Vermilion River Fest
Join the Lorain County Metro Parks for an all-new, family-friendly event at Vermilion River Reservation on Saturday, September 21, from 3 pm to 8 pm. The Vermilion River Fest welcomes all ages to enjoy live music, food vendors, kids’ games, nature activities, wagon rides, a rock-climbing wall, and more! This event is free, and registration is not required. Some activities and vendors may require minimal fees and may be cash only. The event takes place on the Bacon Woods side of the park, and overflow parking is available at Mill Hollow.Grab a tasty morsel from local food vendors with various delectable treats and savory dishes. Stop by and support the Friends of the Metro Parks by purchasing a delicious apple fritter or delight in a glass of local apple cider. Then, step over to the craft tables where kids can decorate a pumpkin, create a scarecrow, and brush up on their rock painting skills. Kids will have a ball on the beloved Bacon Woods sledding hill—but instead of sleds and snow, they’ll be able to try their hand at old-fashioned fun with apple rolling.
Need time for a quiet break? Pile on our wood wagon to enjoy a scenic tractor ride through the picturesque park. Then head back to enjoy more activities with face painting, rock skipping, pond fishing, fly fishing demonstrations on the river, naturalist-led hikes, wildlife touch stations, nature and science fun, and the list goes on. Plus, live music in the outdoor amphitheater will set the backdrop and steal the stage with performances by Front Porch Jammin and Cats on Holiday.
As the sun sets, bonfires will light the evening and offer a chance to enjoy a gooey s’more. If you’d like to walk off those calories, naturalists will offer night hikes for a unique view of the Bacon Woods trails after dark.
Enjoy this evening of fun and memory-making at the park district’s founding park, Vermilion River Reservation. Spanning two adjacent areas separated by the river—Mill Hollow on one side and Bacon Woods on the other—this park is great for family picnics and nature lovers. Mill Hollow opened in 1960 as the first Lorain County Metro Park and is still a favorite among Lorain County residents today. This park offers a winding ribbon of shale cliffs carved by the Vermilion River. Millions of years old, these cliffs reveal layers of the past and drop bits of sandstone, shale, and turtlerock along the riverbed. The river valley holds diverse communities of animal and plant life at one of the most historic sites in Lorain County.
Woollybear Festival
The Vermilion Chamber is excited to announce the 51st annual Woollybear Festival is set for Sunday, September 29, 2024 in beautiful Vermilion, Ohio.Vermilion, Ohio's Woollybear Parade
The History Of Woollybear
Woollybear Festival Area
Woollybear Restrooms
Woollybear Festival Parking
World's Greatest Kids Race
Queen's Festival Breakfast
WOOLLY BEAR FACTS
Art For A Cause
The Vermilion Arts Guild is excited to invite you to a special event honoring Diane Reinhart, a remarkable artist who has contributed so much to our community. Over the years, Diane has generously shared her talents with various organizations, including Main Street, Firelands, Bay Arts, and many more. She has also taught watercolor classes in multiple locations, leaving a lasting impact on countless students. Art For A Cause, featuring Diane Reinhart, takes place September 12, 2024 from 4 pm to 8 pm at 685 Main Street in downtown Vermilion, Ohio.For over 20 years, Diane has been a vital part of the Vermilion Arts Guild, and while we will miss her dearly as she retires and moves to Florida with her family, her legacy continues. In a final act of generosity, Diane has donated many of her original artworks, prints, and cards to the Vermilion Arts Guild.
In her honor, the Vermilion Arts Guild is hosting a show and sale of her work, with 100% of the proceeds going towards a scholarship for a Vermilion High School student aspiring to be an artist. This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Diane's artistic legacy and support the next generation of artists.
Preparing for D-Day
For many people today, D-Day is remembered through the lens of movies, television shows, or video games that begin with the landings in Normandy. This gives the false impression that the Allied invasion of northern France was as simple as deciding to go. Join Eric Rivet for a discussion about the preparations for the Normandy invasion and learn about the unbelievable effort that went into getting the Allies into France on June 6th, 1944.Eric Rivet, Chief Curator at the Cleveland History Center, will present "Preparing for D-Day" on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at at 7:15 pm at the Historic Brownhelm School & Museum (1950 N Ridge Road, Vermilion). Doors open at 6 pm, meeting starts at 6:30 pm.
Join the monthly membership meeting to catch up on what’s been happening behind the scenes with the BHA.
