Put-in-Bay Gazette Online
Welcome to the Put-in-Bay Gazette Online, your destination for everything news related to Put-in-Bay and the Bass Islands. Here you’ll be able to explore our current issue online or take a look through our archives. You can also subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette print edition, which is mailed to your mailbox every month.
FRONT PAGE NEWS
January was a whirlwind month for weather, events and social gatherings on Put-in-Bay. Here’s a peak at those enjoying themselves throughout the month. TOP: Members of the Put-in-Bay Volunteer Fire Dept. working their pasta night fundraiser at the Yacht Club. LEFT: These ladies traveled by ATV across the ice to JF Walleye’s toward the end of January. MIDDLE: Put-in-Bay Panther girls basketball scrimmaged some of the island ladies and moms after their games were cancelled against a mainland opponent. RIGHT: Three chefs, (L-R) Josh Harris, Drew Holcepl and “Chef F” Futrell competed in the Island Chopped Challenge at the Yacht Club.
2026’s New Happenings and “Not Happenings”
Put-in-Bay’s 2026 event calendar has several changes from the last few years. There are both new and traditional annual events, plus some that have been removed.
Bash on the Bay
Most notable is the absence of Bash on the Bay, an event that has featured first-class entertainers who have drawn thousands of visitors to the island airport each August for nearly a decade.
The owners and staff of Bash on the Bay said the decision to pause the event was made due to the challenges of hosting the large-scale music festival during the workweek. Last year’s festival which featured country stars Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt didn’t draw the crowds that earlier events did, according to Rick Ziebarth, chairman of the Put-in-Bay Port Authority. The event organizers endeavored to have the event moved to a Friday and Saturday, but the Port Authority voted to keep the festival on earlier-discussed mid-week dates.
Museum Events
The Lake Erie Islands Historical Society hasn’t yet decided about having its popular fundraiser auction in August. They do however have a full calendar of new events which includes bringing back the hog roast on Founder’s Day. New this year will be the remodelled Resale Shop. Also in the works is a 40th Birthday Potluck Party. The Gazette will have information about the museum’s events as the season progresses.
250TH CELEBRATION OF THE SIGNING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
The biggest event of the season will be the one-time celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on Saturday and Sunday, August, 1st and 2nd. The Lake Erie Heritage Foundation (LEHF) and The Perry Group will host the two-day event featuring a national signing ceremony celebrating the signing on its true date, August 2nd.
The planners of the event tell us all members of the United States Congress will be invited to attend and sign the ceremonial 250th anniversary Declaration of Independence. Nationally syndicated radio host Hugh Hewitt will be the master of ceremonies for the event. Also planned for the celebration are performances by the OSU Band and the Navy Band, historical re-enactors, tall ships, fireworks and more.
Put-in-Bay Dog Bowl
A new event for Put-in-Bay brings a totally different kind of competition to the island. The Put-in-Bay Dog Bowl is scheduled for Friday, May 29th, and Saturday, May 30th, at McCann Field. The event will feature competitive dock diving, a growing canine sport that showcases trained dogs jumping from a dock into a pool of water in distance and retrieval-style competitions. The Put-in-Bay Dog Bowl marks the first DockDogs-sanctioned event to be held on the island. While dogs must be registered competitors to participate, the event will be open to the public, allowing visitors and residents to watch throughout both days.
Halfway to Halloween
Put-in-Bay is getting an early taste of spooky season with the first ever Halfway to Halloween celebration at Mr. Ed’s Bar. The costume-filled bash kicks off at 7 p.m. and invites locals and visitors alike to dust off their favorite outfits and enjoy a night of island fun.
The evening will feature drink specials, live music all night, costume contests, and hotel room specials for those looking to turn the party into a getaway. Costumes are encouraged, and good times are guaranteed as Mr. Ed’s delivers its signature Island Nights vibe—just with a Halloween twist. Guests can book lodging in advance at commodoreresort.com.
Back For A Second Year
According to the Perry Group’s calendar, the World’s Largest Rubber Duck will be on display on the island again this season. This is scheduled for July 11th and 12th. The 60-foot high duck drew quite a crowd last season.
A lesser-known event from last year, Gore Fest, will return to the Niagara Event Center on June 5th through 7th. If you’re into horror cons, you’ll have fun enjoying one on Put-in-Bay.
Big Day at the Bay Returns with Bigger Kids Area
Put-in-Bay’s popular end-of-season celebration, Big Day at the Bay, returns with a full day of family fun and an expanded kids play area, making it bigger and better than last year.
The event features a children’s 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, the celebration brings locals and visitors together for one of the island’s favorite traditions.
Stay Tuned
Watch for more information and updates about these and all the events that will be taking place on the islands this season in the coming issues of the Put-in-Bay Gazette.