Long days, warm nights, and a calendar full of excitement—welcome to July in Shores & Islands Ohio! Across the region, you'll find events celebrating everything from our nation's 250th anniversary and Lake Erie traditions to live entertainment, family fun, outdoor adventure, and island escapes. Here are 25 can't-miss events happening throughout the month that are sure to make your summer unforgettable.
Star-Spangled Celebration
Monday-Saturday, June 29-July 4
Cedar Point, Sandusky
Celebrate our nation’s birthday at this Star-Spangled event bursting with energy and excitement. Watch the sky come alive with breathtaking skydiver demonstrations, wander among towering stilt walkers, and enjoy a full lineup of live entertainment. Light Up the Point fireworks display on July 4th.
America 250 Community Showcase: Pier into the Past
Thursday, July 2
Mylander Pavilion on Jackson Street Pier, Sandusky
Explore the rich history and stories that helped shape Ohio’s Shores & Islands and our nation over the past 250 years. Meet reps from local museums and historical organizations; explore exhibits, displays, and interactive demonstrations; learn about local history; discover America 250 initiatives and experiences; explore the Shore Explore platform, including two America 250 trails.
Party at the Pier featuring Straight On: Tribute to the Music of Heart
Thursday, July 2
Jackson Street Pier, Sandusky
Straight On, a powerhouse tribute to the legendary rock band Heart - bringing the music and spirit of Heart to the stage since 2012, this band delivers all the energy, emotion, and iconic sound fans know and love. Grab your crew, bring a chair, and get ready for a night of big vocals, classic hits, and waterfront views that hit just right.
Independence Day Celebration
Friday, July 3
Downtown Oak Harbor
Join in celebrating Independence along the Portage River. There will be food vendors, entertainment, duck race, 50/50 drawings, and Beer/Pop Sales. The night concludes with the sky illuminated with the most spectacular fireworks display!
Boom at the Bay
Saturday, July 4
Put-in-Bay
Celebrate Independence Day in spectacular fashion, set against the iconic backdrop of Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial. This unforgettable celebration offers a blend of patriotic spirit and island charm. Join locals and visitors alike in marking this historic day, as the sky over Lake Erie lights up with fireworks at 10 pm.
Boy with the Boot 5k
Saturday, July 4
Sandusky
The ninth annual Boy with the Boot 5k returns! The route will start and finish at the iconic statue in historic Washington's Park. The course utilizes the waterfront and the Sandusky Bay Pathway.
National Matches at Camp Perry
Thursday-Saturday, July 9-August 8
Camp Perry, Port Clinton
Since their inception, the National Matches have become a huge, national shooting sports festival with well over 4,000 annual participants. Competitors range from beginners to many of the world’s best; a partnership of the CMP and Ohio National Guard.
Kelleys Island Amazing Race
Friday-Sunday, July 10-12
Kelleys Island
The Kelleys Island Amazing Race is a “vacation on wheels” that is beginner-friendly for all types of boarders and riders. This three-day skate+ event showcases the island in all its beauty. Participants explore the island's amenities and parks with a group of riders via skateboards, blades, bikes, and personal electric vehicles, while enjoying the summer camp vibe all weekend at the Kelleys Island State Park.
World's Largest Rubber Duck
Friday- Sunday, July 10-12
Put-in-Bay
Mama Duck, standing an incredible 61 feet tall, is returning to Put-in-Bay for a free, family-friendly weekend of fun and smiles. Joined by her 10-foot duckling Timmy, Mama Duck continues her mission to spread joy and wonder across the Great Lakes. Enjoy games, photo opportunities, and duck-themed souvenirs — including the limited-edition “Don’t Give Up The Ship” collectible duck.
All Washed Up: Vermilion's Driftwood Art Contest
Saturday, July 11
Exchange Park, Vermilion
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 & A Sunset
Thursday, July 16
Downtown Vermilion
This free community event invites you to enjoy evenings filled with live music, local shopping, dining, and beautiful Lake Erie sunsets in downtown Vermilion. Featuring multiple bands and musicians throughout downtown, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening while supporting local businesses.
Tommy Want Wingy Throwdown
Friday, July 17
Downtown Sandusky
Join for the ultimate chicken wing showdown! Sample some of the area’s best wings, vote for your favorites, and enjoy live entertainment. All proceeds benefit Ability Works, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in the community.
Fat Guy in a Little Race 0.5k
Friday, July 17
Downtown Sandusky
Tommy Boy Fest took Sandusky by storm in 2025 and won't return until 2030. BUT, the Fat Guy in a Little Race 0.5k is coming back during the IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio as a "Shake-out Run" for athletes, their families and anyone else that would like to join! The participants will start behind a SANDUSKY CITY SCHOOLS BUS and make their way to Jackson Street Pier, plus will receive fun swag.
