September brings the best of both seasons to Shores & Islands Ohio, with plenty of late-summer fun mixed with the first signs of fall. From beloved traditions like the Milan Melon Festival and Historic Weekend at Put-in-Bay to strongman competitions, vintage road races, harvest celebrations, outdoor adventures, and the return of HalloWeekends, there’s something happening nearly every weekend. Whether you’re ready to savor the last days of summer or jump right into all things autumn, here are 25 events to put on your September calendar!
Milan Melon Festival
Friday-Monday, Sep 4-7, 2026
Village Square, Milan
The annual Milan Melon Festival rolls its way back into Milan Square 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 Melon Eating Contest, kiddie pedal-tractor pulls, and a two-hour grand parade? The Melon Festival in Milan provides that and bands, a arts and crafts, antique car show, and Queen’s Contest. Oh, and plenty of melons in all shapes, sizes, and forms!
Perch, Peach, Pierogi, & Polka Festival
Friday-Saturday, Sep 4-5, 2026
Downtown Port Clinton
Enjoy live polka bands, perch sandwiches, pierogi, fries, genuine kielbasa and kraut, peach pie with Toft’s ice cream, local and other beers, soft drinks, 50/50 drawings, and souvenirs. Plus, free polka lessons! Held under the big tent on Perry St. in downtown Port Clinton, with sidewalk food take-away available at the front west corner. Proceeds benefit local charities.
Rally on the Runway
Saturday, Sep 5, 2026
Erie-Ottawa International Airport, Port Clinton
Rally on the Runway is the official community support festival for the Strongman Champions League competition. On Saturday, visit the Erie-Ottawa International Airport for a free, family-friendly celebration featuring live entertainment, local food trucks, a scavenger hunt, a touch-a-truck experience, and the excitement of one of the world's premier professional strongman competitions. In addition to the festival activities, spectators will have the opportunity to witness the incredible feats of strength of the Strongman Champions League athletes as they once again return to Ohio.
Strongman Champions League USA
Sunday, Sep 6, 2026
Downtown Sandusky
Get ready, Ohio – the Strongman Champions League returns to the Shores & Islands Ohio region for 2026! These events are free for anyone who wants to come out and witness top-tier strongman events like you've never seen before. Sunday, September 6, 2026, will be held in downtown Sandusky at the corner of Columbus Avenue and Water Street with the competition beginning at 1:00 PM.
Historic Weekend Put-in-Bay: Celebrating the Battle of Lake Erie
Friday-Sunday, Sep 11-13, 2026
Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, Put-in-Bay
This eventful weekend 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 Sunday 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. Throughout the weekend, rangers and volunteers present a variety of demonstrations and talks on topics like the War of 1812, blacksmithing, historic 
cooking, and more, offering an immersive educational experience.
Riptide 2026
Friday-Sunday, Sep 11-13, 2026
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Sandusky
Riptide is an annual three-day Super Smash Bros, Rivals of Aether, Splatoon, and Mario Kart tournament and convention. This event is open to all ages, features world-renowned competitors, and more. Come play video games with people from around the world in this fun and family friendly environment!
Annual Military Show at Liberty Aviation Museum
Saturday-Sunday, Sep 12-13, 2026
Liberty Aviation Museum, Port Clinton
Re-enactors! All eras of military vehicles, displays, etc.! The public, including military-related groups, are invited to display 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. See the Sherman Tank and many other military vehicles operate! Ford Tri-Motor Rides and Restore the Ford Pancake Breakfast on Sunday (all Proceeds Fund the Tri-Motor Project in the museum's second hangar).
Art in the Park
Saturday, Sep 12, 2026
DeRivera Park, Put-in-Bay
Discover the vibrant world of regional arts and crafts. This event 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.
