APRIL EVENTS
Easter Eggstravaganza | April 11-13
Lakeside, Ohio
Gather with loved ones for this new event taking place at Lakeside Chautauqua featuring family-friendly programming with the Easter bunny, an egg hunt, gardening workshop, puzzle competition, moves and more.
Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival | April 16-27
Cleveland, Ohio
Embrace the soulful melodies during this grand celebration of South Indian classical music and dance, the largest of its kind outside of India. An array of events offers opportunities to learn about ancient instruments and be amazed by dozens of Indian vocalists and orchestral groups.
Dyngus Day | April 21
Cleveland, Ohio
Every year on Easter Monday, Cleveland’s West Side celebrates Polish heritage with tons of Polish food, a music schedule that includes dancing, accordionists and polka bands and an evening parade.
Progressive Catawba Island Boat Show | April 25-27
Port Clinton, Ohio
Don’t miss 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.
Wine & Tapas presented by Lake Erie Wine Country | April 25-27
Multiple locations, Pennsylvania and New York
Celebrate one of the country’s best winemaking regions during this special event as member wineries offer special pairings of one of their selected wines with a tapas or hors d’oeuvre. A ticket includes three additional tastings at each winery and a special gift.
Earth Day Extravaganza | April 26
Huron, Ohio
Celebrate Earth Day at the Osborn MetroPark, where you’ll discover kids’ crafts, live animals, informative displays, food trucks, retail vendors and the Ohio Wildlife Youth Art Show.
MAY EVENTS
Festival of the Birds | May 1-19
Experience the avian migration phenomenon from Canada’s southernmost mainland, Point Pelee National Park, with birding hikes, lunch and learn sessions, a 100 Species Challenge and variety of services for experts and birder alike.
The Biggest Week in American Birding | May 9-18
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.
Blessing of the Fleet | May 13
Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie Islands
Participate in this annual ceremony that attracts local and visitors alike to offer a blessing to the various seafaring vessels among the island’s feet. Passed down from generation to generation, this tradition is in place to safeguard the vessels against the coming year’s storms and protect the fleet, passengers and crew from harm. Enjoy fresh coffee, hot chocolate and cookies on the dock, along with friendly camaraderie and well wishes.
3rd Thursdays | Every Third Thursday from May 15-Sept.18
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.
Festival of the Birds at Presque Isle Bay | May 16-18
Erie, Pennsylvania
Keep your eyes on the skies for songbirds, waders, raptors, waterbirds and shorebirds at this Lake Erie birding hot spot. Take a deeper dive with small group field trips to distinct habitats, workshops for all skill levels and tons of other social activities.
Edinboro Art & Music Festival | May 16-18
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Enjoy a free festival showcasing grassroots art and music in the unique spirit of Appalachian culture and tradition. In addition to music around town, discover children’s activities and workshops, dancing, art shows, music workshops, local artisan vendors, jam sessions, yoga, pilates and much more.
South Bass Island Wide Garage Sale | May 17
Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie Islands
Experience the biggest treasure hunt of the year as Put-in-Bay store owners and residents come together on this one day each year to buy and sell their previously loved goodies. People travel from near and far for this annual event, so come early and pick up a map of vendors.
Beer Coaster | May 17
Erie, Pennsylvania
Celebrate American Craft Beer Week at Waldameer Park & Water World with samples of various kinds of brews from local breweries and a ride on the Beer Coaster.
Walleye Festival | May 22-26
Port Clinton, Ohio
Dine on one of the lake’s favorite dishes during this festival that’s dubbed one of Ohio’s premier outdoor weekend celebrations. Don’t miss an array of events, from free live concerts, a kids’ fishing derby, parade, educational programming and activities, carnival rides and more than 130 vendors from around the country.
Troika Russian Festival | May 23-25
Erie, Pennsylvania
Indulge in Russian food and an ice bar while enjoying live folk entertainment, tours of the Church of the Nativity Community Center and ringing of the church bells
Memorial Day at the Bay Weekend | May 23-26
Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie Islands
It’s one of the most popular times to visit the island, and for good reason! Discover a weekend filled with activites, from parades and live entertainment to Memorial Day services and much more.
Windsor Rib & Beer Fest | May 23-25
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.
Wild Rib Cook Off & Music Festival | May 28
Erie, Pennsylvania
Get in line and decide for yourself who has the best ribs and best sauce from national touring and award-winning BBQ Rib Cooking Teams from the Food Network. Dine while listening to local and regional entertainment before grabbing a beer or spirit in the park, stopping by the kids’ fun zone or checking out works by local artisans and craftsmen.
Woofa-Roo Pet Fest | May 31-June 1
Amherstburg, Ontario
Pack your leash and bring your four-legged best friend to a 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 EVENTS
LaSalle Strawberry Festival | June 5-8
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.
Coastermania | June 6
Sandusky, Ohio
Thrill seekers will appreciate this event dedicated to those who can't get enough time on Cedar Point's roller coasters. Enjoy exclusive rides in the early morning before the park opens, a fantastic lunch, special events and more after the park closes.
Pride in the CLE | June 7
Cleveland, Ohio
Celebrate inclusivity and support the LGBTQ+ community during a parade, festival and various related events that promote visibility, unity and equality.
Art in the Park | June 4-5
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
Benson Ford Ship House Public Tour | June 8
Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie Islands
Get the chance to get a peek inside one of the most unique houses in America, right on South Bass Island. Put-in-Bay’s famous Benson Ford Ship house will be open to the public for tours. It’s incredible to walk through and imagine the people cruising along Lake Erie in it over the last century before it was decommissioned and turned into what it is today.
Festival of the Fish | June 13-15
Vermilion, Ohio
Celebrate the 1980s with a weekend filled with neon, big hair and rockin’ tunes. Beyond tons of live music, don’t miss Friday night fireworks, a Sunday parade and a crazy craft regatta, lighted boat parade, pageant and more in between.
Founder’s Day Jose DeRivera Celebration | June 14
Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie Islands
Enjoy delicious food and tons for fun for the entire family, from island entertainment and helicopter rides to shopping and dining.
Erie’s Juneteenth Celebration | June 14
Erie, Pennsylvania
Spend the day relaxing with live entertainment, local vendors and family-friendly activities during this heritage festival that honors the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, celebrating the resilience, strength and culture of the Black community.
UPMC Sunset Music Series | June 18-July 26
Erie, Pennsylvania
Dance the evenings away during this free six-week concert series taking place on Wednesdays from 5:30 to sunset at Beach 11. Enjoy a lineup of bands, food trucks, ice cream, hula-hoop playshops and extended swimming hours.
Pyrate Fest XVii | June 27-29
Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie Islands
For more than 10 years, pirates have been invading Put-in-Bay’s downtown harbor for a weekend filled with entertainment for all ages. Each day will offer tons of activities, performances and pirate-themed events. Watch sword fighting and black power firing demonstrations, attend the kids’ fun fest, visit the Pyrate Marketplace and much more.
Pride on the Bay | June 28
Erie, Pennsylvania
Join the celebration of love, inclusivity and vibrant diversity during this annual festival that includes drag queen performances, entertainment, vendors food and more.