Lakeside-Marblehead Lighthouse Festival

Rain or shine, the 28th Annual Lakeside-Marblehead Lighthouse Festival, held on the second Saturday in Oct., will take place from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 12.

This peninsula-wide event includes fun for the whole family with tours of the Marblehead Lighthouse and the Wolcott Keeper’s House, children’s crafts, a pumpkin-decorating contest, over 100 arts & crafts vendors, a farmers’ market, hayrides, and much more in Lakeside Chautauqua and the Village of Marblehead.

New this year, we’re extending the festival hours, adding two unique concerts with country singer John Berry, inviting a strolling violinist and stilt walker, hosting food trucks and bounce houses, and holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Western Shoreline project.

The Lakeside-Marblehead Lighthouse Festival is organized by Lakeside Chautauqua and the Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

FREE Admission & Parking! Purchase a $15 Wristband to Participate in Select Activities

Admission and parking for the Lakeside-Marblehead Lighthouse Festival are FREE!

Most activities are also free. This year, we’re selling $15 wristbands for unlimited access to mini golf, children’s crafts, face painting, henna designs, games and bounce houses. Wristbands may be purchased (cash or card) at the Hoover Auditorium Ticket Office or the mini golf hut in Bettinger Park from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on the day of the festival or PRE-PURCHASE WRISTBANDS ONLINE! 

Activities such as Chair Yoga, Wooden Boat Rides, Marblehead Lighthouse Tours and concerts with John Berry require additional fees. To play only one round of mini golf, the cost is $4/person (ages 5 & under are free). See the schedule below.

Directions, Construction, Parking & Shuttle Information

Lakeside Chatauqua is located at 800 Maple Avenue, Lakeside, Ohio 43440. VIEW DIRECTIONS. 

Due to road construction, guests may experience travel delays. State Route 2, between Erie County and State Route 163 Exits 121 A-B to the peninsula, will experience lane restrictions and ramp closures for resurfacing work through October. State Route 2 eastbound and westbound on-ramps from State Route 269 will be closed for resurfacing beginning Monday, Oct. 7 at 6 a.m. through Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 a.m. or longer, weather permitting. 

State Route 163, between State Route 269 and Hartshorn Road, around the Marblehead Peninsula, will experience lane restrictions for resurfacing through October. On the southern end of the State Route 163 loop, State Route 163 will be open to westbound traffic only starting near Bailiwick Drive to Hartshorn Drive beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1 for up to 60 days. 

For Lakeside activities, guests are encouraged to park in the South Gate Parking Lot off Route 163, near the Lakeside Schoolhouse along Seventh Street, the Bradley Temple parking lot on Cedar Avenue, and along streets that do not have designated parking. Parking at the Fountain Inn lot is reserved for hotel guests only. 

Complimentary golf cart shuttles will be available from the South Gate Parking Lot near the Welcome Center and throughout the Lakeside grounds from 8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on the day of the festival. Shuttle stops are located at the Welcome Center, Lakeside Schoolhouse (Farmers’ Market), South Auditorium (Sixth St. & Central Ave.), Wo-Ho-Mis (Fifth St. & Central Ave.), Hoover Auditorium (Third St. & Central Ave.), Orchestra Hall, Hotel Lakeside and Fifth St. & Walnut Ave.

Book a Fall Weekend Getaway

Book a fall weekend getaway to Lakeside, Ohio! We’re offering a discount on standard rooms at the Fountain Inn starting at $119 per night from Oct. 11-13, 2024. The Fountain Inn is located within walking distance of the festival activities.

RESERVE ONLINE using promocode: LighthouseFest or call (419) 798-4461, ext. 230.

A two-night minimum is required. Suites are excluded. This offer cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Pumpkin-Decorating Contest in Lakeside 

Pumpkin Drop Off
9:30-11 a.m. | Hoover Auditorium Lobby | Free
Enter an already carved, painted or decorated pumpkin to receive one 2025 Miniature Golf Voucher. Prizes will be awarded to Best Child Design (ages 8 & under), Best Youth Design (ages 9-12), Best Teen Design (ages 13-17), Best Painted Design, Best Lakeside-Inspired Design, Best Design Using Pumpkin/Natural Materials and Best Use of Props. The Most Creative Design Overall will be chosen from the above categories. Please note: the Hoover Auditorium lobby will be closed from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. during the Pumpkin-Decorating Contest judging. 

