8 Lake Erie Festivals to Enjoy this Summer

Kelleys Island has long been a destination for Ohio travelers looking for a bit of island time without leaving the Buckeye State. From the Glacial Grooves that mark the ice age in our area, to the quaint shops and inns, this island is Ohio’s second largest, and offers a wealth of activities and events including Island Fest. This annual summer celebration welcomes locals and visitors to enjoy plenty of activities that summer wouldn’t be complete without, but they are just one great festival to enjoy this summer on our Lake Erie shore. 

Island Fest | July 18-20
Each year, this festival held on Kelleys Island draws large crowds for a weekend full of delicious food, fireworks and live music. Set for July 18 through 20, the festival retains its beloved traditions, such as the Friday and Saturday night street dances and the Saturday morning parade. New this summer is the theme of “Boats n’ Boots,” which will be exemplified on floats that roll through the parade.

Middle Bass Music Festival | July 19 
An island festival centered around music is the perfect way to spend a summer evening. On July 19, hop on a ferry to Middle Bass Island to enjoy a celebration of music and art on the lake. This year’s featured performances include, The Chatfield Boys, November Blue, The Jim Cummings Band and Cats on Holiday. Located at the Lonz Winery, the festival is also features an arts and crafts tent, food trucks and art activities for kids.

Wine & Walleye Festival | July 25-27
If you’re in pursuit of the perfect pairing, look no further than the Wine and Walleye Festival. Held in the Historic Ashtabula Harbor, this annual event draws in thousands of fish fanatics to revel in the abundance of fresh walleye that Lake Erie has to offer. Complete with wine tastings, food trucks, fireworks, fishing and a lighted boat parade, this festival is packed full of fun for people of all ages.

Chalk it Up! | Aug. 2
For those looking to add some color to their summer, check out this free event held in the town of Vermilion. Chalk It Up! celebrates 10 years in 2025, and brings in over 40 artists to fill Victory Park with stunning chalk illustrations, as well as opportunities for visitors to leave their mark. Aside from chalk drawings, downtown Vermilion offers a bounty of small businesses and unique local bites to enjoy throughout the day. 

Lake Erie Monster Festival | Aug. 2 
If you’re curious about what may be lurking under the waters of Lake Erie, you can learn all about Bessie, the lake monster, and other snippets of northeast Ohio folklore at this eccentric event. The Lake Erie Monster Festival, held at the Conneaut Arts Center, offers a family-friendly event filled with art, folklore and storytelling, all centered around the Lake Erie monster. The event will also feature monster art, face painting, inflatables, music and dance and much more. 

QuinStock | Aug. 2
Time travel back in time through music at Quinstock, held on Catawba Island and hosted by Twin Oast Brewing. On Aug. 2, wear your best decades-themed costumes and groove to music from all eras. Along with live entertainment, games, contests and food trucks, Twin Oast Brewing plans to release a specialty beer just for the festival: the Seed Spitter Watermelon Gose.

Jam by the Sand | Aug. 9
Shake up your summer with live rock music at this free, high-energy festival held along the shore in Fairport Harbor. At Jam by the Sand, set to take place on Aug. 5, five bands will take the stage to rock through the eras, playing both iconic covers and original music. Dance all day and into the night as you explore a bounty of local food trucks and vendors.

Bash on the Bay | Aug. 13-14
Enjoy live country music backdropped by Lake Erie at this festival that features a celebrity-filled lineup of performers. Wednesday night brings headliner Luke Bryan to the stage with Ashley McBryde, while Thursday features Bret Michaels, Russell Dickerson and headliner Sam Hunt. Along with these unforgettable performances at Put-In-Bay Airport, enjoy delicious food and other great performers.

For more Ohio travel inspiration, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters. 

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to the beauty, adventure and fun across our state.