Things to do in August at Put-in-Bay!

Many people come to Put-in-Bay to enjoy the great entertainment and fun at the island watering holes, but that’s not all there is to do on the islands. August is especially busy with great family and fun-filled events that belie the notion that the island is only a place to go drink and party. Here are just a few of the great events and activities you won’t want to miss in a typical August!

Ford Trimotor visits Put-in-Bay Airport

Recall the energy, passion, and excitement of the Roaring ’20s by flying aboard the Ford Trimotor. Known as the first luxury airliner, the Ford Trimotor redefined world travel and marked the beginning commercial flight. Trimotors also served the island from the 1930s to the 1970s. Liberty Air Museum in conjunction with EAA (EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION) will be flying the TAT Ford Trimotor out of the Put-in-Bay Port Airport for one day only, Monday, August 6th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting). This one-day tour stop will be a dual promotion for the Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation’s 1929 Island Airlines Ford Trimotor project. The THF trailer will be there to sell merchandise on the island, with all proceeds benefiting the other Island Airlines Ford Trimotor which is currently being rebuilt in the museum’s second hangar. Hopefully, this tour stop will be the beginning of many more future tour stops on the island! Advance tickets* are available at www.flytheford.org or by calling 1.877.952.5395 $75 for adults and $50 for children under 18. Five dollars from each seat sold in Liberty Aviation Museum’s 1928 Ford Trimotor will go directly to the Tri-Motor Heritage Foundation for the support of the Island Airlines Ford Trimotor project.

Put-in-Bay Island Green Week

If you want to get to know the islands much better than just driving a golf cart,  Put-in-Bay Island Green Week events running from Saturday, August 4th, through Saturday, August 11th, is one of our favorite things to do in August. Ohio’s Lake Erie Islands showcase nature, history, family fun and education during the annual week-long “Put-in-Bay Island Green Week” on Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island, Kelleys Island, and Gibraltar Island. The Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center, Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, Put-in-Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau, OSU’s Stone Laboratory, the Put-in-Bay Township Park District, and, for the first time, the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, have collaborated to produce a week of Ecotourism, Adventure Travel, Agritourism, and History sponsored by the Put-in-Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau, the Put-in-Bay Gazette, the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society, Miller Boat Line, the Goat, Jet Express, Frosty Bar, Cameo Pizza, The Boardwalk and Put-in-Bay Golf Carts

Part of Island Green Week is the two-day, self-guided tour of Put-in-Bay ~ the annual Eco-Ramble. Bicycle, rent a golf cart, or drive your
car and choose from among 32 sites on the island of Put-in-Bay, August 6th & 7th. Reserve your tickets & get more event details from Kendra at (419) 341-2725. The Island Green Week events are open to the public.

J.F. Walleye’s 5K Retro Run on Middle Bass

J.F. Walleye’s will kick off the annual 5K race on Middle Bass Island on Saturday, August 4th. Back to the old fun and games of the old times!
Come with your 80’s or 90’s running gear for even more fun. The race will begin between J.F. Walleye’s and the historic Lonz Winery with views across Lake Erie of the Put-in-Bay harbor and Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. The race will take you across Middle Bass Island and finishes at J.F. Walleye’s for a post-race party.

Middle Bass Island Poker Kayak Day

There will be a Poker Kayak Day on Saturday, August 4th, from 12 until 4 p.m. on Middle Bass Island. The cost is $20. Kayakers start and finish at the Middle Bass Island State Park west beach. The paddle around the island includes three additional stops, the State Park Marina, the MBI East Point Preserve and the Kuehnle State Wildlife Area/Petersen Woods Preserve. A welcome packet at the start has a description of the course and information about the stops. Stops are staffed with volunteers for safety and to distribute poker cards and snacks. The finish has a cook-out with hot-dogs, chips, and a bottle of water while 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners are determined. Proceeds from the event will benefit signage for the Put-in-Bay Township Park District’s newest preserves on Middle Bass Island. (Rain Date is August 5th) The Registration is available at the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy website.

Historic Lonz Winery Tours, Middle Bass Island

There will be tours of Historic Lonz Winery on Saturday, August 4th, Sunday, August 5th, and Saturday, August 11th, from 11 a.m.
to 5 p.m. on Middle Bass Island, The cost is free. Participants will get a guided tour of the iconic Lonz Winery and its cellars. On Saturday, August 4th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. only, the tour will be followed by a bonfire at the Middle Bass Island State Park. The Sonny-S Boat
Line Ferry To Middle Bass from Put-in-Bay. is available from the Boardwalk at Put-in-Bay to the main dock on Middle Bass. The Sonny S Ferry Prices are: One-way fares, cash only, Adults (13+) – $6, Children (6-12) $3, Children (under 6) Free.

