For America’s 250th Celebration, the Village of Marblehead, Danbury Township and Lakeside Chautauqua are collaborating to create a unique Fourth of July weekend experience. Several community leaders have been meeting to plan this celebration since last summer. Residents and guests are invited to participate in the many celebrations happening throughout this momentous weekend.
For a full schedule, visit lakesideohio.com/calendar.
Fourth of July Parade in Marblehead & Lakeside
This Fourth of July, celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with a one-of-a-kind community tradition as Lakeside Chautauqua, the Village of Marblehead and Danbury Township come together for an expanded patriotic celebration featuring a peninsula-wide Float Parade.
Rain or shine, the festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 4, as the Float Parade steps off from James Park in Marblehead. From there, the approximately two-mile route will proceed west on Prairie Street, turn left onto Stone Street, right onto Elliott Street and continue along Harsh Road, into Lakeside’s West Second Street Gate. Spectators are invited to gather along the entire route to celebrate America’s 250th.
Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5:
Lakeside Business District
Lakeside’s Business District features more than 30 unique businesses. Ask for a complimentary two-hour Shopping/Dining Pass at the Lakeside gate and get a taste of Lakeside. Parking is an additional fee.
Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5:
Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce America 250 Scavenger Hunt
The Marblehead Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free America 250 Scavenger Hunt from Friday, July 3-Sunday, July 5. Visit participating merchants throughout Marblehead and Lakeside. Stop, shop and search for the hidden USA 250 mini-discs. Be sure to write your name and phone number on the back of each disc collected and drop it into the bag provided at each stop. A drawing to win the grand prize gift basket will be held on Monday, July 6.
Friday, July 3
9 a.m. Pet Parade | Lakeside, Bettinger Park Cannon Lawn (Purchase admission & parking at the Lakeside entrance)
Individuals and their pet pals are invited to gather on the Cannon Lawn before parading through Bettinger Park and ending at the Steele Memorial Bandstand. There, pets will showcase their favorite tricks, fanciest costumes and unique personalities. Awards will be presented. This year’s grand marshal is Kalahan, Danbury Township Police Department’s K9, who will be escorted by an officer. Participants should arrive by 8:45 a.m.
7:30 p.m. The Ultimate Tribute to Elvis featuring Mike Albert & the Big “E” Band | Lakeside, Hoover Auditorium (Purchase admission & parking at the Lakeside entrance)
Experience an unforgettable night of rock & roll as Mike Albert & the Big ‘E’ Band returns to Lakeside with a powerful tribute to the music and enduring legacy of Elvis Presley.
Saturday, July 4
9:30 a.m. Fourth of July Parade | Marblehead and Lakeside (free in Marblehead; ask for a free two-hour Fourth of July Parade Pass at Lakeside entrance, parking is an additional fee)
Bring a blanket and lawn chairs and gather with family and friends to enjoy the community-wide Fourth of July Float Parade on the Marblehead Peninsula.
Parade Route: Starts from James Park in Marblehead. From there, the approximately two-mile route will proceed west on Prairie Street, turn left onto Stone Street, right onto Elliott Street and continue along Harsh Road, into Lakeside’s West Second Street Gate. Spectators are invited to gather along the entire route to celebrate.
10 a.m. Lakeside’s Bike Parade | Lakeside (Ask for a free two-hour Fourth of July Parade Pass at Lakeside entrance, parking is an additional fee)
The Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Perry Park and proceeds west along Second Street. Participants of all ages are invited to arrive by 9:30 a.m. at the lakefront path near Perry Park with a decorated bike, scooter or stroller. Please note that electric bikes and electric scooters are NOT permitted in either parade. Before the parade begins, families should designate a meeting location for children after they pass through the route. The Bike Parade ends at Pavilion Circle.
4 p.m. Cats on Holiday | Lakeside Steele Memorial Bandstand (Purchase admission & parking at Lakeside entrance)
Enjoy an evening of music as Cats on Holiday bring the soundtrack to Lakeside’s Fourth of July celebration. This Cleveland-based band blends Louisiana-inspired rock, roots and Zydeco, entertaining audiences for more than 20 years.
6 p.m. Firelands Symphony Orchestra performs “A Patriotic Fourth” | Port Clinton High School (free)
Join the Firelands Symphony Orchestra for a free, patriotic pops concert in celebration of Independence Day. Please note the location has been moved from the Marblehead Lighthouse to Port Clinton High School due to predicted inclement weather.
9:45 p.m. Fireworks from the Lakeside Dock & a Barge | Lakeside (Purchase admission & parking at Lakeside entrance)
Gather together with family and friends, bring your blankets and lawn chairs, and enjoy the fireworks. It will be a one-of-a-kind celebration! The fireworks display will be set to music.
Sunday, July 5
Local Church Worship Services | Various Locations
10:30 a.m. Hoover Community Worship Service | Lakeside Hoover Auditorium (free, ask for a church pass) Captain Nathan Solomon will serve as Preacher of the Week, during America’s 250th Celebration.
2 p.m. Vintage Baseball Game | James Park, Marblehead (free) Baseball and ice cream, with a little history thrown in – what a fun way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. The Spiegel Grove Squires will face the Marblehead Lakeside Stonecrushers in a vintage game of base ball, just a short walk from Brown’s Dairy Dock. Pick up a treat from Brown’s Dairy Dock and bring your lawn chair and blankets. The public is invited to attend the game, which will begin at 2 p.m.
2 p.m. America 250 Celebration Puzzle Competition | Lakeside, Wesley Lodge (Purchase admission & parking at Lakeside entrance) As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, celebrate with an afternoon of teamwork, problem-solving and fun at the America 250 Celebration Puzzle Competition. Twenty-five teams of up to four people will race against the clock to complete a 500-piece puzzle in two hours. Members of the winning team will each receive a Daily Chautauqua Pass and parking for the 2027 summer season. On the day of the competition, teams should arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign in and receive final instructions. Bring a clever team name! Each team will get to take home its puzzle after the event. Register Now
6 p.m. American Musical Productions Lakeside Band Concert | Lakeside, Steele Memorial Band Stand (Purchase admission & parking at Lakeside entrance) American Musical Productions, under the direction of Joseph N. Rubin, will present a Lakeside Band Concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 5 at the Steele Memorial Bandstand. From the 1890s through the 1920s, Grant Connell and Harry Wideman conducted the Lakeside Band and entertained throngs of guests at Lakeside’s bandstand every afternoon. Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with an authentic “living history” concert that recreates a July 1927 Lakeside Band program.
