Summer is in full swing in Shores & Islands Ohio, and the calendar is packed with exciting events to make the most of the sunny season! From lively festivals and waterfront concerts to family-friendly fairs and fireworks, July and August offer endless ways to celebrate summer along Lake Erie’s scenic shores. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just looking for something fun to do, check out 15 can't-miss events happening across the region this season.
Light Up the Lake
Friday, Jul 4, 2025
Jackson Street Pier, Sandusky
The Firelands Symphony Orchestra returns to Jackson Street Pier for a free patriotic pops concert in celebration of Independence Day. This family-friendly event will feature the full orchestra performing a variety of patriotic and summer favorites on the shore of Lake Erie. Stay after the concert concludes to watch the fireworks from nearby Cedar Point as they light up the lake.
Light up the Point!
Friday, Jul 4, 2025
Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky
There’s nothing more American than watching fireworks on the 4th of July and at Cedar Point! You’ll be treated to a spectacular fireworks display right on Cedar Point Beach at dusk (approximately 10 pm). Come out and enjoy this fantastic display that dances to some of the best summer tunes!
Cherry, White, and Blue Event
Saturday, Jul 5, 2025
Quarry Hill Orchards, Berlin Heights
A delightful celebration of all things cherry! From pick-your-own cherry adventures, patriotic crafts, and music, there's something for everyone. Vendors offer a variety of quality food and beverage options to enjoy at the orchard or to take home. Stop by the Scoop Shop inside the Market Barn for Quarry Cones, their signature New Zealand-style ice cream blended with their orchard-grown fruit!
Huron River Fest
Friday-Sunday, Jul 11-13, 2025
Huron Boat Basin, Huron
The Huron River Fest is back this year with amazing entertainment, a 5k race/fun run, pets on the pier, Queen's competition, a variety of unique vendors, a road show, the wonderful parade, fantastic fireworks, and much more! It's a can't miss tradition of Summertime fun!
All Washed Up: Vermilion's Driftwood Art Contest
Saturday, Jul 12, 2025
Exchange Park, Vermilion
All Washed Up, Vermilion’s Driftwood Art Contest is back for another season of fun and creativity! Driftwood creations draw a crowd who enjoy the creativity of amateur artists and skilled craftspersons! Entries are created primarily of driftwood and (other washed up items) collected from the shores of Lake Erie.
3rd Thursday Music, Flowers, and a Sunset
Thursdays, July 16, 2025, August 21, 2025
Downtown Vermilion
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 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.
IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio
Friday-Sunday, Jul 18-20, 2025
Jackson Street Pier and Various Locations, Sandusky
Sandusky embodies the excitement of race weekend! Start with a splash with an invigorating swim. Leap from a ferry into Lake Erie for a 1.2-mile swim, a fast-flat 56-mile bike through Erie County farmland roads, and a 13.1-mile run through historic downtown Sandusky. All this while being surrounded by spectators in this exciting coastal destination. IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio offers slots to the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.
Island Fest
Friday-Sunday, Jul 18-20, 2025
Kelleys Island
Kelleys Island's biggest event of the year! The festival features craft vendors, food, beer tent, music and street dance on Fri and Sat night, a parade on Sat morning, and fireworks at dusk on Sat. Fun activities for the entire family.
Erie-Ottawa International Airport Vintage Airplane & Car Show
Saturday, Jul 19, 2025
Erie-Ottawa International Airport, Port Clinton
Fly-in or Drive-in! All eras & makes are welcome! Show will go on in the grass area between the Erie-Ottawa International Airport terminal and the Liberty Aviation Museum complex and off taxiways. Music will be provided by Cruisin Zeake.
Annual Civil War Days: A Living History Experience
Saturday-Sunday, Jul 26-27, 2025
Historic Lyme Village, Bellevue
Experience military life with Civil War soldiers. Walk through the camps and interact with soldiers from the North and South as they go about their daily activities. Observe cooking demonstrations, learn about what soldiers did in their spare time, including games and sports. Adults and children participate in Civil War Drills with the soldiers. Artillery and rifle demonstrations throughout the day.
Berlin Heights Basket Festival
Friday-Saturday, Aug 1-2, 2025
Berlin Heights
The Berlin Heights Basket Festival is a family celebration honoring the local tradition of basket making. The festival includes a Queen's, Prince and Princess, and baby contests, kiddie tractor pull, flower show, the Charger Marching Band, Grand Parade, youth and adult contests and activities, open market, food and craft vendors, and Fireworks.
Vermilion Beach Market
Friday-Saturday, Aug 1-2, 2025
Sherod Park, Vermilion
Shop by the beach from over 100 vendors for vintage and handmade decor including furniture, architectural salvage, handcrafted home decor, jewelry, clothing, and art. Take a pause from shopping at the beachside wine bar and food trucks.
Kelleys Island Homecoming
Friday-Saturday, Aug 8-9, 2025
Kelleys Island Pavilion, Kelleys Island
Homecoming is an event sponsored by the Kelleys Island Landowners Association and serves as a weekend for those who love this island to return and enjoy fun, food, and entertainment. Enjoy the Friday Fish Fry, and Saturday's parade (with Marching Band), amazing entertainment, lovely craft and vendor market, delicious food and beverages, and fun for the whole family!
Bash on the Bay
Wednesday-Thursday, August 13-14, 2025
Put-in-Bay Airport, Put-in-Bay
Bash on the Bay 8 is a two-day music festival held on Put-in-Bay featuring headliners Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt, with support from Ashley McBride, Russel Dickerson, Bret Michaels, and others.
Milan Melon Festival
Friday-Monday, Aug 29-Sept 1, 2025
Village Square, Milan
The annual Milan Melon Festival rolls its way back into Milan with the delicious melon and cantaloupe ice cream, fun rides, and unique vendors! You won't want to miss this sweet local event! Where else can you see things like the Big Wheelie Race, Melon Eating Contest, kiddie pedal-tractor pulls, and a two-hour grand parade? The Melon Festival in Milan provides that and bands, a fireman’s chicken barbecue, arts and crafts, antique car show, and Queen’s Contest. Oh, and plenty of melons in all shapes, sizes, and forms!
Don’t miss out on the summer of fun in Shores & Islands Ohio!
