Escape to South Bass Island this Summer. Whether you take a day trip with friends or spend the weekend with your family, there are plenty of activities and events at Put-in-Bay this Summer in South Bass Island, Ohio.
Last Summer, my family had a really fun time exploring the island. Are wondering if Put-in-Bay is good for kids and families? I wondered the same thing. My kids were just 3 & 5 last year and had so much fun. There was so much to see and do. They were exhausted by the end of the day and still didn’t want to leave!
We plan to make a few trips this Summer. Escaping to an island is so exciting, especially for kids. It really feels like you’ve got away from it all even though it is just a short drive from anywhere in Ohio.
Put-in-Bay Events 2011 in South Bass Island, Ohio
Whenever we go to Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island), Ohio, we choose Miller Boat Line to get us and our car there. They are the most affordable and easy way to go. You can get coupons, tips and more on the Miller Ferry website. has long been the most value-friendly way to travel to Put-in-Bay and the only way to bring both passengers and vehicles to the island.
Ongoing Events at Put-in-Bay
Wild Tuesdays at Put-in-Bay
Wild Tuesdays for Kids Discover island nature with topics that include insects, reptiles, owls, bats, amphibians and more. Event takes place every Tuesday at the Wildlife Museum, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. through Aug. 16.
Children’s Nature Camps Children at Put-in-Bay
Children’s Nature Camps Children can learn through science and hands-on fun and explore what the islands offer. Day and overnight programs on Put-in-Bay and Middle Bass Island are available for ages 4 through 14. See www.MillerFerry.com for more details and online registration.
Antique Car Parade at Put-in-Bay
Every Sunday. A parade of Islanders’ vintage cars takes place through downtown Put-in-Bay every Sunday at 2 p.m., complete with a “candy truck” at the end.
Aquatic Visitors Center at Put-in-Bay (FREE)
Aquatic Visitors Center Free admission for visitors Wednesdays through Saturdays June 22 through Aug. 20.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Tours at Put-in-Bay
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Tours are held every Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Special Events and Activities at Put-in-Bay 2011
Pirate Fest at Put-in-Bay June 24-27, 2011
Pirates invade the harbor of Put-in-Bay during Pirate Fest weekend. Enjoy treasure hunts, exhibits, and Monday’s cardboard boat race. Dress or talk like a pirate to get $1 off all Put-in-Bay passenger fares on Miller Ferries. Visit www.MillerFerry.com
or www.VisitPutinBay.com for more information.
PIB Sports Car Races Reunion at Put-in-Bay June 27-29, 2011
The Put-in-Bay Road Races Reunion is a unique event that turns back time to the early days of U.S. road racing. www.pibroadrace.com
July 4 Celebrate America! at Put-in-Bay July 4, 2011
July 4 Celebrate America! Fireworks over the bay at dusk.
I-LYA Junior Sail Regatta at Put-in-Bay July 17-24, 2011
I-LYA Junior Sail Regatta Sailors in the Inter-Lake Yachting Association compete all week during junior race week, one of the country’s largest races of its type.
Garden Walk Tour at Put-in-Bay July 20, 2011
Garden Walk Tour five island gardens and enjoy a garden tea and luncheon at Put-in-Bay Winery. For tickets and details call Barb at 419-285-5101 or 419-285-2107.
Christmas in July Weekend at Put-in-Bay July 22-24, 2011
Island businesses decorate for the holiday season during the height of summer, to celebrate Christmas “Island Style.” The weekend includes live entertainment, surprise visits by Santa and restaurant and bar specials. Reserve your lodging early. See the lodging list at www.MillerFerry.com.
I-LYA Power Boat Regatta at Put-in-Bay July 27-31, 2011
I-LYA Power Boat Regatta
Environmental Adventure Camp 1 at Put-in-Bay Aug. 1-5, 2011
Environmental Adventure Camp 1 is open to 9 and 10-year-olds and takes the nature and science theme to a higher level with field trips around the island. On the last day, an optional overnight camp-out is held at the South Bass Island State Park with a campfire and cookout.
I-LYA Senior Sail Regatta at Put-in-Bay Aug. 3-7, 2011
Put-in-Bay welcomes the Inter-Lake Yachting Association Senior Sail Boat Regatta known as “Bay Week,” an island tradition for more than 100 years. The race activities are based at the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club.
Barbershop Quartets at Put-in-Bay Aug. 12-13, 2011
More than 20 quartets will perform on Put-in-Bay, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m., at Perry’s Memorial Visitors Center and on Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Middle Bass Island Town Hall.
Browns Backers Rib Burn-Off at Put-in-Bay Aug. 20, 2011
Lake Erie Islands Browns Backers raise money for local scholarships and charities as well as the Browns Foundation for Kids at its annual Rib Burn-Off. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Put-in-Bay’s Skyway Restaurant.
“Battle at the Bay” Put-in-Bay Classic Volleyball Tournament at Put-in-Bay Aug. 20, 2011
“Battle at the Bay” Put-in-Bay Classic Volleyball Tournament Teams compete in an all-day elimination. E-mail dorinski@centurytel.net or visit www.loraincounty.com/lakeviewbeach. Event takes place at McCann’s Field.
Historical Weekend at Put-in-Bay Sept. 9-11, 2011
Historical Weekend Enjoy a wide variety of family-oriented activities including a Boy Scout Camporee, a Grand Parade with area marching bands, Gibraltar Island Stone Lab Open House, Toledo Symphony concert (an extra Miller Ferry leaves the island at 9 p.m. Saturday) and a PIB Mossbacks vs. Ohio Muffins old-fashioned baseball game.
Annual New Year’s Eve at the Bay Monte Carlo at Put-in-Bay Sept. 17, 2011
Annual New Year’s Eve at the Bay Monte Carlo casino-style street games from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. in downtown Put-in-Bay.
Miller Boat Line’s 8th Annual 5K and 1-mile Family Fun Walk at Put-in-Bay Sept. 24, 2011
Miller Boat Line’s 8th Annual 5K and 1-mile Family Fun Walk The 5K and 1-mile walk at Put-in-Bay is one of the most picturesque races in Ohio. Sign up at www.hermescleveland.com.
Put-in-Bay Island Wine Festival at Put-in-Bay Oct. 1, 2011
Put-in-Bay Island Wine Festival More than 250 wines for sampling and purchase plus informative exhibits on the history of island wineries. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at DeRivera Park, downtown Put-in-Bay, along the lakefront. For more information, visit www.VisitPutinBay.com.
Island Oktoberfest at Put-in-Bay Oct. 8-9, 2011
Island Oktoberfest Features bratwurst, apple dumplings, wiener schnitzel and other hearty German food specialties along with plenty of beer. Live German music and folk dancers. Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m; Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m. at DeRivera Park, downtown Put-in-Bay. For more information see www.VisitPutinBay.com.
Halloween at Put-in-Bay Oct. 22, 2011
Halloween at the Bay.
End of Put-in-Bay Season Bonus Weekend Oct. 29, 2011
Bonus Weekend! Say farewell to the 2011 season Put-in-Bay style, with end-of-season discounts and live entertainment.
About Miller Boat Line
Miller Boat Line ferries are the only scheduled means of transporting passengers, freight, vehicles and commercial vehicles to the Lake Erie islands of Put-in-Bay (South Bass Island) and Middle Bass Island, Ohio. We depart Catawba Point at the end of Route # 53 off Route 2. More information about Miller Boat Line can be found online at wwwMillerFerry.com.