Historic Aquatic Visitor Center Tours with Wild Saturday Outreach Program at Put-in-Bay

On August 4th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. there will be tours of the Aquatic Visitor Center. There is no cost for this. Visitors can stop by the Aquatic Visitors Center, about one mile west of downtown Put-in-Bay at the west end of the harbor, to experience Lake Erie science up close. Activities include inspecting Lake Erie’s complex ecosystem through hands-on displays, observing and identifying live fish in ten large aquariums, and discovering current research to protect Lake Erie. Children under age 16 can enjoy some Put-in-Bay Fishing pier for free. The facility is run by Ohio Sea Grant and OSU’s Stone Laboratory. Saturdays (August 4th and 11th) will also include special interpretive programs from 1 to 3 p.m.

Middle Bass Forested Wetland Dedication

The Put-in-Bay Township Park District will dedicate a new trail and preserve on Sunday, August 5th, at 1 p.m. on Middle Bass Island. Participants will meet at the sign on Fox Rd. at the Preserve. A cake reception will follow at the Middle Bass Island State Park Pavilion. The Sonny-S Boat Line is available for transportation from the Boardwalk at Put-in-Bay to the main dock on Middle Bass. The Sonny S ferry prices are: One-way fares, cash only. Adults (13+)- $6, Children (6-12) $3, Children (under 6) Free.

Eco-Tour & Fair, Put-in-Bay

The Eco-tour & Fair on Put-in-Bay will take place on Monday, August 6th, and Tuesday, August 7th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $20 for an adult, under 18 FREE, on South Bass Island. Participants may stop in at the Put-in-Bay Town Hall any time during these days to pick up
their tour packets that will include maps, tour booklets, several goodies, freebies, and coupons from island businesses. Several island businesses and artisans will be selling their wares at the Town Hall. This unique ramble and island tour will include over 32 fun nature and history related stops. Among the highlights planned will be: hiking Coopers Woods, seeing a natural cave, touring island vineyards and docent tours of Put-in-Bay Churches and other historic buildings. Discounts at several restaurants reduced entrance fees at attractions, and coupons for gift shops will be given to Island Ramblers. Proceeds will benefit the Put-in-Bay Township Park District and will be used to maintain and preserve Put-in-Bay Parks.

Miller Boat Line Stargazing Cruise

Put-in-Bay The Put-in-Bay Stargazing Cruise will take place on Monday, August 6th, at 8 p.m. The cost is adults $20 and kids $10. The ferry cruise will leave from the downtown Miller Boat Line dock on Put-in-Bay at 8 p.m. The stars will light up the sky as Cleveland State University instructor and astronomer, Jay Reynolds, will engage with the guests sharing information about the night sky, planets, and stars. Passengers will have an amazing opportunity to enjoy the show from outer space as the ferry boat travels around the Lake Erie Islands. Heineman Winery is donating wine. Delicious hors-d’oeuvres will be donated by Frosty Bar, The Put-in-Bay Gazette, and Cameo Pizza. Bring your own chair. Proceeds will benefit the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center’s Building Addition.

Wild Tuesdays – “Slitherin’ Snakes”, Put-in-Bay

Check out “slitherin’ snakes” at the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center on Tuesday, August 7th, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center. The is no cost. The purpose of the Wild Tuesdays programs is to educate visitors and local residents about Ohio’s native wildlife by providing up-close and hands-on interactive experiences. This week’s topic, Snakes, will be presented by Dr. Kristin Stanford from OSU’s Stone Laboratory, who was featured on “Dirty Jobs.” Kristin will be here with the Lake Erie Watersnake and other native snakes to teach about the importance of snakes on the islands.

Bonfire and Lantern Tour of Historic Hotel Victory Grounds, Put-in-Bay

South Bass Island State Park will host a free campfire and a lantern tour of the famous Hotel Victory grounds on Tuesday, August 7th, from 7:30 to 10 p.m. This family event will start with a beautiful sunset at South Bass Island State Park. A bonfire will be lit in the wooded group camping area near the glacial grooves, available throughout the evening for those who do not want to tour around the park. The tour
will highlight various still-existing features of the Hotel Victory, with information shared by a local historian and is one of the very popular things to do in August.

