The world’s largest rubber duck is set to make a highly anticipated return to Ohio this spring, marking her third appearance in the state and bringing a colorful spectacle to downtown Cuyahoga Falls. Event organizers confirmed that the towering inflatable attraction, widely known as Mama Duck, will be featured during the Ohio Rubber Duck Dash and Festival from April 24 through April 26 along the Cuyahoga River.
The three-day event is expected to draw families, visitors, and tourists from across Northeast Ohio and beyond, continuing a tradition that blends community celebration with charitable fundraising. Central to the festival is the popular duck dash, a race in which thousands of small rubber ducks are released into the river, each representing a chance for participants to win prizes while supporting local causes. The race has become a signature attraction, offering a visually engaging and family-friendly experience that also contributes to community initiatives.
In addition to the duck dash, the festival will feature a range of food vendors, interactive games, and activities designed for visitors of all ages. Organizers say the goal is to create an inclusive atmosphere that encourages people to spend time outdoors while enjoying the riverfront setting in Cuyahoga Falls. The presence of Mama Duck is expected to serve as both a visual centerpiece and a draw for regional tourism during the spring season.
The event is being planned and operated by students from six school districts in the Akron area who are participating in the EntrepreNew business program hosted by Woodridge Local Schools. The program emphasizes practical learning in entrepreneurship, marketing, and event management, giving students direct responsibility for coordinating a large-scale public festival. Organizers say the hands-on experience allows students to apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges while contributing to a major community event.
Mama Duck’s scale is part of what has made her an international attraction. Standing more than six stories tall, the inflatable duck measures approximately 61 feet in height, 64 feet in width, and 74 feet in length. She first debuted in 2014 in Los Angeles, where hundreds of thousands of visitors gathered to see the oversized installation. Since then, Mama Duck has traveled extensively, appearing at major festivals and waterfront events across the United States and in several countries overseas.
Ohio audiences have welcomed Mama Duck twice before. Her first visit occurred in May 2025 at the Hartville Jeep Fest, followed later that summer by an appearance at Put-in-Bay. Each stop attracted significant public interest, with organizers citing strong attendance and positive community response. According to those involved with her appearances, Mama Duck’s mission extends beyond entertainment, aiming to spread joy while reminding visitors of the importance of appreciating and protecting outdoor spaces.
With spring 2026 approaching, Mama Duck’s travel schedule once again includes Ohio, and Cuyahoga Falls is preparing to host one of the season’s most visually distinctive events. Organizers say the combination of a well-known attraction, student-led planning, and a scenic riverfront location is expected to make this year’s Ohio Rubber Duck Dash and Festival a standout moment on the region’s event calendar.
