As the warmth of spring gives way to the vibrant days of summer, Shores & Islands Ohio becomes a hub of activity, offering a diverse array of events that capture the season. From the thrilling opening of Cedar Point to the adventurous Put-in-Bay Pyrate Fest, the region is brimming with experiences that cater to every interest. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a foodie, a nature lover, or someone seeking family-friendly fun, the upcoming months are packed with events that promise good vibes. Join us as we explore the top 20 must-attend events in Shores & Islands Ohio for May and June 2025, ensuring your calendar is filled with excitement and adventure.
Official Opening Day for Cedar Point 2025!
Saturday, May 3, 2025
10 am-8 pm
Cedar Point, Sandusky
Get ready for another summer of thrills, entertainment, fantastic foods, special events, and The Boardwalk. Welcome back Top Thrill 2, ready to roll for opening day. And get ready for the legend and lore of mysterious creatures living beneath the surface of Lake Erie comes to life with the all-new Siren's Curse, North America’s TALLEST, LONGEST, and FASTEST tilt coaster! Coming later this summer.
Derby Day
Saturday, May 3, 2025
1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Kelleys Island
“…and down the stretch they go!” It’s that time of year again! Cure that cabin fever and get a head start on summer fun by attending the island-wide Derby Day festivities. Wear your finest derby garb and hats to cheer on your picks for the 151st Kentucky Derby! All bars and restaurants will be participating in the celebrations surrounding this historic horse race, dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sports!” Don’t miss the Third Annual Chicken Derby at Drumstick Downs located at the Kelley’s Island Wine Co. where barnyard chickens will race for glory around 4:30 pm.
Biggest Week in American Birding
Friday-Sunday, May 9-18, 2025
Magee Marsh, Oak Harbor + Various Locations
Black Swamp Bird Observatory is proud to host The Biggest Week In American Birding along with their amazing co-hosts, Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center, Destination Toledo and Shores & Islands Ohio. “ The Biggest Week” celebrates the peak of spring migration in the Lake Erie Marsh Region of Northwest Ohio. The Biggest Week in American Birding is a 10-day festival featuring some of the best spring birding North America has to offer. The festival features birding, photography, and art workshops, guided birding activities, field trips, keynote speakers, spotlight presentations, evening socials and so many more fun activities!
Spring Bloom
Saturday, May 10, 2025
10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Quarry Hill Orchard, Berlin Heights
Spring has sprung at Quarry Hill Orchard! Join in welcoming the renewal of spring at their Market Barn’s grand reopening of the season. Their annual Spring Bloom joyfully coincides with Mother’s Day weekend for a buzzing day of activity. Explore fruit trees for sale (pre-order online), attend an engaging tree planting workshop led by Ben or Bill Gammie, and shop last-minute Mother’s Day gifts. Delight in springtime treasures, from pollinator seed packets to fresh-cut bouquets, fragrant candles to local produce. Celebrate the changing of the seasons at the blooming orchard!
3rd Thursday Music, Flowers, and a Sunset
Thursdays, May 15, 2025 and June 18, 2025
5 pm
Downtown Vermilion
The Vermilion Chamber is pleased to announce the 3rd Thursday Music dates for the 2025 season, the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze from Lake Erie will be felt upon your face as you listen to beautiful music. Come and see as downtown is turned into a Norman Rockwell setting of a New England Town quaintly nestled into the coast of Lake Erie as you stroll our picturesque town listening to music. There is an exciting array of free musical entertainment for you with over 30 bands scattered throughout Harbour Town. Many of our local musicians provide music for your listening enjoyment in several different locations. Rock, jazz, pop, country, oldies, ethnic, gospel, and much more! Do some shopping, grab something to eat, or enjoy some great ice cream and be a part of this fantastic event each Third Thursday of the month from May through September.
