As another busy summer begins to wind down, it can be tempting to think that the Kelleys Island season is coming to an end—but those of us who know and love the island know better. In many ways, some of the best weeks of the year are still ahead of us!
Fall is truly one of the most beautiful times to experience Kelleys Island. The summer crowds begin to slow, the temperatures become a little cooler, and before long, the island begins showing off its fall colors. It is the perfect time to bring your bike, take a golf cart ride around the island, explore the trails, enjoy a quiet afternoon along the lake, visit your favorite businesses, and experience a different side of island life.
And there is still plenty happening throughout September and October! The Kelleys Island calendar includes more than 60 events throughout the year, with activities continuing well into the fall.
Treasure Island Day – September 12
One of our favorite September traditions returns Saturday, September 12, from 9:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with Treasure Island Day!
This island-wide garage and yard sale turns Kelleys Island into one big treasure hunt. Residents and businesses throughout the island set up sales featuring everything from household items and décor to collectibles, island finds and those unexpected treasures you didn’t know you needed until you found them.
Treasure hunters can pick up an official map beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce office, Island Market, Seaway Marina and Uncl’ Dik’s. Then, spend the day exploring the island and shopping your way from stop to stop.
Registration information is available through the Treasure Island Day page.
September Fun Continues
The following weekend brings even more reasons to visit. On September 19, KILA will hold its Annual Meeting and Candidate Forum at the Estes School gymnasium. Restaurant Week on KI is also featured on the September calendar, encouraging visitors and islanders to explore local restaurants, cafés, and eateries and enjoy the flavors of the island.
Fall is a wonderful time to support our island businesses. As seasonal schedules begin to change, we encourage everyone to make a point of stopping in, grabbing a meal or drink, doing a little shopping, and enjoying your favorite places before they close for the season.
October Brings Fall Favorites & Halloween Weekends
The fun doesn’t stop when September ends! October kicks off with Octoberfest at West Bay on October 3, followed by the Casino’s Annual Clam Bake on October 10. Then it’s time for two of the most anticipated weekends of the fall season—Halloween on Kelleys Island!
Kids Halloween Weekend takes place October 16–18 and brings an entire weekend of family-friendly spooky fun to the island. Saturday is packed with activities around the island, including the KILA Fall Hayride and Family Event and Creepin’ It Real at the Groove. Families are encouraged to make a weekend of it, dress up, and enjoy everything Kelleys has to offer.
Then the adults get their turn!
Adult Halloween Weekend takes place October 23–25. Costumes, decorated businesses and Halloween celebrations make this one of the most entertaining weekends of the fall. The Groove’s 2nd Annual Boo Bash is also scheduled for October 24 with a costume contest, live music from The Drop Downs and plenty of Halloween fun.
The October calendar wraps up with a Casino Night Fundraiser at the Groove on October 30 benefiting Kelleys Island EMS and Fire Department.
Don’t Rush the End of Island Season
Summer may get most of the attention, but fall on Kelleys Island deserves a season all its own.
There is something special about an autumn morning by Lake Erie, a golf cart ride beneath changing leaves, a quiet walk through the island’s natural areas or an afternoon spent catching up with friends at your favorite island business. The pace may slow down, but the beauty of Kelleys Island certainly doesn’t.
For the latest event dates, details, and additions to the fall calendar, visit the Kelleys Island Chamber of Commerce Events Calendar on our website.
