Summer in Shores & Islands Ohio is a season of endless fun, where every day promises a new adventure. From June through August, the region comes alive with a spectacular array of fairs, festivals, music events, and food celebrations that cater to all tastes and interests. Whether you're a fan of family fun festivals, outdoor concerts under the stars, or indulging in delicious local cuisine, Shores & Islands Ohio offers a diverse lineup of summer events that make it the perfect destination for creating unforgettable memories. Join us as we explore the must-attend summer happenings that make this Lake Erie coastal destination a haven for fun and entertainment.
Ohio Bike Week Block Party
May 30-Jun 1, 2024
Various Locations
Ride into the Midwest's Largest Motorcycle Rally; Ohio Bike Week! This year there will be amazing live bands, delicious food trucks, and plenty of wonderful merchants! You won't want to miss out on any of the fun with activities held at Mad River Harley Davidson and Barrel House Saloon! The Downtown Sandusky Block Party will take place Thurs, May 30th-Sat, June 1st featuring Bret Michaels, Ace Frehley, and Jackyl. For the full schedule for the block party, rides, bands and more, visit OhioBikeWeek.com
Lake Front Market
Jun 7-8, 2024
Fri 6-8:30 pm, Sat 10 am-6 pm
Lake Front Park, Huron
An open-air marketplace featuring Ohio-based vendors at one of Huron's most scenic beaches. This market features food trucks, live music, kids' activities and numerous vendors of authentic goods!
Toast of Ohio Wine Festival
Jun 8, 2024
12-9 pm
Jackson Street Pier, Sandusky
Celebrating 19 years, the annual Toast of Ohio Wine Heritage Festival will feature nine fabulous Ohio wineries, food truck options, and the Sandusky Art League, displaying and selling their crafts. The first 400 tickets sold includes a souvenir Toast of Ohio wine glass, admission, and five complimentary wine tastings for $25. Wine tasting tickets with admission, but not including the souvenir glass, are available for $20. Additional tasting tickets will be available for purchase the day of the event. The Merry-Go-Round Museum will offer special admission of $5 during the festival from 11 am-4 pm. Admission fees benefit the sponsoring Merry-Go-Round Museum and the Merry-Go-Round Museum education department.
Put-in-Bay Pride
Jun 10, 2024
Color Run Kickoff 10 am, Various Event Times
Put-in-Bay
Put-in-bay pride: a celebration of love, unity, and diversity! Embrace the spirit of love and unity at the second annual Put-in-Bay Pride, a vibrant and inclusive event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and allies. This year’s Pride promises a day brimming with laughter, color, and positive energy. Enjoy a variety of activities, including the signature Color Run and an electrifying drag show, all in a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment. Whether participating in the festivities, relaxing by the pool, or joining in the parade, Put-in-Bay Pride is an event where everyone can express themselves freely and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Festival of the Fish
Jun 14-16, 2024
Fri-Sat 12-11 pm, Sun 12-3 pm
Downtown Vermilion
Festival of the Fish, hosted by Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, is back and just as amazing for the 2024 season! There will be talented and wonderful local vendors, rocking live entertainment, delicious food and awesome Exchange Park Market Place Crafts and Collectibles!
50th Founder's Day!
Jun 15, 2024
11 am-4 pm
DeRivera Park, Put-in-Bay
50th Founder’s day at Put-in-Bay: celebrating heritage and community! Join in commemorating the 50th Founder’s Day at DeRivera Park, 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.
Ohio's Island Wine Festival
Jun 22, 2024
11 am-5 pm
Heineman Winery, Put-in-Bay
Experience the essence of Ohio’s rich winemaking tradition at the annual Island Wine Festival! 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. With your ticket, receive a complimentary wine glass, a 6-bottle tote bag (for the first 800 attendees), and sample tastings from each featured winery. Explore a range of local vendors offering everything from gourmet treats to artisan crafts, making the Island Wine Festival a perfect blend of culinary delights, artistic expression, and community spirit.
