Upcoming Events

Green beer and lots of cheer! Stop into the Village Pump and get in on the revelry for St. Patrick's Day! More details to come.

Haven’t you missed those Brandy Alexanders all winter? Now you can reconnect with your island refuge early in the season! The Village Pump started the Early Bird Party in April over 10 years ago. It’s a great reason to come out by boat, ferry, or airplane and start the 2019 season. Stop in for entertainment, fun, food, cocktails, games, and prizes.

Come celebrate Spring and the start of our season this April at Spring Wine Fling! It's fun for the whole family! We’ll have wine tastings throughout the day and you’ll find the lowest carry out prices of the year! Join us for music, food, and drink specials. Enter our raffle win prizes with any wine purchases you make!

We are an island rich in natural beauty, so why not spend the day exploring the Kelleys Island ecosystem? Join us for the ultimate eco-adventure. There will be 3 locations in which bioblitzers will participate in identifying organisms. Experts will be on hand to help with identification. Locations to be surveyed are North Pond Trail, East Quarry, and North Loop Trail. Download the iNaturalist app on your smartphone to help catalog the biodiversity on our beautiful island!

“..and down the stretch they go!” It’s that time of year again! Cure that cabin fever and get a head start on summer fun by attending our island-wide Derby Day festivities. Wear your finest derby garb and hats to cheer on your picks for the 145th Kentucky Derby! All bars and restaurants will be participating in the celebrations surrounding this historic horse race, dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sports!”

Mark your calendars now! Come enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner with homemade meat sauce, salad, roll and topped off with a dessert. We start serving at 4:00 pm. The event continues until 7:00 pm. Carry out is available. All proceeds will benefit the Kelleys Island EMS Association. Donations are also accepted. Raffle tickets and 50/50 will be available to win one of the fantastic, handcrafted gifts or gift basket.

Join us in welcoming migrating song birds to this wonderfully quiet 2,800 acre island in the western basin of Lake Erie. Don’t miss your chance to experience our monthly bird census and bi-annual bird-banding events! Enjoy this nature program on May 16-17th from 8am - 2pm both days. See the migrating neo-tropical songbirds up close and personal with Master Bird Bander, Tom Bartlett, at Jones Preserve, Long Point. For information call 419-746-2258 Sponsored by:Kelleys Island Audubon Club A full schedule…

Take advantage of Free Museum Day! It’s your chance to explore one of the island’s most treasured institutions. There, you’ll learn about how people came to live on Kelleys Island and what their lives were like. This includes the Native Americans that settled there. The museum is full of many objects and artifacts that illustrate this rich history. The museum has been in operation since June 2010. It stands on the location of the ‘haul shed’ that was used to…

Visit with all the members of the various Safety Forces available to the island. On hand to meet and explain their equipment will be the Kelleys Island Emergency Medical Services, Kelleys Island Police Department, Kelleys Island Fire Department, the US Coast Guard and the State Park personnel and Mercy Life Flight. Bring the kids and see all the equipment available for your benefit!

The Kelleys Island Landowners Association is once again hosting a Welcome Back Potluck. The objectives of the Kelleys Island Landowners Association are to preserve the tranquility and beauty of this island by remaining constantly alert and vigilant to any situations that could adversely effect the needs of our members and the island itself. This event is a fun way for KILA and the community of Kelleys Island to gather at the beginning of summer. The potluck will be held in…

Running is certainly a lot more fun on an island! Early sing-up coming soon! The 38th Annual Kelleys Island 5 & 10K Run/Walk will be hosted by the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce and is supervised by the North Shore Running Club. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Back to the Wild, a local wildlife restoration and nature education center, with the remainder going to support the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce. Runners will enjoy a scenic…

Join us for the 7th annual BACONFEST!   The Wine Company And KI Cantina will host a plethora of bacon related fun! From bacon infused drinks to a complete bacon menu we have all your crazy bacon cravings covered.   Come check out our TBD Tap Takeover where each beer is paired with one of our favorite pig products. Dine on our house pig roast dinners served with all the fixings. Participate in Carnival style games to win some awesome…

