Lakeside-Marblehead Lighthouse Festival | | Free Admission & Parking! Reserve a FREE Activity Wristband | | |
Enjoy FREE admission and parking, plus a variety of free activities.
Select activities require a FREE Activity Wristband for entry: Carnival Games, Inflatable Obstacle Course & Slide, Make & Take Crafts, Face Painting, Hayrides and Mini Golf.
Reserve online in advance and pick up your wristbands at the Lakeside Information Tent, located at the corner of Walnut Ave. and Third St., from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Day-of wristbands are also available at the tent.
| | | Additional Activities: Chair Yoga, Marblehead Lighthouse Tours and Lakeside Heritage Society "Be Our Guest" Tours require separate fees. Details below. | | Festival Volunteers Needed | | |
Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on festival day to
help with hospitality, crafts, carnival games and the Lakeside Info Tent (where you'll help answer questions and distribute activity wristbands). Some spots are just a few hours, while others last all day - whatever fits your schedule.
Check out the available shifts and sign up to join the fun.
| | Participate in the Pumpkin-Decorating Contest | | |
Pumpkin Drop-Off
9:30-11 a.m.
Hoover Auditorium Porch
Enter an already carved, painted or decorated pumpkin to receive a 2027 Mini Golf voucher. Prizes are awarded by category.
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Awards Presentation
1 p.m.
Hoover Auditorium Porch
View the creative entries starting at 12:45 p.m. Winners will be announced at 1 p.m. from the Hoover Porch.
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Prizes & Pumpkin Pick-Up
This year's prizes are 2027 Daily Chautauqua Passes. View prizes for each category. You may pick up pumpkin entries after the awards are announced around 1:15 p.m.
| | Festival Activities in Lakeside | | |
Pickleball & Tennis
8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Hubbard Pickleball Center & Williams Tennis Campus
Pickleball and tennis are open. There are no staff on site. Bring your own equipment, as limited equipment is available.
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Lakeside Shuttle Service
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Lakeside Grounds
Complimentary golf cart shuttles are provided for guests throughout Lakeside. Shuttle stops are located at the festival's most popular spots.
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Arts & Crafts Vendors
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wesley Lodge, Wo-Ho-Mis Lodge, South Auditorium & Outdoors
Shop handmade arts & crafts at this indoor and outdoor marketplace with 100+ vendors.
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Farmers’ Market
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Lakeside Schoolhouse
Local farmers will sell fresh produce, honey, flowers, pies, jams and baked goods.
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Lakeside Admin Office Open
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
236 Walnut Ave.
The Administration Office will be open for questions and comments.
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Lakeside Information Tent
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Walnut Ave. & Third St.
A tent will be set up for free Activity Wristband pickup. Reserve online now!
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“Transcending Barriers Beyond Time” Exhibit
9-11 a.m. & 12:30-4 p.m.
Hoover Auditorium Lobby
View "Transcending Barriers Beyond Time," featuring visual art created by using generative AI.
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Inflatable Obstacle
Course & Slide
9 a.m.-4 p.m., Bettinger Park
Free Wristband required
Children ages 5+ can enjoy jumping in an inflatable obstacle course and slide, weather permitting.
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Carnival Games
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Hoover Auditorium West Lawn
Free Wristband required
Enjoy a variety of carnival games for all ages, including Tin Can Alley, Ring Toss, Plinko, Basket Toss and an Egg Roll.
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Chair Yoga
10-11 a.m., Wellness Center Drackett Hall
$10 drop-in fee (cash only)
This gentle form of yoga uses seated and standing chair exercises to support balance.
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Heritage Society Archives
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
210 Walnut Ave.
The unique history of Lakeside and Marblehead is preserved and exhibited in the Archives. Displays include photographs, memorabilia and antiques.
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Heritage Hall Museum
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
238 Maple Ave.
The recently renovated museum is open. The Heritage Society will also sell popcorn at the corner of Walnut Ave. and Third St. Available while supplies last.
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Make & Take Crafts &
Face Painting
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Hoover Auditorium West Lawn
Free Wristband required
Create a pumpkin ring, bracelet and a mini lighthouse and get your face painted.
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Hayrides
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Departs from Hotel Lakeside
Free Wristband required
The Bergman family of Bergman Orchards, a local farmers' market vendor, will provide Hayrides throughout Lakeside.
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Mini Golf & Shuffleboard
10 a.m.-4 p.m., Bettinger Park
Free Wristband required for Mini Golf
Enjoy a game of miniature golf at our lakefront course or play a free game of shuffleboard in Bettinger Park.
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Story Time with Millie Magoo's & The Fine Print
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fountain Inn Aigler Room
Join us for a spooktacular story time. A photo booth and crafts will also be provided.
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Legacy House Open House
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
217 Walnut Ave.
Stop by the Legacy House and visit with Lakeside friends, neighbors and staff. Donuts, coffee and cider will be served.
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Live Music with
Chris Canode
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Hoover Auditorium Porch
Chris Canode is a regional singer who will perform a mix of classic rock, pop and gospel.
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Live Entertainment with Scriptless in Seattle
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Hoover Auditorium Porch
This comedy show features sketches, improvised musicals, game shows and film noir.
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LHS: "Be Our Guest" Tours
2:30-4:30 p.m., Hotel Lakeside
$10 ticket
Step back in time and take a 20-minute guided tour of the Hotel Lakeside with historic portrayals and live music. Limited tickets.
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Movie
7:30 p.m., Orchestra Hall
After a full day of festivities, relax and enjoy an evening movie in our historic theater. Check the kiosk outside Orchestra Hall for the film title.