The Brownhelm Historical Association (aka BHA) was formed in March 1993 as an organization dedicated to preserving the rich history of the people, places and events of the area. Over the past 31 years the BHA has managed to reclaim the Lost Cemetery on Lake Rd. in Vermilion, restore the German Reformed Church on Claus Road, and preserve the Historic Brownhelm School and Museum on North Ridge Rd. The group regularly puts on community events and historical programs. The BHA meets on the first Wednesday of each month except for January, July and August.
Live At The Lighthouse
Each year Vermilion celebrates the summer with free outdoor concerts from 7 pm to 8:30 pm every Sunday July through August. The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce presents “Live at the Lighthouse” Summer Sunday Concert Series (formerly Concerts in the Park) at the Lighthouse at Main Street Beach in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Bring your favorite lawn chair and snack.Brought to you by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call (440) 967-4477, email [email protected] or visit www.vermilionohio.com.
Market In The Park
Market in the Park takes place on Saturdays in July and August in downtown Vermilion at Victory Park from 10 am to 2 pm. Every week features new vendors and new products to keep you coming back all summer. There’s plenty of free parking next to and near the Market. Within easy walking distance are lots of shops and restaurants to enjoy and just a few blocks north is Main Street Beach with one of the best views of Lake Erie anywhere. Located in the heart of downtown Vermilion, it’s a wonderful place to gather with friends and neighbors, a shady stop on a bike tour or just a fun place to hangout as you begin your weekend.Main Street Vermilion is located at 685 Main Street in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Call (440) 963-0772 or visit www.mainstreetvermilion.org for more information.
3rd Thursdays In Vermilion
3rd Thursdays Music, Flowers & A Sunset offers free live music brought to you by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce in downtown Vermilion May through September on the third Thursday of the month. Stroll the sidewalks and browse the shops while listening to many wonderful genre’s of music from 5 pm to sunset.
Looking for something to do on a Thursday evening? Stroll through historic downtown Vermilion while being serenaded. Vermilion has become known throughout the region for its fabulous 3rd Thursday Music, Flowers & A Sunset concerts which take place May through September.
Experience the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze from Lake Erie as the beautiful flowers are in full bloom in Vermilion. There is an exciting array of free musical entertainment for you with well over a dozen bands scattered throughout Harbour Town. Many local musicians provide music for your listening enjoyment in several different locations, including rock, jazz, pop, country, oldies, ethnic, gospel and much more!
Do some shopping, grab something to eat or enjoy some great ice cream and be a part of this fantastic event each Third Thursday of the month. Third Thursday gets better each year. There’s plenty of parking, lots of flowers to enjoy, artwork to browse, and a sunset over Lake Erie that is sure to please.
Bring your family, friends, neighbors and visitors for a fun time. Then let’s all head to the beach for one of our beautiful sunsets!
Mark the third Thursdays on your calendar - May through September - for Vermilion's Third Thursdays. It is a celebration of music, flowers and a sunset in beautiful Vermilion, Ohio.
Brought to you by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call (440) 967-4477, [email protected] or visit www.vermilionohio.com.
Vermilion Postcard Project
The Postcard Project features 15 big and beautiful, mural-sized recreations of vintage postcards that record local history and the nostalgic scenes that depict Vermilion as a long-time vacation destination. Enjoy a day downtown and all around Vermilion and see the award-winning Postcard Project for yourself.
Stop in at Main Street Vermilion first for your keepsake Tour Guide (a $5 suggested donation).
Postcards 1 through 10 are walkable throughout the historic downtown district.
Postcards 11-14 are located along the eastern corridor of town and can be viewed on foot or by car.
Postcard 15 is located 4.8 miles west of downtown at Beulah Beach, where the grounds are open to the public and the view of the lake is a wonderful way to end your day in Vermilion.
Main Street Vermilion is located at 685 Main Street in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Call (440) 963-0772 or visit www.mainstreetvermilion.org for more information.
Summer Concert Series
Every summer season, the Lorain County Metro Parks offers unique outdoor music experiences that cannot be found anywhere else! Every year brings new and exciting bands and artists, and some of the local favorites come back each year. Vermilion River Reservation concerts take place in the gorgeous amphitheater on Sunday evenings, while Lakeview Park’s concerts on the shores of Lake Erie and Miller Nature Preserve’s concerts on the outdoor patio take place on alternating Thursday evenings.All concerts begin at 6 pm and are free to attend. Visit the parks for a truly unique experience of basking in nature while enjoying some lively tunes! The Summer Concert Series begins in June and continue through August..
Read With Ritter
Ritter Public Library book discussion groups serve as a forum for readers to come together to talk about books and share the reading experience with others. It is a chance for the participant to have a voice and hear the voices of others.
