July
Canada Day | July 1
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Head to Firemen’s Park in Niagara Falls from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a day filled with multicultural music, interactive shows for kids, inflatables, food, vendors and more.
Canada Day | July 1
Amherstburg, Ontario
Celebrate Canada Day with a full day of events in Amherstburg, from a variety of family-friendly fun — including a 5K run/walk, kids’ dash, face painting and scavenger hunt — and music, food, fireworks and more.
Lights Over Lake Erie | July 3
Erie, Pennsylvania
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks on Erie's bayfront. The fireworks will be launched from the Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing at 10 p.m.
Fourth of July Fireworks | July 4
Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie Islands
Enjoy the Fourth of July fireworks like never before as island businesses and partners come together to sponsor one of the most spectacular fireworks displays on all of Lake Erie. The rockets are launched from a barge towed out into the middle of the Bay and the best viewing locations are always on the Perry’s Victory lawn and along the seawall. For a little more creature comfort, find a seat (VERY early!) at the Boardwalk or The Keys. Music from the Perry’s Victory Visitor Center accompanies the beautiful display.
Light Up the Point Presented by M&M’s | July 4-5
Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio
One of the largest fireworks displays in the Midwest will ignite the night at Cedar Point for two nights. Set to an electric summertime soundtrack with patriotic melodies and today’s hits, the display will overtake the skies above the famous Cedar Point Beach near the front of the park at approximately 10 p.m.
Huron River Fest | July 11-12
Huron, Ohio
Take advantage of summertime at this annual festival that celebrates Huron and its waterfront during the multiday event featuring a parade, live music, food vendors, carnival rides, craft booths and a fireworks display over the river.
Panegyri Greek Festival | July 11-12
Erie, Pennsylvania
The Panegyri Greek Festival is Erie's largest heritage festival, drawing thousands looking to experience Greek culture firsthand. Enjoy authentic cuisine, music, dance performances, church tours, vendors and more. Admission and parking are free. The festival takes place rain or shine.
Taste of Buffalo | July 12-13
Buffalo, New York
Name one of the “10 best food and wine festivals you can feel good about attending” by USA Today, dine on dishes from more than 40 greater Buffalo area restaurants during this annual food festival — a staple of the community since 1984.
Canal Fest of the Tonawandas | July 13-20
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Get ready for an exciting eight-day extravaganza complete with tons of live music, food and drink vendors, rides, games, a parade, car and bike cruise, arts and crafts, chalk shows and more.
Put-in-Bay Jeep Invasion | July 17-19
Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie Islands
Bring your Jeep up to the Bay for this annual event complete with a scavenger hunt, antique car show, parade and more.
Island Fest | July 18-20
Kelleys Island, Lake Erie Islands
Hosted by the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce, this annual event welcomes all to celebrate this magnificent Lake Erie Island. Enjoy a parade, fireworks, games, live music, food and artisan vendors and much more.
Amherstburg Art Crawl | July 18-20
Amherstburg, Ontario
Celebrate all forms of the arts and foster creativity by spending a weekend strolling through the downtown streets of Amherstburg. Take part in live demonstrations, interactive lessons and opportunities to meet local artists.
3rd Thursday Downtown Concerts | July 17
Vermilion, Ohio
Explore downtown Vermilion as it is turned into a Norman Rockwell setting reminiscent of a New England town nestled into the coast of Lake Erie. Enjoy an exciting array of free musical entertainment, from country, jazz and rock to island, Russian folk, Irish, pop and much more while browsing the shops, boutiques and restaurants of this quaint historic area.
Middle Bass Music Fest | July 19
Middle Bass Island, Lake Erie Islands
Middle Bass is an island escape without the loud and crowd, and you can take in a low-key daylong fest with food, drinks and live entertainment at its annual Music Festival.
Blazing Paddles Paddlefest | July 19
Cleveland, Ohio
Celebrate the city’s hardworking, scenic and historic Cuyahoga River during this seventh annual event. Paddlers can enjoy scenic views of Cleveland’s lakefront skyline and the Cuyahoga River while they leisurely paddle along — meanwhile, those looking for a competition can enter one of the several different distance races.