Taste something memorable this summer. Craft brews offer varied experiences, whether you’re a seasoned taster or a beer novice! There are over 240 breweries in Ohio and we’re producing some of the best craft beer in the country. This summer, our island establishments will be showcasing some of these brewers during the Ohio Craft Beer Week on Kelleys Island from June 13th through June 20th. There will be tastings, tap takeovers, food pairings, and live entertainment all week long featuring breweries big…

Bump, set, spike! Join the annual Kelleys Island Razzles Volleyball Tournament June 14th &15th! The cost is $200.00 per team. Friday, June 19th, will be a chance for players to get settled and meet other players. A Welcome Party will be held at The Casino Bar/Restaurant, 104 Division St. Food will be served between the hours of 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, however, the party will continue until the establishment closes! The Tournament will be held on Saturday, June 20th.…

Each year, Kelleys Island hosts student workers from locations near and far. Many travel to our island from countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe to name a few. To show appreciation for this vital part of our community, Zion United Methodist Church will be hosting an International Student Dinner. All student workers (middle school-aged to college) are welcome to participate. The event aims to connect student workers with islanders so they may discover and take advantage of local…

Ride along Lake Erie’s coast, hop on the ferry boat, and tour beautiful and historic Kelleys Island! The fun begins on Saturday, June 27th at Mad River Harley Davidson, located at 5316 Milan Road Sandusky, Ohio 44870, where each participant will register for the event. Registration will be held from 10am – 2pm. Each participant will receive a wristband and a score card. Then, jump on your bike and head to the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat Line, 510 West Main St.…

How’s your aim? Join us for this island tradition,  which fosters family friendly competition all for a good cause: The Make-A-Wish Foundation. All profits made from the event benefit the organization. Here’s how it works: over 20 teams toss off in a double elimination competition for first, second, and third place. Prizes will be awarded for all placing teams. As an added bonus, beer specials will be available all day, and brats and Chicago style hot dogs will be sizzling…

The Russ Wilson Memorial 3-on-3 basketball tournament is getting a makeover. It's now a corn hole tournament! Grab your friends, get a team together, and let's play some corn hole! Teams will be organized into three categories: 18 and under, 19-39 and 40+. Registration is $100.00 per team. To register visit chickletscloset.com or stop by the store at 113 Division St Kelleys Island, Ohio 43438. The tournament will begin at 9:30 am.  A professional referee will be on hand to…

The 2020 Nature Camp Theme is “Bugs!” How does a bee make honey? Where do monarchs go in the winter? Campers will explore different ecosystems to uncover these secrets through observation and experiments. The world of insects is a fascinating one, and insects impact our lives every day.  Nature Camp goes far beyond the traditional classroom experience by stepping outside and getting up close and personal with the insects that surround us. We will look for different types of insects,…

Join us for the second annual Kelleys Island talent show! This event is a juried talent show and will be held downtown in Memorial Park. Islanders and visitors are invited to sign up and showcase their talent, whether it’s singing, playing a musical instrument, acrobatics, telling jokes, or doing impressions The sky’s the limit! We’ll be awarding prizes to the top talents of the evening. This event will benefit the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau. More information…

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean that spiritual enrichment needs to take a vacation, too! Join us at St. Michael’s Church on Kelleys Island for Vacation Bible School. This program is meant for children ages four and up. Children will read and learn from Bible stories, complete crafts, listen to and play music, and engage in educational games. Snacks will be provided. The cost is $10 per child, or $25 per family. Scholarships are available.

