Ahhhh spring. The boats are going in the water, the daffodils are blooming and we're all ready to have some fun. Start planning your summer adventures right here.
APRIL EVENTS
April 26-28
Catawba Island Boat Show l Catawba Island Club in Port Clinton, Ohio
Ohio’s first in-water boat show of the year! Take in the first sights of spring and enjoy a diverse display of boats, seminars, education, shopping, culinary tastings, live music and more.
April 26-28
The Chocolate & Coffee Festival l Peek'n Peak Resort in Clymer, N.Y.
They had us at CHOCOLATE and that was before COFFEE. You'll get to sample a variety of coffee roasts and styles, along with decadent chocolate-themed sweets from local and businesses. We're in!
MAY EVENTS
May 3-12
The Biggest Week in American Birding | Oak Harbor, Ohio
Head to “The Warbler Capital of the World" to immerse yourself in spring songbird migration and experience some of the best birding North America has to offer. The festival has something to offer beginner and seasoned birders alike, with bird identification workshops, guided birding trips, birding by canoe, daily walks, keynote presentations, the Birder’s Marketplace, Optics Alley, Bird Tattoo Contest, Birder Prom, Bird Trivia Night, evening socials and more.
May 4
Tim McGraw | Buffalo
“Live Like You Were Dying” at Tim McGraw’s Standing Room Only Tour, which added about a dozen new dates, including KeyBank Center. Grammy Award- winner Carly Pearce takes the stage as a special guest.
keybankcenter.com
Every Thursday from May 16-Sept. 19
3rd Thursdays | Vermilion, Ohio
Explore downtown Vermilion as it is turned into a Norman Rockwell setting reminiscent of a New England town nestled into the coast of Lake Erie. Enjoy an exciting array of free musical entertainment, from country, jazz and rock to island, Russian folk, Irish, pop and much more while browsing the shops, boutiques and restaurants of this quaint historic area.
May 17-19
Festival of Birds | Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pa.
Whether your interest in bird-watching has just begun or you’re an expert in the field, consider attending this event hosted by Presque Isle Audubon Society, Erie Bird Observatory, and PA DCNR. Apart from bird-watching trips and workshops, this event features David Lindo a.k.a The Urban Birder as the keynote speaker. Attendance is capped at 150, so register as soon as possible. Attendees who register for the entire weekend are eligible to receive a free copy of Lindo’s book, How to Be an Urban Birder.
May 17-19
Downtown Edinboro Art & Music Festival | Edinboro, Pa.
Tune into grassroots folksy performances in the spirit of Appalachian culture, check out artist demonstrations and gallery exhibits — and don’t forget to bring the kids, because crafts and sing-alongs are in the weekend lineup, too. Vendors galore, instrument workshops and spontaneous jam sessions enliven the town.
May 23-27
42nd Annual Main Street Walleye Festival | Port Clinton, Ohio
Grab a mouthwatering walleye sandwich and spend the weekend browsing the wares of more than 130 vendors from around the nation set to the backdrop of the picturesque Waterworks Park, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie. Don't miss the array of free live concerts, Kids Fishing Derby, Grande Parade, educational programs and activities, carnival rides and more.
May 24-26
Windsor Ribfest | Windsor, Ontario
Presented by Northern Heat Rib Series, check out North America's largest rib and beer tour. Enjoy a weekend filled with food, fun and entertainment, including live music, giant yard games, kids zone with bounce houses and classic carnival eats and treats. https://northernheatribseries.ca/windsor/
May 25-26
Reggae Fest | Cleveland
Jam to irie reggae at Voinovich Park, where headliners like Carlos Jones and Milton Blake stir it up roots reggae style, and bands like Mighty Mystic offer the rocking side of a genre that begs us to come together. Live music from noon to 10 p.m. Score tickets online in advance.
JUNE EVENTS
June 1-2
Art in the Park | Windsor, Ontario
Explore one of Ontario's largest outdoor arts and crafts shows while strolling the 15.5 acres of gated grounds surrounding the beautiful and historic Willistead Manor in Walkerville (Windsor). While you browse the wares of talented artists, sip on local beer and wine, enjoy live entertainment and visit the Spirit Tent to taste the dishes of high-end local restaurants.
