CANTON, Ohio — Here. We. Go!
It’s almost time for the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony in Canton – and it’s a big year for Cleveland Browns fans as team legend Joe Thomas joins the class of 2023.
But that’s not all…
The Cleveland Browns are also featured in this year’s Hall of Fame Game as they battle the New York Jets at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
What else can you expect? Below is a guide to more events happening with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival this year.
COMMUNITY PARADE
Sunday, July 23: 2:30 p.m. in downtown Canton
Happening in the heart of downtown Canton, this event includes nearly 100 parade units with community youth groups, marching bands, antique vehicles and more.
The parade begins on Market Avenue at 11th Street North before traveling south through downtown Canton.
CLICK HERE for more on the parade.
BALLOON CLASSIC, NIGHT GLOW AND FIREWORKS
Friday, July 28 – Sunday, July 30 at Kent State Stark
In what has become one of the most popular elements during the festival, organizers say the annual hot air balloon event attracts more than 130,000 spectators at Kent State Stark.
A new option this year is the opportunity to take a tethered ride in a hot air balloon.
“Whether you’re a seasoned balloon enthusiast or this is your first hot air balloon experience, this ride will leave you floating,” organizers say.
Tickets for the tethered balloon experience are available HERE for $25.
Here’s the schedule as outlined by event organizers…
Friday, July 28
- 6:30 a.m. – 7 a.m. Balloon launches (weather permitting)
- 4 p.m. Food and vendors open
- 4 – 10 p.m. Balloon activities: Target drop, balloon education area, children’s inflatables area and skydivers
- 6 – 7:30 p.m. Balloon launches (weather permitting)
- 6:30 p.m. Live music from Pop Fiction
- 8 p.m. Donut eating contest
- 8:30 p.m. Live music from New Wave Nation
- 9 p.m. Night glow
Saturday, July 29
- 6:30 a.m. Balloon launches (weather permitting)
- 8 a.m. Up, Up & Away 5K
- 4 p.m. Food and vendors open
- 4 – 10 p.m. Balloon activities: Target drop, balloon education area, children’s inflatables area and skydivers
- 6 – 7:30 p.m. Balloon launches (weather permitting)
- 6:30 p.m. Live music with Chris Kraft
- 8:30 p.m. Live music with Kolby Oakley
- 10 p.m. Fireworks
Sunday, July 30
- 6:30 a.m. Balloon launches (weather permitting)
PLAY FOOTBALL SKILLS CAMP
Tuesday, Aug. 1: 6-8 p.m. at the ForeverLawn Sports Complex at Hall of Fame Village
This free event for children ages 10-14 "features football activities designed for all skill levels" with Hall of Famers on the field to assist.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this event.
PLAY FOOTBALL FIRST PLAY
Wednesday, Aug. 2: 10 a.m. in Canton
"This great event features thousands of children who form a human chain and pass a football along a three-mile route from the location in downtown Canton, where the NFL was founded, to the front steps of the Pro Football Hall of Fame," organizers explain.
Participates ages 18 and younger will receive a T-shirt and a free voucher to the Pro Football Hall of Fame to use at a later date.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this event.
HALL OF FAME GAME
Thursday, Aug. 3: 8 p.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
Game on!
It's the Cleveland Browns vs. the New York Jets at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, which is located right next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
This marks the sixth time the Browns have played in the Hall of Fame Game with their last appearance back in 1999.
The game will air nationally on NBC and locally on WKYC.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
HALL OF FAME PHOTO OP
Friday, Aug. 4: 10:30 a.m. at Centennial Plaza
The class of 2023 and all returning Hall of Famers take a group photo at Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton.
FASHION SHOW LUNCHEON
Friday, Aug. 4: 11 a.m. at the Canton Civic Center
Now in its 60th year, organizers say this event at the Canton Civic Center features nearly 3,000 guests in attendance with "a diverse range of fashion, including clothing for men, women and children from both local and national stores."
CLICK HERE to learn more about this event.
ENSHRINEES' GOLD JACKET DINNER
Friday, Aug. 4: 5 p.m. at the Canton Civic Center
Each member within the class of 2023 is given their gold jacket during this event at the Canton Civic Center. This year's group includes:
- OT Joe Thomas - Cleveland Browns
- DB Rondé Barber - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Coach Don Coryell - St. Louis Cardinals, San Diego Chargers
- LB Chuck Howley - Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys
- DL Joe Klecko - New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts
- CB Darrelle Revis - New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs
- CB Ken Riley - Cincinnati Bengals
- LB Zach Thomas - Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys
- DE/LB DeMarcus Ware - Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos
"Joining them at the ceremony are over 100 returning Hall of Famers who will form 'the Gauntlet' to welcome the new class as they receive their gold jacket."
CLICK HERE to learn more about this event.
CANTON REPOSITORY GRAND PARADE
Saturday, Aug. 5: 8 a.m. in Canton
Described as the fifth largest parade in the United States, organizers say the annual event features balloons, marching bands, floats, dancers, costumed football fans and more. This is also where football fans can get a glimpse of the 2023 enshrinees along with more returning Hall of Famers.
CLICK HERE for more about this event.
ENSHRINEMENT CEREMONY
Saturday, Aug. 5: Noon
It all leads up to this...
The class of 2023 is officially enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Tickets are still available, which you can buy HERE.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this event.
CONCERT FOR LEGENDS FEATURING ZAC BROWN BAND
Saturday, Aug. 5: 8 p.m. at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium
The Zac Brown Band is coming to Canton for a concert at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.
“New fans soon will realize what longtime fans familiar with Zac Brown Band already know: This show will be a terrific fit for Enshrinement Weekend,” Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said in a statement upon announcing the concert last year. “The Hall, along with our partners at Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Co., are thrilled to reveal this date as part of the band’s national tour announcement. Zac Brown Band stands among the elite performers in the music industry today and bring a high-energy, engaging and entertaining show everywhere they perform.”
Want to go? Tickets are still available HERE.
CLICK HERE to learn more about this event.
ENSHRINEES' ROUNDTABLE
Sunday, Aug. 6: Noon at the Canton Civic Center
The class of 2023 shares stories about their lives and football careers in this event hosted by emcee Steve Wyche of NFL Network at the Canton Civic Center.
Buy tickets HERE.
CLICK HERE for more about this event.