Anchors aweigh, Lake Erie! Festival of Sail is heading to Sandusky, OH July 12-15. As the largest event featuring ship tours and day sails in the region’s history, the upcoming Festival of Sail Sandusky is a rare chance to enjoy and set sail on some of the grandest ships of yore! With a fleet of historic ships, and the finest festival foods, craft beers, music, street performers, and reenactments, this festival is four full days of pure family fun.
One of the greatest parts of Festival of Sail is that it coincides with Sandusky, OH’s bicentennial. Since it’s one of the many events of the city’s year-long celebration, you can be sure they’re pulling out all the stops!
For example, Sandusky will be one of the few Great Lakes ports to host the prestigious Tall Ships, and attendees can get a pass to board the ships, and even set sail on a few of the replica brigs and schooners, like the Appledore IV, the Lettie G. Howard, and more. As the event draws closer, more and more ships will be announced, so stay tuned!
In addition to the festival staples of great food, music, and recreation, Festival of Sail features a wide range of activities all day long to make sure every attendee makes memories that will last a lifetime. On opening day, witness a spectacular parade of sail to kick off the festival and put you in the maritime mood. Then, partake in an endless entertainment lineup and simultaneous activities, like juggling, facepainting, and more throughout the duration of the festival.
Enjoy live performances and entertainment from performers like The Wailers, who recorded, toured and performed before countless millions worldwide with Bob Marley; The HardTackers, who are a Shanty Crew based in Columbus who sing nautical songs about seas, lakes, rivers, canals– anything wet really; and two-time award winning comedy magician Michael Mage, who’s known to be a comedian stuck in a magician’s shoes.
As if that wasn’t enough, prepare to meet the world’s largest rubber duck! Affectionately known as “Mama Duck,” the giant inflatable waterfowl will be in town for the entirety of the festival. At nearly six stories tall, this monstrous quacker will join several historic tall ships as she turns Lake Erie into her own personal bathtub!
So what are you waiting for? It’s time to set sail and get your tickets today!