September in Shores & Islands Ohio is a blend of summer's lingering warmth and the crisp beginnings of fall. As the seasons transition, the region buzzes with activity offering a variety of events. Whether you're soaking up the last rays of summer sunshine by the lake, enjoying outdoor festivals, or embracing the early signs of autumn with harvest celebrations, Shores & Islands Ohio offers something for everyone. This month is packed with activities that perfectly capture the best of both seasons—so get ready to experience it all! Here, the Top 20 events for the month of September.
Milan Melon Festival
Friday-Monday, Aug 30-Sep 2, 2024
Fri 6-10 pm, Sat 8 1m-10 pm, Sun 9 am-10 pm, Mon 7:30 am-6 pm
Village Square, Milan
The annual Milan Melon Festival rolls its way back into the Milan Square with the delicious melon and cantaloupe ice cream, fun rides and unique vendors! 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. This three-day event packs in more than 100,000 visitors.
Perch, Peach, Pierogi & Polka Festival
Friday-Sunday, Aug 30-Sep 1, 2024
Fri 4-9:30 pm, Sat-Sun 11 am-9:30 pm
Adults: $8 per day, $20 per weekend. 18 yrs & under: Free
Knights of Columbus Hall, Port Clinton
The 19th annual Perch, Peach, Pierogi and Polka Festival features great food, fun and fantastic polka music. Once again, perch sandwiches and dinners will be served along with pierogis and delicious peach pie with Toft’s ice cream. Polish sausage sandwiches will also be available. Soft drinks, adult beverages and ice cold beer will be sold in the beer tent. All food items are also available for carryout.
Broncos on the Bay
Friday-Sunday, Sep 6-8, 2024
Put-in-Bay
The Broncos return to Put-in-Bay! Catch the Bronco parade through downtown at 2 pm! Broncos On The Bay started in 2019 and included a lunch, show & shine, awards, a parade around the island and some great food and entertainment at local bars and restaurants. The event also includes a raffle with a lot of really great prizes.
Historic Weekend
Friday-Sunday, Sep 6-8, 2024
Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay
Celebrate the Historic Weekend at Put-in-Bay, Ohio, commemorating the anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie! This eventful weekend, hosted at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, offers a range of activities including a flag retirement ceremony, small arms and artillery demonstrations, historic encampment, performances, and a community parade. The weekend culminates on Sun with a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the battle’s legacy. Free and open to all, this weekend offers a deep dive into US Naval history and the island’s heritage.
32nd Annual Cruisin by the Bay Car Show
Friday-Saturday, Sep 6-7, 2024
Fri 10 am-10 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm
Downtown Sandusky
The Remember Cruisin' Car Club of Northern classics and hot rods expected. Enjoy a DJ along with great food and beverages available. Any proceeds from this event will help support the local Cleveland Clinic Sandusky Cancer Center patient services fund.
Military Show at Liberty Aviation Museum
Saturday-Sunday, Sep 7-8, 2024
Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-4pm
Free to attend the event outside. Museum admission required to tour indoor galleries & second hangar & boathouse. Plane and helicopter rides and the pancake breakfast have their separate fees.
Liberty Aviation Museum, Port Clinton
Re-enactors are welcome to attend! All eras of military vehicles, displays, etc. are welcome! The public is invited to display their military vehicles free of charge. Each military vehicle displayed at the show will receive 2 complimentary admission tickets to the museum. Military vehicle parts, tools, supplies, unique militaria, toys, uniforms, & more will be permitted for sale/trade. Vendors are welcome to set up free of charge in the grassy area where the show is being held. Yankee Air Museum's Huey Helicopter "Greyhound" will be here for air adventure rides on Saturday only. Rides are $125. In addition, Carol Ford, author of the Bob Crane: The Definitive Biography will be on hand both days for a book signing! Ford Tri-Motor Rides on Sunday, Sept 8th (weather permitting) 10 am-4 pm. Restore the Ford Pancake Breakfast on Sept 8th 8am-Noon (All Proceeds Fund the Tri-Motor Project in the museum's second hangar)
27th Annual Elmore Grub n' Suds
Saturday, Sep 7, 2024
10 am-8 pm
Downtown Elmore
A fun motorcycle event that has been held every year since 1996 and includes a Poker Run, motorcycle show, motorcycle-themed games, live bands, beer tent, and vendors.
