Celebrate July 2 at Jackson Street Pier with Three Community Events
SANDUSKY, Ohio, June 25, 2026 – Kick off your Independence Day weekend with an incredible Thursday evening lineup filled with History, Hospitality, and Heart! Join on Thursday, July 2nd, as Shores & Islands Ohio and the Greater Sandusky Partnership present three community-focused events at the Jackson Street Pier in downtown Sandusky.
Beginning at 5 p.m., guests can explore Pier into the Past, an America 250 Community Showcase highlighting the people, places and stories that have shaped Erie and Ottawa counties. Representatives from local museums, historical organizations, and community groups will be on hand with exhibits and information about upcoming America 250 events and activities taking place throughout the region. Meet and interact with:
- Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum, Sandusky
- Edison Birthplace, Milan
- Heritage Hall Museum, Lakeside
- Historic Lyme Village, Bellevue
- Johnson's Island Preservation Society
- Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum, Put-in-Bay
- Marblehead Lighthouse Museum, Marblehead
- Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Sandusky
- Merry-Go-Round Museum, Sandusky
- Milan Museum, Milan
- Ottawa County Museum, Port Clinton
- Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont
- Sandusky History Museum at the Follett House, Sandusky
- Sandusky Library, Sandusky
- Shores & Islands Ohio (Underground Railroad Self-Guided Tour, Museum Guide, Time Traveler Series)
Attendees can also learn about two self-guided America 250 experiences developed by Shores & Islands Ohio—the Erie County Shoreline Stories Trail and the Ottawa County History Mystery Trail—which encourage visitors and residents alike to discover the area's rich history through interactive stops across both counties.
Also taking place from 5-7 p.m. is the Shoreline Squad Kick-off, celebrating the first graduates of the region’s new community ambassador program. Participants who have completed the free Learn Tourism online course are invited to pick up their official Squad Swag while connecting with fellow ambassadors and exploring the Pier into the Past exhibits.
The Shoreline Squad program helps hospitality employees, volunteers, and community members deepen their knowledge of the Shores & Islands Ohio destination, better understand the impact of tourism on the local economy and become stronger ambassadors for the region while engaging in volunteer opportunities throughout the year. All are welcome to join the kick-off event to learn more about the program and sign up to join the Shoreline Squad!
“Independence Day, especially this year with America 250, is a time to celebrate our nation's history, and we wanted to create an evening that also celebrates the stories, people and places that make our own communities so special," said Angie George, Visitor Experience Manager for Shores & Islands Ohio. "Whether you're learning something new about local history, becoming a better ambassador for our destination, or simply enjoying live music on the waterfront, July 2 is the perfect way to kick off a holiday weekend."
The celebration continues at 7 p.m. with Party at the Pier, hosted by Greater Sandusky Partnership and sponsored this week by Shores & Islands Ohio, who will be on hand sharing the Lake Erie Love and handing out goodies to the crowd. The free waterfront concert features Straight On, a tribute to the legendary rock band Heart, along with a variety of food trucks for guests to enjoy throughout the evening. Bringing the music and spirit of Heart to the stage since 2012, Straight On delivers all the energy, emotion, and iconic sound fans know and love. From soaring vocals to guitar-driven anthems, you’ll hear favorites like “Barracuda,” “Crazy on You,” and “Alone” performed with the kind of intensity that makes you feel like you’re back in the golden age of rock.
The July 2 festivities serve as the unofficial kickoff to an Independence Day weekend packed with festivals, fireworks, live entertainment, family activities and America 250 celebrations throughout Shores & Islands Ohio.
All events are free and open to the public.
For a complete list of Fourth of July weekend events and America 250 activities throughout the destination, visit SHORESandISLANDS.com.
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