Events
June 2026
featured events
Big Day at the Bay
Sale Away
Oktoberfest
Put-in-Bay Skelly Hunt
Halloween at the Bay
Upcoming Events
Boom at the Bay
Wild Tuesday – Nature’s Nursery – Backyard Wildlife
Put-in-Bay Jeep Fest
The World’s Largest Rubber Duck
52nd Founders Day at Put-in-Bay: Celebrating Heritage and Community Sponsored by Shores & Islands Ohio
Join us for the 52nd annual Founders Day at DeRivera Park in downtown Put-in-Bay, Ohio.
The day kicks off with the Pooch Parade at 10 AM, followed by Founders Day festivities from 11 AM to 4 PM. Bring your pup, dress them up, and start the day with one of the island’s most fun traditions before heading into the main event.
Founders Day celebrates the legacy of Jose DeRivera, the Spanish merchant who purchased South Bass Island in 1854 and helped shape the community we know today.
Throughout the day, DeRivera Park will be filled with local vendors and activities. It’s a laid-back, family-friendly event that highlights the island’s history and community.
Vendor registration closes on May 23, 2026.
Bring your pup and join the fun at the Put-in-Bay Pooch Parade! Dress up your dog in their best costume and show them off as they parade through downtown.
This family-friendly event is part of Founders Day weekend and welcomes locals and visitors alike. Whether your dog is dressed as a pirate, princess, or something totally unique, all are welcome to participate.
Event Details:
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Location: DeRivera Park Gazebo
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Time: 10AM
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Registration: Pre-register below (by clicking the ‘Vendor Registration‘ button) or register in the park on the day of the event.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center.
Prizes will be awarded in four categories: smallest, largest, best costume, and best group costume.
Participants will have the chance to show off their dogs, enjoy the island atmosphere, and be part of one of the most fun and lighthearted events of the season.
Dog-Friendly Put-in-Bay Options During Pooch Parade
Bringing your pup to the Pooch Parade? Here are some pet-friendly lodging and outdoor dining options currently confirmed by the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Pet-Friendly Lodging
- Bay Club Cottages
- Bay Lodging
- Bird’s Nest Resort
- Commodore Resort
- Getaway Inn
- Island Club
- South Bass Island State Park
Pet-Friendly Outdoor Dining (Outdoor patio areas only unless otherwise noted)
- The Keys
- Dairy Isle
- The Boardwalk (Lower Deck)
- Rita’s Cantina
- Hooligans Irish Pub
- Put-in-Bay Winery
- Crew’s Nest (Patio)
- The Reel Bar
- Put-in-Bay Brewery & Distillery
- The Dog House
- Chicken Patio
- Frosty’s Bar (Backyard & Big Man Burrito Stand)
- Joe’s Bar
- The Goat Soup and Whiskey (Das Lokal Biergarten)
- Heineman’s Winery (Dog Garden)
- Dan Dee’s Snack Shack
- The Boathouse Bar & Grill
- Noddi’s Java
- PIB Candy Bar
Pet policies can change and are subject to each business’s discretion.
The Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum is reviving the Founder’s Day “Ox Roast” at the DeRivera Park event celebrating Founder Jose DeRivera. Today is also the 110th Anniversary of the opening of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. DeRivera was a Spanish merchant who feel in love with the Lake Erie Islands and in 1854, he bought six Lake Erie Islands, including South Bass Island DeRivera donated the land for the first church, the first schoolhouse and downtown park property that bears his name.
Benson Ford Shiphouse Tours: An Exclusive Look Inside a Put-in-Bay Icon Sponsored by Shores & Islands Ohio
Tour the historic Benson Ford Shiphouse on June 14, 2026, from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Originally part of a Ford Motor Company cargo ship, this one-of-a-kind home is rarely open to the public. This is a unique opportunity to step inside and experience one of Put-in-Bay’s most iconic and unusual properties.
Tickets are required and available through Eventbrite, with proceeds supporting the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce, Alfred Parker Park, and local charities.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive by taxi, shuttle, or golf cart. Limited golf cart parking will be available at Alfred Parker Park, followed by a short walk to the property.
Our first Island Pioneer Cemetery Walk of the season focuses on Jose DeRivera in tribute to Founder’s Day Weekend. Jose DeRivera was born in Barcelona, Spain, and built an import business in New York City. In 1854, he bought six Lake Erie Islands and had South Bass Island surveyed and subdivided into ten-acre lots. DeRivera traveled between New York and South Bass Island, initially turning Put-in-Bay into a sheep farm. He encouraged settlement on the island and its wine industry by helping German immigrants from Baden-Baden Germany purchase land to plant vineyards.