Peeper’s will be hosting our first annual Bartender Olympics on July 16th, 2020. This event has the ability to be an ever-changing event…which means more fun for everyone every year!!! We plan on making this for Bartenders on KI this season. We LOVE our Island and we also have some of the best bartenders on Lake Erie. There are 11 bars, and we are asking for each bar to send their best 3. The Four categories this year are… Bar Slide Signature Cocktail…

The theme for Island Fest 2020 is….Summer Olympic Games! This year’s festival will feature an interactive format with active games that are fun for the whole family! Island Fest, as always, is great fun for the whole family! Sponsored by the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce, Island Fest will feature Ohio Artisans, local crafters, food vendors, a beer tent, and evening street dances. Saturday kicks off with a lively parade, followed by afternoon live entertainment and fireworks at dusk.  Friday…

Please join us for the 2019 Vacation Bible School. This is a free event and children all are welcome! Vacation Bible School meets daily, Monday, July 20th through Friday, July 24th, from 9 am until noon. On Sunday, July 26th, the children also present a program for the congregation during the worship hour beginning at 10:30 am. Children are welcome to attend as many days as they are able. In addition to learning songs and a skit for the program at church, daily activities…

This highly anticipated annual event will feature blockbuster movies whose licensing fees are generously funded by islanders. Our premier sponsor is Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative. Movies will be shown both indoors and outdoors on Friday, Saturday, July 24-26. The outdoor screenings will be held at the Ball Field with an impressive inflatable screen and sound system. In case of inclement weather, the outdoor screenings will also be moved to the Town Hall. For outdoor showings, make sure you bring what you…

The 2020 Nature Camp Theme is “Bugs!” How does a bee make honey? Where do monarchs go in the winter? Campers will explore different ecosystems to uncover these secrets through observation and experiments. The world of insects is a fascinating one, and insects impact our lives every day.  Nature Camp goes far beyond the traditional classroom experience by stepping outside and getting up close and personal with the insects that surround us. We will look for different types of insects,…

Journey north on Division street and stop by the campus of the Kelleys Island Historical Association for a creative Art Fair! You’ll find vendors and artisans selling their wares, including jewelry, literary works, pottery, paintings, fiber arts, and more. We’ll also have music for your entertainment! Don’t forget to visit the museum and tour the Old Stone Church, built in 1866, as well as the Parsonage Resale shop located just north of the Church!

Who doesn’t love tooling around the island on a golf cart…especially if there’s friendly competition involved? Join us for the Make-A-Wish Golf Cart Poker Run, a family-friendly event that benefits a fantastic cause! Registration begins 10:00 am at Dockers Waterfront Restaurant & Bar. The cost is $10.00 per hand.  Golf cart, bike or car are acceptable. There will be seven stops to collect cards. The final destination will be The Kelley’s Island Wine Co. and KI Cantina, 418 Woodford Rd.  There will…

Have you ever looked out at the lake and thought, “I wonder if anyone has ever tried to swim to Kelleys!” Two island women have been carrying on that very tradition for over 20 years! For this special event, Cindra Mielke and Jeni Hammond  will swim across Lake Erie, ending at Portside Marina, 116 W Lakeshore Dr, around 11:30 am – 12noon. Their Swims have been as long as 8 1/2 hours (around Kelleys Island) to 2 hours (Marblehead to…

The 2020 Nature Camp Theme is “Bugs!” How does a bee make honey? Where do monarchs go in the winter? Campers will explore different ecosystems to uncover these secrets through observation and experiments. The world of insects is a fascinating one, and insects impact our lives every day.  Nature Camp goes far beyond the traditional classroom experience by stepping outside and getting up close and personal with the insects that surround us. We will look for different types of insects,…

All are welcome, no matter your skill of the game.   Fun Awaits You!  Join Us on The Island! Now in its 12th year, the Justin Horseshoe Tournament has quickly become an island tradition that you won’t want to miss. Don’t worry about your tossing skills – it’s all about just having a fun day. Come on out, have a good time, and help us celebrate life, summertime, and Justin’s love of this sport. The Justin Horseshoe Tournament takes place at the…

