When Is The Best Time To Visit Put-in-Bay

When Is The Best Time To Visit Put-in-Bay

It’s a question we hear quite a bit! And the answer? Just about anytime, depending on what you are looking for. No matter what time of the season you decide to come, Put-in-Bay can be quiet and peaceful, yet you can almost always find a party! Put-in-Bay’s season begins in early April as the ferry boats start their service to the island and the Put-in-Bay Hotels & restaurants open to serve tourists. Summer cottagers arrive early April and begin to open their summer escapes for the season. Many people plan their trips during the summer, and every season offers something different and unique.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Put-in-Bay For Birding?

Thousands of people each year flock to the Lake Erie islands to experience the spring migration of birds. The Lake Erie Islands and especially Put-in-Bay, is a popular place for bird enthusiasts to observe this phenomenon. The island is used each year to establish the health of the migration with an annual Put-in-Bay Bird count. A very peaceful time of year, the spring offers quite a few nature-related activities for visitors to enjoy.

We Know the Best Time to Visit Put-in-Bay!

Even in the winter, when the ferry boats stop running, there is no bad time to make a trip to Put-in-Bay. No matter the time of year, there’s always something fun happening!

April

April is one of the most-awaited and exciting times on Put-in-Bay. The Miller Ferry Boat and Jet Express Ferry are running, and tourists begin to arrive on the island every day. When your visiting in April, you will enjoy some entertaining events like the Pajama Party at Mr. Ed’s Bar & Grill and the traditional Lighting Of the Whiskey Light at the Round House Bar.

Put-in-Bay fishing is at its peak in April. The Walleye are running, and the prized Lake Erie Perch are in shallow waters. During the cold, springtime, there are many opportunities to catch walleye and perch and large & smallmouth bass before they retreat to deeper waters.

April is also part of the island’s shoulder season. This means that popular Put-in-Bay attractions will be less crowded, and lodging rates are usually lower. Put-in-Bay Hotels do not require the traditional 2-night stay on April weekend, which makes booking a Saturday night easy! Check out our Put-in-Bay discounts & promotions page to view all the current deals on accommodations, and get ready to save!

May

As summer arrives and the days get longer, there are more and more things to do on Put-in-Bay. May is a big month for bachelorette and bachelor and parties looking for one last big weekend before the June wedding. Take a break from planning all those graduations and weddings and plan a trip to Put-in-Bay! The incredible nightlife and dining on the island is a welcome relief! The May weather is generally warm in the day and a light sweater in the evening. If the kids are still in school, it’s also an excellent time for an adult getaway!

If you’re planning a trip to South Bass Island in May, you absolutely can’t miss the annual Put-in-Bay Spring Fling. This unofficial start to the summer involves an island-wide party featuring free food, alcoholic beverages, and live entertainment, all held at the Put-in-Bay Resort downtown. As May comes to an end, one of the biggest weekends of the year comes into play. The annual Put-in-Bay Memorial Day Weekend Bash on the BAY!!! Three fun-filled days of entertainment, poolside fun, and great eats! Join us in honoring our country’s veterans, watch the antique car parade, and raise a toast to the brave American soldiers who serve our country every day.

June, July, & August

Put-in-Bay weather is beautiful in the summertime. Warm to hot days and very comfortable evenings. It is the busiest time of the year. Soak Hang out by the pool and soak up some sun. Picnic on the rocky beach at Oak Point State Park. There are so many things to at Put-in-Bay!

Summer is a great time for family time at Put-in-Bay. There are few places where you will have so many options for things to do in such a mall area. From Golf to Mini Golf, Parasailing, Jet Skis, Cave exploration to nature trails, and all within a 5-minute golf cart ride from each other. It’s almost like walking back into time where the neighborhood store cold freshly made fudge and the ice cream shop was the gathering place. Not a single stoplight, simply NO STRESS!

There’s no shortage of events at the Put-in-Bay! Arts on Erie Week is a must-see festival for creative types, and athletes will love the chance to compete in soccer, volleyball, or running competitions. No matter what your interests are, there’s an exciting way to spend your Put-in-Bay vacation. By now, you might be getting the idea the Best Time To Visit Put-in-Bay is ANYTIME!

September & October 

In September and October, the kids head back to school, and the weather is sunny and evenings cool.  The fall colors are simply spectacular! It is a great time to explore the many nature trails on the island. The Jane Coats Wildflower trail is one of our favorites. The grape harvest is in full swing as the Heineman’s Wineryprepares to make another batch of fine island wines.

Outdoor exploration is one of our favorites ways to spend autumn days. Ride bikes along the shoreline, and explore the waterfront views, Rent a paddleboard and paddle around Lake Erie.

Of course, there are plenty of Put-in-Bay events to attend as well. Our historical weekend and Boy Scout Camporee brings the largest parade of the year to the island with over 1000 scouts! September also brings our annual halfway to St. Patty’s Day Celebration sponsored by Hooligans Restaurant. Complete with Bagpipers and an Irish parade! Into October and the can’t miss event of the season! The Put-in-Bay Fall Ball held at the Put-in-Bay Resort is the islands customer appreciation party where your room reservation gets you two days of free food, beer & fun! A 20+ year tradition, this one books up early! Ocktoberfest, The Wake, and Ohio’s Largest Haloween costume party finish up October’s events. After that, the island prepares for the long winter ahead. Islanders stock up on goods as the ferry service becomes unpredictable. When the ferryboats stop, the local airport becomes become the lifeline to the mainland.

Book Your Stay at Put-in-Bay

Now that you are an “expert” on the Best Time To Vist Put-in-Bay, why not plan that much-needed vacation? Put-in-Bay Hotels are modern, comfortable, and ready to serve you! Our central reservation center offers travelers the most modern accommodations at family-friendly prices! Just call 888-742-7829