Festivals & Fairs

One of the most heartfelt weekends of the summer is Founder’s Day. Jose DeRivera was a Hispanic merchant who purchased the South Bass, Middle Bass, Sugar, Gibraltar, Ballast, and Starve Islands for the sum of $44,000 in 1854. Then, Jose sold off parcels of the land to the community for a fraction of the price. He sold the school property for $1 and the St. Paul’s church property for $10. Founder’s Day is in place to celebrate the rich history, strong island heritage and the impact DeRivera’s good deeds had...View More

For over 10 years in a row pirates be invadin’ Put-in-Bay’s downtown harbor on Friday at 4:00 PM to open the Annual Put-in-Bay Pyrate Fest. Grab your wooden leg and your pet parrot, because you’re going to need them. Saturday will be an exciting day for kids and adult full of fun activities. Make sure you don’t miss the Pirate Parade downtown and the best Costume Contest this side of Lake Erie. Adults and children are both encouraged to participate. Additionally, the best adult pirate costume wins a trip to...View More

If you love great summer weather and good times, and you’re also a history buff, this is the Put-in-Bay weekend for you. Put-in-Bay Historical Weekend is a grand occasion where the island remembers its incredible place in American history with reenactments, live entertainment, and art. It’s an excellent opportunity to have fun, learn, and enjoy Put-in-Bay for a weekend The Battle of Lake Erie The War of 1812 was not going particularly well for the fledgling nation of America prior to September 10, 1813. The British mounted many successful campaigns...View More

Art In The Park is an excellent event in downtown Put-in-Bay during the Put-in-Bay Historical Weekend. DeRivera Park welcomes dozens of artisans and craftspeople to share their love of art with the community. You can come to the park and just enjoy their work and exhibits. There will also be works available for purchase that can act as the perfect souvenir to take home with you, either for yourself or as a gift for family. Art In The Park will also feature a silent auction. Beautiful pieces of island artwork...View More

Ready to celebrate like the Irish? At Put-In-Bay, we celebrate St. Patty’s day twice! Join Put-in-Bay for the celebration of the halfway mark to St. Patrick’s Day. The parade begins at 1:45 pm, sponsored by Hooligans Irish Pub. Of course, the parade features a drum and bagpipe marching band. Children and adults alike enjoy dressing up in green to join in the fun. Or, come dressed to impress in your traditional Irish garb. No matter what heritage you celebrate, you’re invited to be Irish for a day on Put-in-Bay! Celebrate...View More

Wine is always a big deal up at Put-in-Bay thanks to Heineman Winery and Put-in-Bay Winery. These are two of Put-in-Bay’s marquee destinations. But if you are a really big wine fan, Put-in-Bay also has a fantastic event to enjoy even more wine! Put-in-Bay Winery plays host to the Island Wine Festival on the same weekend as the big Put-in-Bay Fall Ball Party. There will be hundreds of different wines available for everyone to sample and enjoy. Admission will only be $6, and the event will last from 11:00 AM...View More

As much as you’d maybe like to, you probably aren’t going to manage to make it over to Germany for Oktoberfest. Now that’s a tough trip. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your own little slice of Germany right in Ohio’s own backyard. Keep a trip to Bavaria on your bucket list for one more year and do Oktoberfest island-style instead! Join us for a weekend of fun, festive music, bratwurst, cabbage, and of course, plenty of beer! Island Oktoberfest is a Put-in-Bay tradition that can’t be beat!...View More

We don’t mean to put you on the clock, but if you haven’t made it up to Put-in-Bay this season, and it’s almost Halloween, you’re just about out of time! So grab that funny, spooky or clever costume, and get up to the island for the Halloween Boo Bash at the Bay! We’re expecting over 2,000 in attendance, and we will have the ice cold drinks to accommodate many more than that. There’s also going to be amazing live entertainment. It’s the best Halloween party in Ohio! But you had...View More