Homecoming is an event sponsored by KILA (the Kelleys Island Landowners Association) and serves as a weekend for those who love this island to return and enjoy fun, food, and entertainment. The event will last two days. All Homecoming events will take place at the Kelleys Island Pavilion, located on Addison St.   FRIDAY Homecoming kicks off on Friday night. From 5-9pm, attendees will find live entertainment, food trucks, and games for children.   SATURDAY On Saturday, the fun begins…

Grab your bike, golf cart or motorcycle and join in the fun for the 2nd Annual Peeper’s Poker Run/Dice Roll. Explore, Eat, Drink and learn about our beautiful island while earning points from the dice. A $10.00 donation is requested to participate. All donations are given to a wonderful cause. We will announce the destination of the funds a few weeks before the run. Live entertainment and food specials are sure to put a smile on your face! Don’t forget your complimentary…

In years past, this was a one-day Poker Paddle event.   In 2020, this event will take place all weekend long! Enjoy hiking, kayaking, and biking excursions courtesy of Island Adventours and Bret Maiers of the Island House Restaurant.   Details to come!

Find the Apple of Your Eye is a new event for 2020 at the Herndon Galleries & Sculpture Garden!   Roam this beautiful property, enjoy refreshments and live entertainment, and find your favorite piece - whether it's a painting, stone or steel sculpture, or stunning wearable art.   More details to come!

More information to come!

Enhance your visit to Kelleys Island and join Pat Hayes, Kelleys Island Audubon President, for a walk around the historic Glacial Grooves. The Glacial Grooves are the most popular natural destination on Kelleys Island. Our grooves are the largest and best accessible example of this geological phenomenon anywhere in the world! They are located at the intersection of Division Street and Titus Road, only a mile and a half north of downtown. The glacial grooves are 400 feet long, 35 feet wide, and up to…

Treasure Island Day is an exciting tradition held on Saturday, September 7, 2020. The Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce sponsors this event featuring sales hosted by the local community and businesses. Treasure Island Day begins at 9 am and winds down around 3 pm. Treasure seekers can stop by the Chamber of Commerce office at 9 am to pick up the Treasure Island Day map. The office is located at Seaway Marina, 240 East Lakeshore Drive, Kelleys Island. Maps can…

Take a moment of respite from the garage sales all over the island. Stop by the History Museum at 11:00am for an informative presentation on the Monarch Butterfly and butterfly banding. Participants even get the chance to adopt one of these winged beauties! The museum has one of the best yard sales on the island. The Parsonage Resale Shop will also be open. Stop in to strike up a bargain on gently used housewares, books, children’s toys, holiday decorations, kitchen…

Enjoy fall’s splendor at the Jones Preserve on Long Point. View a variety of migrating birds with our bi-annual Bird Banding. Join us in a guided beginners bird walk geared to all ages. We will be watching the trees for leaves and birds, all day long! Our State Park manager will lead a tree identification walk through the State Park. We will also have a guided bird walk at the North Pond Preserve and Boardwalk. Join us to view a…

Join us at the Kelleys Island Wine Co. for this family-friendly event, now in its 6th year! The winery will be hosting many vendors, selling everything from hand-crafted art to specialty food. This event always features live entertainment, deals on carryout wine, and of course a raffle! The winery is a lovely place to spend the afternoon, especially with young children. The property features an arcade, playground, farm animals, and horseshoe court. Come out to the Wine, Art, & Food…

It doesn’t matter to us that Lake Erie doesn’t produce lobster, we are more than happy to import! Come join us at the Village Pump located on Kelleys Island for the Annual Lobster Fest! Dinners are served from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm or until the event is SOLD OUT! Dinner includes lobster tails, potato, roll, a variety of sides and dessert. If you are entertaining a large group, please call ahead. Pricing and menu details can be obtained by…

The Kelleys Island Annual Harvest Festival will take place in Memorial Park, the heart of downtown Kelleys Island. The festival will feature fun family activities to kick-off the beginning of the beautiful fall season. Activities include children’s games, a clown, relay races, pumpkin painting, and a collection of vendors offering goodies like kettle corn and local honey. Harvest Fest is a community event, and the proceeds will be used to support the Kelleys Island Community Chest, a non-profit organization that…

This year's Oktoberfest will take place at the West Bay Inn! Look forward to food and beer specials, and of course tons of revelry and live entertainment, too! More details to come.

