This week we've expanded our top five list into a list of the top ten things to do all month. So get ready to fill up the August section of your calendar.
1.) Harlequins on Edge presents “Evil Dead: The Musical” Why you should go: Harlequins on Edge, the newest segment of Harlequins Community Theatre, was designed to bring you just that — theater with an edge. “Evil Dead” is their first foray into more eccentric territory, and this hilarious live show takes all the elements of the cult classic horror films and combines them to make one of the craziest theatrical experiences of all time. Feeling especially adventurous? Call and reserve a special “blood splatter” seat.
WHEN: 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat., 2 p.m. Sun.; Aug. 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12
WHERE: Harlequins Community Theatre, 414 Wayne St., Sandusky
COST: $14/ticket
INFO: 1-866-967-8167 or harlequinstheatre.org
2.) Berlin Heights Basket Festival
Why you should go: This small town comes alive for the Basket Festival, which features a queen contest, vendors, demonstrations, contests, live entertainment, food and much more.
WHEN: August 4-5
WHERE: Downtown Berlin Heights
COST: Free
INFO: basketfestival.com
3.) Arts in the Park
Why you should go: Nearly 120 artists from Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Florida will be showing and selling their original creations. Some items include ceramics, jewelry, glass, paintings, photography, wood, mixed media, textiles and fiber art. There will also be a Children’s Area sponsored by Pat Catan’s, where your kids can create functional art and have fun. There will be lots of food as well, including favorites like kettle corn, roasted nuts, brats and burgers. Live entertainment will be featured as well.
WHEN: 810 a.m.-5 p.m. August 4-5
WHERE: Lakeview Park, E. Perry St., Port Clinton
COST: Free
INFO: 419-341-0390 or portclintonartistsclub.com
4.) Kelly Miller Circus
Why you should go: This old-fashioned circus is sure to be a hit with everyone. Check out classic circus animals like elephants, lions, tigers and more. Pony rides will be available. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Kelleys Island Chamber by calling 419-746-2360 (you can pick up tickets on your way to the circus).
WHEN: Show times are 4 & 7 p.m. August 6-7
WHERE: Village Ball Park, Kelleys Island
COST: $10/adult (advance; ages 12 and up), $6/children ages 11-2 (advance), under 2 is free. $15/adult (at gate), $7/children (at gate)
INFO: 419-746-2360
5.) Brats, Burgers & Dogs
Why you should go: Enjoy a good old-fashioned picnic – in an airport hangar. There will be delicious brats, burgers, dogs and a variety of refreshments.
WHEN: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. August 12
WHERE: Erie-Ottawa Regional Airport Hangar, 3255 E. State Road, Port Clinton
COST: Free
INFO: 419-734-6297
6.) Roundhouse Bar’s Bartender Olympics
Why you should go: Who’s got the best booze skills? Find out at this wild event, where Put-in-Bay bartenders will put their talents to the test. Competition begins at 7 p.m. with a parade (often accompanied by several hilarious skits and musical performances) and the lighting of the Olympic torch. Expect unique, zany theatrics from many local bars and restaurants..
WHEN: 7 p.m. August 14
WHERE: Roundhouse Bar, 228 Delaware Ave., Put-in-Bay
COST: Free
INFO: putinbay.com
7.) International Days & Halupki Festival
Why you should go: There will be plenty of polka, jazz and blues music for all, as well as a slew of food vendors and restaurant specials Friday and Saturday. There will be three days of arts and crafts demonstrations and sales throughout the village at participating merchants. To top it off, the village will provide free parking (though no overnight parking is permitted), and a shuttle service will be available for $2 per person, per day, all three days.
WHEN: 5-9 p.m. August 17, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. August 18-19
WHERE: Downtown Marblehead
COST: Free
INFO: 419-734-9777
8.) A Night of Comedy starring Steve Poggi & The Fryman
Why you should go: Want to laugh? Steve Poggi is just what the doctor ordered. Somewhat of a wild card on stage, Poggi can do clean, dirty, off-cuff, emcee feature and headline in his own right. He’s been on several stand-up TV shows including “Laugh Out Loud in St. Louis” and “Laughter in Da Lou,” and even appeared on Comedy Central. The Fryman is a 20-year veteran of the stage, as well as a national recording artist with Laughing Hyena Records. He’s appeared on NBC and BET’s Comicview.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. August 22
WHERE: Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky
COST: $10/ticket
INFO: 419-626-1950 or sanduskystate.com
9.) Key West Days at Put-in-Bay
Why you should go: Island legends Mike “Mad Dog” Adams, Pete & Wayne, Ray Fogg and Pat Dailey will all be heading the lineup at local pubs on PIB, so this is not something you want to miss. Enjoy some island fun, sun and of course, booze.
WHEN: August 24-25
WHERE: Various locations, Put-in-Bay
COST: Free
INFO: putinbay.com
10.) Norwalk Free Summer Concert Series Grand Finale
Why you should go: This is quite possibly one of the best impromptu “jam sessions” of the year. Featuring some of the area’s best musicians from Norwalk, Sandusky and more, come out and celebrate summer at the Norwalk Reservoir.
WHEN: 6 p.m. August 29
WHERE: Veteran’s Pavilion at the Norwalk Reservoir, Old State Road, Norwalk (entrance by water tower)
COST: Free
INFO: mycastlemusic.com