June 6-9
LaSalle Strawberry Festival | LaSalle, Ontario
Enjoy the sweet taste of one of summer's favorite flavors, from freshly picked strawberries to strawberry ice cream and so much more. This family oriented event features rides, vendors, live entertainment, a parade, fireworks and many other attractions.
June 7
CoasterMania! | Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio
Thrill seekers will appreciate this event dedicated to those who can't get enough ride time on Cedar Point's roller coasters. Enjoy exclusive ride times on several rides in the early morning before the park opens, a fantastic lunch, special events and more after the park closes.
June 7-9
Bacon Fest | Kelleys Island, Lake Erie Islands
Indulge in a menu filled with bacon-themed bites and cocktails and a craft beer bacon pairing menu at Kelley's Island Wine Co. This year's festivities will include an entire weekend of music Friday night, Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Don't miss the pig roast on Saturday!
June 14-15
Taste of Tecumseh | Tecumseh, Ontario
This two-day event features delectable tastes and unique talents, all at a beautiful waterfront setting nestled on Lake St. Clair in Tecumseh. Sample culinary delights, taste a variety of distinctive award-winning wines, get hoppy with craft beer and enjoy live entertainment from talented performers.
June 14-16
Vermilion Festival of the Fish | Vermilion, Ohio
Compete in a sandcastle contest, string your boat with lights, float in a Crazy Craft Regatta — and in general, make it 5 o’clock somewhere in Vermilion with Wastin’ Away in Fisharitaville, a Jimmy Buffet Tribute. Along with the annual parade, find vendors, entertainment, a market and other ways to be merry.
June 21-22
Blazing Paddles Paddlefest | Cleveland
Ohio's second largest paddling event for kayaks, canoes, standups and surf skis on the Cuyahoga River, a historic body of water that's risen like a Phoenix since the June 22, 1969 fire ignited the global environmental movement.
June 22
GroveFest | Fremont, Ohio
See and learn about live animals and enjoy games, make-it-and-take-it crafts and food at the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museum’s annual fest.
June 22-23
Woofa~Roo Pet Fest | Amherstburg, Ontario
Woofa~Roo Pet Fest is a fun filled festival for "pets and their people" featuring live presentations, such as dock diving, dog agility, lure coursing, and dog races, as well as specialty vendors, charity contests and more. There's something for everyone at Essex County's only pet- and family-friendly festival.
June 28
Beach Boys | Chautauqua, N.Y.
Let’s go surfing now — at the Chautauqua Amphitheater with The Beach Boys. They’ve sold more than 100 million records across the globe, but you can catch them while taking in this lakefront retreat’s rollcall of offerings.
June 28-30
Put-in-Bay Pyrate Fest XVI | Put-in-Bay, Ohio
This fun-for-the-entire family event kicks of Friday evening as pyrates invade the downtown harbor and hoist the Pyrate Flags. For those 21+, the Pyrate Bar Crawl starts at 5 p.m. On Saturday, dress in your best pyrate costume and enter the Kid's Costume Contest or Adult Costume Contest. On Sunday, don't miss Kid's Fest and the 4th Annual 5K Pyrate Run and Fun Walk benefiting Stein Hospice
JULY EVENTS
July 4-5
Light Up the Point | Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio
Celebrate Independence day in everyone's favorite amusement park with one of the largest fireworks shows on the Great Lakes.
July 5
Eagles Tribute | Lakeside, Ohio
Plan a day at Lakeside Chautauqua, where a day pass offers access to lakefront parks, the beach, swimming pool, fishing off the pier, shuffleboard, shopping, dining and more. End the evening with the Eagles tribute band, Hotel California, in the historic Hoover auditorium. Concert is free with Lakeside admission.
July 12-14
Huron River Fest | Huron, Ohio
Kick off a weekend of rides, a 5k run/walk, parade, fireworks and full lineup of entertainment. The Midway opens Friday at 5 p.m. Remember to nab a ticket to the fire department barbecue fundraiser.
July 13
Great Lakes Taste of Summer | Erie, Pa.
Rev up for a different way to experience Lake Erie Speedway, where monster trucks and crash-a-ramas are the usual fare. Wine and dine trackside, with more than a dozen vineyard vendors and food trucks, plus craft vendors, live music and a steak cookoff in the backdrop (the winners are, unfortunately, not for tasting). “We’re looking forward to having nontraditional motorsports fans come see our venue, and maybe they’ll get a taste for some of our other events and come back out,” says Lake Erie Speedway general manager A.J. Moore, noting that $20 presale tickets are available online.
