Hep Tones

This year's in downtown Akron includes a special art exhibition featuring the work of KEIKO AGENA and JOHN CABRERA at Forever Changes, ART x LOVE's gallery at 35 S Main St., in downtown Akron. A timed-entry reception will take place immediately following the festival and all art will be available for purchase. Space is limited, so please RSVP while you can!

About the Artists

Keiko Agena is a 3rd generation Okinawan American and is best known for her acting roles on shows like GILMORE GIRLS and PRODIGAL SON. Keiko is also a visual artist and published the NO MISTAKES Artist Workbook. This is her first feature art exhibit.

John Cabrera is an American actor, screenwriter, and director known for his role on Gilmore Girls. John is also an interactive artist and the Co-Founder & CEO of REMARKIST, a network of fandom marketplaces at the intersection of technology and content creation.

About the Festival

Downtown Akron Partnership is pleased to announce the return of the Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival to the neighborhood on Saturday, November 1, from noon to 7:30 pm, at Lock 3.

The Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival is a beloved celebration loosely based on Amy Sherman-Palladino’s popular television show, Gilmore Girls. It showcases Akron-area coffee vendors, boutique shopping and art experiences with local makers, themed photo opportunities, live music and plenty of Stars Hollow–inspired activities.

Close to a dozen coffee vendors are expected to participate this year, including Sappho and Her Beans, Bereka Coffee, Farmhand Coffee, Moonstone Coffee Works, The Pearl Coffee Company and Happy Camper Lemonade and Hot Cocoa. Food vendors will include Birdies Food Truck, Thai It Up Food Truck, DonutNV Northeast Ohio, The Curious Crêpe and Saffron Patch, with many more expected to join.

Crowd-favorite themed engagements will return, including ornament making with Street Craftery, a Luke-Alike Contest, button making at the library’s TechZone, Gilmore Girls trivia at Barley House and more.

Special Guests & Unique Surprises

This year, Akron will welcome back two members of the show’s fictional band, Hep Alien—John Cabrera, who played Brian Fuller, and Todd Lowe, who played Zack Van Gerbig—for autographs, photos and even some special singalongs. We are also thrilled to announce that, in addition to live music throughout the day by local musicians Rachel Roberts, Jul Big Green and more TBD, Grant-Lee Phillips will headline the festival with a concert beginning at 6 pm.

Phillips, who many may know for his role as “the Town Troubadour,” has been crafting thoughtful, literate, deeply meaningful songs for decades, with the internationally acclaimed trio, Grant Lee Buffalo, in the 1990s, and as a solo act through the 2000s to today. He is now at the outset of a tour celebrating his 12th solo album, In the Hour of Dust. The concert will be completely free to attend.

Additionally, while she will not be able to attend Akron in person, Keiko Agena—who, aside from being an actress, is also a visual artist—will display 18 of her original art pieces along with John Cabrera’s art, at Forever Changes, the downtown gallery and studio owned by Art x Love, located at 35 S. Main St.

Discounted Hotel Rates

New this year, we have a host hotel with a special room rate: The Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Akron is located at 41 Furnace St. in the Northside District, less than a mile away from the festival. Travelers can reserve their room here: https://bit.ly/SmellsLikeSnowHotel25.

Find more details about the Smells Like Snow Coffee Festival as the date draws nearer: https://www.downtownakron.com/event/2025-smells-like-snow-coffee-festival

Also check out other Arts events in Akron, Festivals in Akron, Music events in Akron.