Big Day at the Bay – September 26, 2026

Big Day at the Bay is Put-in-Bay’s ultimate end-of-season celebration — featuring a huge kids carnival, Monte Carlo-style street games, the Sale Away Weekend island-wide garage sale, and the annual Clambake at the Chicken Patio benefiting the Put-in-Bay Volunteer Fire Department. Sponsored by Shores & Islands Ohio, this full day of family fun brings together locals and visitors for one of the island’s most exciting community traditions.

From morning to evening, enjoy games, prizes, shopping deals, and festive island energy in downtown Put-in-Bay. Whether you’re browsing the sales, or spending the afternoon at the carnival, Big Day at the Bay offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Oktoberfest Put-in-Bay: A Bavarian Celebration Sponsored by Shores and Islands Ohio

Experience the rich Bavarian tradition at Put-in-Bay’s Oktoberfest on October 10-11, 2026. Hosted in DeRivera Park, this annual two-day festival celebrates German culture with fantastic food, spiced wine, and cold beer. Open on Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm, Oktoberfest Put-in-Bay promises a weekend filled with culinary delights and lively entertainment. Enjoy a range of German delicacies, including brats, potato pancakes, apple dumplings, and more, prepared by Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce member restaurants, complemented by beer from Put-in-Bay Brewery.

Admission:
$6 for a one-day pass
$9 for a two-day pass

Live music from the Phil Yan Polka Band Saturday and Sunday.

Traditional dancers on Saturday at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm.

A Culinary Journey Through Germany

Indulge in an array of German cuisine, from savory dishes like pierogi and chicken paprikash to comforting cabbage and noodles, all complemented by a selection of wonderful desserts.

Live Music and Dancing

The festival will feature live polka and German-style music from the Phil Yan Band, creating an authentic Oktoberfest Put-in-Bay atmosphere. Dance and enjoy the traditional melodies throughout the weekend.

Originally from Euclid, Ohio now residing in Ashtabula County, Phil Yan and his band have been bringing audiences fun music and good times for many years.

Phil is an original member of The Hobos Polka Band which appeared on the nationally televised Gong Show in 1977. The Hobos are a novelty polka band that really gets the crowd going with sing-a-longs and fun for all. The Hobos perform all over northeast Ohio and the surrounding area for private parties and events as well as on local television shows and Phil currently performs with The Hobos for several gigs a year.

In 2013, Frank Moravcik and Linda Hochevar joined forces with Phil and his son, Phil Yan, Jr. and formed the Phil Yan Band. The band brings the party with their high energy polkas, smooth waltzes, and variety of familiar pop favorites that will have you dancing and singing along. All four band members have been performing for many years allowing them to collectively provide a professional entertainment experience. The band performs locally but also travels to perform for any type of event large or small.

Phil plays the button accordion and the bass guitar and does vocals. His son, Phil, Jr., joined the band on the drums at a very young age and has been performing with his dad ever since. Frank adds his mini accordion and vocal talents and Linda helps to provide the music of their heritage with her button accordion stylings. Their love of their heritage and playing music really shines through in their performances!

Unique Souvenirs and Raffles

Browse through souvenir apparel and beer glasses available for sale, capturing the spirit of Oktoberfest. Participate in various raffles for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Two-Day Pass for Extended Fun

Consider purchasing a two-day pass for a discounted experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the festivities across both days.

Exploring Put-in-Bay’s Shopping Scene

In addition to the Oktoberfest, explore the retail shops at Put-in-Bay, offering a range of products and souvenirs to commemorate your visit.

Celebrating 30+ Years of Tradition

Join the commemoration of over 30 years of Oktoberfest joy, tradition, and community spirit at Put-in-Bay, an event that promises to be a memorable experience.

Put-in-Bay Skelly Hunt: A Spooky Scavenger Hunt

Get ready for a family-friendly adventure with the Put-in-Bay Skelly Hunt on October 17th, 2026, at Put-in-Bay! This island-wide scavenger hunt will have participants searching for spooky skeletons hidden around the island’s homes and businesses. The hunt is open to all ages, making it the perfect activity for both visitors and locals alike. Grab your friends and family, and join the fun as you explore Put-in-Bay and see how many “skellies” you can find!

Whether you’re here for the weekend or call the island home, this exciting event offers a great opportunity to discover Put-in-Bay’s many shops and hidden corners. Participants will be given clues to the general locations of skeletons, but finding them all is up to you! No addresses are provided, making this the ultimate test of your exploration skills.