Awards Presentation
1-1:30 p.m. | Hoover Auditorium Porch | Free
View the creative Pumpkin-Decorating Contest entries displayed in front of Hoover Auditorium starting at 12:45 p.m. The winners will be announced at 1 p.m.  The child and youth winners will each receive one 2025 (one-day) Daily Chautauqua Pass. Winners of the other categories will receive one 2025 (one-day) Daily Chautauqua Pass, including one 2025 (one-day) Auto Pass. The Most Creative Design Overall winner will receive two 2025 (one-day) Daily Chautauqua Passes, including one 2025 (one-day) Auto Pass.

All pumpkin entries may be picked up after 1:30 p.m. Rain location: Hoover Auditorium.

Festival Activities & Events in Lakeside 

Pickleball & Tennis
8 a.m.-dusk | Hubbard Pickleball Center & Williams Tennis Campus | Free
Pickleball and Tennis are open for free play from 8 a.m. until dusk, weather permitting. There are no staff on site. Please bring your own equipment, as limited equipment is available, and drag the tennis courts with the drag broom after.

Lakeside Golf Cart Shuttle Service
8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. | Lakeside Chautauqua Grounds | Free
Complimentary golf cart shuttles will be provided throughout the Lakeside grounds. Shuttle stops are located at the Welcome Center, Lakeside Schoolhouse (Farmers’ Market), South Auditorium (Sixth St. & Central Ave.), Wo-Ho-Mis (Fifth St. & Central Ave.), Hoover Auditorium (Third St. & Central Ave.), Orchestra Hall, Hotel Lakeside and Fifth St. & Walnut Ave.

Arts & Crafts Vendors
9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Wesley Lodge, Wo-Ho-Mis Lodge, South Auditorium & Outdoors | Free entry
Celebrate the arts at this one-day event featuring more than 100 arts & craft vendors in both indoor and outdoor marketplaces. The vendors are organized by the Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. If you’re interested in being a vendor, contact the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce at info@themarbleheadpeninsula.com or (419) 702-7492.

Farmers’ Market
9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeside Schoolhouse (near Seventh St. & Walnut Ave.) | Free entry
Local farmers and bakers will sell fresh produce, honey, herbs, spices, flowers, seasonal fruit, homemade pies, jams, artisan breads and homemade baked goods. The Farmers’ Market will occur rain or shine.  

Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office Open
9 a.m.-4 p.m. | 236 Walnut Ave.
The office will be open for questions and comments.  

“Precious Objects” Photography Exhibit
9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Hoover Auditorium Lobby | Free
Lakeside Chautauqua will host a special photography exhibit titled “Precious Objects,” which features work of Chuck Mintz. One hundred and seventy-two people were photographed in eight locations with something that has special meaning. Each person was asked to handwrite why they chose that object. The exhibit is about these people, their values, how they presented themselves and the stories they tell. Please note: the Hoover Auditorium lobby will be closed from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. during the Pumpkin-Decorating Contest judging. 

Legacy House Open House
9:30-10:30 a.m. | Legacy House (217 Walnut Ave.) | Free
Stop by the Legacy House and visit with Lakeside friends, neighbors and staff for fellowship. Donuts and coffee will be served for the meet and mingle.

Chair Yoga
10-11 a.m. | Wellness Center Drackett Hall | $10 drop-in fee (cash only) or included in $45 Fall Wellness Class Pass
Join instructor Linda Green for a gentle form of yoga where all exercises are performed seated in a chair or standing using the chair to aid with support and balance. This class offers a variety of yoga poses, breathwork and relaxation techniques designed to leave you with a sense of well-being.

To participate, purchase a Class Pass for $45/person for five classes at the Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office, located at 236 Walnut Ave., or pay a $10/class drop-in fee (cash only) to the instructor at the start of the class.  

Family Lawn Games
10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bettinger Park | Free
All ages are welcome to participate in yard games, such as cornhole, croquet and checkers, weather permitting.

