2025 Calendar of Events
By Catharine Hadley, Arts and Entertainment Editor, catharinehadley@gmail.com
The theme of this column is "trying new things." I'm happy to be starting this new project of writing the entertainment column for Leisure Living Magazine! I've done all I could to make the entertainment listing complete and varied, so there should be something for everyone. Although I've done my best to make sure all the information is accurate, please go online or call ahead to confirm your plans.
Any suggestions and details of your upcoming events can be sent to me at catharinehadley@gmail.com.
Birds and birdwatchers are here! The Biggest Week in American Birding, organized by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, is May 9 through 18. Depending on the weather, Neotropical migrating birds arrive in our area in the beginning of May. The birds take a break on their journey northward to rest and feed before crossing Lake Erie.
The number of birds jumps dramatically in this short window of time - and the variety of species does, too. Because the tree leaves are still small, it’s easier to see birds than it would be later in the month.
Magee Marsh is the main spot for birdwatching, but the BWIAB events are in different locations throughout the area including Maumee Bay State Park. Check the website for information on lectures, vendors, and other activities.
Erie Metroparks also gets in on the birdwatching activities earlier in the month with the Wings Over Lake Erie Spring Birding Series. May 4 is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Community Foundation Preserve at Eagle Point, Sandusky; May 5 is from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Putnam Extension on Cleveland Road in Huron; and May 6 is from 5 to 7 p.m. at Pipe Creek Wildlife Area in Sandusky. No registration is required and walk-ups are welcome.
The Arts Garage, the home of the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council, will re-open after recent renovations on May 1. Join the celebration at the May 3 open house, which is also the opening of an exhibit of works by Carol Luscombe and her daughter Kathryn Kain.
Sandusky comes roaring to life May 30 through June 7. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Ohio Bike Week, the largest motorcycle rally in the Midwest. Get ready for the downtown block parties!
May
Through May 18 - "Noises Off," Hanna Theatre, Playhouse Square, Cleveland
Through May 25 - "Fiddler on the Roof," Allen Theatre, Playhouse Square, Cleveland
Through May 26 - Wildlife Drive, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
May 13 - Blessing of the Fleet, Fox’s Dock, downtown Put-in-Bay
May 13-June 12 - "Lustron Stories: Americans at Home" photography exhibit featuring the works of Chuck Mintz, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the lobby of Hoover Auditorium, Lakeside
May 15 - Flower Power Hike, The Woods at Luscombe Farm, Clyde
May 15 - Third Thursday Music, Flowers, and a Sunset, downtown Vermilion
May 16 - President Ulysses Grant living history program featuring the premiere living history presenter who portrays President Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums, Fremont
May 16 - "Kevin James: Owls Don’t Walk," Stranahan Theatre, Toledo
May 16 - Styx tribute band, Lorain Palace Theatre, Lorain
May 16-17 - "Romeo and Juliet" presented by Cleveland Ballet, Mimi Ohio Theatre, Cleveland
May 16-17 - "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" presented by the Bellevue Society for the Arts, Bellevue
May 16-18 - "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" presented by Fremont Community Theatre, Fremont
May 17 - Springtime at the Gardens, Colonial Gardens Flowershop and Greenhouse, Huron
May 17 - Orchard Farmer’s Market, Burnham Orchards, Berlin Heights
May 17 - Island-wide garage sales, Put-in-Bay
May 17 - The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Ritz Theatre, Tiffin
May 17 - "La Vida Broadway" featuring Mandy Gonzalez presented by Toledo Symphony, Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle, Toledo
May 17 - Rock for Water Recycled Fashion Show, Lorain Palace Theatre, Lorain
May 18 - International Museum Day Celebration, Merry-Go-Round Museum, Sandusky
May 18 - Free Museum Day, Kelleys Island Historical Association, Kelleys Island
May 22 - Beats by the Bay, Jackson Street Pier, Sandusky
May 22 - Brian Panke Trio, The District, downtown Port Clinton
May 22-26 - Walleye Festival, Water Works Park, Port Clinton
May 23 - The Joint Rockers, The District, downtown Port Clinton
May 23 - TMA Date Night featuring salsa dancing and cocktails, Toledo Museum of Art
May 23 - AC/DC and Van Halen tribute bands presented by Rockin’ on the River, Black River Landing, Lorain
May 23-25 - Norwalk Jaycees’ Strawberry Festival, Main Street Norwalk
May 23-26 - Lakeside Heritage Society Recycle Sale, Lakeside
May 23-26 - Memorial Day Weekend, Put-in-Bay
May 24 - "Made in America" concert featuring violinist Andres Cardenes presented by Firelands Symphony Orchestra, Sawmill Creek Convention Center
May 24 - CeCe Teneal’s Divas of Soul, Hoover Auditorium, Lakeside
May 24 - Three Ton Toad, The District, downtown Port Clinton
May 24 - Beethoven, Brews, & BBQ, a celebration of the opening of the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts new headquarters featuring performances of all 16 of Beethoven’s string quartets, TAPA on Heatherdowns, Toledo
May 24 - Glass City Live featuring Zac Brown Band, UT Glass Bowl Stadium, Toledo
May 24-25 - Bevy of Blooms plant sale, near the schoolhouse, Lakeside
May 24-25 - 125th Birthday Bash and summer season kick-off event, Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
May 24-26 - Flower Day Weekend, Toledo Farmers’ Market, Toledo
May 25-Sept. 7 - Takashi Murakami "Stepping on the Tail of the Rainbow" exhibit, Cleveland Museum of Art
May 29 - Hello McFly, The District, downtown Port Clinton
May 30 - Breakfast Club, The District, downtown Port Clinton
May 30 - Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 "Titan" presented by Toledo Symphony, Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle, Toledo
May 30 - Heart tribute band presented by Rockin’ on the River, Black River Landing, Lorain
May 31 - Point of Grace with Jason Gray, Hoover Auditorium, Lakeside
May 31 - June 1 - Wildlife Drive, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge
May 31 - Perennial Palooza Event, Corson’s Flower & Garden Center, Sandusky
May 31 - Miss Kitty & the Litter, The District, downtown Port Clinton
May 31 - Gibsonburg Fishing Derby, Williams Park, Gibsonburg
JUNE
June 3-8 - "Les Miserables," Stranahan Theatre, Toledo
June 4 - Ohio Bike Week Dice Run, Kelleys Island
June 4 - Twilight Evenings half-price admission from 4 to 8 p.m., Toledo Zoo & Aquarium
June 5 - 3Lentless, The District, downtown Port Clinton
updated 05.12.25 CAE
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