July 13
Middle Bass Music Festival | Middle Bass Island, Ohio
Coast over to the Big Dipper-shaped Middle Bass Island — a nature refuge, home to historic Lonz Winery and a free annual music fest hosted by the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy. The day-and-night-long event will showcase the North Coast Goats, Tall Paul & Western Drawl, Colin Dussault’s Blues Project and Dry Reef.
July 14
20th Annual Lakeside Wooden Boat Show | Lakeside, Ohio
Lakeside’s waterfront will transform into an outdoor showroom of classic wooden boats. As one of Lake Erie’s largest wooden boat exhibits, more than 80 cruisers will line the dock and lawn of Hotel Lakeside for an up-close view. In addition to the boat displays on land and water, the Lyman Boat Works Historical Museum is onsite all weekend long to tell the story of boatbuilding on the Great Lakes with a walk-thru display, replicas and boats from each decade, hands-on activities for children and more.
July 18
3rd Thursday | Vermilion, Ohio
Explore downtown Vermilion as it is turned into a Norman Rockwell setting reminiscent of a New England town nestled into the coast of Lake Erie. Enjoy an exciting array of free musical entertainment, from country, jazz and rock to island, Russian folk, Irish, pop and much more while browsing the shops, boutiques and restaurants of this quaint historic area.
July 19-20
Summer Market | Black River Landing in Lorain, Ohio
Soak up some sunshine and fresh breezes at this spacious riverside park as you browse the work of more than 125 curated artists, makers, pickers, collectors, growers and foodies selling furniture, architectural salvages, vintage wares, art, jewelry, coastal décor, fresh produce and more. In between strolls around the beautiful grounds, dine on dishes from featured restaurants and food trucks, sip on a cocktail by the water or grab a blanket to set on the grass and rock along to the sounds of live music. The Summer Market is a fundraising effort for Girls Give Back, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those in need through random acts of kindness.
July 19-Aug. 18
Boardwalk Nights | Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio
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.
July 19-21
Kelleys IslandFest | Kelleys Island, Ohio
Dance in the streets at the island’s biggest event, this year with a parrot head theme nod to Jimmy Buffett and all the food-and-drink vendors you expect. Cheeseburger in paradise, anyone? Cue up Saturday morning with a parade and armed Armed forces Forces band, “fest” the day away until fireworks at dusk.
July 20
Lakewood Summer Meltdown | Lakewood, Ohio
Don't miss one of the region's most highly anticipated street parties that draws nearly 15,000 attendees from across Northeast Ohio to the heart of Lakewood. The event includes a 5K, 1-mile family fun run and walk, as well as a street festival complete with outdoor activities, games, food vendors, a beer garden, live music and more.
July 20
Willoughby ArtsFest | Willoughby, Ohio
Take to the streets of historic downtown Willoughby for its 33rd annual ArtsFest, where more than 100 juried artists showcase paintings, mixed media, ceramics and more. This artisan staple is a mashup of culture, music, food and shopping. What else? Pop into the myriad boutiques lining the streets, grab a bite and beverage at Ballantine gastropub, or sip on an espresso at Fiona’s.
July 22-28
Discover Presque Isle | Erie, Pa.
Escape to this beachy peninsula and notable nature preserve for a weeklong celebration of the seven7-mile stretch of sand and surf. There’s no cost to get in on the beaches, bonfires, music, self-guided or tour-led hikes, live music and arts and crafts.
July 26-28
Wine & Walleye Festival | Ashtabula, Ohio
Taste Ohio’s wine country and savor one of Lake Erie’s favorite catches at the Wine & Walleye Festival, showcasing bottles from local grape producers and a fish fry prepared by the local Fraternal Order of Police. A Friday Street Faire encourages exploring downtown purveyors. Make your way to the all-day beer tent and end with a dock party. Entertainment, a VIP wine garden, fireworks show, lighted boat parade and Lettie G. Howard sails and tours cap off a fest you can do your way.
