12 Reasons To Go To Put-in-Bay, Ohio, This Summer.

The Whiskey Light at the Roundhouse Bar has been switched on, Mr. Ed’s Annual Pajama Jam is a wrap, the island’s annual Spring Fling is in the books, and it is not even Memorial Day yet.

Don’t fret if you’ve missed any of these stellar parties, because Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores and Islands are really just heating up. There’s a reason Put-in-Bay is known as the Midwest Key West, because they know how to have a real good time. So, in honor of their favorite season–summer–we’ve curated a list of our favorite Put-in-Bay festivities for 2013.

Ohio Bike Weeks 3rd Annual Rally on the Rock | June 1-2

If the thunder doesn’t get you, then the lightening certainly will on this weekend when more than 500 bikes are expected to descend on the island for the 2013 Ohio Bike Week’s North Coast Thunder Rally.

The 19th Annual Phlocking of the Phaithful | June 6-9

For three days, Put-in-Bay becomes Margaritaville as more than 1500 Jimmy Buffet fans come to the island for the annual Jimmy Buffett Parrot Head weekend.

The 5th Annual Pyrate Fest Weekend at the Bay | June 28 to July 1

Cardboard Boat Races, Pyrates (not sure why Pirates is spelled that way, but I dig it) in Put-in-Bay’s downtown harbor and reenactors demonstrating sword fighting techniques and the art of skullduggary. Does it really get any better than this? ARR!

Fourth of July

Enough said! Put-in-Bay will be alive and kicking. In addition, to fireworks, the United States Army Band will be giving a free concert.

Put-in-Bay’s 12 Days of Christmas in July | July 18-29

Celebrating Christmas in July at a place affectionately known as the Midwest Key West, um, yes please! This is one of the busiest events of the year, and it’s easy to see why. Besides food and drink specials, there is also a lot of live entertainment. If you are thinking about going for this epic summer Christmas celebration, I definitely recommend booking sooner than later. You can check out what is available here: Put-in-Bay hotel reservations. And for those you who want to enjoy the festivities, but sleep on the mainland, Jet Express offers a late night ferry service.

Roundhouse Bars Bartender Olympics | August 13

All the top athletes from this prestigiously underground sport will be on hand for this event sponsored by the storied (and infamous) Roundhouse Bar. And in true Olympic form, this event is held in two locations: the main strip on Delaware Avenue and inside the red round bar. Everything kicks off at 7 p.m. with a parade and the lighting of the Olympic torch.

Key West Days at Put-in-Bay | Aug. 23-24

Key West Days have become a thing of legend around Lake Erie Shores and Islands. Entertainers who divide their time between summer on the island and winters in Key West will be laying down the musical sound track for this celebration.

Annual Labor Day Bash at the Bay | Aug. 30 to Sept. 2

If you are going to say goodbye to summer, you may as well do it in style. Labor Day in Put-in-Bay is pretty much a guaranteed good time. The island’s most popular entertainers will perform in multiple venues, there will be lots of blended drinks flowing and, of course, fireworks. And if you really want the full-on local Put-in-Bay experience, stick around for Monday night’s “White Spider Night” and the annual “waving off” of the last ferry of the day.

Battle of Lake Erie Bicentennial Celebration | Aug. 29 to Sept. 10

What’s better than a two week celebration that includes a large fleet of tall ships in an historic reenactment of the Battle of Lake Erie? Taking part in it. Island visitors will have the chance to tour the ships, enlist as crew members in the reenactment, as part of the Bicentennial Fleet or Militia.

The 40th Annual New Years at the Bay | Sept. 13-14

O.K, so what do you do after celebrating Christmas in July? Why you hold a New Year’s Bash in September, of course. This year’s holiday festivities will include Monte Carlo casino style gambling in downtown Put-in-Bay. Additionally, boats in the harbor will be decorated for this festive occasion.

Half-Way to St. Patty’s Day | Sept. 20-22

By this point in the list, it should be no surprise that Put-in-Bay honors the halfway mark to St. Patrick’s Day. Fall colors, great irish food and beverages (beer!) are all hallmarks of this late summer celebration that rings in the autumn equinox

10th Annual Miller Boat Line 5K Race | September 21

This is it! The last day of summer 2013. So, why not end it on a positive note with Miller Boat Line. More than 700 runners will participate, making it Northern Ohio’s largest 5K run and 1-mile walk. The course winds past the school, churches and winery, then over to the West Shore, past cottages and views of Green and Rattlesnake Islands, finishing along the waterfront filled with hundreds of boats at anchor. You can pre-registration by clicking on this link: Hermes Sports of Cleveland.  Discounted rooms for participants are offered at the Bay Lodging Resort and may be made by calling 888-742-7829. Proceeds benefit Mother of Sorrows church.

 Have you ever been to Put-in-Bay for the summer season? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!

*Please remember all photos on this website, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted and property of Beers and Beans Travel Website & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you do want to use one of them please contact me first. Thanks!