stark County Italian American Festival (Canton)
- African American Arts & Cultural Festival (Canton)
Sunday, July 12
- Lock 3: Buck Naked Band Concert
- Lock 3: Larger Than Life Concert
- 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Line Dancing on the Plaza (Cascade Plaza)
- Stark County Italian American Festival (Canton)
- 11:00 AM – Mindful Art: Yoga in the Galleries at Akron Art Museum
Special Event During Race Week
Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 Train
Sunday, July 12
• Struthers, OH – 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Monday, July 13
• Rocky River, OH (19060 Depot St.) – 12:45 PM to 1:15 PM
• Watch from street overpasses and public viewing areas.
• More information: https://www.up.com/about-us/history/steam
Tuesday, July 14
- 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM – Vinyasa Yoga on the Plaza (Cascade Plaza)
Wednesday, July 15
- 7:00 PM – Twon & Galaxy Blues and Jazz Concert (Lock 4)
Thursday, July 16
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Preschool Story Time at Akron-Summit County Library
- 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Free Thursday at Akron Art Museum
Friday, July 17
- Italian Fest (Cuyahoga Falls)
- Lock 3: Forecast with Michael Austin Project Concert
- 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Free Lunch Fridays at Cascade Locks Park Association / Mustill Store and House
Saturday, July 18
- Italian Fest (Cuyahoga Falls)
- Akron African American Cultural Festival at Lock 3
- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Skate Night at Cascade Plaza
DISCOUNTED RATES
We are very thankful to all of our great partners who have offered discounts to their places of business for our champs & families!
SLUGGERS & PUTTERS
Champs show up with your Badge for FREE Admission (Value of $45 Day Pass)
Valid: July 11-19, 2026
BELLERIA
Bring your badge
FREE THINGS TO DO
We understand the financial commitment that it takes to come spend a week in Akron and want to provide as many options as possible for your family during this amazing week.
F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm
Summit Metro Parks
Lock 3 Akron
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Boettler Park
Southgate Park
WHEN IN NORTHEAST OHIO…
Some staff favorites and Northeast Ohio staples that families have loved over the years.
William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum
Fannie May / Harry London Chocolate Factory Tour
Pro Football Hall of Fame
First Ladies National Historic Site
Find
Directions
Traveling to our Soap Box Derby® Headquarters or Topside address? Find directions below.
Office Address
789 Derby Downs Drive
Akron, OH 44306
Topside Address
1000 George Washington Blvd.
Akron, OH 4431
Approaching from the North
- Route 8 South to 76 East (at the central interchange)
- 76 East to Market St./Mogadore Rd.
- Right at the bottom of the exit on to Market St.
- At the first light take a right on to Hilbish Rd.
- Follow through 3 traffic lights
- Hilbish Rd. changes name to George Washington Blvd. when you cross over Triplett Blvd.
- If you wish to go to Soap Box Derby® Headquarters – Continue straight on George Washington Blvd. Turn right on Springfield Lake Blvd. (you will see Derby logos in the center of the road) and then take an immediate right onto the access road (Derby Downs Drive). Soap Box Derby Headquarters is the white brick building on the right side past the back of Derby Downs grandstands.
- If you wish to go to Topside – Continue straight up George Washington Blvd. Topside facilities are at the top of the hill on your right.
Approaching from the South
- I-77 North to 224 East towards Mogadore
- Turn left at the first traffic light (Route 241)
- If you wish to go to Soap Box Derby® Headquarters – Turn left on Springfield Lake Blvd. (you will see Derby logos in the center of the road) and then take an immediate right onto the access road (Derby Downs Drive). Soap Box Derby Headquarters is the white brick building on the right side past the back of Derby Downs grandstands.
- If you wish to go to Topside – Continue straight up George Washington Blvd. Topside facilities are at the top of the hill on your left.
Approaching from the East
- I-76 West to the Market St./Mogadore Rd. Exit
- At the bottom of the ramp turn left onto East Market St.
- At the second light take a right onto Hilbish Rd.
- Follow through 3 traffic lights
- Hilbish Rd. changes name to George Washington Blvd. when you cross over Triplett Blvd.
- If you wish to go to Soap Box Derby® Headquarters – Continue straight on George Washington Blvd. Turn right on Springfield Lake Blvd. (you will see Derby logos in the center of the road) and then take an immediate right onto the access road (Derby Downs Drive). Soap Box Derby Headquarters is the white brick building on the right side past the back of Derby Downs grandstands.
- If you wish to go to Topside – Continue straight up George Washington Blvd. Topside facilities are at the top of the hill on your right.
Approaching from the West
- 76 East to Market St./Mogadore Rd.
- Turn right at the bottom of the exit on to East Market St.
- At the first light take a right on to Hilbish Rd.
- Follow through 3 traffic lights
- Hilbish Rd. changes name to George Washington Blvd. when you cross over Triplett Blvd.
- If you wish to go to Soap Box Derby® Headquarters – Continue straight on George Washington Blvd. Turn right on Springfield Lake Blvd. (you will see Derby logos in the center of the road) and then take an immediate right onto the access road (Derby Downs Drive). Soap Box Derby Headquarters is the white brick building on the right side past the back of Derby Downs grandstands.
- If you wish to go to Topside – Continue straight up George Washington Blvd. Topside facilities are at the top of the hill on your right.