Rain or shine, the 30th Annual Lakeside-Marblehead Lighthouse Festival, always held on the second Saturday in October, will take place Oct. 10 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
This peninsula-wide celebration offers fun for all ages, with 100+ arts & crafts vendors, a pumpkin-decorating contest, hayrides, a farmers’ market, children’s crafts, tours of the Marblehead Lighthouse and the Wolcott Keeper’s House, and much more throughout Lakeside Chautauqua and the Village of Marblehead.
Lakeside Chautauqua and the Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce organize the festival. This year’s event is generously supported by Bricker Financial.
STAY OVERNIGHT
Extend your visit! Rooms at the Fountain Inn start at $99 per night, with pet-friendly options available. The Fountain Inn is within walking distance of festival activities. RESERVE ONLINE or call (419) 798-4461, ext. 230. Suites excluded. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
Looking for additional overnight accommodations? Explore cottage rentals, bed & breakfasts, cabins and group housing at lakesideohio.com/stay.
FREE ADMISSION & PARKING
Enjoy FREE admission and parking, plus a variety of FREE activities:
- Bettinger Park Games
- Storybook Trail
- Pickleball & Tennis
- Shuttle Service
- Arts & Crafts Vendors
- "Transcending Barriers Beyond Time" Exhibit
- Farmers’ Market
- Administration Office Open
- Pumpkin-Decorating Contest
- Legacy House Open House
- Heritage Hall Museum
- Lakeside Heritage Society Archives
- Shuffleboard
- Story Time with Millie Magoo’s & The Fine Print
- Live Music with Chris Canode
- Live Entertainment with Scriptless in Seattle
- Movie
- Community Worship Service (Sunday)
- Sunset Praise (Sunday)
RESERVE A FREE ACTIVITY WRISTBAND
Select activities require a FREE Activity Wristband for entry. RESERVE ONLINE in advance and pick up your wristbands at the Lakeside Information Tent, located at the corner of Walnut Ave. and Third St., from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Day-of wristbands are also available at the tent.
- Carnival Games
- Inflatable Obstacle Course & Slide
- Make & Take Crafts
- Face Painting
- Hayrides
- Mini Golf
Additional Activities: Chair Yoga, Marblehead Lighthouse Tours and Lakeside Heritage Society "Be Our Guest" Tours require separate fees. Details below.
DIRECTIONS, PARKING & SHUTTLE INFORMATION
Directions to Lakeside: Lakeside Chautauqua is located in Ohio on the Marblehead Peninsula, halfway between Cleveland and Toledo on Lake Erie’s south shore. It’s easily accessible from the east or west via Interstate 90, State Route 2 and State Route 163. For GPS navigation to the South Gate Parking Lot, use 800 Maple Ave., Lakeside, Ohio 43440.
Parking: Parking is limited on the Lakeside grounds. Guests are encouraged to park at the South Gate Parking Lot off State Route 163 or the grass area around the Lakeside Schoolhouse at the corner of Maple Ave. and Seventh St. Complimentary shuttles are available from both locations. Additional parking is available at Wesley Lodge, Bradley Temple and along streets without designated parking. Fountain Inn parking is reserved for hotel guests.
Shuttles: Complimentary golf cart shuttles run 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. throughout Lakeside. Shuttle stops are located at the Welcome Center (near the South Gate Parking Lot), Lakeside Schoolhouse (near the Farmers’ Market), South Auditorium (Central Ave. & Sixth St.), Wo-Ho-Mis (Central Ave. & Fifth St.), Hoover Auditorium (Central Ave. & Third St.), Orchestra Hall (Walnut Ave. & Second St.), Hotel Lakeside and the corner of Walnut Ave. & Fifth St. near the Arts & Crafts Vendors.
Event Changes: Weather on the lake is unpredictable. Visit the EVENT CHANGES page for the latest updates.
ATM: Some restaurants and activities in Lakeside are cash only. ATMs are available in the Fountain Inn lobby and Sypherd’s Cycles & Rental Center.
Restrooms: Restrooms are located at the Shuffleboard Courts, Orchestra Hall, the Fountain Inn, Hoover Auditorium, Wesley Lodge and Wellness Center. An accessible porta potty is available near the Pavilion.
