Some of South Bass Island’s most popular events held at Put-in-Bay this season had to go by the wayside because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are still some fun times ahead. The Put-in-Bay venues are accepting rules changes mandated by the Ohio Department of Health in order to welcome visitors.

Here are some of the events to look forward to as the season winds down:

Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day – Saturday, Sept. 19

Irish for a day! Island-wide businesses put an enthusiastic display of Irish food and green beer. With the luck of the Irish, they will celebrate the annual halfway to St. Patrick’s Day golf cart decorating contest parade hosted by Hooligans Irish Pub.

New Year’s Eve at the Bay – Saturday, Sept. 19

In order to comply with guidelines set forth by the Ohio Department of Health, New Year’s at the Bay will look a little different this year. There will be no Monte Carlo Games on Delaware Avenue, but you will be able to find many games inside your favorite establishments on Put-in-Bay. Ring in 2021 a little early, and do it island style!

Island Wide Garage Sale – Saturday, Sept. 26

Visit Put-in-Bay to shop for the best deals, steals and hidden treasures! The Island Wide Garage Sale map will be posted on the visitputinbay.com website and available at the Miller Boat Line and Jet Express docks at Put-in-Bay.

Wine Fest – Saturday, Oct. 3

Since the Ohio Department of Health is not allowing festivals, Put-in-Bay gets to reinvent one of its favorite wine-filled weekends. While they will have to pass on the normal Wine Festival with tastings and a raffle, it won’t stop Put-in-Bay from celebrating a “grape” fall weekend! Many local establishments will be serving wine and hosting a wine-themed weekend.

Put-in-Bay’s two great wineries — Heineman’s Wine Garden and Put-in-Bay Winery — have gorgeous views of Lake Erie, so spend the day taking in the views. Stop by your favorite restaurants and bars to sit back and relax while listening to your favorite musicians and island bands.

Oktoberfest – Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 10-11

Put-in-Bay is reinventing Oktoberfest, one of its favorite German Food filled festivals on Put-in-Bay. The smell of cabbage and noodles, chicken paprikash, and German chocolate cake, will fill the air as you visit island restaurants to find your favorite dishes.

You may even see some lederhosen! Check visitputinbay.com for a list of what restaurants will be serving and celebrate Oktoberfest 2020 style.

Halloween at the Bay: Friday-Saturday, Oct. 23-24

Downtown taverns like to decorate lavishly for Halloween at the Bay. People in costumes visit the local establishments for Put-in-Bay’s final big weekend of the season. Some establishments will have costume contests and prizes.

CANCELLED: Art in the Park/Founder’s Day – Saturday, Sept. 12

Art in the Park and Founder’s Day have been cancelled. Visit https://www.nps.gov/pevi/index.htm for information regarding the historic weekend.