Historic Gibraltar Island Tour

In the Harbor of Put-in-Bay, you can take an island tour of Gibraltar Island on Wednesday, August 8th, from 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. The $5 per person tour is limited to the first 70 participants on a first come first served basis. Tour discount for Eco-Ramble participants
ONLY (must show wristband). The two-hour-long island tour will include a glimpse of the history and natural history of this island, including the historic Stone Laboratory and Cooke’s Castle. The Water Taxi to Gibraltar will leave from the Boardwalk ($3 Round Trip price – for this event only). Participants should plan to get there 15 minutes prior to tour time. Parking will be available at the Town Hall or on
the street, not at the Boardwalk.

The Lake Erie Islands Nature& Wildlife Center’s Annual Pig Roast & Raffle, Put-in-Bay

A real pig roast awaits you at the Goat Soup & Whiskey on Wednesday, August 8th, from 6 to 9 p.m. The cost is $15 (Advance dinner tickets will be sold at the Wildlife Center starting July 1st) or $20 (day of). Participants will be treated to a slow spit-roasted hog with corn and baked potatoes along with tasty sides donated by Island restaurants. Popular island entertainers Drew LaPlante and Jamison Smith will
feature performances of favorite songs. There will be a silent auction with a variety of unique island prizes such as a trip for two to Rattlesnake Island, ferry passes, a biplane ride, a five-course dinner for eight at a local restaurant, and handcrafted artwork. Raffle tickets will be available at the Goat Restaurant on the day of the event. The proceeds from this event will go toward the Building Addition Fund for more space at the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center to continue to carry out our mission educating youths and adults about the
unique ecology of the islands.

Lake Erie Islands Historical Society Auction Put-in-Bay

The always-fun Lake Erie Islands Historical Society’s fundraiser auction will take place on Thursday, August 9th, at Heineman Winery. Viewing time is 3 to 5 p.m. The live auction starts at 5 p.m. at Heineman Winery. The annual auction will feature a very impressive selection of items donated by Put-in-Bay residents and businesses, many of which focus on Put-in-Bay history. Food and cash bar are available. Proceeds benefit the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society. Please call 419-285-2804 for more details. Items added daily.

Nature & Art at the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center, Put-in-Bay

If you’re creative, stop by the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center on Friday, August 10th, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. or 2:30 to 4 p.m. The cost is $10. Come to the back porch for an afternoon of “Plein Air” Artwork. Materials will be supplied and Mother Nature will supply the subject matter. Island artist, Celeste Mycoskie will guide you in your efforts to capture your subject on paper.

Night Hike, Put-in-Bay

There will be a night hike on Friday, August 10th, at dusk (approx. 8 p.m.) at the Massie Cliffside Preserve on Put-in-Bay’s East Point. There is no cost. Hikers will meet at the Massie Cliffside Preserve parking lot at 611 State Route 357 on South Bass Island. We will be listening for owl calls, looking for spider eyes, and watching for other night flying critters including bats. Please bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes.

Historic South Bass Island Lighthouse Tours, Put-in-Bay

Tour the South Bass Island Lighthouse on Saturday, August 11th, anytime from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is free. Guests will be able to tour the lighthouse and learn about its history, climb its stairs up 60 feet to take in the stunning views of Put-in-Bay and Lake Erie from the top of the tower, and walk the historic grounds that include a butterfly garden certified by Monarch Watch. The Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Kelleys Island Glacial Groove Tour & Geology Hike, Kelleys Island

On Kelleys Island, there will be a Glacial Groove tour and a geology hike on Saturday, August 11th, from 1 to 4 p.m. There is no cost.
Join the staff of Kelleys Island State Park for an opportunity to visit and view up close the largest glacial grooves in North America. Park
staff will discuss the different theories of how these grooves were created and the history of the surrounding stone quarries. The tour will
also include a visit to one of Kelleys Island’s abandoned quarries to discuss fossils and the habitat created by this aging quarry. Participants
will have the option to ride the Jet Express to Kelleys Island from Put-in-Bay. Discounts to be announced, call (419) 285-3037 for more information.

Perry Group Moonlight Serenade

The Perry Group-sponsored Moonlight Serenade will take place at the Crew’s Nest Pavilion on Thursday evening, August 16th from 6 to 10
p.m. Come “swing” dance the night away with music from Night Sessions. Tickets are $100 each ($50 of which is tax deductible) and include
two beverage tickets with strolling heavy appetizers. The event benefits the Parry Group which helps support Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial (Perry’s Monument). Tickets are available by calling the Crew’s Nest at (419) 285-3645 or from Kay Drake at (419) 340-8050.