International Museum Day
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Various Locations
Join Milan Museum from 12-4 pm for a dazzling afternoon at the Milan Museum in honor of International Museum Day! In collaboration with Tea Time Tiffin, the Milan Museum is bringing the splendor of the Gilded Age to life with an exciting afternoon tea! Tea times available at 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm. Free access to the museum from 12-4 PM and delicious treats will be available for purchase from Dawn's Delights from 12-3 PM! Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, this event is perfect for all ages. Don’t miss out on this spectacular celebration—mark your calendars and come for a day of culture, fun, and elegance! The Kelleys Island History Museum joins other Erie County museums in celebrating International Museum Day. Admission, of course, is free! Stop by to explore this great museum, check out the new exhibits, visit the Parsonage Resale Shop, and tour the historic Old Stone Church, built in 1866, next door! Free admission offered from 10 am-4 pm. Celebrate International Museum Day with discounted $2/guest admission at the amazing Merry-Go-Round Museum! Then take a nostalgic ride on the Carousel which is included with admission.
Beats by the Bay: Good Food, Great Vibes, A Warm Welcome
Thursday, May 22, 2025
4-9 PM
Jackson Street Pier, Sandusky
Good Food. Great Vibes. A Warm Welcome.
Beats by the Bay, a vibrant international food truck and music festival designed to welcome seasonal workers and young professionals to the area in a fun and inclusive atmosphere. This FREE-entry event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy delicious food from a variety of internationally inspired food trucks, music, and community connections! In addition to an incredible lineup of food trucks and live entertainment, attendees can explore a Resource Fair, offering access to local resources and services to help make their transition to living and working in the area smooth and enjoyable. Beats by the Bay is produced in partnership with the Greater Sandusky Partnership, DJ Chosen, UNDRSTR, Shores & Islands Ohio, Cedar Point, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Sandusky Rec, and North Bay Realty. Whether you're new to the area or a longtime resident, come enjoy amazing food, great music, and a warm community welcome.
Port Clinton Walleye Fest 2025
Thursday – Monday, May 22-26, 2025
TBA
Waterworks Park, Port Clinton
The 44th Annual Main Street Port Clinton Walleye Festival gets underway Memorial Day weekend 2025 at picturesque Waterworks Park on the shores of beautiful Lake Erie in Port Clinton. An array of free live concerts, Kids Fishing Derby, Grande Parade, educational programs and activities, carnival rides, and more than 130 vendors from around the nation, help make this event one of Ohio’s premier outdoor weekend celebrations. Never in short supply, delicious food and beverages will be enjoyed by all. This is the perfect summer kick-off!
Made in America
Saturday, May 24, 2025
7:30 PM
Adult ($35 each) General admission seating. Student ($5 each) for youth and college students only.
Sawmill Creek Convention Center, Huron
The Firelands Symphony Orchestra concludes their season with a celebration of Americana! The symphony welcomes back violinist Andrés Cárdenes, former concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony, known internationally as one of the world’s most outstanding violinists. His performance of the stunning Barber Violin Concerto will be one of an array of works by American composers, including Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, John Williams, and more. Join as they celebrate all things American on Memorial Day weekend.
Ohio Bike Week
Friday-Saturday, May 30-June 7, 2025
Sandusky
Ohio Bike Week held in Sandusky with live bands, food trucks, and plenty of merchants. Activities at Mad River Harley Davidson, Barrel House Saloon, and Jackson Street Pier, as long as rides and other activities throughout the region.
42nd Annual Kelleys Island 5/10K Run/Walk + 1 Mile Fun Run!
Sunday, Jun 1, 2025
9 am-3 pm
Pre-registration: $25, Day-of: $30
Kelleys Island
Join for the Annual 5/10K Run & Walk + 1 Mile Fun Run! A family favorite for over 40 years, this annual event brings runners and walkers from near and far to enjoy the beautiful, friendly surroundings of Kelleys Island. Whether you're aiming for a competitive time or simply enjoying a fun day outdoors, this event is a perfect addition to your wellness goals. Participants of all ages are invited to run or walk the 5K, 10K, or 1 Mile Fun Run, with awards for 1st-3rd place and unique commemorative t-shirts—some participants have collected them for over four decades! Make a weekend of it! Stay in a cozy cottage, condominium, or large family home while soaking in the natural beauty of the island.
Corvettes at the Museum Car Show
Saturday, Jun 7, 2025
9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Free to attend car show. Only charge is to enter a car or to view the museum.