Come join us as we host Ohio Geological Survey for a Wild Tuesday! This weeks educational nature-themed program is all about geology. This event is free to the public and will be held on the back porch of the LEINWC.
Reel Bar’s 7th Annual Lake Erie Idol is happening this year. Sign up at Reel Bar or just come in for the fun! It’s all a bunch of fun to benefit a good cause.
June 18th, June 25th, July 2nd, and the finals July 9th.
Come join us to learn all about what birds like to eat and make a suet cake to hang in your own backyard. This event is free to the public and will be held on the back porch of the LEINWC.
Juneteenth at Put-in-Bay: A Day of Reflection and Celebration
Celebrate Juneteenth at Put-in-Bay, a day that honors freedom and the triumph of the human spirit. On June 19th, join us in commemorating this significant day in American history which marks the end of slavery and the beginning of a new era of hope and equality. Put-in-Bay invites visitors to reflect on the progress made since that pivotal day in 1865, and to celebrate the continuous journey towards equality and justice for all.
A Peaceful Day on the Bay
Juneteenth is a time for coming together with family and friends to appreciate the value of freedom, to learn about history, and to look forward with optimism. The serene and welcoming atmosphere of Put-in-Bay makes it the ideal location to observe this day of importance. Whether you’re taking a reflective walk along the bay, visiting the historical monuments, or enjoying a meal at one of the island’s establishments, this day is an opportunity to connect with a vital piece of America’s history in a peaceful, reflective environment.
Embrace the Spirit of Juneteenth
While Put-in-Bay has no specific events planned for Juneteenth, the island’s community spirit and rich history provide a backdrop for visitors to craft their own meaningful experiences. Engage in thoughtful discussion, partake in personal reflection, or simply enjoy the liberties of leisure and recreation on the island as an observance of the day.
Discover History at Your Own Pace
The leisurely pace of life on the island allows for a deep dive into the significance of Juneteenth. We encourage visitors to explore the historic sites around Put-in-Bay, where echoes of the past inform the present. Through education and recognition, we can all celebrate the progress made while acknowledging the work that remains in the pursuit of equality.
A Unified Community
Put-in-Bay prides itself on being a community that celebrates diversity and embraces the values symbolized by Juneteenth. We welcome all who wish to honor this day in a space that cherishes freedom, commemorates history, and supports a future where equality is not just an ideal, but a reality for all.
Plan Your Visit
As Juneteenth aligns with the onset of summer, it’s also the perfect time to plan a trip to Put-in-Bay. Discover our array of lodging options and island attractions that offer something for everyone. Visit Put-in-Bay and let the island’s tranquil beauty provide the perfect setting for a Juneteenth filled with remembrance and hope.
Ohio’s Island Wine Festival: A Celebration of Wine and Island Charm Sponsored by Shores & Islands Ohio
Enjoy a day of wine tastings, live music by Bob Gatewood, and local vendors at Heineman’s Winery during the Island Wine Festival presented by the Ohio Wine Producers Association. Featuring wineries from across Ohio, this annual event is a celebration of great wine and island atmosphere.
Your ticket includes sample tastings, a souvenir wine glass, and a tote bag for the first 800 attendees. Browse local vendors, bid in the silent auction, and relax with live entertainment throughout the day.
This year’s Wine Fest will feature one of Put-in-Bay’s favorite entertainers, Bob Gatewood, performing an extended set from 12:00 to 4:00 PM on June 20th. Festival-goers can look forward to hearing Gatewood’s beloved island classics, including the official song of the island, “Friends-of-the-Bay”, alongside a selection of timeless rock favorites.Celebrating 40 years of performing on the island, Gatewood has been a dedicated resident and business owner, sharing his music with the community for decades. His latest album has garnered radio attention, and his fourth single, “Hard to Be Human Sometimes”, is featured on the playlist of local powerhouse Mix 102.7.Gatewood first made his mark in the 1980s at the Round House Bar with his band, Calabash, and has since played virtually every venue, church, and community event on the island. This summer, fans can catch him performing both with the band and as a solo artist at top local spots, including The Round House Bar, The Reel Bar, The Boat House, and the Beer Barrel. Always exploring new horizons, Gatewood shares videos from his off-season travels and performances on social media, keeping fans connected to his musical journey year-round.Don’t miss this first-ever performance at this years wine fest at Heineman’s Winery.
Find Family Fun in Put-in-Bay
There’s something for everyone on The Island! From cave exploration to minigolf, your family will be able to disconnect from technology and enjoy a variety of kid-friendly activities.
Our listing of kid’s activities, along with a helpful map, will allow you to make the most of your trip and ensure the whole group experiences the best of Put-in-Bay!