PUMPKIN-DECORATING CONTEST IN LAKESIDE
Pumpkin Drop-Off
9:30-11 a.m., Hoover Auditorium Porch (near northwest ramp entrance)
Enter an already carved, painted or decorated pumpkin. All entrants receive a 2027 Miniature Golf voucher. Categories include Most Creative Overall Design, Most Lakeside-Inspired Design, Best Design Using Pumpkin & Natural Materials, Best Painted Design, Best Use of Props, Best Adult Design (ages 18+), Best Teen Design (ages 13-17), Best Youth Design (ages 9-12) and Best Child Design (ages 8 & under).
Awards Presentation
1 p.m., Hoover Auditorium Porch
Rain Location: Hoover Auditorium
View the creative entries starting at 12:45 p.m. The winners will be announced at 1 p.m. Winners in each category will receive a 2027 one-day Daily Chautauqua Pass, and the Most Creative Overall winner will receive two 2027 one-day Daily Chautauqua Passes. Entrants may pick up pumpkins after 1:15 p.m.
FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES IN LAKESIDE
Storybook Trail
All Day, Cherry Park
Each month, a new book is featured along the Storybook Trail. In October, enjoy Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, a rhyming tale about a kind witch and her cat who pick up a dog, bird and a frog. When their overcrowded broom snaps in half, the friends use teamwork to scare away a hungry dragon.
Bettinger Park Games
All Day, Bettinger Park
All ages are welcome to play cornhole, sand volleyball, basketball and gaga ball, weather permitting.
Pickleball & Tennis
8 a.m.-7 p.m., Hubbard Pickleball Center & Williams Tennis Campus
Pickleball and Tennis courts are open for play, weather permitting. No staff will be on site. Bring your own equipment, as limited equipment is available. Please drag the tennis courts with the drag broom after play.
Pickleball and Tennis courts are open for play, weather permitting. No staff will be on site. Bring your own equipment, as limited equipment is available. Please drag the tennis courts with the drag broom after play.
Lakeside Shuttle Service
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Lakeside Grounds
Complimentary golf cart shuttles run throughout Lakeside. Shuttle stops are located at the Welcome Center (near the South Gate Parking Lot), Lakeside Schoolhouse (near the Farmers’ Market), South Auditorium (Central Ave. & Sixth St.), Wo-Ho-Mis (Central Ave. & Fifth St.), Hoover Auditorium (Central Ave. & Third St.), Orchestra Hall (Walnut Ave. & Second St.), Hotel Lakeside and the corner of Walnut Ave. & Fifth St. (near the Arts & Crafts Vendors).
Arts & Crafts Vendors
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Wesley Lodge, South Auditorium, Wo-Ho-Mis Lodge & Outdoors
Rain or shine, more than 100 arts & crafts vendors will display their work in indoor and outdoor marketplaces. The Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce organizes the vendors. To participate as a vendor, contact the chamber at [email protected] or (419) 702-7492.
Rain or shine, more than 100 arts & crafts vendors will display their work in indoor and outdoor marketplaces. The Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce organizes the vendors. To participate as a vendor, contact the chamber at [email protected] or (419) 702-7492.
Carnival Games
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Hoover Auditorium West Lawn (along Walnut Ave.)
Rain Location: Hoover Auditorium
Free Activity Wristband required for entry
Children of all ages are invited to play Tin Can Alley, Ring Toss, Plinko, Basket Toss and Egg Roll. Special thanks to LEMI Labs for designing and creating these new carnival games.
Free Activity Wristband required for entry
Children of all ages are invited to play Tin Can Alley, Ring Toss, Plinko, Basket Toss and Egg Roll. Special thanks to LEMI Labs for designing and creating these new carnival games.
Select activities require a FREE Activity Wristband for entry (Carnival Games, Inflatable Obstacle Course & Slide, Make & Take Crafts, Face Painting, Hayrides and Mini Golf). RESERVE ONLINE in advance and pick up your wristbands at the Lakeside Information Tent, located at the corner of Walnut Ave. and Third St., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Day-of wristbands are also available at the tent.
