Winter may be in full swing, but Shores & Islands Ohio is anything but quiet. From cozy community gatherings to high-energy happenings, January and February are packed with reasons to get out and explore along the Lake Erie shore.
Winter at the Oast
Daily through January 31, 2026
Twin Oast Brewing Co., Catawba
Your destination for festive outdoor fun, cozy indoor vibes, and memorable moments with family and friends all season long! Begin your visit with a stroll through the illuminated Holiday Trail, which lights up around 4 pm daily and shines brightest as dusk settles in. Plus, don't miss the centerpiece glowing willow tree, perfect for family photos! Got snow? Bring your own sled and ride down our hill—perfect for kids and kids at heart! After your outdoor adventure, warm up in the Taproom or the cozy Oast Lodge, offering craft brews, warm bites, and seasonal cocktails by the fire. It’s the perfect post-sledding or post-stroll retreat. Want a little extra comfort? Reserve one of our heated igloos for a private, toasty experience overlooking the wintry grounds.
Pop-up Christmas Bar: A Wonderful Winter Wonderland
Daily through February 2, 2026
Danny Boys, Sandusky
Join in on the fun! This year is bigger, brighter, and with a brand-new themed Pop-Up Christmas Bar! Located at Danny Boys and runs all through January... everyone is invited!
Movie Night: Ripples of Plastic
Thursday, Jan 8, 2026
Osborn MetroPark, Roger Johnson Nature Center
Plastic trash in our Great Lakes is widespread; approximately 22 million pounds of plastic pollution enters our Lakes each year – that is the equivalent to filling the Goodtime I with trash 66 times! Join Erie Conservation District and Erie Metroparks for an exclusive viewing about the story of plastic pollution in the Great Lakes. Registration for this documentary viewing is required through MetroParks website – limit 40 participants.
- Ripples of Plastic will also be screened at the Huron Library on Jan 22 and the Sandusky Library on Feb 28
Brunch and Beginnings
Saturday, Jan 10, 2026
Firelands Winery, Sandusky
Join Firelands Winery as we welcome back this highly anticipated event for its second year! Donna Bretz and AJ Werle will guide you through the new year with personalized card readings, numerology, and insights that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on 2026!
Complimentary mimosa or "mock"mosa, and a light brunch buffet featuring our famous breakfast pizza!
January Creative Morning
Monday, Jan 12, 2026
Work Space, Sandusky
Start the year with a vision! Natalie Quevedo is the founder of the Local Ladies Networking Group. Passionate about building community and supporting local women, she creates spaces where everyone feels empowered and seen. As a firm believer in the power of vision boards, she’s excited to help you set your intentions for 2026. All are welcome, bring your laptop, and let’s get creative! (Creative Mornings, held the second Monday of every month are a space to stir up ideas, inspire & network. Work Space is mixing it up with different open discussions and speakers to showcase local talent, spark imagination, and ignite new partnerships – all set around a central theme each month.)
Take & Make Craft: America 250 Ohio Winter Cardinal Craft
Monday-Friday, Jan 12-16, 2026
Huron Public Library, Huron
Youth Services assembles craft kits with all the supplies needed to make a fun craft at home this season. Kits are available during operating hours all week long. Registration is required for each craft. This month's craft: OHIO 250 - - - Winter Cardinal, celebrating Ohio's state bird.
Maple Syrup Making Workshop
Tuesday, Jan 13, 2026
Harris-Elmore Public Library, Elmore
Learn how to make Maple Syrup from a Master Gardener. This program will teach you the ins and outs of: maple syrup production, tree identification, when and how to tap trees, supplies needed to make and process the syrup, how to boil, grade, and store syrup. You will learn everything you need to get started for making syrup from Morgan, a Master Gardener and lifelong maple syrup maker.
2026 Camp Perry Open
Friday-Sunday, Jan 16-18, 2026
Camp Perry, Port Clinton
The Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Camp Perry Open has been a thrilling and unique destination for air rifle and air pistol competitors. This year’s match will include a three-position air rifle competition, an international air rifle (all standing) event, an international pistol event, and clinic held at the Gary 
Anderson CMP Competition Center located at Camp Perry, Ohio. The Camp Perry Open is open to competitors of all ages and skill levels. Adults and juniors participating in the match will be given the rare and inspiring opportunity to fire alongside some of the most talented marksmen in the country, including members of the Army Marksmanship Unit and the USA Shooting team.