Lakeside Heritage Society Archives & Heritage Hall Museum Open
10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Archives, 210 Walnut Ave. | Free
10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Heritage Hall Museum, 238 Maple Ave. | Free
The unique history of Lakeside and Marblehead is preserved and exhibited in the museum. Displays include photographs, memorabilia and antiques. Scavenger hunts for children of all ages are available, followed by a stop at the treasure chest. The museum gift shop will also be open, and the Archives will be available from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Lakeside Heritage Society will sell popcorn at the corner of Walnut Ave. and Third St. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. or while supplies last, weather permitting. 

Hayrides 
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Departs from Hotel Lakeside | $2/person (cash only)
Hayrides throughout Lakeside will be provided by the Bergman family of Bergman Orchards, a local farmers’ market vendor. In the case of inclement weather, the hayrides will be canceled. 

Children’s Crafts, Face Painting, Henna & Games (all ages)
10 a.m.-4 p.m. l Hoover Auditorium West Lawn (along Walnut Avenue) | Unlimited access with purchase of a $15 activity wristband
Children will have the opportunity to create a bracelet, have their face painted, get a Henna design, and participate in a variety of carnival games. Rain location: Hoover Auditorium. 

We’re offering a $15 wristband for unlimited access to mini golf, children’s crafts, face painting, carnival games and bounce houses. Wristbands may be purchased (cash or card) at the table on the Hoover Auditorium front porch or the mini golf hut in Bettinger Park from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. PRE-PURCHASE A WRISTBAND ONLINE! 

Miniature Golf & Shuffleboard
10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Bettinger Park | Mini Golf $4/person (ages 5 & under are free) or unlimited access with purchase of a $15 activity wristband | Shuffleboard free
Enjoy a game of miniature golf at our lakefront course or play a free game of shuffleboard in Bettinger Park, weather permitting.

We’re offering a $15 wristband for unlimited access to mini golf, children’s crafts, face painting, carnival games and bounce houses. Wristbands may be purchased (cash or card) at the table on the Hoover Auditorium front porch or the mini golf hut in Bettinger Park from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. PRE-PURCHASE A WRISTBAND ONLINE!

Story Time at The Fine Print Bookstore
11 a.m. | The Fine Print Bookstore (220 Walnut Ave.)
Stop by The Fine Print Bookstore for Story Time. Local librarians are invited to read to children of all ages, and parents are welcome to listen and browse the bookshelves.

CANCELLED – Wooden Boat Rides on Miss Muffet
11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Lakeside Dock | $25/adult, $15/youth (ages 4-12)
These 50-minute wooden boat rides, provided by the Lakeside Wooden Boat Society, begin at 11 a.m. with the last ride departing at 3 p.m., weather permitting. Children ages 3 & under are not permitted. Reservations (credit cards and cash) and payment can be made at the Lakeside Dock, near the L-Dock. Due to the cooler temperature and choppy water, Wooden Boat Rides have been cancelled. 

Bounce Houses (ages 5+)
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Bettinger Park near the cannons | Unlimited access with purchase of a $15 activity wristband
New this year, there will be a bounce house and inflatable slide for children ages 5+ to explore, weather permitting. Adults are welcome if accompanying a young child. 

We’re offering a $15 wristband for unlimited access to mini golf, children’s crafts, face painting, carnival games and bounce houses. Wristbands may be purchased (cash or card) at the table on the Hoover Auditorium front porch or the mini golf hut in Bettinger Park from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. PRE-PURCHASE A WRISTBAND ONLINE! 

Stilt Walker
12-4 p.m. | Lakeside Grounds
While walking the grounds, be on the lookout for a larger-than-life character showcasing impressive balance and agility, weather permitting.

Strolling Violinist
1-3 p.m. | Lakeside Grounds
Guests will have the opportunity to bump into music with strolling violinist Nate Pazzo Bocchicchio playing a variety of traditional fiddle favorites, weather permitting.

Western Shoreline Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
2 p.m. | Western Shoreline north of Hotel Lakeside | Free
To prevent long-term erosion along the community’s western shoreline, Lakeside completed revetment work earlier this summer. The project was completed thanks to $450,000 Ohio Capital Budget funds through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. On the day of the Lighthouse Festival, we will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate this strengthened, beautiful space along the Lake Erie shore.

Dance Jam
3-3:45 p.m. | Hoover Auditorium Porch | Free
Let loose, groove to the beat and meet new friends. There will be a variety of repetitive, choreographed movements from various music genres led by Hannah Fidler. Rain location: Hoover Auditorium.

