It's officially spring, the season of maple syrup, ice wine and getting the boat ready for summer. Here's how to make the most of it.
MARCH EVENTS
Ohio Ice Wine Festival | March 1-31
The Grand River Valley in Geneva, Ohio
Join Ferrante Winery, Debonné Vineyards, Grand River Cellars, Laurello Vineyards & Cask 307 for this annual festival, a progressive tasting of the ice wine produced in the Grand River Valley. Each winery will provide a sample of their ice wines along with a complimentary appetizer for a set cost. Follow each winery on Facebook for an up-to-date schedule, including live entertainment, vineyard tractor rides or ice carving events.
Hope is the Thing With Feathers l | Through June 11
The Roger Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, New York
Explore work by five women whose art practice explores the paradoxically powerful and fragile nature of birds and the ecosystems in which they live. Afterwards, explore the hiking trails on the grounds to make your own connection with nature.
Maple Weekends at Johnson Estate Winery l | March 25-26
As part of New York state's Maple Weekend, the winery will feature its Maple Liqueur Crêpes, Julia Child-style, with fancy ground toasted nuts for $5/person. You an also buy a bottle of Maple Liqueur for $15. Can't make the trip? You'll find the crepes recipe right here.
APRIL EVENTS
Wine on the Lake l | April 1
Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, Pa.
Sample wine and food and browse gifts and goods by dozens of makers, restaurants and wineries — all overlooking the bay.
The Chocolate & Coffee Festival l | April 29
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
3rd Thursdays | Every Thursday from May 18-Sept. 21
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 Birds | May 12-14
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.
42nd Annual Main Street Walleye Festival | May 25-29
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.
JUNE EVENTS
CoasterMania! | June 2
Cedar Point, 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.
Art in the Park | June 3-4
Willistead 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.
Windsor Ribfest | June 2-4
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.
Pride in the CLE | June 3, 11am-6pm
Mall B & C, Cleveland
Celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ by participating in the Pride in the CLE March. Register as a group by May 19 or as an individual by May 26. Individual registrants who are minors must be accompanied by their legal guardians. Also hear from members of the community at the Speak Out Stage and enjoy live entertainment at the Main Stage.
LaSalle Strawberry Festival | June 8-11
Vollmer Complex, 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. Admission can be bought at the door or in advance online for 5 dollars per person. Free admission for people under 5 and over 65.
Taste of Tecumseh | June 16-17
Lakewood Park, Tecumseh, Ontario
Taste good food and wine and enjoy live entertainment from several performers including the band Bigg Wiggle who will headline both nights.
Duck Tape Festival | June 16-18
Crushers Stadium, Avon, Ohio
This three-day event celebrates duct tape, its enthusiasts and its wacky and fun uses. The festival also honors the history and heritage of Avon, the city that is proclaimed the "Duck Tape Capital of the World" and the home of the Duck brand duct tape.
Put-in-Bay Pyrate Fest XV | June 23-25
DeRiviera Park, Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie Islands
Starts off with the Flag Raising on Friday as the pyrates claim the island for the weekend. Friday night features the Pyrate Pub Crawl, exclusively for adults. Local bartenders whip up drinks made with local island flavors. Saturday and Sunday, the Pyrate Encampment and Marketplace will be set up and the events will expand to include kid-friendly events including demonstrations of various avenues of pirate life such as blacksmithing and sailing.
Woofa~Roo Pet Fest | June 24-25
Libro Sports Complex, Amherstburg, Ontario
From 9:30am to 5:30pm on these days, attend this charity event with your pet for live dock diving, dog races, and more. Admission is free for children under 5, 5 dollars for children 6-16 and 10 dollars for children above 16.
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