July 27-28
Arts @ the Marina | Leamington, Ontario
The South Essex Arts Association/Leamington Arts Centre proudly present this annual arts and rafts show. The two-day event held Canada Day weekend at the scenic lakeside Leamington Municipal Marina and Rick Atkin Park, features dozens of artisans, live local music, children's activities, food and refreshments.
AUGUST EVENTS
Aug. 1-4
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival | Jamestown, N.Y.
Love Lucy and laugh out loud at the National Comedy Center’s Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, a tribute to the homegrown funny lady from Jamestown. Lucy lovers will revel in the celebration — but anyone with a thing for comedy should check out over 50 live events, including a standup comedy showcase with the who’s who, kid comedy, block parties and music.
Aug. 2-3
Vermilion Beach Market | Vermilion, Ohio
Shop by the beach from over 100 vendors for vintage, shabby and chic decor including furniture, architectural salvage, as well as handcrafted home decor, jewelry, clothing, and art. Take a pause from shopping at our beachside wine bar and food booths. Free admission and free on-site parking.
Aug. 7-18
Erie County Fair | Hamburg, N.Y.
Live entertainment, rides, animals and all the fair food you can eat are just a few of the things you'll find at this annual summertime tradition.
Aug. 10
Barefoot at the Beach | Toledo, Ohio
Aug. 10
Brewfest Waterfront District | Lorain, Ohio
Tip back local craft brews from regional hopmasters at Black River Landing, where music, games and food kick off at 1 p.m., or noon for VIP. Your ticket buys 16 swills from breweries, meaderies, wineries and cideries.
Aug. 15
3rd Thursday | Vermilion, Ohio
Explore downtown Vermilion as it is turned into a Norman Rockwell setting reminiscent of a New England town nestled into the coast of Lake Erie. Enjoy an exciting array of free musical entertainment, from country, jazz and rock to island, Russian folk, Irish, pop and much more while browsing the shops, boutiques and restaurants of this quaint historic area.
Aug. 15-17
D-Day Conneaut | Conneaut, Ohio
Storm the shores of Conneaut for the world’s largest D-Day beach battle reenactment, including a dramatic multi-aircraft landing that mimics the 1944 invasion, official WWII tanks in action, barrage bloom parachutes, living history displays and a home front. Event founder Betsy Bashore says, “It looks like Omaha Beach.”
Aug. 16-18
Port Dover Summer Fest | Port Dover, Ontario
Gather with makers, bibliophiles, antiquers, foodies and a smattering of exhibitions in Port Dover for its Art in the Park, a decades-long institution on Lake Erie’s north shore. Market Street is populated with sought-after book and magazine tables. After the art, hop around town for a taste of local dining and shopping.
Aug. 17
Whiskey Island Paddle Fest | Cleveland
Paddle at your own pace or challenge yourself to go some extra miles. Anyone 6 and older can participate. Just BYO kayak or SUP board and a spirit for navigating our great lake. For Fun: Join the Capture the Swag Fun Paddle to spots along the Lake Erie shoreline of Wendy Park and collect tickets to enter for door prizes.
Aug. 17-24
Tennis in the Land | Cleveland
Cheer on Women’s Tennis Association athletes in this U.S. Open Series tournament at Jacobs Pavilion in the Flats West Bank. Top WTA champions compete along the Cuyahoga River. Plus, you’ll find a lively riverfront showing of food, drink and fun for before or after a match.
Aug. 21-22
Bash on the Bay | Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Quickly becoming one of the Midwest's best music festival, this two-day festival held at the Put-in-Bay Airport features Jelly Roll on Friday and Hardy on Saturday.
Aug. 31 – Sept. 1
Buffalo Wing Festival | Buffalo
Hang out on an NFL field, sample wings — hot, not and creative — and add a beverage to round out your Labor Day Weekend celebrating America’s favorite appetizer, born in Bufalo’s notable Anchor Bar in 1964. Yes, there’s a wing-eating contest for amateurs, while pros have their own competition. Enjoy the music and know your ticket’s proceeds benefit local charities.
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Sept. 5-8
Thunder on the Strip | Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio
Rev up an appetite for the daredevil Harley-Davidson Contraband Stunt Team, line up for the Founder’s Parade and work your way around dives and other destinations to earn a shirt. Food, bike games and unrelenting live music. This event is cruising into its 18th year.
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