Ritter Reads group is hosted at the library on the first Tuesday of each month at 6 pm and is a discussion based on sharing books you have read and to learn what others are reading. In a sense, it is readers’ advisory among participants.
Join Ritter Public Library to share what you are reading! Engage in open discussion about what you are enjoying (or maybe what you wish you would have liked better), what book you cannot stop thinking about, what character you have been inspired by, or what you have been driven to learn more about! Gather some new ideas for your next read, perhaps explore a new genre, connect with other readers and enjoy lively conversation.
Genealogy Resource Group
Every month, the Genealogy Resource Sharing Group meets at Ritter Public Library in downtown Vermilion to discuss resources and share tips. Stuck in your family genealogy research? Come join the resource-sharing group and discover new ways to research your history and learn what has worked for others (or not worked so well). Bring resources and research you want to share with the group as everyone helps each other along.
Ritter Library is located at 5680 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion. Visit ritterpubliclibrary.org for details. Call (440) 967-3798 for more information.
3rd Tuesday Movies
Join Ritter Public Library every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6 pm in the Community Engagement Room for a classic movie. Come, sit back, and enjoy a classic film! Ritter will provide the popcorn and the movie. Check the lineup at ritterpubliclibrary.org.
Ritter Public Library is located at 5680 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Call (440) 967-3798 for more information.
Brewed Awakening Book Social
The Brewed Awakening Book Social is a book discussion group that meets every month at Brewed Awakening Vermilion. Take part in thoughtful discussion while you enjoy your beverage.Copies of each month's book are available at Ritter Public Library's main desk to check out.
Brewed Awakening is located at 5485 Liberty Avenue in downtown Vermilion, Ohio.
Vermilion Beach Market
Be a part of the annual Vermilion Beach Market at Sherod Park Friday, August 2 from 3 pm to 8 pm and Saturday, August 3 from 9 am to 4 pm 2024. Shop by the beach from over 100 vendors for vintage, shabby and chic decor including furniture, architectural salvage, as well as handcrafted home decor, jewelry, clothing, and art. Take a pause from shopping at our beachside wine bar and food booths. Free admission and free on-site parkingLocated on the shores of Lake Erie, Sherod Park is just a few minutes west of charming downtown Vermilion. This expansive, 24-acre, lakeside park features green space, trees, a beach, walking trails, a playground and two picnic pavilions. The park overlooks breathtaking Lake Erie. Stay late to enjoy the sunset! Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.
he Vermilion Beach Market welcomes over 100 talented and inspiring vendors carefully curated for this annual event.
All Washed Up
All Washed Up, Vermilion’s Driftwood Art Contest takes place Saturday, July 13, 2024 from 10 am to 3 pm at beautiful, shady Exchange Park in the center of downtown Vermilion. Driftwood creations draw a crowd who enjoy the creativity of amateur artists and skilled craftsmen.Entries are created primarily of driftwood and (other washed up items) collected from the shores of Lake Erie. It’s surprising that this amazing natural resource, abundant on local beaches, brings out the talent in so many but it certainly does!
Join us as a participant or a guest. Hosted by the Vermilion Arts Guild, a Main Street Vermilion partner program. Cost is free for participants! Get to the beach! Start gathering driftwood and thinking about what you can make with it. Register online at www.mainstreetvermilion.org.
Chalk It Up!
Chalk it Up! takes place Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Victory Park from 10 am to 2 pm in Vermilion, Ohio. Watch as the roads and walks in Vermilion fill up with bright chalk drawings created by local artistic talent. Enjoy some family and kid-friendly interactive opportunities, too, as you watch the streets transform. Main Street Vermilion is looking forward to the return of Chalk it Up!, a display of beautiful chalk creations by local artists. Visit www.mainstreetvermilion.org for complete details on how you can participate as an artist or simply enjoy as a spectator. Many business sponsors come together to sponsor this enjoyable afternoon and great addition to your night out. Main Street Vermilion is located at 685 Main Street in downtown Vermilion, Ohio. Call (440) 963-0772 or visit www.mainstreetvermilion.org for more information.
Festival Of The Fish
The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce and the Festival of the Fish Committee bring you the Annual Festival of the Fish Father's Day Weekend. Celebrate the sea in downtown Vermilion, Ohio at Victory Park, 687 Main Street. An amazing entertainment line-up will be offered. Start planning for the Fish Fest Sand Castle Contest, Crazy Craft Race, Parade and Lighted Boat Parade. The Festival of the Fish offers free entertainment with no admission fee, free parking, a midway full of food vendors, kids games and much much more. A beer cabana will be located by the Main Stage with ice cold beer and beverages and live entertainment.
