Ready for sun-soaked weekends, island-hopping, waterfront festivals, and unforgettable experiences? June is when the Shores & Islands Ohio comes alive! Whether you’re craving live music, family fun, foodie favorites, outdoor exploration, or unique events you won’t find anywhere else, this month’s lineup delivers something amazing for every kind of summer adventure. From pirate invasions and wine festivals to classic cars, Pride celebrations, and lakeside traditions, here are 20 incredible June events worth adding to your calendar.
Ohio Bike Week
Friday-Saturday, May 29-June 6, 2026
Various Locations
Ohio Bike Week, held in and around Sandusky, with live bands, food trucks, and plenty of merchants. Activities at Mad River Harley Davidson and Barrel House Saloon. World famous block party is June 4-6 featuring concerts with Jackyl, Buckcherry, and Tom Keifer of Cinderella.
Birding by Kayak at East Harbor State Park
Friday, Jun 5, 2026
9 am, 11 am, 1:30 pm
East Harbor State Park, Marblehead
Join H2Ohio for a FREE Birding by Kayak event at East Harbor State Park. Participants will learn water safety before a 1.5 hour scenic paddle focused on birds. Binoculars will be provided, though feel free to bring your own. This program is beginner-friendly and completely free. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED DUE TO LIMITED SPACE.
Corvettes at the Museum Car Show, June 6th, 2026
Saturday, Jun 6, 2026
9 am-3:30 pm
Liberty Aviation Museum, Port Clinton
Returning for a 13th year! Lake Shore Corvettes, Inc, Liberty Aviation Museum & the Tin Goose Diner invite you to: Corvettes at the Museum! Open to all Corvettes! (Need not be a club member to show) Public welcome! Music by FLP (Frank LaManna Presents) Free to attend car show. Only charge is to enter a car or to tour the museum. **A portion of the proceeds go to the Liberty Aviation Museum, a 501c3 non-profit charitable organization.
Huron Lake Front Market
Saturday, Jun 6, 2026
9 am-3 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 a bite to eat, or enjoy the live music! Hosted by the Greater Sandusky Partnership.
Put-in-Bay Pride and 5K Color Run
Monday, Jun 8, 2026
10 am-11 pm
Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay Pride returns for another year of celebration, bringing together the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a full day of fun, inclusivity, and entertainment on the island. The day kicks off with the Pride Color Run at 10 am, a 5K run and walk open to all ages, starting behind the Round House Bar. Look for the firetruck and flag at the starting line. Festivities continue throughout the afternoon with a scavenger hunt from 12 to 4 pm. The celebration wraps up with the annual drag show at the Round House Bar at 9 pm, featuring high-energy performances and one of the most anticipated events of the day. Put-in-Bay Pride is a welcoming, inclusive event for everyone to come together, celebrate, and enjoy the island.
Brews Cruise - Pirate Theme
Saturday, Jun 13, 2026
2:30-10 pm
Goodtime I Lake Erie Cruises, Sandusky to Kelleys Island
Set sail on Lake Erie for an unforgettable Pirate Adventure! This isn’t just a ferry ride — it’s a high-seas party with your fellow modern-day pirates. Your ticket includes: round-trip ferry ride, full onboard cash bar access, 4 hours to explore Kelleys Island, pirate-themed atmosphere and entertainment. Entry into main raffle prize. Event Info: 21+ only. Valid ID required. Limited to 200 tickets — SELL OUT EXPECTED
Founder's Day at Put-in-Bay
Saturday, Jun 13, 2026
11 am-4 pm
DeRivera Park, Put-in-Bay
Join in commemorating the 52nd Founder’s Day, with this special event that honors the island’s founding by Hispanic merchant Jose DeRivera. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant community spirit that has shaped Put-in-Bay. Explore a variety of vendor stalls, enjoy engaging activities, and learn about the island’s unique heritage. This milestone event not only celebrates the past but also looks forward to the continued growth and prosperity of Put-in-Bay. Whether you’re a history buff, a local resident, or a visitor, Founder’s Day offers a meaningful and enjoyable experience for all.