Art in the Park
Saturday, Sep 7, 2024
10 am-5 pm
DeRivera Park, Put-in-Bay
This event is held in DeRivera Park, and sponsored by Shores and Islands Ohio, showcases a diverse array of original works including photography, watercolor, acrylic, pottery, and glass. Enjoy live demonstrations by talented artists and explore a wide range of creative mediums. This event offers a perfect opportunity for art enthusiasts and families alike to engage with the artistic community in a picturesque outdoor setting.
Huron Rotary Rocks
Saturday, Sep 7, 2024
4 pm
Free
Huron Boat Basin & Amphitheater, 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 are encouraged to bring their unique goods to the festival and allow thousands of visitors to shop!
Pioneer Days
Saturday-Sunday, Sep 7-8, 2024
10 am-4 pm
$15 Adults - $13 Seniors - $6 Children 6-12
Historic Lyme Village, Bellevue
The Village is comprised of three log houses, a one-room schoolhouse, a log church, blacksmith shop, an 1836 farmhouse used as a part of the underground railroad, a military museum, hardware store, woodworking shop, barns, and the 1882 John Wright Mansion. Admission includes entertainment with music by the Moorhens, tours of the John Wright Mansion, demonstrations, and a flea market. Reenactors from the Civil War will be firing their cannons on the hour beginning at 11:00 AM and ending at 3:00 PM. Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln will be available to the public. The Cafe in the carriage house will be serving exceptional food and drink throughout both days. Bring your family for a memorable day not soon forgotten.
Treasure Island Day Hunt
Saturday, Sep 7, 2024
9 am-3 pm
Kelleys Island
Treasure Island Day is an exciting tradition. The Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce sponsors this event featuring sales hosted by the local community and businesses. Treasure-seekers can stop by the Chamber of Commerce office at 9 am to pick up the Treasure Island Day map. Maps are also available at the Island Market. This local garage/yard sale is an adventure for the whole family! You are bound to find some unique treasures at great prices.
Cedar Point's HalloWeekends 2024!
Thursday-Sunday, Sep 12-Nov 2, 2024
Thurs 6 pm-12 am, Fri-Sat 11 am-12 pm, Sun 11 am-8 pm
Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky
It’s family fun by day and fright by night as Cedar Point®’s HalloWeekends returns for its 27th year on select days and nights! With daytime family activities like corn and hay mazes, pint-sized tractors for kids, pumpkin decorating, games and trick-or-treating, plus nighttime haunted mazes, scare zones and entertainment, HalloWeekends will send silly and scary chills down the spine. The popular event for fans of fall is back for seven weekends with several new experiences to explore.
Wine, Art & Food Fair
Saturday, Sep 14, 2024
12-6 pm
Kelleys Island
Bigger and better then ever, The Wine and Art Faire will feature 4 locations this year! Buy a $20 tasting card for a free wine tasting at each location as well as a souvenir sticker at The Herndon Gallery. All locations will feature live music and have vendors from all over Ohio selling their unique goods. Wander the Island's Winery trail and sip and savor unique blends from all the island wineries. Grab a glass of wine and shop the beautiful artists tents that dot all 4 properties.
Dragons and Bacon Fest V
Saturday, Sep 14, 2024
8 am-4 pm
Paper District Marina, Sandusky
Race a 40-foot Dragon Boat with your team of 20 paddlers, a drummer, & a steer person. Corporate, Community, Club, Friends & Family Teams. All are welcome… no experience necessary. Cheer on the paddlers and nosh on delicious bacon-themed dishes from several food trucks. Live music throughout the day as well!
Halfway to St. Patrick's Day
Saturday Sep 14, 2024
All Day
Put-in-Bay
“Halfway to St Patrick’s Day” at Put-in-Bay: A Celebration of Irish Spirit! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day spirit again, with the “Halfway to St Patrick’s Day” event. This festive occasion features a parade with marching bands and bagpipes, traditional Irish food and drinks, and plenty of green attire. Hosted by Hooligan’s Irish Pub, the event is a perfect opportunity to don your green and orange and enjoy a day filled with lively entertainment and Irish charm. Additionally, attendees are invited to decorate their golf carts and join in the parade, adding a unique and personalized touch to the festivities.