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Community Worship Service
10:30 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 11
Steele Memorial Bandstand
Led by Rev. Kimberly Orr, this outdoor service is traditional, offering meaningful worship with a biblical focus and great music. In the case of inclement weather, the service will be held at the Lakeside United Methodist Church (450 Central Ave.).
Sunset Praise
6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 11
Pavilion West Deck
Join worship leaders John and Bonnie Wilkie for music and fellowship overlooking Lake Erie.
| | Festival Activities in Marblehead | | |
Marblehead Lighthouse Tours
9 a.m.-4 p.m., 110 Lighthouse Dr.
$3/person (cash only), ages 6 & under free
The Marblehead Lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes and the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation. Fifteen keepers have tended the light.
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Wolcott Keeper's House Tours
11 a.m.-4 p.m., 9999 E. Bayshore Rd.
Docents will provide tours of the historic house that once belonged to Benajah Wolcott, the first keeper of the lighthouse. There will be a Civil War-era encampment and period military music. Apples, cider and cornbread will be available.
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Businesses will be open throughout Lakeside and the Village of Marblehead, offering sales and specials. View hours of operation.
Shopping: Allison's Thrifts & Gifts, Gifts That Give Back, Lakeside Heritage Society Archives, Marilyn’s, Millie Magoo's & The Fine Print, Miss Mercedes, Newport Lakeside and Wise Woman Boutique
Dining: Coffee & Cream, Ooh La La, The Patio (serving donuts from carryout window), SmoothieSide and WB Pizza Company
Services: Bricker Financial (event sponsor), Heritage Hall Museum, Lakeside Laundromat, Lakeside Linen Supply, Lakeside Salon & Spa and Sypherd’s Cycles & Rental Center
Accommodations: Evening Song Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Idlewyld Bed & Breakfast, Maxwell’s Hospitality House, Rainbow Guest House & Tea Room and Same Time Next Year
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Apple Dumplings
10 a.m.-2 p.m., Lakeside United Methodist Church
Apple dumplings are $10 per package (2 per pack). Order online or at the church. Available while supplies last.
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Lakeside UMC Lunch
10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Lakeside United Methodist Church
The church is bringing back its hot soup lunch for $5 per bowl. They will also be selling brats with chips for $6.
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Cold Creek Catering
11 a.m.-4 p.m., Wesley Lodge
Cold Creek Catering is offering pulled pork, shredded chicken and BBQ beef sandwiches, chili dogs, soups and pie. Available while supplies last.
| | Book Your Lakeside Accommodations | | |
Extend your visit! Rooms at the Fountain Inn start at $99 per night, with pet-friendly options available. The Fountain Inn is within walking distance of festival activities. Reserve online or call (419) 798-4461, ext. 230. Suites excluded. This offer cannot be combined with other discounts.
Looking for additional overnight accommodations? Explore cottage rentals, bed & breakfasts, cabins and group housing at lakesideohio.com/stay.
| | Directions, Parking & Shuttle Information | | |
Directions to Lakeside: Lakeside Chautauqua is located in Ohio on the Marblehead Peninsula, halfway between Cleveland and Toledo on Lake Erie’s south shore. It’s easily accessible from the east or west via Interstate 90, State Route 2 and State Route 163. For GPS navigation to the South Gate Parking Lot, use 800 Maple Ave., Lakeside, Ohio 43440.
Parking: Parking is limited on the Lakeside grounds. Guests are encouraged to park at the South Gate Parking Lot off State Route 163 or the grass area around the Lakeside Schoolhouse at the corner of Maple Ave. and Seventh St. Complimentary shuttles are available from both locations. Additional parking is available at Wesley Lodge, Bradley Temple and along streets without designated parking. Fountain Inn parking is reserved for hotel guests.
Shuttles: Complimentary golf cart shuttles run 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. throughout Lakeside. Shuttle stops are located at the Welcome Center (near the South Gate Parking Lot), Lakeside Schoolhouse (near the Farmers’ Market), South Auditorium (Central Ave. & Sixth St.), Wo-Ho-Mis (Central Ave. & Fifth St.), Hoover Auditorium (Central Ave. & Third St.), Orchestra Hall (Walnut Ave. & Second St.), Hotel Lakeside and the corner of Walnut Ave. & Fifth St. near the Arts & Crafts Vendors.
Event Changes: Weather on the lake is unpredictable. Visit the Event Changes page for the latest updates.
ATM: Some restaurants and activities in Lakeside are cash only. ATMs are available in the Fountain Inn lobby and Sypherd’s Cycles & Rental Center.
Restrooms: Restrooms are located at the Shuffleboard Courts, Orchestra Hall, the Fountain Inn, Hoover Auditorium, Wesley Lodge and Wellness Center. An accessible porta potty is available near the Pavilion.
| | Save the Date for Winter Events | | |
Lakeside Christmas
Dec. 4-5
Celebrate Christmas in Lakeside! Festivities include holiday fun for the whole family, with a tree-lighting ceremony, movies, a visit from Santa Claus, a Community Christmas Dinner, holiday shopping and much more!
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New Year's Eve Donut Drop
Dec. 31
Save the date for the New Year's Eve "Donut Drop." Join your Lakeside friends to watch as a giant inflatable donut drops from the Pavilion to ring in 2026. Enjoy music, donuts and a blessing for the new year.
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Mission
To enrich the quality of life for all people, to foster traditional Christian values, and to nurture relationships through opportunities for renewal and growth – spiritually, intellectually, culturally and physically – while preserving Lakeside’s heritage.
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