Welcome Back!
Saturday, Jun 13, 2026
12-4 pm
Charles Herndon Galleries and Sculpture Garden, Kelleys Island
Come celebrate the start of the summer! The whole summer is Red, White, and Blue! Celebrate America 250 with Charles Herndon Galleries and Sculpture Garden at every event this summer. Jackie Polofka with Double Dipped Studios will be blowing glass. Other great island artists will be doing demos. Enjoy art, nature, and music!
Benson Ford Shiphouse Tours
Sunday, Jun 14, 2026
11 am-2 pm
Benson Ford Shiphouse, Put-in-Bay
Would you like to see the inside of the famous Benson Ford Shiphouse? Now is your chance! Tours are open to the public, with limited tickets available. The Benson Ford is one of the most unique and interesting homes in America, and since it is privately owned, it is rare to get a glimpse inside. There will be limited parking on site, please take a taxi, shuttle or golf cart. No cars please! Golf cart parking will be at Alfred Parker Park and guests can walk around the corner to the tour. Proceeds benefit the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce, Alfred Parker Park & other island charities.
Sunday Sip & Shop
Sunday, Jun 14, 2026
12-4 pm
Twin Oast Brewing Co., Catawba
Celebrate the season at Twin Oast Brewing’s Sunday Sip & Shop, a laid-back afternoon combining local shopping, craft beer, and vibes! Guests are invited to browse a selection of small businesses featuring handmade goods, unique finds, and locally crafted products. Vendors will be set up throughout the brewhouse and extending onto the outdoor patio, creating an open-air market atmosphere perfect for a spring day. As you explore, enjoy beer samples and take time to relax with a full pour of your favorite Twin Oast brew.
Cemetary Pioneer Walk
Sunday, Jun 14, 2026
4 pm
Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Museum, Put-in-Bay
Our first Island Pioneer Cemetery Walk of the season focuses on Jose DeRivera in tribute to Founder's Day Weekend. Jose DeRivera was born in Barcelona, Spain, and built an import business in New York City. In 1854, he bought six Lake Erie Islands and had South Bass Island surveyed and subdivided into ten-acre lots. DeRivera traveled between New York and South Bass Island, initially turning Put-in-Bay into a sheep farm. He encouraged settlement on the island and its wine industry by helping German immigrants from Baden-Baden Germany purchase land to plant vineyards.
3rd Thursday: Music, Flowers & A Sunset
Thursday, June 18, 2026
6 pm
Downtown Vermilion
Brought to you by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, this free community event invites you to enjoy evenings filled with live music, local shopping, dining, and beautiful Lake Erie sunsets in downtown Vermilion from May through September on the 3rd Thursday of the month, weather permitting. Featuring multiple bands and musicians throughout downtown, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening with family and friends while supporting our local businesses. Make it a night in Vermilion.
Ned Talks Presents: Screening of the Documentary "The Fish Thief"
Thursday, Jun 18, 2026
5:30-8 pm
Shores & Islands Ohio West Welcome Center, Port Clinton
Join Ned and friends for a screening of the film "The Fish Thief," about the invasive lamprey in Lake Erie.
Vermilion Festival of the Fish 60th Anniversary
Friday-Sunday, Jun 19-21, 2026
Fri 3-11 pm, Sat 10 am-11 pm, Sun 10 am-4 pm
Downtown Vermilion
Vermilion Festival of the Fish Celebrating 60 Years! Theme: The Codfather – Sleeps with the Fishes! Downtown Vermilion is going full mobster as our favorite events take on a legendary mafia twist, crazy craft regatta/race, lighted boat event, sandcastle building contest, and the festival parade, all inspired by the Codfather himself. Expect a weekend filled with live music, incredible food vendors, arts & crafts, family fun, fireworks, and nonstop entertainment along the shores of Lake Erie and throughout downtown Vermilion.
