We will be breaking down the highlights of each month here on Put-in-Bay. Each month brings something unique to the island. Put-in-Bay, Ohio is the perfect getaway no matter the time of the year! Learn about what each month and season brings to this amazing Lake Erie island. The winter brings a halt to tourism to South Bass Island. Put-in-Bay Island opens the first of April and brings iconic events and adventures! Start planning your bay vacation today.
April Highlights
Put-in-Bay hotels, resorts, rental homes, golf carts, the Jet Express, Miller Ferry, and so much more open for the season on April 1st. Visitors and island natives alike have been awaiting the exciting day when Put-in-Bay is open! The unofficial kick-off to the season is the Pajama Party held at Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grill. Wear your favorite PJs to this bash on the island! This party hosts amazing Dj’s and awesome prizes. The weekend ends with the Whisky Light Celebration at the Round House Bar. This iconic light turns on and ushers in the busy season on the island!
Fishing is wildly popular on South Bass Island during April. Walleye and Perch can be found in the shallow waters of Lake Erie. Springtime is the perfect time to catch these fish before they migrate into the deeper waters of the lake.
April is the best month to host a Bachelorette or Bachelor party! There are two weekends that are wildly popular to celebrate upcoming nuptials. The first and third weekends are known for the high number of wedding parties on the island!
Spring is a popular time for bird enthusiasts to come to South Bass Island. State parks are filled with those looking to catch a glimpse of the birds of Lake Erie. Bird Watchers from Sandusky, Cleveland, Catawba, and all over the United States come to the island to relax and explore.
May Highlights
The arrival of summer brings Put-in-Bay Spring Fling on the first weekend of May. This annual party brings the island together with dancing, drinks, and live entertainment. The Spring Fling is the perfect weekend to take the Put-in-Bay ferry over and enjoy all the island has to offer like cruising around on a golf cart and learning about the War of 1812 at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. Bay lodging is popular this weekend so make sure to plan ahead!
The best place to celebrate the holidays is on Lake Erie Island. In May there are celebrations for Cinco De Mayo, Mardi Gras, Mother’s Day, and so much more. There are so many upcoming events in May. Sometimes the best event is just hanging out at Joe’s Bar and catching up with old friends.
The end of May brings the long-awaited Put-in-Bay Memorial Day Weekend Bash on the Bay! So much family fun to be had. This weekend brings historical reenactments, amazing nightlife, the firing of cannons, a classic car parade, and celebrating those who have fought for the United States.
June Events
The beginning of June brings the opening of Perry’s Victory Visitor Center. The center is located right by the beautiful monument that commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie. Rangers at the center are there to answer any questions and are a wealth a knowledge regarding the history of the island.
Every summer in June The Toledo Yacht Club hosts The Invitation Mills Trophy Race which dates back to 1907. The race ends at Put-in-Bay Island. Racers stay on the island to celebrate for the rest of the weekend. Put-in-Bay lodging has been accommodating racegoers for more than 35+ years.
The Pooch Parade is hosted every June on Put-in-Bay. The perfect weekend to bring your four-legged to the island. Judges come to name the cutest, smallest, largest, most talented, and more during this parade! There are so many dog-friendly lodging options that are available so you can enjoy the weekend with friends, family, and your dog. The island club and Commodore resort are two fantastic options for pet-friendly vacation rentals!
July Events
Fourth of July kicks off this month with a fun-filled celebration of The United States Independence. Put-in-Bay is known for its 4th firework display. One of the best places to catch this display is at the Waterfront Condos on Lake Erie. Another popular place to view the fireworks is from the lawn of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
Calling all Jeep lovers! Put-in-Bay Jeep Invasion brings vintage Jeeps and antique cars to the island every summer. There scavenger hunts, banquets, and car parades scheduled for this weekend for car lovers.
August Events
As the summer starts to come to a close, Put-in-Bay events are just getting started. Boaters are flocking to Lake Erie to soak up the sun. Jet skis and kayaks are exploring the lake as well!
The Annual Volleyball tournament is a favorite on the island. Over 2,500 participants come to compete! Come join in on this USAV outdoor tournament.
The biggest event of the summer happens near the end of August! The Bash on the Bay! This annual music festival brings world-class entertainment like Kid Rock, Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, and more! This two-night event draws tens of thousands of concert-goers every single year. The Put-in-Bay Airport turns into the perfect place to soak in the summer breeze and amazing talent! Put-in-Bay condos, rental homes, and Put-in-Bay resorts book fast for these dates. Book your stay and tickets as soon as possible so you can be apart of this amazing event!
September Events
Labor Day is the best long weekend to come explore all that Lake Erie has to offer. It is one big party for the whole family! Put-in-Bay restaurants and bars have live entertainment and DJs ready to celebrate. Mr. Ed’s Bar and Grille is always busy and fun this weekend! Visit Perry’s Victory Monument and learn about Oliver Hazard Perry. Perry’s Cave will be open and there is so much family fun to be had. The Put-in-Bay Taxis will be running all weekend round to take you around the island. If you want to explore at your own pace, a cheap limo service in scottsdale is perfect ! Put-in-Bay is truly a vacation destination.
Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day is a beloved tradition on South Bass. This celebration is complete with a parade with bagpipes and enjoying a pint at Hooligan’s Irish Pub. This big island party is a family-friendly event that should not be missed!
October Events
October brings the ending of the tourism season on Put-in-Bay. With that being said, October is jam-packed with amazing events to end the season with a bang!
The arrival of autumn and the first weekend of October bring along the Put-in-Bay Fall Ball Customer Appreciation Party at the Island Club. This annual end-of-season party brings the island together with fresh cooked food, camaraderie, dancing, drinks, and live entertainment. The Fall Ball is the perfect weekend to take the Put-in-Bay ferry over and enjoy all the island has to offer like cruising around on a golf cart and learning about the War of 1812 at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial while also watching college football games on the big screen at the party. While watching, you can also bet on that game as well by going to sites like the top casino online. Bay lodging is popular this weekend so make sure to plan ahead!
The Wine Festival is a highlight during the month of October. Many do not know about the rich winemaking history of Put-in-Bay. This is a fantastic event to sample wine made on the island, all over the United States and the world! You can even book a tour of the Put-in-Bay Winery. This weekend also includes an amazing silent auction that benefits the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society.
The end of the season brings the Wake, a 35-year-old tradition of burying the summer season. Pay your respects to the casket and party the night away for one of the last times of the year!
No matter the time of the year, Put-in-Bay is a blast! There are always so many events and attractions to see. Visitors come back time and time again to take in the beauty of Lake Erie. We hope to see you on the island starting in April! Join us and see why Put-in-Bay is the Key West of North.