Farmers’ Market
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Lakeside Schoolhouse (near Walnut Ave. & Seventh St.)
Rain or shine, local farmers and bakers sell fresh produce, honey, herbs, spices, seasonal fruit, pies, jams, artisan breads, homemade baked goods and flowers.
Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office Open
9 a.m.-4 p.m., 236 Walnut Ave.
The office will be open for questions and comments
Lakeside Information Tent
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Walnut Ave. & Third St. (near Carnival Games)
Stop by the information tent with questions and to pick up Activity Wristbands. Select activities require a FREE Activity Wristband for entry (Carnival Games, Inflatable Obstacle Course & Slide, Make & Take Crafts, Face Painting, Hayrides and Mini Golf). RESERVE ONLINE in advance and pick up your wristbands at the Lakeside Information Tent, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Day-of wristbands are also available at the tent.
"Transcending Barriers Beyond Time" Exhibit
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Hoover Auditorium Lobby
See memories come to life through art and AI. "Transcending Barriers Beyond Time: Visual Reminiscence of Older Adults with Chronic Illnesses Facilitated by Generative AI" is part of a Kent State University and Ursuline College research project. Participants used generative AI to transform cherished memories into vivid images. Paired with personal reflections, the images offer a moving glimpse into lives well lived. Hoover Auditorium Lobby will be closed from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for Pumpkin-Decorating Contest judging.
Inflatable Obstacle Course & Slide
9 a.m.4 p.m., Bettinger Park near the Cannons
Free Activity Wristband required for entry
Children ages 5+ can explore the inflatable obstacle course and slide, weather permitting. Adults are welcome if accompanying a young child. Inflatables will close in the event of inclement weather.
Select activities require a FREE Activity Wristband for entry (Carnival Games, Inflatable Obstacle Course & Slide, Make & Take Crafts, Face Painting, Hayrides and Mini Golf). RESERVE ONLINE in advance and pick up your wristbands at the Lakeside Information Tent, located at the corner of Walnut Ave. and Third St., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Day-of wristbands are also available at the tent.
Chair Yoga
10-11 a.m., Wellness Center Drackett Hall (420 E. Sixth St.)
$10 drop-in fee (cash only) or included with $45 Wellness Class Pass
$10 drop-in fee (cash only) or included with $45 Wellness Class Pass
Instructor Donna Lueke leads this gentle form of yoga using seated and standing chair exercises to support balance. The class includes a variety of yoga poses, breathwork and relaxation techniques.
To participate, purchase a $45 Wellness Class Pass for five classes at the Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office, 236 Walnut Ave., or pay a $10 drop-in fee (cash only) to the instructor at the start of class.
Lakeside Heritage Society Archives
10 a.m.-2 p.m., 210 Walnut Ave.
Explore the history of Lakeside and the Village of Marblehead through photographs, memorabilia and antiques.
Lakeside Heritage Society Popcorn
10 a.m.-3 p.m., Corner of Walnut Ave. & Third St.
The Lakeside Heritage Society will sell popcorn while supplies last, weather permitting.
Heritage Hall Museum Open
10 a.m.-3 p.m., 238 Maple Ave.
Visit the recently renovated museum and explore new exhibits about Lakeside and the Village of Marblehead.
10 a.m.-3 p.m., 238 Maple Ave.
Visit the recently renovated museum and explore new exhibits about Lakeside and the Village of Marblehead.
Make & Take Crafts & Face Painting
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Hoover Auditorium West Lawn (along Walnut Ave.)
Rain Location: Hoover Auditorium
Free Activity Wristband required for entry
Children of all ages can create fall crafts, including pipe cleaner pumpkin rings, bracelets and a miniature Marblehead Lighthouse, and have their faces painted. Sidewalk chalk will also be available.
Select activities require a FREE Activity Wristband for entry (Carnival Games, Inflatable Obstacle Course & Slide, Make & Take Crafts, Face Painting, Hayrides and Mini Golf). RESERVE ONLINE in advance and pick up your wristbands at the Lakeside Information Tent, located at the corner of Walnut Ave. and Third St., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Day-of wristbands are also available at the tent.