Honeys and Sunnies: A Harvest Celebration
Saturday, Sep 12, 2026
Quarry Hill Orchards, Berlin Heights
You’re invited to venture into the picturesque orchards and fields of Quarry Hill to pick your own Honeycrisp apples and farm-grown sunflowers. Come for prime pick-your-own Honeycrisp apples by the 1/2 bushel, stay for a glass of Quarry Hill Winery wine or apple cider at their pop-up bar in the sunflower field. The fall festivities continue in their Market Barn, which is full of the season’s best, like apples, pumpkins, apple fritters, mums, sweet treats and more. Bring the family, friends, a date, or come solo for a unique Autumn experience!
Ohio Goes to the Movies
Saturday, Sep 12, 2026
Lakeside Chautauqua, Marblehead
"Ohio Goes to the Movies" is a statewide celebration of movies showcasing Ohioans---actors, directors, writers, composter, locations, and topics----highlighting Ohio's contributions to America's film industry and moviemaking. Lakeside Chautauqua remains the last, and only, movie theater in Ottawa County. Please join us for a showing of the movie Anastasia, in Lakeside's Orchestra Hall.
Treasure Island Day
Saturday, Sep 12, 2026
Kelleys Island
Treasure Island Day is an exciting tradition, featuring sales hosted by the local community and businesses. Treasure seekers can stop by the Island Market to 
pick up the Treasure Island Day map. This local garage/yard sale is an adventure for the whole family! You are bound to find some unique treasures at great prices.
Foundations of the Past
Sunday, Sep 13, 2026
Edison Birthplace, Milan
In participation with Ohio Open Doors and Edison Birthplace, join in for a guided walk into Milan's rich history and the stories of the people who shaped the community. Explore Milan’s historic homes and buildings up close during a 1-hr architectural walking tour. Learn how to spot classic 19th century craftsmanship and architectural styles, from distinctive gables to the original foundations. Then, walk through the Milan Cemetery for a closer look at local history. This tour will highlight the resting places of the Edison family, as well as the early leaders and canal founders who helped build the village. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, as both portions involve walking on uneven ground.
Hidden Garden Party
Sunday, Sep 13, 2026
Schedel Arboretum & Gardens, Elmore
Emcee Jerry Anderson hosts this annual fundraiser. Cocktails, Fine Dining, Entertainment, Live & Silent Auction items available.
Plein Air afternoon
Sunday, Sep 13, 2026
Charles Herndon Galleries and Sculpture Garden, Kelleys Island
Charles Herndon Galleries and Sculpture Garden wants YOU to come create in the gardens! What is an art gallery without the creators behind the work? Come with your canvas and paints, or your tools and wire, or your grinder and tiles, or maybe your sewing machine and fabric! All of the events this summer are part of America 250, so rep that Red, White, and Blue if you are feeling it. This event is not focused on selling, but feel free to put out a few things for sale to showcase the final product as well as the making!
Put-in-Bay Road Races Reunion
Tuesday-Thursday, Sep 15-17, 2026
Put-in-Bay Airport, Put-in-Bay
Experience the thrill of vintage car racing at the Put-in-Bay Road Races Reunion. Hosted at the Put-in-Bay Airport, this event revives the island’s historic road races with vintage MGs, Porsches, Triumphs, and other classic sports cars. Embracing not only the vehicles but also the vintage style and fashion of racing’s golden era, the reunion invites enthusiasts to enjoy races, awards for style participation, and a dive into racing history. This year’s event includes a new focus on vintage fashion, inviting participants to dress in period-style clothing, with recognition and awards for those embracing the theme. Join fellow racing enthusiasts and local spectators for this unique event, where race viewing is free and open to the public.
3rd Thursday: Music, Flowers & A Sunset
Thursday, Sept 17, 2026
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 with family and friends while supporting our local businesses.
HalloWeekends
Thursday-Sunday, Sep 17-Nov 1, 2026
Cedar Point, Sandusky
It’s family fun by day and fright by night as HalloWeekends® returns for its 29th 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.