An Evening with John Berry
6 & 8 p.m. | Orchestra Hall | $25/ticket
Grammy-nominated country music artist John Berry will perform two shows in Orchestra Hall following the Lakeside-Marblehead Lighthouse Festival. Because space is limited in the historic theater, two concert times will be offered at 6 and 8 p.m.

The singer-songwriter first rose to stardom on the country music charts in the 1990s with Grammy-nominated hits “Your Love Amazes Me” and “Standing on the Edge of Goodbye,” as well as “She’s Taken a Shine.” During his star-making decade, Berry placed 20 singles on the charts, six of which reached the Top 5.

Tickets are $25! Purchase them on the day of the festival from the Hoover Ticket Office between 9:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. or BUY TICKETS ONLINE!

Community Worship Service
10:30 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 13 | Lakeside United Methodist Church (450 Central Ave.)
Led by Rev. Richard Thewlis, this traditional service offers meaningful worship with a biblical focus and great music. All are invited to attend.

Festival Activities & Events 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 onsite 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 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for $3/person (cash only); children ages 6 & under are free, 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. A total of 15 keepers have tended the light. The tower’s history boasts the first female lighthouse keeper in the U.S., Rachel Miller Wolcott.

Wolcott Keeper’s House Tours & Civil War Encampment
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, presented by members of the 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, weather permitting. The 73rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regiment Band will give performances of period military music. Docents will provide tours of the historic house that once belonged to Benajah Wolcott, the first keeper of the lighthouse. Apples, cider and cornbread will be available.

Shopping & Dining 

Businesses will be open throughout Lakeside and the Village of Marblehead, offering sales and specials all weekend long. In addition to local restaurants being open, food will be served at various locations in Lakeside. New this year, food trucks will be set up along Walnut Plaza. 

Visit restaurants, shops, services and additional lodging locations in Lakeside, including Coffee & Cream, Lakeside Pizzeria, Ooh La La, The Patio (serving donuts from carryout window), SmoothieSide, The Fine Print Bookstore, Gifts That Give Back, Heritage Hall Museum & Gift Shop, Marilyn’s, Miss Mercedes, Wise Woman Boutique, Lakeside Heritage Society Archives, Lakeside Salon & Spa (by appointment), Sypherd’s Cycles, Evening Song Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Idlewyld Bed & Breakfast, Maxwell’s Hospitality House, Rainbow Guest House & Tea Room and Same Time Next Year. VIEW HOURS OF OPERATION.

Ward Catering Lunch
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Wesley Lodge (510 Central Ave.)
Feast on soups, sandwiches and snacks, including chili and cornbread, New England clam chowder, shredded chicken and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs and chili dogs, loaded pork nachos, perch sandwiches and chips, as well as coffee, bottled water and canned soft drinks. Prices range from $1-$10. Available while supplies last. The meal is provided by Ward Catering and is organized by the Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.  

Lakeside United Methodist Church Lunch
10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Lakeside UMC (450 Central Ave.)
The Lakeside United Methodist Church is bringing back its hot soup lunch during the Lighthouse Festival. A variety of soups will be available for $5 per bowl. The church will also be selling brats with chips for $6 and an apple dumpling with ice cream for $6.

Lakeside United Methodist Church Dumplings
Dumplings will be sold in packages of 2 for $10 and can be picked up beginning Wednesday, Oct. 9-Friday, Oct. 11 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Order forms are available in the church lobby and will be accepted through Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. or while supplies last.

Rotary Club of Port Clinton Perch Wagon
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Walnut Plaza
This food truck offers perch dinner, sandwiches and fries. Available while supplies last.

Kansha Hibachi Express Food Truck
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Walnut Plaza
This vibrant and dynamic food truck serves up the finest in Japanese cuisine, specializing in hibachi-style dishes. Available while supplies last.

Manny’s Mobile Catering
11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Walnut Plaza
This food truck offers a combination of Hispanic food favorites and BBQ. Available while supplies last.

Volunteers Needed

Arts & Crafts Vendor Information

If you’re interested in being a vendor for the Lakeside-Marblehead Lighthouse Festival, contact the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce at info@themarbleheadpeninsula.com or (419) 702-7492.