Put-in-Bay Road Races
Tuesday-Thursday, Sep 17-19, 2024
See website for event times
Put-in-Bay Airport, Put-in-Bay
Put-in-Bay Road Races Reunion welcomes owners and drivers of vintage sports cars to come participate in events, activities and races!
Big Day at the Bay
Saturday, Sep 21, 2024
Put-in-Bay
“Big Day at the Bay”: A Day of Celebration and Fun at Put-in-Bay! Join in on the fun on DeRivera Park at Put-in-Bay for the “Big Day at the Bay” on Sept 21, 2024, from 12-5 pm. This vibrant, family-friendly celebration, sponsored by Shores and Islands Ohio, is packed with activities, including the island-wide Sale Away Weekend garage sale, the Miller Boat Line 5K in the morning, and a delightful clambake at the Chicken Patio to support the PIB Volunteer Fire Department. The event promises a day full of excitement with Monte Carlo-style street games, kids’ activities, and great shopping deals. Whether you’re there for the clambake, the sales, or the fun activities, the “Big Day at the Bay” is an occasion that offers something memorable for everyone.
2024 Osborn Fall Fest
Saturday, Sep 21, 2024
11 am-5 pm
Free
Osborn MetroPark, Huron
The event features dozens of activity stations & exhibits, live animals, and entertainment for the whole family. The event will also coincide with the grand opening of the Roger Johnson Nature Center. All are welcome! The event will happen rain or shine. The Osborn Fall Fest will take place from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will include dozens of vendors, free fall activities, and food trucks!
The Fall Festivals at Burnham Orchards
Saturday & Sundays, Sep 22-Oct 27, 2024
Saturdays & Sundays, 10 am-7 pm (Sensory-friendly hours some Saturdays beginning at 9 am)
$13/Kids Admission, $10/Adult Admission
Burnham Orchards, Berlin Heights
Blast Off to a Space-Themed Fall Festival at Burnham Orchards! Get ready to launch into a season of cosmic fun at Burnham Orchards’ Space-Themed Fall Festival! This year, they’re taking fall festivities out of this world with weekends packed full of stellar activities, space-age treats, and intergalactic adventures. Each weekend features a unique theme that will have your family soaring through the stars and making memories that are truly out of this world. Prepare for liftoff and bring your family and friends to Burnham Orchards this fall. It’s going to be a blast – they can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!
5th Annual Harvest Fest
Sep 27-28, 2024
6-9 pm
Ørchard Farm Stand, Catawba
Get ready for a fantastic fall celebration at the Ørchard Farm Stand's 5th Annual Harvest Fest! This year’s event promises a bounty of seasonal delights and fun activities for the whole family. Friday: Kick off the weekend with their harvest wine dinner offering a chance to savor exquisite wines paired with delicious autumn dishes. Saturday: Snap a picture at their festive pumpkin wall while enjoying their charming petting zoo, where you can get up close with friendly animals. Indulge in a variety of scrumptious fall treats and gather around for their evening clambake. Meanwhile, live music will keep the atmosphere lively and joyful throughout the day. Don’t miss the grand opening of "The Spooky Coop," their Halloween-themed bar, where you can sip on spooky cocktails and get into the Halloween spirit.
The 52nd Annual Woollybear Festival
Sunday, Sep 29, 2024
9 am-5 pm
Downtown Vermilion
Vermilion Chamber of Commerce and Fox 8 Proudly Announce the 2024 Woollybear Festival, a Celebration of Woollybear Fans and Dick Goddard’s Legacy! This year, Vermilion will once again be ablaze with excitement as Woollybear fans from near and far gather to celebrate one of Ohio’s most beloved traditions. This year, the festival promises to be the most exciting yet, honoring the enduring legacy of Dick Goddard. Visitors can look forward to a day filled with fun, including:
- The Famous Woollybear Parade: Featuring creative floats, marching bands, and, of course, the beloved Woollybear caterpillars.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy games, contests, and educational exhibits that entertain and educate festival-goers of all ages.
- Live Entertainment: Performance by Fox 8 Todd Meany and the Ace Molar Band, and special guest appearances.
- Food and Craft Vendors: A variety of delicious food options and unique crafts from local artisans.
