Summer Fun Guide: Adventures in August
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.
Aug. 3-4
Port Stanley Calipso Festival | Port Stanley, Ontario
Mark 200 years for Port Stanley with living history displays, circus acts, a boat parade, artisan vendors and fireworks. Keep an eye out for “Magical Port Stanley,” as no festival would be complete without magician Pirate Thom Bedlam.
Aug. 10
BrewFest | 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. brewfestwd.com
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
CelebrateErie 2024 | Erie, Pa.
Beat around the block at an all-things-Erie fest on State Street packed with jams, vendors, handmades and hands-on things to do and a vibrant Chalkwalk, where local artists color the streets. Check out live music on four main stages.
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. portdoversummerfestival.com
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. clevelandmetroparks.com
Aug. 21-22
Bash on the Bay | Put-in-Bay, Ohio
Can you say Jelly Roll? He’ll be the headliner at this island bash on Wednesday, while Hardy takes the stage on Thursday. Just Jelly, just Hardy — or get an all-in ticket. Whatever you do, remember to book your lodging in advance or risk waking up on the wrong side of the truck bed the next morning.
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.
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.
Summer Fun Guide: Marvelous in May
From sun-soaked celebrations to music-filled nights, mark your calendar for an array of festivals and fun along the shores of Lake Erie.
Summer Fun Guide: Jubilant in July
From sun-soaked celebrations to music-filled nights, mark your calendar for an array of festivals and fun along the shores of Lake Erie.
Summer Fun Guide: Joyful Times in June
From sun-soaked celebrations to music-filled nights, mark your calendar for an array of festivals and fun along the shores of Lake Erie.
