Fourth of July Activities

Individuals, children and families will gather in Lakeside Chautauqua for an exciting lineup of Independence Day festivities. An annual tradition for many, it’s one of our most popular weeks in Lakeside with lively music, parades, fireworks and more.

Schedule of Events

BIKE PARADE
10 a.m., Second Street
Lakeside’s Fourth of July celebration begins at 10 a.m. with the popular Bike Parade departing from Perry Park and heading west on Second Street. Participants of all ages should arrive by 9:30 a.m. along the lakefront path near Perry Park with an already-decorated bike, scooter or stroller.

Prior to the parade, it’s important to designate a place to meet your child after they’ve finished passing through the parade. The parade ends at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Second Street. Families typically meet their children on Third Street between Oak and Maple Avenues. If you need assistance from Security, call 419-635-6030.

FLOAT PARADE
10:15 a.m., Second Street
Immediately following the Bike Parade is Lakeside’s unique Fourth of July Parade with decorated golf carts, antique cars and floats. The Honorary Grand Marshals for this year’s Fourth of July Float Parade are Erin Rosson and Joyce Christman. 

The Second Street East Gate will be closed starting at 9:30 a.m. in preparation for the parades. Floats will line up along Fourth Street, head down Harsh Road and proceed west down Second Street ending at Maple Avenue.

In the case of inclement weather, both parades will be canceled. For announcements, visit lakesideohio.com and click on “Event Changes & Updates.”  

Register a Float
Pre-registration is required for the Float Parade and there’s no cost to participate. Register by 12 p.m. Tuesday, July 1.

Lakeside Chautauqua reserves the right to review the content of all parade entries. Floats containing political content or offensive subject matter will not be permitted to participate in the parade. Please honor this requirement to enable Lakeside to present a family parade suitable for all ages.

POOL & RECREATION HOURS
The Grindley Aquatic & Wellness Campus Pool will be open in shifts this week to allow more guests to access the pool. On July 4, the hours are 12-2:30 p.m., 3-5:30 and 6-8:30 p.m.

Individuals and families will be dismissed after each shift for cleaning and restaffing. There will be no rest breaks to allow for maximum swimming. If pool capacity is reached during any shift, the Pool Staff will permit guests to enter as individuals and families leave the pool. Thank you for your cooperation. Please note: there will be no Lap Swimming or Logrolling on July 4.

Weather permitting, the waterfront is also available for swimming time. Please note that lifeguards will not be on duty at the waterfront; swim at your own risk.

The Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office is open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Most recreation facilities will open at 12 p.m. after the parades. View hours of operation for shuffleboard, tennis, pickleball, miniature golf, waterfront rentals and more at lakesideohio.com/hours.

FOURTH OF JULY LUNCH
11-3 p.m., Hotel Lakeside Lawn

WATERMELON-DECORATING CONTEST
Hoover Auditorium Lobby

First introduced during the summer of 2020, Lakeside is bringing it back the Watermelon-Decorating Contest.

Just like its more famous cousin, the Pumpkin-Decorating Contest held each fall, this is a chance for individuals or families to show off their creativity by decorating a large piece of fruit.

This contest will differ from the pumpkin one in that the space, tools and limited supplies will be provided at the Rhein Center the day before the event on Thursday, July 3 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Watermelons will also be available for purchase. It isn’t mandatory that participants decorate their watermelons at the Rhein Center, it’s offered as a convenience.

Finished watermelons can be dropped off at the Hoover Auditorium Lobby west entrance from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Friday, July 4, where registration will take place. Entries will be judged (closed to the public) and then put on display for the Awards Ceremony at 4 p.m. on the Hoover Auditorium Porch. In the case of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to the Hoover Auditorium stage.

All entrants receive a miniature golf voucher. The winners of seven of the following categories will receive a 2025 Daily Chautauqua Pass. The Overall Winner receives two Daily Chautauqua Passes. Categories include:

• Best Overall
• Most Lakeside-Inspired
• Most Patriotic
• Best Painted
• Best Carved
• Best Use of Props
• Best Teen Entry
• Best Child Entry

LWC: MAHJOHNGG
3-5 p.m., Lakeside Women’s Club/ Green Gables 

SHOPPING, DINING & SERVICES
Our family-friendly business district offers opportunities to shop and dine in downtown Lakeside. Browse unique storefronts or dine at one of our casual restaurants. Lakeside’s free Shopping & Dining Pass has been extended from 90 minutes to two hours; parking not included. View details.

CONCERT AT THE PAVILION: STREET PLAYERS
12-3:30 p.m., Pavilion West Deck
The Street Players will kick off Lakeside’s Fourth of July entertainment with a performance at the Pavilion. If you enjoy the energetic sound of live music from the 1950s to today’s hits, Street Players will deliver an unmatched performance.

DJ SEAN GILL
8:30-9:30 p.m., Pavilion West Deck
DJ Fish will get Lakesiders warmed up for the fireworks as he spins your favorite songs from the Pavilion.

FIREWORKS
9:45 p.m., Waterfront
Head down to the lakefront for a spectacular finale to the Fourth of July holiday with fireworks at 9:45 p.m. A barge will be used to launch fireworks from the water for a wide viewing area. Watch for signs at the Pavilion about Dock closure for the day.

In the case of inclement weather, fireworks will move to Friday, July 5. For announcements, visit lakesideohio.com and click on “Event Changes & Updates.”

Please note: Guests are not permitted to reserve space for the fireworks until 7 a.m. Thursday, July 4. Blankets and chairs may be removed by staff if necessary. The lakefront path, sidewalks and the new Western Shoreline stone path must remain clear for pedestrians.

Admission & Parking

Lakeside Chautauqua requires guests and residents to purchase a Chautauqua Pass and Auto Pass to enter the grounds between May 24-Sept. 2, 2024. There are a variety of passes to choose from depending on the length of your visit. Guests ages 4 & under and 90 & older enjoy free admission. View 2025 Admission & Parking Fees.

Purchasing a Chautauqua Pass includes access to the grounds, entertainment in Hoover Auditorium, the Pool, Wellness Center, and a variety of religious, educational, cultural arts and recreational opportunities.

For your convenience, purchase Daily, Weekly and Season Chautauqua Passes and Auto Passes online. You can also purchase passes at the Hoover Ticket Office, located at 115 W. Third Street, or upon entering the gates. All passes are valid from the date of use until 7 p.m. the following day.

Please note: On July 4, Lakeside’s free two-hour Shopping & Dining Passes will be available until 7 p.m. To view the fireworks, purchase a Daily or Weekly Chautauqua Pass or Partial Day Pass (4 hours). Parking is an additional fee.

NEW Procedures at the Gates

• The complimentary Shopping/Dining Pass has been extended from 90 minutes to 2 hours! This will provide you more time to shop, dine and explore Lakeside. Please note that this pass is available until 7 p.m. on July 4. An Auto Pass is not included, and this pass does not include access to Hoover Auditorium entertainment or the pool. Pick up a Shopping/Dining Pass from the Fifth Street Gate, South Gate or Welcome Center.

• The Fifth Street Gate is going cashless, so bring your credit or debit card to make transactions. Cash will still be accepted at the South Gate and Welcome Center.
• At the Fifth Street Gate, there will be fast pass lanes for online/prepaid Chautauqua Passholders and Season Chautauqua Passholders. Order your passes online before you arrive. A dedicated lane will also be available for those purchasing passes at the gate.