Huron Rotary Rocks
Jun 22, 2024
Huron Boat Basin, 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 kid’s 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!
Shoreline Pride
Jun 22, 2024
11 am
Shoreline Park, Sandusky
On Sat, June 22 Shoreline Park becomes Shore-pride Park for the day to celebrate Pride! There will be a wonderful parade followed by a gathering at Shoreline Park with a DJ, kids' activities, ice cream, a PRIDE costume/outfit contest, ice cream and more!
Portage River Festival
Jun 23, 2024
10 am-6 pm
Elmore Historical Society at Ory Park, Elmore
The 44th Annual Portage River Fest has food, arts & crafts, food trucks, garden tractor pulling contest, model trains, car show & cruise-in, bicycle tour, live music, motorcycle dice run, kids’ games, pony rides, bounce house, petting zoo, and much more.
Pyrate Fest XVI 2024
Jun 28-30, 2024
10 am-5 pm
DeRivera Park, Put-in-Bay
Set sail for an unforgettable adventure at Put-in-Bay’s Pyrate Fest XVI! 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 & 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 XVI is an extraordinary journey into the heart of pirate lore, perfect for all ages.
Pops on the Peninsula
Jun 29, 2024
5 pm
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, Marblehead
The Firelands Symphony Orchestra returns to the beautiful setting of the Marblehead Lighthouse for a free pops concert, featuring a variety of songs from different eras and styles. The full orchestra, under the direction of Carl Topilow, will offer a full-scale concert of familiar favorites for all ages to celebrate the summer on the beautiful coastline of Lake Erie. Please bring your own chair or blanket.
4th of July Stars and Stripes Celebration
Jul 4, 2024
10 am-4 pm
Washington Park, Sandusky
The lineup for this years' Stars and Stripes Celebration includes: Sandusky Choral Society at 11 am; Sandusky Marching Band and Children’s Bicycle Parade at 12 pm; Jaron White Trio at 1 pm; and Brandon Biehl at 2:30 pm. The seventh-annual Boy with the Boot 5K walk/run will also take place prior to the Stars and Stripes Festival at 8:30 am.
Huron River Fest
Jul 12-14, 2024
Huron Boat Basin, Huron
The Huron River Fest is back this year with amazing entertainment, a 5k race/fun run, pets on the pier, Queen's competition, a variety of unique vendors, a road show, the wonderful parade, fantastic fireworks, and much more! It's a can't miss tradition of Summertime fun!
IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio
Jul 19-21, 2024
Jackson Street Pier, Sandusky
Sandusky embodies the excitement of race weekend felt from the very first time you visit, to becoming a seasoned regular part of the welcoming community. Start with a splash with an invigorating ferry swim start with a leap into Lake Erie for a 1.2-mile swim, a fast-flat 56-mile bike through Erie County farmland roads, and a 13.1-mile run through historic downtown Sandusky. All this while being surrounded by spectators in this exciting coastal destination.IRONMAN 70.3 Ohio offers slots to the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship.
Boardwalk Nights!
Jul 19-Aug 18, 2024
Cedar Point, Sandusky
Cedar Point's rich history began on a sandy mile-long Lake Erie beach, and Boardwalk Nights is the new party that celebrates it! When the sun goes down, the Cedar Point beach and The Boardwalk area of the park electrify with larger-than-life entertainment, over-the-top food and drink, games for the entire family, music and dancing, lights and sounds that inspire the best summertime dance moves and more! From kids to adults, all will enjoy Boardwalk Nights-the perfect addition to a day at Cedar Point, right in the heart of the summer!
Kelleys Island Fest 2024
Jul 19-21, 2024
11 am-4 pm
Downtown Kelleys Island
Island Fest is back to Kelleys Island's for the biggest event of the year! This always fun festival features craft vendors, food, beer tent, music, and street dance on Friday and Saturday nights, a parade on Saturday morning, and fireworks at dusk on Saturday. There will be fun activities for the entire family. This is an outdoor event and admission is free.