January Think Tank
Friday, Jan 16, 2026
Work Space, Sandusky
Join Chad Yoder, Commander-in-Chief of GreenPath CPA Solutions, in an interactive discussion on structuring and scaling businesses, starting the new tax year strong. Raised in the heart of the Amish community, Chad grew up with hard work and integrity ingrained in his DNA. With a CPA license earned on the first try and a Master’s in Accounting (Taxation) from Cleveland State, Chad is the brains behind GreenPath’s success, helping small businesses maximize their potential and keep more in their pockets. Chad plans to address common operational and financial pitfalls, as well as how to position businesses for successful exits. (Think Tanks, the third Friday of every month at 9:00 a.m. at Work Space, is a casual roundtable for small business owners and entrepreneurs to talk through obstacles, exchange ideas, and learn from each other’s experiences. A facilitator or speaker will lead the group with insightful questions to spark collaboration. Participants can share specific challenges they're facing in business so others can offer feedback, ideas, and connections to provide real results in real time.)
Jamie's Annual Snowflake Stroll & Raffle
Saturdays & Wednesdays, Jan 17-February 21, 2026
Jamie’s Flea Market, Amherst
Take part in Jamie's Flea Market's Snowflake Stroll and Raffle. You choose the raffle prize(s) you'd like to win in the drawing - dozens are on display in the Center Building. How it works:
All raffle prizes are contributed by Jamie's vendors. Participating vendors will have a white balloon in their booth. Spend $5 or more in a participating vendor's booth to receive a drawing ticket. There's no limit to number of times you can shop to win! All the prize baskets are numbered and located at the front of the Center Building. Just drop your ticket in the bag with the corresponding number. Jamie's Flea Market is Northern Ohio's largest traditional flea market.
MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. “I HAVE A DREAM” SPEECH
Monday, Jan 19, 2026
Sandusky High School, Sandusky
The Erie County Historical Society invites the community to a FREE performance. Experience that emotional moment in history as Pastor Dr. Reverend John H. McCants recreates this extraordinary speech. This 1963 speech was delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. in Washington D.C. to 250,000 people of the civil rights movement. It is regarded as one of the most important speeches in US history. The performance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is funded by the Lange Trust.
Burn the Playbook: Safe is the New Risky
Thursday, Jan 22, 2026
Work Space, Sandusky
If you’re not sure exactly what’s going on with artificial intelligence (AI), or you’re concerned about the future of your small business or even your career, this event is for you. Burn the Playbook: Safe is the New Risky includes a Spotlight Speaker Keynote from Sandusky-native, award-winning author, and marketing guru, Joe Pulizzi. AI isn’t just transforming how we work… it’s redefining what companies value. Joe challenges marketers to stop waiting for safety and start building something that truly belongs to you. Learn about a framework that no algorithm, company, or trend can take away. PLUS, the first 10 registrants get a free copy of his latest release, "Burn the Playbook."
Hot Cocoa Walk
Saturday, Jan 24, 2026
Depot Park, Elmore
The Park District of Ottawa County and the Elmore Historical Society are teaming up to offer the Hot Cocoa Walk, back for its third year and with plenty of activities to embrace the winter weather season. This free event is open to all ages and will be held snow or shine. A cozy hot cocoa station stocked with a variety of sweet toppings will greet attendees in the heated barn, and activities will include a snowflake scavenger hunt, snowflake craft, and story time by the fireplace, with the reading of Snowflake Bentley, winner of the 1999 Caldecott Medal for illustrations, about the Vermont farmer who photographed snowflakes. Members of the Elmore Historical Society will also lead historical building tours of The Heckman Log Cabin built in the 1860s and the Elmore Train Depot Museum housing memorabilia from historic Elmore.
24th Annual Firefighters Chili Cook Off
Saturday, Jan 31, 2026
Sawmill Creek Resort, Huron
Join WKFM, WLKR, and WLKR Classic and local area fire departments at the 24th annual Firefighters Chili Cookoff! Doors open at 4:00pm with several of our area fire departments raising money and competing to be named the best chili! There will also be raffles, 50/50, pick-a-ping-pong, and so much more!
Ice A Fair
Saturday, Feb 7, 2026
Downtown Vermilion
Main Street Vermilion will host Ice A Fair: a popular, one-day event that welcomes families, friends, and neighbors to enjoy the winter! The Ice A Fair will return for the 17th year of ICY fun! ~Ice Sculptures ~Live Demos ~Trolley Tours ~Raffles and Drawings ~Shopping and Dining. Plus, a Frozen Play Space and Fire & Ice performance.