Boardwalk Nights
Friday-Sunday, July 17-August 16
Cedar Point, Sandusky
When the sun goes down, the Cedar Point Beach and The Boardwalk area electrify with larger-than-life entertainment, over-the-top food and drink, games for the entire family, music, dancing, lights, and sounds that inspire the best summertime dance moves.
Island Fest
Saturday, July 17-19
Kelleys Island
Island Fest offers Ohio artisans, local crafters, food vendors, beer tent, and evening street dances. Saturday kicks off with an exciting parade plus live entertainment, traditional games for children, and fireworks at dusk.
Johnson's Island "Pop Up" Museum
Saturday, July 18
Confederate Cemetery, Johnson’s Island
The Friends and Descendants of Johnson's Island Civil War Prison will host its annual event, showcasing artifacts from the prison and Civil War era. Tours of the cemetery, as well as the former prison site, will be hosted at various times.
Waffle Iron Run
Saturday, July 18
Downtown Sandusky
The second annual kids’ event, held on the day before the IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio event. Three age divisions (0-3, 4-7, 8-12) will start on Columbus Avenue for a run along the Sandusky Bay waterfront. Registration includes a race shirt, race medal, and a waffle from Wake Up & Waffle.
IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio
Sunday, July 19
Downtown Sandusky
The fifth year of the IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio! Leap from a ferry into Lake Erie for a 1.2-mile swim, a fast-flat 56-mile bike through farmland roads, and a 13.1-mile run through historic downtown Sandusky. All this while being supported by spectators in this exciting coastal destination.
Cleveland Ballet
Saturday, July 25
Harbourtown Fine Arts Center, Vermilion
Enjoy a public performance in the Village Green Park,in front of Harbourtown Fine Arts Center, which serves as the summer residence for the Cleveland Ballet.
Time Traveler: Shores & Islands History Talk - Crossing Lake Erie to Freedom
Tuesday, July 28
Shores & Islands Welcome Center – East, Sandusky
Molly Sampson from the Maritime Museum of Sandusky explores the important role the region played in the history of the Underground Railroad. This presentation examines how, beginning in the 1820s, freedom seekers escaping slavery traveled through local port communities and often crossed Lake Erie by boat to reach Canada. After, attendees are invited on a short walk to Facer Park, where sculptor Susan Schultz will share the story behind her sculpture, "Path to Freedom."
"1776" The Musical
Thursday-Saturday, July 30-August 1
McCormick School, Huron
In honor of our nation’s 250th Anniversary, Huron Historical Society and Alumni of The Huron Playhouse proudly present the Tony Award-winning musical 1776 — a stirring and entertaining retelling of the birth of American independence. 1776 brings history to life with sharp wit, moving drama, and a rousing score that captures the passion and debate behind the creation of the Declaration of Independence.
RAID ERIE
Friday-Sunday, July 31-August 2
Middle Bass Island
RAID ERIE is an annual gathering of small craft enthusiasts, traveling around the southern islands of Lake Erie, and camping along the way. A Raid is described as a sail, paddle and oar adventure. It's a leisure pursuit that involves a fleet of small boats exploring a coastline or inland waterway over several days. Kayaks, Canoes, Dinghies, Trailer Sailers and all other small craft are all welcome.
Great Lakes Rockabilly Road Trip Music Festival
Saturday, August 1
Downtown Port Clinton
Great Lakes Rockabilly Road Trip Music Festival™, the Midwest’s premier festival celebrating all things Rockabilly with multiple acts on 3 stages, vendors, car show, pin-up pageant and more!
Declaration 250 Commemoration
Saturday-Sunday, August 1-2
Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay
Declaration 250 is a national commemoration recognizing the true signing date of the Declaration of Independence — August 2, 1776. While July 4 marks the adoption of the Declaration, it was on August 2 that the majority of the 56 signers formally affixed their names, risking their lives and livelihoods in defense of liberty. This two-day program will feature living history, guest speakers, concerts, and a ceremonial reaffirmation of the ideals that shaped the nation.
Kelleys Island Film Fest
Saturday-Sunday, August 1-2
Kelleys Island
Relax outdoors to watch popular box office movies, drive-in style, in front of a large inflatable screen. The free outdoor movies are a double-header, beginning at dusk. If the weather affects the viewings, there will be indoor showings at Town Hall. Snacks and drinks will be for sale during all showtimes.
Start planning your summer schedule at SHORESandISLANDS.com/events!