Liberty Aviation Museum, Port Clinton
Returning for a 12th year! Lake Shore Corvettes, Inc, Liberty Aviation Museum & the Tin Goose Diner invite you to: Corvettes at the Museum! Admission to view the car show is free (If you wish to visit the museum galleries or second hangar, regular museum rates apply.) Music by FLP (Frank LaManna Presents)
Huron Lake Front Market
Saturday, Jun 7, 2025
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Lake Front Park, Huron
Huron Lake Front Market is a family-friendly event featuring vendors at one of Huron's beautiful beaches. Come treasure hunt, get at bite to eat, or enjoy the live music! 🛍️🎶☀️🏖️ Hosted by the Greater Sandusky Partnership
Put-in-Bay Pride
Monday, Jun 9, 2025
Color Run Kickoff 10 am, Various Event Times
Put-in-Bay
Put-in-bay pride: a celebration of love, unity, and diversity! Embrace the spirit of love and unity at the third annual Put-in-Bay Pride, a vibrant and inclusive event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and allies. This year’s Pride, set against the picturesque backdrop of Put-in-Bay, Ohio, promises a day brimming with laughter, color, and positive energy. Enjoy a variety of activities, including the signature Color Run, scavenger hunt, and an electrifying drag show, all in a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment. Whether participating in the festivities, relaxing by the pool, or joining in the parade, Put-in-Bay Pride is an event where everyone can express themselves freely and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Ned Talks Presents: Matt Kovach, Wetlands Ecology
Thursday, Jun 12, 2025
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Shores & Islands Ohio West Welcome Center, Port Clinton
Join Matt for a shallow (and muddy) dive into the restoration of Lake Erie's coastal habitats, the science behind it, how you can help, and what the future holds.
Festival of the Fish
Friday-Sunday, Jun 13-15, 2025
Fri-Sat 12-11 pm, Sun 12-3 pm
Vermilion
Festival of the Fish, hosted by Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, is back and just as amazing for the 2025 season! There will be talented and wonderful local vendors, rocking live entertainment, delicious food and awesome Exchange Park Market Place Crafts and Collectibles!
Toast of Ohio Wine Festival
Saturday, Jun 14, 2025
12 pm
Jackson Street Pier, Sandusky
Celebrating 20 years, the annual Toast of Ohio Wine Heritage Festival celebrates Ohio Wines and local food trucks. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass and wine tastings. Additional tasting tickets are also available for purchase. Don’t miss the live entertainment and art vendors, along with a silent auction. Proceeds benefit the Merry-Go-Round Museum.
Pyrate Fest XVII 2025
Friday-Sunday, Jun 27-29, 2025
10 am-5 pm
DeRivera Park, Put-in-Bay
Set sail for an unforgettable adventure at Put-in-Bay’s Pyrate Fest XVII. This annual pirate-themed extravaganza promises a weekend filled with daring escapades and family fun. Engage in pirate antics, witness live cannon firings, and meet mermaids and legendary pirates. Discover a Pyrate Encampment and Marketplace, where the era of buccaneers comes to life. Enjoy interactive activities, treasure hunts, and historical demonstrations, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Put-in-Bay. With unique events each day, including a spirited Pyrate Pub Crawl for the adults and a captivating Antique Car Parade, Pyrate Fest XVII is an extraordinary journey into the heart of pirate lore, perfect for all ages.
Huron Rotary Rocks
Saturday, Jun 28, 2025
4 pm
Huron Boat Basin, Huron
This fun and local festival takes place along Huron's beautiful waterfront. There will be wonderful live entertainment, delicious food trucks, as well as a beer and wine garden! The kids can celebrate the fun in the kids alley with bounce houses, face painting, and carnival fun! Artists will bring their unique goods to the festival and allow thousands of visitors to shop!
Shoreline Pride Sandusky
Saturday, Jun 28, 2025
11 am
Shoreline Park, Sandusky
On Sat, June 28 Shoreline Park becomes Shore-pride Park for the day to celebrate the 2nd Annual Shoreline Pride Sandusky! There will be a wonderful parade followed by a gathering at Shoreline Park with a DJ, kids' activities, ice cream, a PRIDE costume/outfit contest, ice cream, and more!