Milan Goes to the Movies
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026
Milan Township Hall, Milan
Presented by the Edison Birthplace Museum in partnership with America 250. Lights, camera, history! Join as Milan transforms into a movie-loving celebration of innovation, storytelling, and community. In partnership with America 250, the Edison Birthplace Museum invites you to experience an evening that connects the magic of movies with America’s 250-year journey. From Thomas Edison’s groundbreaking role in motion pictures to the stories that have shaped our nation, Milan Goes to the Movies is a fun, family-friendly event that blends history, film, and small-town charm. Come celebrate creativity, curiosity, and the big ideas that helped shape America—right here in Edison’s hometown. Movies being shown: Frankenstein-1910, Jack & the Beanstalk-1902, Alice in Wonderland-1910.
Dueling Piano Night
Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026
Chateau Winery, Helena
Chateau Winery is excited to welcome nationally acclaimed performers Shake, Rattle, & Roll Dueling Pianos! Join us for an unforgettable evening of high-energy interactive entertainment paired with a 5-course dinner, which is included. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated menu featuring individual charcuterie, soup, salad, sliders, and cheesecake bar, followed by the show. Drinks are sold separately.
Maritime Lecture Series & Book Signing: The Battle of Fallen Timbers: A Change of Worlds by Dave Westrick
Saturday, Feb 14, 2026
Maritime Museum of Sandusky, Sandusky
Author Dave Westrick shares the forgotten stories of the defenders, invaders, and all the people caught in the middle. On a hot, humid August morning in 1794, an army representing fifteen quarreling states met an alliance of Native American tribes at a place called Fallen Timbers. The battle lasted less than two hours, with fewer than one hundred killed. For the United States, it was the beginning of greatness and the birth of a proud military tradition. For the Native Americans, it was the end of the life they had led for thousands of years. Stop by for coffee & donuts in person, included with Museum admission (free for members) or watch at home online. Followed by a book signing.
Presidents’ Day 5K
Saturday, Feb 14, 2026
RB Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Fremont
Put on your favorite patriotic and presidential garb and run or walk the Presidents’ Day 5K. The Fremont Elite Runners Club is organizing the third annual 5K. The race, which is 5 kilometers or 3.1 miles, begins at the entrance to the museum and will follow a course in the area. Refreshments will be served in the auditorium.
Intonations and Italia
Sunday, Feb 15, 2026
Sawmill Creek Convention Center, Huron
Journey to the heart of Italy through music! Acclaimed tenor vocalist Jonathan Kaufman and the FSO Chorale lend their voices to this program of Italian-inspired works, transporting audiences with the romance of opera and the drama of classical masterpieces. In addition to well-known melodies such as O Sole Mio, Come Back to Sorrento, and famous arias, we explore Italy’s great musical influence with Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italienne and Mendelssohn’s Saltarello from his Fourth Symphony, “Italian”. Whether soaring arias or lush orchestral textures, this concert celebrates the passion of Italian culture.
Presidents Day Celebration 2026
Monday, Feb 16, 2026
RB Hayes Presidential Library and Museums, Fremont
Celebrate Presidents’ Day with free admission and activities. Hayes Presidential will offer a day-long celebration centered around the America 250 – Ohio Celebration’s February theme of Ohio Works: Innovation, Industry and Business. Visitors can take a free, self-guided tour of the museum and sign up for a free tour of the first floor of the Hayes Home. There will be a variety of events and activities in the museum, including scavenger hunts and crafts themed on innovation and invention, a presidential photo station, gallery talks in the special exhibit “Inside President Hayes’ Library,” presidential trivia and story time. Visitors can also vote for their favorite Ohio invention, and results will be announced in the afternoon.
Burning Snowman Family Freeze 2026
Friday, Feb 27, 2026
Dock’s Beach House, Port Clinton
A fun-filled, kid friendly experience at the Burning Snowman Festival grounds. Bundle up and enjoy a night packed with activities perfect for children and families. Don't miss the live fire show and get a picture with our 25 ft. Snowman!
BURNING SNOWMAN FEST 2026
Saturday, Feb 28, 2026
Dock’s Beach House, Port Clinton
An Adults-Only Winter Festival for Charity - Winter’s biggest party is back—and it’s going up in flames. Burning Snowman Fest is the ultimate adults-only winter festival, combining live music, craft cocktails, cold brews, local vendors, and one unforgettable tradition… the burning of a 25-foot snowman on the shores of Lake Erie. Join in Port Clinton for a full day of music, drinks, and giving back, with proceeds supporting local organizations and charities. It’s high-energy entertainment with a purpose—community, charity, and one massive bonfire to send winter packing. Spend the day bar-hopping through Port Clinton on a free shuttle, then make your way to the festival grounds at Docks Beach House, right on the Lake Erie shoreline. Whether you’re warming up indoors or raging outdoors, the vibes stay hot all day long. This isn’t just a festival—it’s a winter ritual.
Find all kinds of ways to enjoy your winter throughout the Lake Erie region – see the full events calendar for more!