Kelleys Island Filmfest 2024
Jul 27-28, 2024
9-11 pm
Ball Field, Kelleys Island
Relax outdoors at the Ball Field, off Addison Street, to watch popular box office movies, drive-in style, free of charge, in front of a large inflatable screen. The outdoor movies begin with an early movie at dusk and another late night to follow. If the weather effects the outside viewings, there will be showings at the Town Hall located downtown Kelleys Island on Division Street. Not only is the inflatable screen and sound system impressive, snacks and drinks will be for sale during all showtimes.
Arts in the Park 2024!
Aug 3-4, 2024
Lakeview Park, Port Clinton
Port Clinton Artists' Club's annual fine art and crafts festival Arts in the Park, is Ottawa County’s premiere festival, hosting more than 100 artists from around the Midwest and beyond to display and sell their original art for two fun-filled days. The festival is free to the public, and also includes a Children’s Make and Take, entertainment, and a delicious offering of food, including Lake Erie perch.
Kelleys Island Homecoming
Aug 9-10, 2024
10:30 am-4 pm
Kelleys Island Pavilion, Kelleys Island
Homecoming is an event sponsored by KILA (the Kelleys Island Landowners Association) and serves as a weekend for those who love this island to return and enjoy fun, food, and entertainment. Enjoy the Friday Fish Fry, and Saturday's parade (w/Marching Band), amazing entertainment, lovely craft & vendor market, delicious food & beverages and fun for the whole family!
Quinstock 2024!
Aug 10, 2024
12 pm-10 pm
Twin Oast Brewery, Catawba
Quinstock is Catawba Island's most rockin' event of the year. Featuring live music all-day, activities for all ages, food, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Did they mention they have a special, brand-new beer releasing for the event?!?! This is one party you don't want to miss!
Big Splash Raffle
Aug 16-17, 2024
Fri 5-9 pm, Sat 11 am-5 pm
Sandusky Bay Pavilion, Sandusky
August 16 - Bash Before the Splash, tickets available (in-person only) 4-8:30 pm (while supplies last), food & beverages, 50/50 drawings, side raffles, Venyx takes the stage at 6 pm, Big Splash drawings: 9pm for $10,000.
August 17- Big Splash Raffle, tickets available (in-person only) 9 am-12 pm (while supplies last), drawings start at 1 pm, food & beverages, 50/50 drawings, side raffles, over $250,000 in prizes! Benefits the Maritime Museum of Sandusky.
Bash on the Bay 2024!
Aug 21-22, 2024
Gates open 2:30 pm, First Act 3 pm
Put-in-Bay Airport, Put-in-Bay
Bash on the Bay returns for the 2024 Season! Check out these amazing acts! Aug 21st lineup: Logan Crosby, Ashland Craft, Warren Zeiders, Oliver Anthony, and HEADLINER Jelly Roll! Aug 22nd lineup: Cory Farley, Tigirlily Gold, Drake White and the Big Fire, Earnest, and HEADLINER Hardy! See BashontheBay.com for further information regarding ticket sales, rules, transportation, etc.
A Groovy Afternoon with Janis
Aug 24, 2024
2-6 pm
Charles Herndon Galleries & Sculpture Garden, Kelleys Island
Visit and enjoy the music of Janis Joplin, and music from the era she wrote in. Check out the psychedelic paintings in the gallery, grab a drink, and enjoy the performers! There will also be an excellent Charles Herndon gift bag for the look alike winner. You won't want to miss out on the art and art demonstrations, local performers, look-alike contest and delicious food & drink!
Marblehead Lions Perch Festival 2024!
Aug 24, 2024
10 am-5 pm
James Park, Marblehead
The Lakeside Marblehead Lion's Club invites everyone to join them at their Annual Perch Festival! The parade begins at 10 am, with plenty of food, kids' games, a car show and plenty more fun to follow!