Discover Presque Isle | July 21-27
Erie, Pennsylvania
Celebrate Presque Isle for an entire week of celebrations highlighting the park’s wide range of recreational opportunities and diverse ecosystems. Enjoy guided likes, archery, pancake breakfasts, live music, sand sculpture competitions, a giant bonfire, lighthouse tours and much more.
Wine & Walleye Festival | July 25-27
Ashtabula, Ohio
Got grapes? Ashtabula does. During this annual festival, the city encourages guests to eat, drink, shop and enjoy. That includes a fishing tournament, tastings, fireworks and entertainment like tours of Tall Ship the Lettie G. Howard, the only surviving example of a Fredonia-model fishing schooner.
Arts @ the Marina | July 26-27
Leamington, Ontario
The South Essex Arts Association/Leamington Arts Centre proudly present this annual arts and crafts show. The two-day event held at the scenic lakeside Leamington Municipal Marina and Rick Atkin Park, features dozens of artisans, live local music, children's activities, food and refreshments.
Amherstburg’s Gone Crazy Car Show | July 27
Amherstburg, Ontario
Last year, more than 700 cars showed up to what is quickly becoming a beloved annual affair. Check out an array of muscle cars, classic cars, rat rods, tuner cars, luxury cars, street rods, sports cars and custom jeeps and trucks. Plus, enjoy live entertainment.
Queen City Jazz Festival | July 31
Buffalo, New York
Duke Ellington toured to Buffalo 19 times. Count Basie Orchestra played in town 23 times, and jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday also took the stage at The Colored Musicians Club, formed in 1917 during segregation. The club is the longest continuously operating African American musicians’ organization, and it holds the annual Queen City Jazz Festival at Lafayette Square to recreate the experience. Foot tapping and food trucks for free.
August
Vermilion Beach Market | Aug. 1-2
Shop by the beach during this ninth annual event featuring more than 100 vendors selling vintage, shabby and chic items, from furniture and home decor to jewelry, clothing and art. When it’s time to take a break, grab a drink at the beachside wine bar and snack at food booths.
Lakewood Arts Festival | Aug. 2
This festival transforms Detroit Avenue into an outdoor gallery, showcasing a juried selection of fine arts and crafts from over 160 artists. Attendees can also enjoy live music, food vendors and family activities, making it a vibrant community highlight that draws thousands and supports local arts.
Erie’s Blues & Jazz Festival | Aug. 2-3
Erie, Pennsylvania
Swing to the rhythm of tons of talented national, regional and local blues and jazz artists performing from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in a beautiful outdoor setting. Admission is free.
Lucille Ball Comedy Festival | Aug. 7-10
Jamestown, New York
Comedy legend Lucille Ball’s legacy lives on with the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival that showcases up-and-coming talent from around the country and comedy’s biggest stars. “This festival is not just for Lucy fans, but for anyone who loves live comedy,” says Gary Hahn of the National Comedy Center, an interactive venue named Best New Museum in the Country by USA Today. What’s on stage at this year’s event? Check out headlining arena shows, and more than 50 live events in venues throughout Jamestown, including stand-up comedy showcases, late-night comedy, block parties, live music, kids’ comedy, movie nights and I Love Lucy legacy shows.
Bash on the Bay | Aug. 13-14
Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie Islands
Participate in one of the island’s most exciting events of the year — Bash on the Bay, an annual country music festival bringing enormous musical acts, including Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt.
D-Day Conneaut | Aug. 14-16
Conneaut, Ohio
D-Day Ohio invades the Conneaut shores for the largest reenactment of its kind in the country. The living tribute to WWII veterans includes mock battles, living history displays and more than 1,500 reenactors in attendance.
Mentor City Fest | Aug. 15-16
Mentor, Ohio
Get ready for an explosion of fun as Mentor Civic Center Park transforms into a vibrant hub of excitement during the two-day festival packed with live music, a gigantic Kids Zone, mouthwatering food, a spectacular parade and a Color Dash & Walk.
Farm Fest | Aug. 15-17
Amherstburg, Ontario
Experience the charm of the countryside in the heart of downtown Amherstburg during this three-day hands-on adventure featuring pedal tractors, animals, agriculture-themed activities and more.
