Whiskey Light returns this weekend, signaling the start of the 2026 season on Put-in-Bay.
Before peak summer crowds arrive, the island’s early season offers a mix of long-standing traditions, new events, and community performances that set the tone for the months ahead.
Here are five early season events worth keeping on your radar.
1. Whiskey Light
Whiskey Light is one of Put-in-Bay’s most recognizable early season traditions and serves as the unofficial signal that the island season is underway.
The event takes place Sunday, April 26 at the Round House Bar, where the Whiskey Light is lit for the season. For many, it represents the moment Put-in-Bay comes back to life after winter.
The weekend builds toward Sunday, with the return of the Red Moon on Friday, April 24, and Round House Bar opening day on Saturday, April 25. By Sunday afternoon, the focus shifts to the Whiskey Light itself along with live music from Ray Fogg.
Also happening that same day is the Lake Erie Islands Browns Backers Draft Day 5K, giving visitors a chance to start the day with a run or walk before the rest of the events unfold. Registration is available online through USA Race Timing here.
Whiskey Light remains the clearest sign that the season has officially begun.
2. Put-in-Bay Dog Bowl
The Put-in-Bay Dog Bowl brings DockDogs competition to McCann’s Field on May 29 and 30, adding one of the most unique events to the early season lineup.
DockDogs competitions feature dogs sprinting down a dock and launching into the water in events like Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve. Spectators can watch throughout the day, and dog owners can register their own dogs to compete.
This is a newer event for Put-in-Bay and offers something different from traditional island weekends. It is also expected to draw a strong crowd, with visitors and competitors coming from across the region.
Part of the appeal is simply the scale—seeing how many dogs and spectators gather on the island for a single event.
3. Island Wide Garage Sale
The Island Wide Garage Sale returns Saturday, May 16, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. across Put-in-Bay.
Residents and businesses set up sales throughout the island, creating a full-day experience that encourages visitors to explore beyond the downtown area. Items range from everyday goods to antiques, collectibles, and local finds.
The Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce provides both a printed map and a virtual map of participating locations, making it easy to move from stop to stop.
For those looking for a more relaxed early season day, this event offers a different pace while still drawing people across the island.
4. The Perry Group Opening Cocktail Reception
The Perry Group Opening Cocktail Reception on May 16 offers a season kickoff event centered around Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.
The evening includes a preview of the upcoming season at the monument, along with early insight into Declaration 250 planning as the region prepares for America 250 programming.
This is a private event for members, but new memberships will be available at the door for those interested in attending. The Perry Group is also offering 50 percent off select memberships this season.
While smaller in scale than other events, the reception focuses on the monument’s mission and the people who support it, providing a different kind of early season experience.
5. Local Performances: Dance, Tae Kwon Do, and Spring Theater
Early season on Put-in-Bay also highlights the island’s local performers, with several community events taking place before summer begins.
On Sunday, April 26 at 2 p.m., Taylor’s Tae Kwon Do Tumbling and Dance will host its annual recital at the Put-in-Bay School Auditorium and Gym. The 2026 theme, Taylor’s “Eras Tour,” features students who have been working throughout the winter. Admission is free and the event is expected to draw strong local support.
That same energy continues May 1 through May 3 with the Put-in-Bay Arts Council production of The Day the Internet Died at the Patrick Myers Community Stage. The student-led comedy includes performers in grades 4 through 11, with showtimes Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
Together, these events showcase a side of Put-in-Bay that visitors do not always see during peak season, highlighting the local community and the work put in during the off-season.
Early Season Sets the Tone
From the return of Whiskey Light to new events like the Dog Bowl and long-standing community traditions, early season on Put-in-Bay offers a mix of energy, local involvement, and preview moments ahead of summer.
For visitors planning a trip before peak season, these events provide a strong starting point.