Hayrides
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Departs from Hotel Lakeside
Free Activity Wristband required for entry
The Bergman family of Bergman Orchards, a local farmers’ market vendor, will provide hayrides throughout Lakeside. Hayrides will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
Select activities require a FREE Activity Wristband for entry (Carnival Games, Inflatable Obstacle Course & Slide, Make & Take Crafts, Face Painting, Hayrides and Mini Golf). RESERVE ONLINE in advance and pick up your wristbands at the Lakeside Information Tent, located at the corner of Walnut Ave. and Third St., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Day-of wristbands are also available at the tent.
Mini Golf & Shuffleboard
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Bettinger Park
Free Activity Wristband required for entry to Mini Golf
Enjoy a free game of mini golf and shuffleboard, weather permitting.
Select activities require a FREE Activity Wristband for entry (Carnival Games, Inflatable Obstacle Course & Slide, Make & Take Crafts, Face Painting, Hayrides and Mini Golf). RESERVE ONLINE in advance and pick up your wristbands at the Lakeside Information Tent, located at the corner of Walnut Ave. and Third St., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Day-of wristbands are also available at the tent.
Legacy House Open House
11 a.m.-12 p.m., Legacy House (217 Walnut Ave.)
Stop by and visit with Lakeside friends, neighbors and staff. Donuts, coffee and cider will be served.
Story Time with Millie Magoo’s & The Fine Print
11 a.m.-12 p.m., Fountain Inn Aigler Room
Millie Magoo’s & The Fine Print will present a spooktacular story time, with a photo booth and crafts.
Live Music with Chris Canode
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Hoover Auditorium Porch
Rain Location: Hoover Auditorium
11 a.m.-1 p.m., Hoover Auditorium Porch
Rain Location: Hoover Auditorium
Chris Canode is a regional singer, songwriter and guitarist who performs a mix of classic rock, pop and gospel. A welder by trade and a musician by night, he also serves as a worship leader at his church.
Live Entertainment with Scriptless in Seattle
1:30-3:30 p.m., Hoover Auditorium Porch
Rain Location: Orchestra Hall
Inspired by “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” this comedy show features sketches, improvised musicals, game shows and film noir. Each performance is created on the spot, with audience members helping shape what happens next. You may even have the chance to join the performers onstage.
Lakeside Heritage Society: "Be Our Guest" Tours
2:30-4:30 p.m., Hotel Lakeside
$10/ticket; advance registration required
2:30-4:30 p.m., Hotel Lakeside
$10/ticket; advance registration required
Step back into the 1940s during a 20-minute, bellhop-guided tour of Hotel Lakeside. Meet portrayals of notable guests who visited Lakeside and get a glimpse into the hotel’s history.
Limited tickets available. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance at the Lakeside Heritage Society Archives, 210 Walnut Ave., or by calling 419-798-5519. Tickets are non-refundable.
Movie
7:30 p.m., Orchestra Hall (122 W. Second St.)
After a full day of festivities, relax with a movie in Lakeside’s historic theater. Check the kiosk outside Orchestra Hall for the film title.
Community Worship Service
10:30 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 11 | Steele Memorial Bandstand
Rain Location: Lakeside United Methodist Church (450 Central Ave.)
Led by Rev. Kimberly Orr, this outdoor service includes an inspiring message, prayer and music. All are welcome.
Sunset Praise
6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 11 | Pavilion West Deck
Rain Location: Lakeside United Methodist Church (450 Central Ave.)
Join worship leaders John and Bonnie Wilkie for music and fellowship overlooking Lake Erie.
FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES IN MARBLEHEAD
Marblehead Lighthouse Tours
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Marblehead Lighthouse State Park (110 Lighthouse Dr., Marblehead)
$3/person (cash only), ages 6 & under free
The on-site Keeper’s House, Lifesaving Station, Gift Shop and Marblehead Lighthouse will be open during the festival. Tours of the more than 200-year-old Marblehead Lighthouse are available, weather permitting.
The Marblehead Lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes and the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes. Fifteen keepers have tended the light, including Rachel Miller Wolcott, the first female lighthouse keeper in the United States.
