Giant Rubber Duck Returns to Cuyahoga Falls for Ohio Rubber Duck Dash and Festival

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio (AP) - The world's largest rubber duck is set to return to Ohio this spring for its third visit, organizers announced.

The towering inflatable, known as Mama Duck, is scheduled to appear in downtown Cuyahoga Falls during the Ohio Rubber Duck Dash and Festival, taking place along the Cuyahoga River from April 24 to 26. The event is expected to draw families and visitors from across the region.

Mama Duck's appearance will headline the duck dash, a fundraising race in which thousands of small rubber ducks are released into the river to compete for prizes. The festival will also feature food vendors, games and other family-friendly activities throughout the three-day event.

Organizers said the festival is being planned and operated by students from six Akron-area school districts participating in the EntrepreNew business program hosted by Woodridge Local Schools. The program focuses on entrepreneurship, marketing and event management, offering students hands-on experience running a large-scale community event.

The inflatable duck stands more than six stories tall, measuring 61 feet high, 64 feet wide and 74 feet long. Mama Duck debuted in 2014 in Los Angeles, where more than 250,000 people turned out to see the massive installation. Since then, the duck has appeared at major events across the United States and internationally.

Mama Duck made previous appearances in Ohio, first in May 2025 at Hartville Jeep Fest and later that summer at Put-in-Bay. Organizers say the duck's mission is to spread joy and encourage visitors to appreciate and protect outdoor spaces.

Mama Duck continues to travel widely and, in spring 2026, is expected to return to Ohio.