Cocktails with Capys
Friday-Saturday, Sep 18-19, 2026
African Safari Wildlife Park, Port Clinton
Get Ready to Party! Join African Safari for the venue’s first-ever adults-only event! Grab your crew and step inside our award-winning Capybara habitat to feed and mingle with the world’s largest rodents during a 2.5-hour come-and-go capybara feeding experience. Your event admission also includes rotating feedings or encounters with Tortoises, Budgies, and Goats, so you can sip, stroll, and hang out with some of your favorite animals all evening long. Beer and canned 
cocktails will be available for purchase, with all drink proceeds benefiting African Safari’s Guardian of Wildlife Conservation Fund. Must be 21 or older to attend.
Coast to the Oast
Saturday, Sep 19, 2026
Twin Oast Brewing, Catawba
Come tour Catawba on fantastic bicycle routes! This is a fully supported ride for those age 13 and over with rest stops and support vehicles along the route to curb your hunger or alleviate any bike issues. The ride begins and ends at the beautiful Twin Oast Brewing, and your entry fee includes a beverage from Twin Oast, soft-fit shirt, stocked aid stations, and post-ride entertainment on the lawn at Twin Oast. Best of all – the proceeds from this ride benefit Eriesponsible and their mission of “Taking Steps Now to Maintain the Health of Lake Erie for Future Generations”! Choose from 10-, 30-, and 50-mile routes.
Coastal Clean-Up
Saturday, Sep 19, 2026
Old Woman Creek Beach, Huron
Join Old Woman Creek Reserve staff and volunteers around the nation for National Public Lands Day! Spend the morning at the beach; you will log our finds
and upload the data. Let's keep our coastal ecosystems clean! This program meets at the OWC boathouse. Gear for the cleanup will be provided and pre-registration is required.
Monarch Festival
Saturday, Sep 19, 2026
Duggan’s Field, Put-in-Bay
Did you know that Monarch butterflies migrate up to 3,000 miles every year across North America from their summer breeding grounds to their overwintering homes? No matter your level of knowledge about butterfly migration, everyone is invited to join the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center (LEINWC) in celebrating the Put-in-Bay Monarch Festival! The field is located next to the South Bass Lighthouse, which will be open to the public for tours as well. The festival will feature a variety of activities, games, food, and music that the whole family can enjoy. There will even be butterfly races for the kids with wings available! In addition to fun games and face painting, you can help LEINWC in our Monarch tagging efforts. There will be nets available that families can use to assist us with catching butterflies as part of a greater effort to increase Monarch migration tracking.
Osborn Fall Fest
Saturday, Sep 19, 2026
Osborn MetroPark, Huron
Fall fun for the whole family. Kick off the season with a full day of fall traditions, nature activities, hayrides, music, and food. Hope to see you there!
The Great Barrel Festival
Saturday, Sep 19, 2026
Firelands Winery, Sandusky
Celebrate everything that is Firelands! Family friendly, live music all afternoon, vendors row, hog and corn roast with all the sides, cornhole, large yard games, grape stomp for charity, limited edition Great Barrel Festival wines and much more! Free parking and shuttle to and from Dorn Park. You won't want to miss out on all the fun!
Restaurant Week
Monday-Sunday, Sep 21-27, 2026
Kelleys Island
Mark your calendars for Restaurant Week on Kelleys Island! Savor exclusive, limited-time dishes. Indulge in prix fixe menus and sip on handcrafted signature cocktails. From cozy island bars to waterfront favorites, this is your chance to taste Kelleys Island like never before. One week only. One unforgettable experience. Plan your foodie adventure now — the Island awaits!
Big Day at the Bay
Saturday, Sep 26, 2026
Put-in-Bay
This vibrant celebration is packed with activities, including a Kid's Carnival, the island-wide Sale Away Weekend garage sale, 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, 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.
Make the most of the season and start planning your late-summer and early-fall adventures in Shores & Islands Ohio! Visit SHORESandISLANDS.com and explore our Events Calendar for even more ways to experience the fun happening throughout the region this September.