Ohio's Island Wine Festival
Saturday, Jun 20, 2026
11 am-5 pm
Heineman’s Winery, Put-in-Bay
Experience the essence of Ohio’s rich winemaking tradition at the annual Island Wine Festival in picturesque Put-in-Bay. This vibrant festival, presented by the Ohio Wine Producers Association and Heineman’s Winery, offers a unique opportunity to savor an array of exquisite wines from across the state. Indulge in wine tastings, enjoy live entertainment, and participate in a silent auction, all in the delightful setting of Heineman’s Winery. Attendees can expect a diverse representation of the state’s winemaking expertise. Past participants have showcased their finest wines, offering a taste of the unique flavors that define Ohio’s vineyards.
Historic Walking Tour
Friday, Jun 26, 2026
10:30 am-12 pm
Lakeside Chautauqua, Marblehead
Learn the 150-year history of Lakeside Chautauqua on a 90-minute walking tour of the downtown area. Registration is required and tours are $5/person - call 419-798-5519. The tour starts at the Historic Chapel, now Heritage Hall Museum at 238 Maple Ave. Ask for Shopping & Dining pass at Lakeside gates for free admission to Lakeside.
Pyrate Fest XVIII 2026
Friday-Sunday, Jun 26-28, 2026
10 am-5 pm
DeRivera Park, Put-in-Bay
Set sail for an unforgettable adventure at Put-in-Bay’s Pyrate Fest XVIII. 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 XVIII is an extraordinary journey into the heart of pirate lore, perfect for all ages.
Cherry White and Blue
Saturday, Jun 27, 2026
10 am-4 pm
Quarry Hill Orchards, Berlin Heights
Join at Quarry Hill Orchards for a delightful celebration of all things cherry with a nod to the America 250 celebration! At Cherry, White & Blue we embrace the all-American spirit with vibrant reds and luscious cherry sweetness. From pick-your-own cherry adventures, patriotic crafts and music, there’s something for everyone. Vendors offer a variety of quality food options to enjoy at the orchard or to take home. Stop by the Scoop Shop inside the Market Barn for Quarry Cones, Quarry Hill's signature New Zealand-style ice cream blended with orchard-grown fruit! All are welcome to this summer spectacle. This event is free to attend but you are encouraged to pre-register online for an event ticket for $15 which includes a small cup of ice cream, cherry and raspberry picking entry, admittance into the craft loft for patriotic themed activities!
Shoreline Pride Sandusky 2026 Parade + Festival June 27th
Saturday, Jun 27, 2026
11 am-10 pm
Shoreline Park, Sandusky
Parade kick off is 11 am! Join in for the Parade, music, programming in the pavilion, food trucks, vendors, live music and more. Each year, we come together to celebrate identity, unity, and progress—and this year promises to be our most vibrant yet! Join us for a day filled with color, connection, and community. Opportunities to connect with people from across the region in a space that is joyful, welcoming, and safe for all. Whether you're a returning supporter or joining us for the first time—everyone is welcome. Come celebrate love, pride, and the vibrant spirit of Sandusky.
Time Traveler History Talks: History of Osborn MetroPark
Tuesday, Jun 30, 2026
5:30 pm
Shores & Islands Welcome Center – East, Sandusky
Continuing our America 250 celebrations with local historian and author Lisa Hayes as she explores the fascinating history of Osborn MetroPark and its past life as Osborn State Farm, a minimum-security prison farm in Huron, Ohio. Tucked behind today’s soccer fields and natural areas along Perkins Avenue lies a surprising story of the Osborn family, the donation of their land to the State of Ohio, and the transformation of the property into a prison farm where inmates worked the land as they completed their sentences. Lisa will also share insights from her research and writing process for her upcoming 2026 book, Osborn State Farm, including stories surrounding inmate Frank Freshwaters and the history of the Honor Farm. Light refreshments will be served.
However you fill your June, one thing’s for sure—summer memories are waiting to be made in Shores & Islands Ohio. Mark your calendar, gather your crew, and start planning, because these can’t-miss events are just the beginning of an unforgettable season along Lake Erie. Plan your getaway and find all the fun at SHORESandISLANDS.com.