What to Expect

• Date: October 17th, 2026
• Time: Start anytime during the day and explore at your own pace!
• Who Can Participate: All ages are welcome!

How It Works

Participants will receive a list of general areas where skeletons are hidden around the island. The challenge is to find as many skeletons as you can by exploring the various shops, homes, and public spaces on Put-in-Bay. Some skeletons will be in plain sight, while others might require a keen eye! Feel free to bring a camera and take pictures with your favorite “skellies” as you go.

Fun for Everyone

The Skelly Hunt isn’t just for kids! Adults can enjoy the hunt as well, while visiting some of Put-in-Bay’s finest local businesses. It’s a fantastic way to explore the island while embracing the spooky spirit of the Halloween season.

Don’t Miss Out

After completing the Skelly Hunt, stick around for more Put-in-Bay fall events and explore all the fun the island has to offer, like The Wake at Round House Bar! For more information about upcoming events, check out our Events Page.

Make this Halloween one to remember with the Put-in-Bay Skelly Hunt!

The Wake at the Round House Bar: A Unique End-of-Season Celebration

Join the local tradition of The Wake at the Round House Bar in Put-in-Bay on October 17, 2026. This unique event, now in its 37th year, symbolically mourns the end of another vibrant Put-in-Bay summer season. Guests are encouraged to dress in black to participate in the festivities, which include live music and a lively atmosphere. The Red Moon transforms into a Haunted Bar, offering a spooky journey through a season-ending casket display. The evening then continues at the Round House Bar for a night of cold drinks, live entertainment, and the iconic Put-in-Bay party atmosphere.

The Haunted Bar Experience

Explore the Red Moon’s transformation into a Haunted Bar, adding a thrilling twist to the traditional wake theme, complete with a casket representing the season’s end.

Live Entertainment and Party Atmosphere

The Round House Bar will be alive with music and celebration, offering a chance to enjoy one last night of Put-in-Bay’s famous entertainment and party scene for the season.

A Gathering for Seasonal Workers and Locals

The Wake coincides with Homecoming Weekend, where past seasonal workers return to relive their memories, making it a reunion of sorts for those who’ve spent summers at the Bay.

A Reflection on Put-in-Bay’s Winter Transformation

The event provides an opportunity to reflect on the stark contrast between the lively summer season and the quiet winter months when the island transforms into a more subdued, close-knit community.

Your Last Chance for a Put-in-Bay Visit This Year

For those who haven’t made Halloween plans, The Wake marks the last opportunity to experience Put-in-Bay before it winds down for the year.

Join in the Unique Festivities

Don’t miss this distinctive event that captures the spirit of Put-in-Bay. The Wake offers a blend of fun, nostalgia, and a unique way to bid farewell to the summer season.

Halloween at Put-in-Bay: A Spooky and Fun Celebration

Get ready for a spirited Halloween celebration at Put-in-Bay on October 24, 2026. This event invites you to experience Halloween a little early, with a mix of spooky fun and festive excitement. The local taverns will be decorated in Halloween themes, and the downtown streets of Put-in-Bay will be filled with people in costumes. Join us for one of the final weekends of the season, where the island transforms into a Halloween haven, offering a unique and thrilling experience for visitors and locals alike. Halloween at Put-in-Bay!

Costumed Revelry and Decorated Taverns

The streets of downtown Put-in-Bay will come alive with costumed party-goers, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere perfect for Halloween enthusiasts.

Experience the Halloween Spirit

This event is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the Halloween spirit in a lively and picturesque island setting, making it a memorable experience for all ages.

A Celebration for the Community

Halloween at Put-in-Bay is more than just an event; it’s a community celebration, marking one of the last opportunities to enjoy the island before the season ends.

Convenient Transportation Options

Explore the convenient transportation options available on the island, including the bus and tour train services, to make the most of your Halloween celebration.

Plan Your Ferry Trip

Be sure to check the Miller Ferry and Jet Express schedules as you plan your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to and from the island.

Join the Halloween Festivities

Whether you come for the costumes, the decorations, or simply to enjoy the festive atmosphere, Halloween at Put-in-Bay is an event that promises fun and excitement for everyone.

Mark the close of another incredible season at Put-in-Bay with the beloved Whiskey Light Turn-Off Celebration! Join us Sunday, October 25, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Round House Bar for one last spirited gathering.

This time-honored tradition invites locals, islanders, and visitors to come together as the iconic Whiskey Light sign is extinguished, signaling the end of the season. Stick around for live music, camaraderie, and a final “Sunday Funday” vibe topped off with Ray Fogg performing his classic, “Look for the Whiskey Light!”