Wolcott Keeper’s House Tours & Civil War Encampment
11 a.m.-4 p.m., Keeper’s House (9999 E. Bayshore Rd., Marblehead)
11 a.m.-4 p.m., Keeper’s House (9999 E. Bayshore Rd., Marblehead)
The Ottawa County Historical Society presents a Civil War-era encampment featuring members of the 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, weather permitting. The 73rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment Band, directed by John Hoffman, will perform period military music.
Docents will provide tours of the historic house of Benajah Wolcott, the first keeper of the lighthouse. At 1:30 p.m., Curt Fields will portray U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant.
SHOPPING & DINING
Businesses are open throughout Lakeside and the Village of Marblehead, offering sales and specials all weekend. VIEW HOURS OF OPERATION.
Shopping: Allison’s Thrifts & Gifts, Gifts That Give Back, Lakeside Heritage Society Archives, Marilyn’s, Millie Magoo’s & The Fine Print, Miss Mercedes, Newport Lakeside and Wise Woman Boutique.
Dining: Coffee & Cream, Ooh La La, The Patio (serving donuts from carryout window), SmoothieSide and WB Pizza Company.
Services: Bricker Financial (event sponsor), Heritage Hall Museum, Lakeside Laundromat, Lakeside Linen Supply, Lakeside Salon & Spa and Sypherd’s Cycles & Rental Center.
Accommodations: Evening Song Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Idlewyld Bed & Breakfast, Maxwell’s Hospitality House, Rainbow Guest House & Tea Room and Same Time Next Year
Lakeside United Methodist Church Apple Dumplings
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Lakeside United Methodist Church (450 Central Ave.)
The Lakeside United Methodist Church is selling homemade apple dumplings for $10 per package of two. Pick up orders between Wednesday, Oct. 7-Friday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. ORDER ONLINE or in the church lobby until 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, or while supplies last.
Lakeside United Methodist Church Lunch
10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Lakeside United Methodist Church (450 Central Ave.)
The Lakeside United Methodist Church is bringing back its hot soup lunch for $5 per bowl. Brats with chips will also be available for $6.
Cold Creek Catering at Lakeside
11 a.m.-4 p.m., Wesley Lodge (510 Central Ave.)
Enjoy pulled pork, shredded chicken, BBQ beef, chili, chicken noodle soup, Italian wedding soup, jumbo chili dog, macaroni & cheese, pumpkin pie, apple pie, coffee, apple cider, hot chocolate, iced tea and bottled water. Available while supplies last.
Al & Zoe’s FatBoyz – Seafood & Refreshment Food Truck
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Pavilion Circle
Features fish, shrimp, lobster bites, fish sandwich, chicken wings, chicken strips, mozzarella sticks, hot dogs, fried pickles and mushrooms, slushies, lemonade, ice cream and peach cobbler. Available while supplies last.
D’s Ribz – Food Truck
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Pavilion Circle
Hearty favorites, including ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, mac & cheese, loaded nachos, smoked chicken salad, chips, coleslaw, broccoli salad and sweet & spicy beans. Available while supplies last.
Greek on the Go – Food Truck
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Pavilion Circle
Serves various gyros (original Greek, lamb, chicken and veggie), rice bowls (lamb, chicken and veggie), a Greek salad, fries, potato salad and a variety of dips (hummus, buffalo chicken and spicy feta). Available while supplies last.
MacaRonnie’s – Food Truck
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Pavilion Circle
Offers loaded mac & cheese bowls and other delicious foods. Available while supplies last.
Smashdawgz – Food Truck
11 a.m.-5 p.m., Pavilion Circle
Features a variety of gourmet hot dogs with unique toppings, seasoned curly fries, grilled cheese and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Available while supplies last.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on festival day to help with hospitality, crafts, carnival games and the Lakeside Info Tent. Shifts range from a few hours to the full day – whatever fits your schedule. VIEW AVAILABLE SHIFTS & SIGN UP.
ARTS & CRAFTS VENDOR INFORMATION
Interested in being an arts & crafts vendor for the festival? Contact the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce at [email protected] or (419) 702-7492.