CelebrateErie | Aug. 15-17
Erie, Pennsylvania
Don’t miss this three-festival bringing people together for a regional showcase of local art, food, culture, music and more. Festivities spread across several downtown Erie districts. Mainstage performances begin at 5:30 p.m.
Barefoot at the Beach | Aug. 16
Relax your toes in the sand during a spectacular evening at Maumee Bay State Park featuring multiple food venues, a band, DJ, fireworks and more. This event raises money to support the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo.
Port Dover Summer Fest | Aug. 16-17
Port Dover, Ontario
Also called Art in the Park, this festival includes a fun component for bibliophiles — pre-loved books and magazines. Peruse antiques, crafts and arts by makers of all sorts. While you’re there, check out the charming town’s boutiques and steal away to the lakefront with a blanket to take in a sunset.
Benson Ford Ship House Public Tour | Aug. 17
Put-in-Bay, Lake Erie Islands
Get the chance to get a peek inside one of the most unique houses in America, right on South Bass Island. Put-in-Bay’s famous Benson Ford Ship house will be open to the public for tours. It’s incredible to walk through and imagine the people cruising along Lake Erie in it over the last century before it was decommissioned and turned into what it is today.
Tall Ships Erie | Aug. 21-24
Erie, Pennsylvania
Tall Ships Erie returns to Erie’s bayfront for a spectacular display of maritime pride. Get up close with a fleet of majestic tall ships, including Erie’s own Lettie G. Howard. Visitors can enjoy deck tours, day sails and a variety of attractions such as food and drink vendors, a kids’ zone, live music and educational lectures.
3rd Thursday Downtown Concerts | Aug. 21
Vermilion, Ohio
Explore downtown Vermilion as it is turned into a Norman Rockwell setting reminiscent of a New England town nestled into the coast of Lake Erie. Enjoy an exciting array of free musical entertainment, from country, jazz and rock to island, Russian folk, Irish, pop and much more while browsing the shops, boutiques and restaurants of this quaint historic area.
Latin Fest | Aug. 22-24
Dance, dine and celebrate Latin American culture as Amherstburg comes alive with the sights, sounds and flavors of this rich and diverse culture with dances, musical performances, demonstrations and a variety of vendors.
German American Festival | Aug. 22-24
Toledo, Ohio
Get ready for Toledo's premier German American Festival! For over 50 years, this event has brought authentic German food, imported beers, music, and folk dancing to life. Enjoy traditional contests and kid-friendly activities while supporting the German and Swiss cultural center and local charities. Come say "Prost!" and experience a true celebration of heritage!
Zabawa Polish Festival | Aug. 22-24
Erie, Pennsylvania
Celebrate Polish heritage during this 32nd annual free event featuring live music, spirited dancing and polka masses. Savor the flavor of authentic Polish cuisine, baked goods and beverages, served fresh daily.
ART by the RIVER | Aug. 23-24
Amherstburg, Ontario
Since 1967, this annual arts and crafts festival has grown into a beloved end of summer tradition in Amherstburg that attracts more than 170 artists from all over Ontario.
Perch, Peach, Pierogi and Polka Festival | Aug. 29-31
Port Clinton, Ohio
Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the four Ps — Perch, Pierogis, Polish Sausage and Peaches. Dine on-site at Denny Bergeman Hall and listen to live bands or get carryout to take back to the beach! Don’t miss polka lessons on Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 5 p.m.
German Heritage Festival | Aug. 30-31
Experience authentic German food, dancing, vendors and beer during this two-day festival celebrating German culture. The event, which is organized by DANK Chapter 71 of Erie and Lake Erie Fanfare, will be held at St. Nicks Grove.
National Buffalo Wing Festival | Aug. 30-31
Buffalo, New York
Sample wings — hot, not and creative — and add a beverage to round out your Labor Day Weekend celebrating America’s favorite appetizer, born in Bufalo’s notable Anchor Bar in 1964. Yes, there’s a wing-eating contest for amateurs, while pros have their own competition. Enjoy the music and know your ticket’s proceeds benefit local charities.