On Friday young girls vie for the coveted title of guppy, princess, little miss and queen in one of the largest festival pageants in the county. Kids games take place at the gazebo. At noon the Midway opens with delicious foods and spectacular craft vendors. Don't miss the princess pageant and the Queens Pageant. Festival of the Fish Fireworks will take place on Friday at dusk (approximately 9:45 pm). The best place to watch is on Festival grounds by Victory Park or Main Street Beach. Fireworks will be launched off the detached break wall.
On Saturday the day kicks off with a 5 K run and a Sand Castle Contest at Main Street Beach. Crazy Craft Races and an Antique Wooden Boat Parade take place on the Vermilion River. The annual Lighted Boat Parade sails at dusk on the Vermilion River.
On Sunday, the annual Father’s Day Parade steps off in downtown Vermilion. Don’t miss the wet and wild firefighters water fight immediately following the parade.
Brought to you by the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call (440) 967-4477, [email protected] or visit www.vermilionohio.com.
Paddle Fest Poker Run
Join in the 6th Annual Vermilion Port Authority Paddle Fest Poker Run on Sunday, June 16, 2024 from 8:30 am to noon. Open to all types of paddle craft, kayak, canoe, SUP, etc. The event proceeds will help pay for upgrades, maintaining, and beautification of the ADA Kayak Launch area.Early registration by June 9th is $20 per person, after that date it goes up to $25 per person. This is a non-alcoholic, fun family event. This year's theme is Tropical Island Getaway, dressing up is encouraged! Total participants limited to 100.
Check in begins at 8:30 am; choose your start time of either 9 am or 9:30 am. Try to carpool as parking is very limited. It is The Festival of the Fish weekend with lots going on.
HOW TO REGISTER:
Visit or Call - V.P.A. OFFICE: (440) 204-2474 (777 W River Road, Vermilion, OH)
EMAIL: [email protected]
The Port Authority accepts Visa, M/C, Discover, check, or cash. No refunds. The event will take place rain or shine.
Use this link for City Webpage/ Event Rules & Schedule: cityofvermilionohio.gov/Paddlefest-Poker-Run
-DAY OF EVENT-
Meet at the Vermilion Port Authority Kayak Launch, 777 W River Road, Vermilion, Ohio 30 minutes prior to your start time. You will need time to unload, park, and get your supplies before launching. Once launched, paddle the Vermilion River south to Route 2 and back stopping at 5 points to get a playing card. Prizes will be given for the Top Three Hands at the end of the event.
1st Prize - $100.00
2nd Prize - $75.00
3rd Prize - $50.00
Winners will be announced around noon, There will also be raffles and door prizes to announce/claim.
Location: The boat ramp is located on the west side of the Vermilion River, and is adjacent to the Water Pollution Control Center.
Directions from Rt. 6: On the west side of the bridge over the Vermilion River, by Vermilion Deli, turn south onto West River Road. Then in about ¼ mile at the stop sign, turn left (east) onto the Boat Ramp access road. Watch for oncoming traffic on West River Road from the south which does not stop and has the right of way.
Directions from Rt. 60: From the traffic light where State Rt. 60 intersects South Street, turn right (east) onto South Street and go east about ½ mile. Where South Street dead-ends at West River Road, there is a stop sign. At this intersection, watch for traffic coming from the right (south) which does not stop and has the right of way. Cross the street by making a jog to the left (north) onto West River Road, then immediately turn right onto the access road leading downhill to the river and Boat Ramp.
Community Art Show
The 2024 Community Art Show, at Ritter Public Library, in partnership with the Main Street Vermilion Arts Guild, runs April 3, 2024 through 29, 2024. Residents of Vermilion, Huron, Berlin Heights, Birmingham, and Wakeman ages 18+ are invited to submit up to 3 pieces of original artwork.An Artist Reception will be held at Ritter Library in downtown Vermilion on Friday, April 12, 2024 at 6 pm.
Download an application to participate.
Vermilion In Bloom Gardener's Fair
The 17th Annual Vermilion in Bloom Gardener's Fair takes place on April 27, 2024 from 9 am to 3 pm at Sailorway Middle School in Vermilion, Ohio.Shop for flowers, herb and fairy garden kits, garden art, bird houses, local honey, candles, unique handmade items original jewelry, paintings, cards, soaps, fresh roasted coffee, driftwood creations, kitchen gadgets, candles, baked goods, hand sewn aprons, table runners, cotton and canvas creations, personalized cups and tumblers, children’s books and more!
For more information, visit www.mainstreetvermilion.org.