Events

Do you happen to be craving a Cheeseburger in Paradise? Well you’re in luck because we have just the thing to fix you up! Join us at Put-in-Bay for Phlocking of the Phaithful, the annual Jimmy Buffet tribute weekend. Find yourself ‘wasting away again in margaritaville’ and join other Parrot Heads guaranteed to have a great time! This is one of the funnest weekend on the Put-in-Bay calendar of events, so don’t miss out. Even the local businesses join in on the fun and decorate their storefronts for the occasion. Some even offer special promotions and events for those phaithful...

The Mills Trophy Race, sponsored by the Toledo Yacht Club, is known as ‘THE’ sailing race of the Lake Erie islands. Dating back to 1907 the original intention of the event was to merely test the navigational skills of the Lake Erie locals. Since then the race has been honored nearly every year ever since. What makes this race unique is that you compete at night. Put-in-Bay became more involved in the race in 1981 because it began at the harbor light and ended here at Put-in-Bay. Nearly 35+ years later the tradition still stands and the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club’s...

Nothing ignites the spirit greater than the strumming strings of a banjo, right? If you agree, then join us for a weekend full of blue-grassy music at the Put-in-Bay Ohio Music Festival. This will be a weekend full of talented full bluegrass entertainment to keep your foot tapping and your hands clapping. The main event will be hosted at Perry’s Victory, the most notable historical landmark and National Park Monument on the island. There will be live music, dancing, delicious food, and great drinks right on site! Places to Visit Around Put-in-Bay You’ll come to Put-in-Bay for the Put-in-Bay Music...

The purpose of Wild Tuesdays is to educate visitors on Ohio’s native wildlife by providing an up-close and often hands-on interactive experience. There is always an amazing group of speakers who come out for each individual topic. Weekly topics last year included: Salamanders, Invasive Species, Snakes, Sunny Days, Birds, Bats, Fish, and Dragonflies. These programs are sponsored by: Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center, Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, The Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory, and Miller Boat Line. The following is a list of Wild Tuesdays this year: June 11 June 18 June 25 July 2 July 9 July...

Join locals and visitors of Put-in-Bay as we welcome the US Brig Niagara for the 2nd Annual Put-in-Bay Maritime Celebration. This historic replica is traditionally at the port in Erie, PA, but we it will be OURS for one weekend this summer. Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry commanded the original relief vessel and was a key element to the success of the War of 1812. Now, this replica’s use is exhibition and sailing training. Thanks to the Put-in-Bay Jet Express, Lake Erie Shores & Islands and the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce the Niagara’s visit was made possible by their joint sponsorship....

There is no better feeling than bringing your fur-baby along for a little adventure. Join us for our annual Put-in-Bay Ohio Pooch Parade. Registration begins at 10 am at the DeRivera Park gazebo and this long-standing island event promptly starts 10:30 am. Your dog can enter the parade for a nominal $10 entry fee. Registration includes a doggie goodie bag and you can compete for prizes as well. Looking for a way to show everyone that your dog is the best? We are sure your pup will find a way into the judge’s hearts through a number of categories. Judges will...

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 on the community as a whole. Founder’s Day is sponsored...

Put-in-Bay offers a week-long arts program for children of all ages each summer called Arts on Erie. The children meet on the back porch at Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial Visitor Center and participate in various crafts and art-based activities. Each day the child will create a craft during the week. There are two sessions available. The first session will be from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. The second session will be from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Local artists are kind enough to come teach the program and all the supplies are provided by the Visitor’s Center. In...

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 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 in this hot Put-in-Bay Ohio summer weekend. Additionally, the best adult pirate costume wins a trip to the Cayman Islands! Sounds...