21st Annual Kelleys Island Chili Cook-Off Hosted by Peeper’s Saturday, October 10, 2020 1-4:00 pm Winners Announced at 4:30 pm Contestants:  8 quarts of chili MUST to be delivered to Peeper’s on Saturday, October 10th no later than 12 pm! You must also include an ingredients list with your entry. Amounts need not be written, this is for allergy and health board reasons.  You will receive one free ticket for tasting/voting per entry  Additional tickets for the…

Join us at Scheele Preserve and the North Pond Preserve nightly after dark. Don't forget your head lamp! More details to come.

Join us for our annual Murder Mystery Weekend. Kelleys Island Venture Resort and the Shadow Stalkers invite you to participate in a weekend-long hunt to find out, “Who done it?” Everyone needs a little mystery, but be forewarned! This is NOT dinner theater. It’s a nonstop think-on-your-feet mystery designed by those lovable, but devious folks from Shadow Stalkers. Did we mention that our killers will be here too? No? Well, we wouldn’t want to frighten you away now, would we?…

Costume Party & Trunk or Treat at the Kelleys Island Wine Co. EMS Pumpkin Carving at Peeper's KILA Family Hayride at the 4-H Camp Terror at Town Hall

The Day of the Dead is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, most particularly the Central and South region and also by people of Mexican heritage all throughout North America and elsewhere. The holiday is a time for friends and family to gather and remember and pray for loved ones who have passed on and also to support their spiritual journey through the afterlife.   Join us for a Day of the Dead celebration at the KI Cantina! We’ll be having…

Immerse yourself in your wildest dreams and dress like it! All bars open, prizes for the best costumes. In the past, we have seen the likes of Jetson’s in full regalia and their car, The Ohio State Band, people riding one of Cedar Point’s Roller Coasters, and lots more creative costumes! Put your thinking caps on, get dressed up and come to Kelleys Island. Get on the Kelleys Island Ferry Boat, the Goodtime Boat or your private boat and get…

Owls are among species of migratory birds that Kelleys Island welcomes each year! The Owl Fest is quickly becoming one of the most favored fall events on Kelleys Island. Come and enjoy crisp fall evenings with saw-whet owl banding at Scheele Preserve. Be sure to wake up early, mornings bring songbird surprises with bird banding at Jones Preserve. This is a great opportunity to learn about these wonderful species on Kelleys Island. Banding is weather permitting. Bird programs Saturday, 1-4…

Join us for the annual Police Chase Half Marathon & 5k, now hosted by the Village Pump!   Runners will tour both the shorelines and inland areas of the island. Numerous water and refueling stations are provided along the course. Post-race ceremonies will be held at Kelleys Island Town Hall. Awards will be given to the top three runners in each age category as well as overall male and female. Finisher medals will be awarded.   More information to come,…

Want to unload all those leftovers and see your friends post Thanksgiving feast? Join us for our annual, day after Thanksgiving “Potluck” Dinner. Bring a side dish and enjoy leftovers with your favorite islanders. As always, you can order off the menu if you don’t have any leftovers to bring.

Christmas is always a great time of year..and on the island, it’s even BETTER! Come join holiday fun at Memorial Park on November 27, 2020. Around sunset, the park will be lit up with lights and Santa will also be in town for a visit! This event is fun for the whole family, so we encourage you to bring all your loved ones!

The rivalry is legendary, the party will be epic! Come join us for our Annual Ohio State Buckeye’s take on Michigan State Game! Food, Fun, Friends, Football & Spirits! The Village Pump will be featuring their Tailgate buffet. The very famous, and looked forward to, tailgate picture will be taken out front of the Village Pump at Halftime. This is a great weekend to visit Kelleys Island. Tailgate is a great day to see family and friends, and wind down…